Drivers are quickly discovering the benefits that come with hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. Not only are they more fuel-efficient and lower in emissions than their gas-only equivalents, they also often display better acceleration, and some can even be used as a power source.
There are plenty of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles to choose from in Canada. Each combines an internal combustion engine with a battery pack and electric motor to give what should be great fuel consumption, low emissions, and a smooth driving experience. Some can even be driven exclusively on electric power after they’ve been plugged in to charge. Plus, the plug-in hybrid versions of the vehicles priced below $60,000 qualify for the federal government’s iZEV rebate program as well as provincial electric vehicle (EV) incentive programs where they exist. This means you could save $5,000 to $12,000 on the listed price of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, depending on where you live in Canada.
Here’s a look at our top rankings for the best hybrid SUVs and plug-in hybrid SUVs that can be bought in Canada. If you'd prefer to drive something smaller that still has hybrid power, check out our guide to the Best Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Cars.
Best Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid SUVs and Trucks
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
- Jeep Wrangler 4xe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
- Kia Niro
- Kia Sportage
- Kia Sorento
- Lexus NX
- Lexus RX
- Mazda CX-90 PHEV
- Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V Hybrid
With the sixth-generation Honda CR-V’s launch for the 2023 model year, Canada finally received the hybrid version of this compact SUV that’s been available in the US for several years. Two trims are available in Canada for the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The entry-level EX-L is priced at $48,409 (all prices include destination charges and fees), and the Touring costs $51,909. The hybrid powertrain’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and system of electric motors combine for a total system output of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. On the fuel economy side, estimates come in at 6.4 L/100 km in combined driving. That’s lower than even the base FWD version of the gas-only CR-V and its smaller 1.5-litre turbo four.
Hyundai Santa Fe
There are more electrified compact SUVs on the market than ever, which is great for Canadians. As a rule, we tend to like our vehicles on the smaller side. But for those families who don’t need three rows but could use a little bit more space, Hyundai has another option. The mid-sized Hyundai Santa Fe has quietly become the de facto choice for a fuel-efficient two-row mid-size SUV, a segment with relatively few options. A new generation of Hyundai Santa Fe is launching for the 2024 model year with bold and boxy traditional SUV styling. In this new Santa Fe, the hybrid powertrain is standard and is comprised of a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 232 hp and up to 271 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid version is available in other markets, but Hyundai Canada has not announced plans to offer it at the time of this article’s publication. Pricing and more information will be available closer to the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid’s launch.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The Hyundai Tucson was last redesigned for the 2022 model year. It really stands out from the crowd with segmented headlamps, creased and angular door panels, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an interior that feels more premium than it costs. The Tucson is available in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid produces 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque while averaging 6.4 L/100 km combined. For the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, power comes in at 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and it averages 2.9 Le/100 km combined while having up to 53 kilometres of driving range solely on electric power. New for 2024, the N Line is the entry-level trim for the hybrid powertrain, while the PHEV is reserved for the Tucson’s Ultimate trim. Pricing on the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid starts at $43,256 before fees, and the 2024 Hyundai Tucson PHEV starts at $52,156.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
While we’re covering converting popular vehicle types into hybrids, we can’t leave out the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. It combines Wrangler trail-rated running gear and legitimate off-road capability with a plug-in hybrid powertrain capable of traveling 35 km on electric power alone according to Natural Resources Canada. The same 2.0L Turbo PHEV engine and 8-speed automatic transmission power all six available models being offered in Canada for 2024: Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, High Altitude, and Rubicon X. Pricing in Canada for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe starts at $62,190.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
With the Grand Cherokee’s complete redesign for the 2022 model year, a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant joined its line-up. In 2023, it was sold in Canada in five trims: base, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Grand Cherokee offers a wide variety of features and capabilities. All trims are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and hybrid system that produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb‑ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid powertrain will run for up to 42 kilometres on electric power from a full charge. Two different four-wheel drive systems are offered: Quadra-Trac II active 4WD, or the Quadra-Drive II system with an electronic limited-slip rear differential equipped on the Trailhawk. The latter also comes with an air suspension and front disconnecting stabilizer bar. As Jeep pushes into the premium space and attempts to compete with the best luxury brands, pricing for the Grand Cherokee 4xe in 2023 started at $74,190. Pricing for 2024 had not yet been released at time of publication.
Kia Niro
Kia’s subcompact electrified crossover, the Niro, entered a new generation for 2023. It comes in three powertrain variants, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicle (BEV), all with appealing low pricing. The 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid starts at $33,183 and is offered in four trims. Its powertrain features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a combined peak output of 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It consumes a very commuting-friendly 4.4 L/100 km combined when equipped with 16-inch wheels, making it the most fuel-efficient vehicle you can buy without a plug. With 18-inch wheels, the Niro Hybrid averages 4.8 L/100 km combined. The 2024 Kia Niro PHEV is sold in Canada in a single trim priced at $41,047. It matches the same engine with a more powerful electric motor for a total system output of 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and it can travel an estimated 55 km purely on electric power from a full charge. Kia says the Niro PHEV’s fuel economy has been improved over the previous generation by 25 per cent.
