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Best hybrid SUVs available in Australia in 2026
Electrified SUV popularity is surging, as are the choices. Here are some of our favourites.
Updated • Published
9 min read
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14 min readDrive
Electrified SUV popularity is surging, as are the choices. Here are some of our favourites.
Updated • Published
9 min read
Text size
Updated •
Published
Text size
So far in 2026, SUVs account for over 60 per cent of the entire new-vehicle market.
And, driven by volatile fuel prices, hybrids have never been more popular. In fact, there are over 70 different models to choose from.
To put that into perspective, in 2020, there was just fewer than 15, with all but five only available in the more-expensive luxury segments.
Here are seven affordable options worth considering. Not the cheapest, but they are amongst the best.
It’s hard to believe that Toyota only released hybrid versions of the RAV4 in Australia when the previous iteration arrived in 2019.
A massive sales hit, the whole range eventually adopted petrol-electric powertrains soon after.
Today’s sixth-generation RAV4 is a complete redesign inside and out, bringing fresh styling, a revised platform with added strength to improve comfort, refinement and handling characteristics, and upgraded hybrid technologies for greater efficiency as well as stronger performance.
Progress in safety includes the adoption of updated software for faster-reacting advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), as well as more-responsive multi-media and communication functionality.
As in the previous RAV4, there’s a 2.5-litre petrol engine (that now needs 95 RON petrol) that’s connected to an electric motor in the front. All-wheel drive models get an additional electric motor driving the rear wheels.
In regular RAV4 hybrid models, power is down to 143kW compared to 163kW in the 2019-2025 models.
But Toyota has now added a plug-in hybrid version of the RAV, which in two-wheel drive form makes 201kW and in all-wheel drive GR Sport form has 227kW. The result is easily the sportiest RAV4 to date, as well as one of the quickest, offering punchy yet smooth acceleration.
Toyota’s five-year warranty is now – compared to rivals – decidedly average, and the driver attention chime is too intrusive, but otherwise the RAV4 is at the top of its game.
The plug-in hybrid RAV4 offers over 110km of WLTP EV-only range, but with a starting price of $66,700, it nudges into Lexus territory price-wise.
Honda established its reputation decades ago by being ahead of most mainstream brands with clever innovation.
Released in 2022, today’s third-generation HR-V echoes some of that, along with surprising affordability and ease of ownership.
Based on the Jazz hatchback that’s sadly no longer offered in Australia, it possesses the latter’s unparalleled party trick, namely Honda’s patented ‘Magic Seats’ that allow the seat squab to fold upwards, opening up extra space.
Interior space is acceptable for a small SUV, combined with materials and finish that is on par with the category. Though with it is only a four-seater.
Honda’s hybrid system is good, but it is louder when under heavy load (such as hard accelerations) than some rivals. It is, however, light on fuel consumption, using 4.3L/100km in the combined cycle lab test and just 2.9L/100km in the urban portion. The HR-V also only requires 91 RON unleaded.
Honda’s standard warranty is five years with unlimited kilometres, though if you have it serviced at a dealer, it can be extended to eight years, capped at 160,000km.
Note that the HR-V only comes with a four-star ANCAP crash-test rating, and there’s no spare wheel, just an inadequate tyre-repair kit.
Designed and built in Britain, the Qashqai series was one of the earliest crossover SUV/hatchbacks when it debuted in 2007. Early versions of it in Australia were badged Dualis.
While premium priced, the now hybrid-only third-generation series appeals with an unusual but effective range-extender petrol/electric powertrain.
Recently re-engineered for even-better economy, the 2026 models deliver 140kW (151kW on Sport models) from the electric motor, which is the only drive source connected to the front wheels. For that reason, the Qashqai drives much more like an EV than most other hybrids.
When battery levels drop, a 1.5-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine recharges the battery.
With a combined cycle ADR test result of 4.1L/100km and a 55-litre fuel tank, the theoretical range is over 1300km, which is less in the real world given you won’t run the tank completely dry.
The recent design refresh sharpened up the Qashqai’s looks, while its interior is tidy and with a mostly user-friendly, driver-focused dashboard and thoughtful ergonomics.
The Qashqai’s warranty is for five years with unlimited kilometres, which can be extended to 10 years if you have it serviced at the dealer from new. Distance coverage under this arrangement is limited to 300,000km.
However, rear-seat space and cargo room are limited due to the crossover’s compact proportions, while the high-series Ti-L loses the spare wheel to boost cargo capacity slightly, which won’t suit owners who drive on rural roads regularly.
Otherwise, the Qashqai e-Power offers a unique and highly effective take on the hybrid SUV.
One of Australia’s earliest compact SUV pioneers, today’s Forester is the sixth version since 1997, and the first to adopt a strong hybrid powertrain.
