The Best Hybrid SUVs for Less Than $35,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports

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Here's the latest update on choosing a great SUV that's both fuel-efficient and reliable, courtesy of Consumer Reports' new listing of the best Hybrid SUV models priced under $35,000.

According to a recent Consumer Reports analysis of recommended SUVs, CR analysts point out that "Even with high prices, there are a few ways you can save money on a new SUV. One is to buy a model with a track record of good reliability. Another is to buy a fuel-efficient model. And the best way is to buy a model that's both reliable and fuel-efficient."

In other words, a Hybrid vehicle.

The hybrids that automakers are building today are often better in nearly every way than their conventionally powered siblings.—June 2025 Consumer Reports 

Are All Hybrid SUVs Expensive?

However, new Hybrid SUVs can come at a price that might be out of your budget.

That was the focus of a recently updated recommendation on Hybrid vehicles. Consumer Reports recently released its recommended top choice of Hybrid SUVs, finding those that offer stellar fuel economy along with everyday practicality, priced under $35,000 today.

The Value of This Hybrid Car Listing

The importance of updates such as this one is that the Overall Scores do change over time as the latest information on factors, including reliability data and customer surveys, becomes available. CR analysts assure consumers that following the links to their model pages "…always reflects our latest ratings."

This is why investing in a membership is so important, as it allows you to learn as much as possible with up-to-date information on the models you are considering—the potential savings make it a negligible expense compared to searching for the latest information to aid your car-buying research.

Best Hybrid SUVs for Under $35,000

That said, here is a summary of the Hybrid SUV models that Consumer Reports rates, along with their price range, miles per gallon fuel efficiency, and current rating within their vehicle category type.

Please note that prices listed may vary depending on location as well as the trims and options selected at a dealership.

1. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2025 (Overall Score: 82)

Price Range: $33,465 - $41,295

CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 29 / Hwy 40 mpg

#5 of 32 Compact SUVs

Predicted Reliability: 44/100

Predicted Owner Satisfaction: 3/5

Road Test: 94/100

2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2025 (Overall Score: 81)

Price Range: $28,850 - $40,205

CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 32 / Hwy 41 mpg

#6 of 32 Compact SUVs

Predicted Reliability: 83/100

Predicted Owner Satisfaction: 3/5

Road Test: 80/100

3. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2025 (Overall Score: 75)

Price Range: $28,395 - $31,580

CR MPG: Overall 41 / City 34 / Hwy 47 mpg

#2 of 15 Subcompact SUVs

Predicted Reliability: 61/100

Predicted Owner Satisfaction: 3/5

Road Test: 82/100

4. Kia Sportage Hybrid 2025 (Overall Score: 74)

Price Range: $28,790 - $37,790

CR MPG: Overall 36 / City 31 / Hwy 39 mpg

#14 of 32 Compact SUVs

Predicted Reliability: 47/100

Predicted Owner Satisfaction: 3/5

Road Test: 85/100

For additional news related to Consumer Reports research on new car shopping, be sure to check out these two recent articles:

  1. Consumer Reports Best New Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000
  2. The Cheapest Cars in America Can Be Found by Looking at Transaction Prices—A New Update on the Least Expensive New Cars Recommended by Consumer Reports

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Best Deals on 10 Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

Image Source: Deposit Photos

Submitted by Steve Odom (not verified) on June 17, 2025 - 11:45AM

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The RAV4 is the best most reliable and it has much better gas mileage I average 44 miles per gallon