Kia Sportage
Following on the Hyundai Tucson’s 2022 updates, the related Kia Sportage received an overhaul for the 2023 model year. This includes both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. 2024 pricing had not been announced at time of publication. In 2023, the Kia Sportage Hybrid started at $39,483 and was offered in two trims. It comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 44 kW electric motor, and a 1.49 kWh battery. The total output for this configuration is 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. With 1,121 litres of cargo space with the rear seats upright, it’s one of the more practical vehicles on this list. The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV started at $48,444 and also came in two trims. Combined power is listed at 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. An estimated 55 kilometres of electric range lets the Sportage PHEV average 2.8 Le/100 km until the battery is drained, at which point it runs in hybrid mode and averages 6.7 L/100 km until it’s recharged.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento mid-size SUV is a popular choice among drivers who want a vehicle with a smaller footprint but like having a third row available for occasional use. In Canada, it’s offered in hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The Kia Sorento Hybrid delivers 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque combined from its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and hybrid system combination. It averages 6.6 L/100 km combined and had a starting price of $40,983 in Canada for 2023. (2024 pricing for the Kia Sorento was not available at time of publication.) On the plug-in hybrid, total system output goes up to 261 hp, and up to 51 km of electric range is available with a fuel consumption average of 3.0 Le/100 km. For 2023, pricing on the Kia Sorento PHEV started at $50,483.
Lexus NX
Now built in Cambridge, Ontario, the Lexus NX luxury SUV entered its second generation for 2022. When the new version launched, Lexus added a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the NX’s offerings. For this year, the 2024 Lexus NX 350h, which is the conventional hybrid version of this compact crossover, starts at $55,686. It has a combined system output of 240 hp and a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.0 L/100 km. The PHEV, the 2024 Lexus NX 450h+, has 304 net horsepower, a combined fuel rating of 2.8 Le/100 km, and up to 61 km of electric-only range. It carries a starting price for 2024 of $63,186.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX midsize crossover has long been a sales darling in Canada thanks to the exceptional build quality from its domestic assembly at Toyota’s facility in Cambridge, Ontario. Along with a complete redesign for the 2023 model year, there are now two conventional hybrid models available. The RX 500h is the most powerful RX Lexus has ever built. Its 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque come from a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and hybrid drive system. Pricing for the 2024 Lexus RX 500h starts at $84,386. For the 2024 Lexus RX 350h, priced from $64,736, the hybrid powertrain produces 246 combined horsepower from a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder engine and electric motors. A plug-in hybrid version of the new RX, the RX 450h+, launches for 2024 with 304 combined horsepower and an estimated 60 kilometres of electric-only range. Pricing for the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV starts in Canada at $90,236.
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Mazda has finally thrown its hat into the plug-in hybrid game with the launch of the all-new Mazda CX-90 three-row SUV. In the PHEV, the 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv PHEV engine makes 323 hp and 369 lb-ft torque combined. This mid-size three-row SUV can travel an estimated 42 kilometres on electric power alone while averaging 4.2 Le/100 km combined. Once the battery is drained, the CX-90 will average 9.4 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid launches in Canada in three trims with a starting price of $57,753. Note Mazda has not created a conventional hybrid offering, so those seeking electrification will need to look to the PHEV as their only option.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
One of the best new hybrid SUVs to hit the market in the last few months is the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. It’s slightly larger than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which allows it to be much more roomy for increased practicality, especially in the third row. This entirely new model comes with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in its efficient hybrid configuration, which offers 243 combined horsepower and an excellent fuel efficiency average of 7.0 L/100 km combined. For those who prefer more power, the Platinum Max AWD Hybrid delivers 362 hp from its 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder combined with the hybrid system, while averaging a still-frugal 8.8 L/100 km combined. Pricing for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at a new car price of $57,075, while the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max starts at $68,735.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime
The Toyota RAV4 is one of Canada’s best-selling vehicles, and it’s also built at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes with electric all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. It’s available in five different grades, all of which produce 219 net hp and average 6.0 L/100 km combined according to NRCan ratings. A 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE starts at $39,035 in Canada, making it one of the more affordable entry points into electrification. A new Woodland Edition package based on the XLE trim is intended to give the RAV4 Hybrid an off-road oriented look. The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV has up to 68 km of electric range, one of the longer ranges available for a PHEV. It produces a total system output of 302 hp and averages 2.5 Le/100 km combined as rated by NRCan. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is offered in two grades in Canada and starts at $54,235 before incentives. All versions of the Toyota RAV4 come with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety features as standard equipment. Now that we know the Toyota Venza is being discontinued to make way for a Toyota Crown SUV, we can expect the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime to be in high demand throughout the transition.
Note: Images may show US models.