Building on the experience of the previous model’s barely noticeable mild-hybrid set-up, the latest “e-Boxer” powertrain combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (up from 2.0 litres), with an electric motor and a small battery system sourced from Toyota.
Subaru says fuel consumption plummets 20 per cent as a result, over 1000km between refills is possible and there’s a hefty power increase too, substantially improving the Forester’s already-exceptional driving dynamics.
Plus, all the appealing reasons why people are drawn to the Subaru carry over, including the high-riding, soft off-road-capable all-wheel drive system, reassuring on-road grip and cosseting ride from the sophisticated suspension underneath.
Some may find the design a bit too boxy, but the big doors, high roof and deep glass areas do pay dividends for interior access, overall space, occupant comfort, driver vision and all-round practicality, further reinforcing the Forester’s fierce capability as a considered and capable family-car proposition.
On the other hand, no spare wheel is fitted to any of the hybrid models, which is disappointing given the Subaru’s adventure-seeking marketing.
Yet, with its much-improved fuel economy and driveability, plus its all-wheel drive-only powertrain, the Forester strong appeal is back.
Over five generations since its early 2000s release, the Santa Fe has clawed its way to top contention amongst large SUVs.
Slowly yet methodically, the South Korean brand has worked hard on improving the basics, starting with intelligent interior packaging and design, high safety ratings and fine steering, handling and ride capabilities.
Now, looking at the latest version released in 2024, some might say that the Santa Fe’s controversially angular, Range Rover-esque design is the SUV’s defining feature today.
Others might point to an equally striking interior, with minimalist design and clever detailing elevating the series well above its positioning. Even the base grade feels like conspicuously high value, since it features almost everything a family could need – including a full-sized spare wheel.
But we think it is the newly-acquired implantation of Hyundai’s excellent hybrid system that sets this from previous iterations, as well as other rivals. A 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is paired to a strong electric motor, with the combined 172kW providing ultra-smooth performance and a strong surge of acceleration if required.
It is also commendably economical for such a large seven-seater SUV, offering a theoretical 1000km-plus of range between fuel top-ups, while the lofty seating position, large windows and super-clear monitors help provide ample vision for easy manoeuvrability.
Clever, refined, thoughtfully detailed and very intelligently priced, the Santa Fe hybrid delivers good value in a very tightly competitive three-row SUV space.
Kia’s ascension from bargain-basement to aspirational brand has been a remarkable marketing feat, yet the products back this up with thoughtful design and true engineering innovation.
While EVs like the EV3 small SUV, sporty EV6 crossover and EV9 large SUV fill out its electric SUV range, it is the bread-and-butter models like the Sportage that do the everyday heavy lifting as the company’s global best-seller.
Well-proportioned externally and largely intuitive to operate, the Sportage’s appeal is understandable, particularly considering Kia’s long-standing seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
Now late in its fifth generation, the current model released back in 2021 defies its age better than most thanks to a recent facelift, bringing updated styling as well as a comprehensive modernised dash upgrade.
More importantly for some buyers, the Sportage has finally received Australian road tuning, for improved steering and handling, as well as better ADAS performance.
Amongst an array of internal combustion engine choices, the 1.6-litre hybrid is the standout, providing effortless acceleration and instant urge from its smooth 169kW powertrain.
Better still, this Sportage can boast very respectable, sub-5.0L/100km fuel economy in the two-wheel drive models, while the optional all-wheel drive versions are also impressively frugal.
Ultimately, the Korean mid-sized SUV shines brightest as a hybrid, and remains a strong choice for buyers seeking an enjoyable, refined and efficient family car with a reassuring warranty.
The X-Trail has had ups and downs since launching 25 years ago.
Initially innovative as a hose-down tough urban all-wheel drive, subsequent models were mired by lacklustre engines and unreliable transmissions.
That all changed with 2022’s e-Power drivetrain, which like the Qashqai consists of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine whose only job is to recharge the battery that drives two electric motors on each axle, for all-wheel drive.
With 157kW, the resulting performance is rousing, to the point where vigilance is sometimes needed to keep under the limit.
It’s immediately clear that this is a quick hybrid, but one that’s also fairly economical at 6.1L/100km for the combined cycle lab test. With the 55 -litre fuel tank, the theoretical range is around 900km, though usable range would be well under this.
Yet the sensible family-friendly stuff is also well thought out, from the airy, spacious interior and logical dash layout, to the cavernous cargo area for easy loading.
Sadly, while servicing with a Nissan dealer doubles the warranty to a handy 10 years, the e-Power does not come with the assurance of a spare wheel, relying on a less practical tyre repair kit. Otherwise, the X-Trail e-Power remains a solid hybrid SUV buy.
Affordable and highly equipped, many have merit. But distracting touchscreens, inadequate chassis and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) tuning for Australian roads and insufficient aftersales access mean they need urgent improvement.
