KBB’s Three Best 2022 Hybrid SUVs Are All Less Than $35,000
Hybrid SUVs are a great compromise between the fuel efficiency of a small car and the utility of an SUV. But not all are great. Many hybrids still struggle with packaging the electric motors, or with jerky on-off electric motor transmissions, or simply don’t get that great fuel economy. Kelly Blue Book, which is best known for cataloging used car values also rates and reviews new SUVs and rates these three the best hybrid SUVs for 2022.
The KBB top three get more than 34 mpg and cost less than $35,000
All three of these SUVs get more than 34 mpg, and all three can hold five or more people and all of their stuff. According to Kelly Blue Book, these are the best 2022 Hybrid SUVs, and they each appeal to a slightly different audience. The 2022 RAV4 is the best-selling SUV right now and the Hybrid version brings standard all-wheel drive. The Sorento has three rows and a punchy engine. The Hyundai Santa Fe has an upscale interior.
2022 RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets a KBB rating of 4.8, the best 2022 SUV Hybrid SUV rated. Last year the RAV4 was named a Best Buy by KBB, and the 2022 Toyota RAV4 continues its run with a low starting MSRP of $29,575. Stepping up to the $33,935 XLE version, however, brings more standard features like a moonroof and a power driver’s seat, while the $38,075 limited has a fancy stereo, driver aids, Toyota Safety Sense and more.
For KBB and owners, one of the coolest features of the RAV4 Hybrid is its clever standard all-wheel drive system. Instead of adding a complicated driveshaft and transfer case to add power to all four wheels, Toyota simply adds an electric motor in the back to add extra power. It doesn’t make it off-road ready, but the system certainly helps in slippery conditions. The RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid and is in a slightly different class.
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid ranks second, but just barely, at KBB with a 4.7 rating. But, the Sorento does have one big advantage: it has a third row and seating for six. Kia does sell more Tellurides than Sorentos, but Telluride is not offered as a hybrid. The 2022 Kia Sorento has an MSRP of $34,090, however, all-wheel drive is a $2,300 option.
KBB said that the Sorento’s punchy engine backed by strong torque helps it accelerate well, but still achieves up to 37 mpg combined. The Sorento is larger than the RAV4 and holds 75.5 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded, compared to the RAV4s 69.8. While the $36,090 EX trim upgrade provides more options like a power sunroof, even the basic S offers plenty of comfort and features including a large touchscreen and Kia Drive Wise driver assist technology.
2022 Hyundia Santa Fe Hybrid
The five-seat 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe also has a 4.7 rating from KBB. Like the RAV4, the Santa Fe has all-wheel drive standard, as well as an upscale cabin that features Hyundai’s latest tech and styling. It’s less likely to look dated in a couple of years than the others thanks to a major facelift for 2021. The Santa Fe is also known as a reliable SUV.
The Santa Fe starts at $34,300, but the $38,360 SEL Premium comes with several convenience and styling features that may be worth the money. However, all Santa Fes come standard with several driver aids, heated front seats, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and much more.
