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10 Hybrid SUVs to Avoid in 2025

When considering a hybrid SUV in 2025, it’s important to look beyond the brand and price. Examine fuel economy, reliability, and owner reviews before making your choice. Your wallet—and your driving pleasure—will thank you.

Malene Kristiansen
By Malene Kristiansen 26. June 2025

Hybrid SUVs promise the best of both worlds: lower fuel consumption and plenty of space. However, not all live up to the hype. Here are 10 models that, according to experts and car owners, disappoint in areas from economy to reliability:

Ford Explorer Hybrid

On paper, it looks large and powerful, but in practice, its fuel economy is disappointing, and the transmission has been criticized for being unstable. Not exactly a budget-friendly family car.

BMW X3 xDrive30e

Luxury brand, yes—but the electric range is limited, and the price high. Not the best buy if you’re looking for the most value for your money.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

While it is spacious, it has been criticized for a rough driving experience and less impressive fuel economy than expected.

Lexus RX 450h

A luxury SUV with a high price tag, yet it doesn’t deliver the expected fuel savings, making it a less attractive choice.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Although Toyota is known for reliability, this model has been criticized for sluggish acceleration and a less engaging driving experience.

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

Luxury and performance? Not quite. The high price combined with a limited electric range makes it an expensive acquaintance without the expected benefits.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The off-road king disappoints as a hybrid. The electric range is limited, and there have been reports of software issues affecting the driving experience.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

A popular model, but the new hybrid version has been criticized for a noisy engine and less impressive fuel economy compared to competitors.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Previous models have had issues with battery life, and more recent versions have not managed to rectify all the problems.

Volkswagen Tiguan Hybrid

Although it looks good, it has been criticized for sluggish acceleration and a less intuitive infotainment screen.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.