Skip to main content

There are plenty from which to choose when it comes to the hybrid and electric SUVs of 2021 and 2022. Reviewers like U.S. News & World Report have struggled to determine the best. That’s why there is a three-way tie on its list for first place. Among the favorites are a brand new model, an old favorite, and a new hybrid variant of a classic model.

U.S. News determined the best hybrid and electric SUVs by giving each one an individual rating. After reviewing and rating every model, the highest scored rating wins the best hybrid or electric SUV. However, for 2021 and 2022 models, there is a three-way tie between vehicles that each received an 8.3 out of 10.

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a sporty electric crossover

2022 Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, one of U.S. News' best hybrid and electric SUV.
Available Ice White Appearance Package on appropriately configured 2022 Mustang Mach-E | Ford

The first of the best three hybrid and electric SUVs is the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This brand new model entered the market for 2022 and is a huge hit already. Using the name of the already infamous Mustang certainly drew attention to it, but the Mach-E has made a name for itself. With quick acceleration, a smooth ride and handling, and a very long electric driving range, it’s everything you need from a crossover.

Additionally, the Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $43,895. The price point provides excellent value for an electric crossover with high performance and loads of features. Moreover, the ability to drive 314 miles on a single charge isn’t so bad either. It even crushes the competition it faces, like the Kia EV6.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV

Hyundai’s offering received a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option for the new model year. Reviewers praise its comfortable seats, cargo capacity, and high-quality interior. Next, it starts at just $39,350 for the PHEV model, a great starting price for an SUV of this size. The highest Limited trim in hybrid form starts at $45,360, which is still very affordable.

The Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid has an excellent safety rating, a 9.8 out of 10 from U.S. News. Although it doesn’t match the performance of the Mustang Mach-E, it comes with plenty of features and a comfortable ride to match it. Not to mention, it’s cheaper than its competitor and scored a much higher quality and reliability rating.

Old faithful: The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid the street, one of U.S. News' best hybrid and electric SUV.
2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Toyota

If there’s a list with a Toyota RAV4 on it, you can usually bet it’s near the top. Our third tied-for-first hybrid and electric SUV is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Starting at just $28,500, this safe and reliable SUV is a no-brainer. U.S. News gave it a 9.4 out of 10 for safety and a quality and reliability score of 81, beating both other first-place SUVs.

The reviewer loves the RAV4 hybrid’s gas mileage, powertrain, and ample cargo space. In addition, there are plenty of standard features included with every RAV4 model. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is also the recipient of U.S. News’ “Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for the Money” award. While it tied the other options for the best hybrid and electric SUV, it exceeded their value due to its lower cost.

There are a lot of hybrid and electric SUVs from which to choose this model year. Fortunately, many are brand new or vast improvements over older models. Hybrid and electric SUVs are an excellent option for anyone who wants to save money on gas. Fuel efficiency is at the forefront of automaker’s to-do list, and the best 2021 and 2022 hybrid and electric SUVs show it.