Consumer Reports Best New Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

With all the recent news about EVs not being such a good deal due to inflated dealership prices, consumers are faced with the choice of either opting for a hybrid car or sticking with a conventional gasoline-only vehicle.

As it turns out, there is no justifiable reason not to give a hybrid car — especially the most recent models — a try today.

These models deliver stellar fuel economy along with everyday practicality."

Should I Go Hybrid with My Next Car?

The arguments for going hybrid over gas or electric come down to two fundamental truths: (1) Hybrids significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to gas-only vehicles. (2) The charging infrastructure for a fully electric vehicle world is not yet in place and may not be for as long as a decade, or possibly never in our lifetime, due to infrastructure hurdles that need to be cleared.

Furthermore, while EV purists argue that their EVs are more efficient, there's a lot to be said about just how environmentally efficient and friendly these vehicle types are.

For example, two critical issues involve:

1. The recyclability of electric vehicles (EVs) and their batteries.

2. The toll mining of rare Earth minerals to support growing EV battery production raises concerns about human rights in developing countries, such as the Congo.

Despite these issues, hybrids that straddle both the EV and ICE worlds are a more commonsense approach today for new car shoppers.

Related article: Used Hybrids and Hatchbacks with the Best Fuel Economy Say Consumer Reports Analysts

The Benefits of a Hybrid Car

According to CR automotive experts, the benefits of owning a hybrid include:

1. Higher mpg: Most hybrid SUVs get more than 35 mpg, and most hybrid sedans get more than 45 mpg. That's about a 40 percent improvement over non-hybrids, on average.
2. Easy to use: Unlike a pure electric vehicle, you don't have to plug in a hybrid; you simply refuel at any gas station.
3. Better to drive: CR's tests show that the hybrid versions of many cars have more power and smoother acceleration than the gas-only models.

Do Hybrids Still Have Problems?

While yesterday's models of hybrids are popular and remain recommended, buying a newer model of hybrid has much more to offer, with the caveat that "Not all hybrids are equal."

"As Consumer Reports' auto experts have seen in testing, hybrid vehicles generally have a better response when starting up from a stop and are quicker and quieter in regular driving and when accelerating. Many of them also have ride and handling characteristics that are as good as—or better than—their conventionally powered siblings," states the latest newsletter on Hybrid vehicle shopping.

In addition, there are now numerous plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that let you drive solely on electric power for 30 to 40 miles (or more) but still offer the long-distance range and ability to fill up at any gas station as a conventional hybrid."

Automotive experts at Consumer Reports recently noted from their latest Hybrid SUV listing, "All of these models come standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that operates at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW) unless noted otherwise. Most carry our Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions."

Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

That said, here is a summary of their latest listing of hybrid SUVs you should consider when shopping for a new car:

SMALL SUVs

1. Honda CR-V Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $34,650 - $41,100

CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 31 / Hwy 38 mpg

#3 of 32 Compact SUVs

2. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2025

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

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

#5 of 32 Compact SUVs

3. Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $39,890 - $44,390

CR MPG: Overall 31 / City 27 / Hwy 34 mpg

#7 of 32 Compact SUVs

MIDSIZED SUVS

4. Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $39,520 - $53,675

CR MPG: Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg

#2 of 23 Midsized SUVs 3-row

5. Hyundai Santa Fe 2025

Price Range: $37,800 - $49,650

CR MPG: Overall 34 / City 29 / Hwy 38mpg

#1 of 23 Midsized SUVs 3-row

6. Kia Sorento Hybrid 2025

Price Range: $31,990 - $53,090

CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 22 / Hwy 34 mpg

#3 of 23 Midsized SUVs 3-row

If you are in the market for a used or slightly used new car, here is a recent article titled "Best Used Cars: Consumer Reports' Top Picks for June 2025."

For an additional recent Consumer Reports recommendation, be sure to check out the "10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now for the Road Trip Ahead."

COMING UP NEXT: Ford Dominates the Best Deals on New SUVs You Can Buy Right Now

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.

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