The notion of SUVs being gas-guzzling behemoths is rapidly changing, and so is the stereotype of hybrid vehicles as being slow and unexciting. Today, the Fastest Hybrid Suvs are proving that you can have both thrilling performance and impressive fuel efficiency. Forget the outdated image of sluggish hybrids; the newest generation of hybrid SUVs delivers surprising acceleration and responsiveness, making them truly compelling choices for drivers who want it all.
Modern hybrid technology has revolutionized the SUV segment. By seamlessly integrating powerful electric motors with robust gasoline engines, manufacturers have created hybrid powertrains that offer a potent combination of power and eco-consciousness. This innovative blend results in SUVs that not only reduce your carbon footprint but also deliver exhilarating driving experiences. You no longer have to compromise on speed to be environmentally responsible. Let’s dive into some of the fastest hybrid SUVs currently making waves in the automotive market.
1. Volvo XC60 Recharge
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 4.5 Seconds
The Volvo XC60 Recharge stands out as a prime example of a fast hybrid SUV that doesn’t sacrifice luxury or practicality. While it carries the sophisticated and understated design Volvo is known for, under the hood lies a powerhouse. This plug-in hybrid SUV boasts a combined output of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, launching it from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. This impressive acceleration rivals many sports cars, making the XC60 Recharge a true sleeper in the SUV world.
The secret to its speed is the intelligent combination of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a potent electric motor. The electric motor delivers instant torque, eliminating any turbo lag and providing immediate responsiveness. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that all that power is effectively transferred to the road, providing confident handling in various driving conditions.
Beyond its performance credentials, the XC60 Recharge remains a practical and efficient SUV. It offers a substantial all-electric range, allowing for emissions-free commuting, and boasts impressive fuel economy when operating as a hybrid. Volvo’s commitment to safety and comfort is also evident in the XC60 Recharge, making it a well-rounded and highly desirable fast hybrid SUV.
Front three-quarters shot of a grey 2025 Lexus NX 350h
The Lexus NX 350h, showcasing the stylish design increasingly common in performance hybrid SUVs.
2024 Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain Specs
| Powertrain | Gasoline Engine-Electric Motor Setup |
|---|---|
| Drive | T8 Electronic All-Wheel-Drive (T8 eAWD) |
| Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission |
| Engine | 2.0-Liter, Four-Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol Engine w/ e-Boost |
| Maximum Combined Power Output | 455 hp / 523 pound-feet |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph in 4.5s |
| Top Speed | 112 mph |
(Specs sourced from Volvo)
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.3 seconds
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe proves that off-road prowess and hybrid efficiency can coexist with surprising speed. This plug-in hybrid SUV seamlessly blends Jeep’s legendary off-road capability with a powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain. Combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with electric motors, the Grand Cherokee 4xe delivers a combined 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
Despite its robust build and off-road focus, the Grand Cherokee 4xe achieves a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.3 seconds. This brisk performance is unexpected for a vehicle known for its ruggedness, demonstrating the versatility of modern hybrid technology. The instant torque from the electric motors provides responsive acceleration, both on and off the road.
Jeep has ensured that the hybrid powertrain doesn’t compromise its off-road credentials. The Grand Cherokee 4xe retains Jeep’s Trail Rated badge on certain trims, signifying its ability to tackle challenging terrains. It also offers a usable all-electric range for daily commutes, along with impressive fuel economy when utilizing the hybrid system. The Grand Cherokee 4xe is a testament to the fact that fast hybrid SUVs can be both capable and environmentally conscious.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Performance Specs
| Engine | 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged PHEV engine |
|---|---|
| Combined Horsepower | 375 HP |
| Torque | 470 LB-FT |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 117 mph |
(Data sourced from Jeep)
3. Toyota RAV4 Prime
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.8 Seconds
The Toyota RAV4 Prime has become a benchmark for fast and efficient hybrid SUVs in the mainstream market. Breaking away from the stereotype of sluggish hybrids, the RAV4 Prime boasts a potent gasoline-electric drivetrain that delivers surprising performance. Combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, it generates a combined 302 horsepower.
This power translates to a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs in its class, hybrid or otherwise. The responsiveness of the electric motors provides instant acceleration, making it feel even faster in everyday driving situations. The RAV4 Prime is not just about speed, though. It excels in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 94 MPGe and offering a significant all-electric range. This combination of performance and eco-friendliness has made the RAV4 Prime a highly sought-after fast hybrid SUV.
Toyota RAV4 Prime Performance Specifications
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 302 HP |
| Torque | 288 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Single-speed e-CTV |
| Fuel Economy | 94 MPGe |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.8 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 124 MPH |
(Specifications sourced from Toyota and the EPA)
4. Toyota Crown
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 5.7 seconds
While technically classified as a crossover sedan, the Toyota Crown Platinum trim deserves mention for its surprising speed in the context of fast hybrid vehicles, and its SUV-like stance. The Platinum trim of the 2024 Toyota Crown features a powerful hybrid powertrain that delivers impressive acceleration. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, it produces a combined 340 horsepower.
This robust powertrain allows the Toyota Crown Platinum to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. This acceleration figure is remarkable for a vehicle in its segment, challenging the notion that hybrid vehicles are solely focused on fuel economy. While the Crown prioritizes a blend of luxury and efficiency, its performance capabilities are undeniable, making it a surprisingly fast option for those seeking a unique and stylish hybrid vehicle with a raised driving position akin to an SUV.
Toyota Crown front-quarter
The Toyota Crown, showcasing its distinctive design and surprising performance for a hybrid vehicle.
2024 Toyota Crown Performance Specs (Platinum)
| Platinum | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two permanent-magnet motors |
| Horsepower | 340 HP |
| Torque | 332 LB-FT |
| Transmission | Six-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.7 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 129 MPH |
(Specifications sourced from Toyota and the EPA)
5. Lexus NX 450h+
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.0 Seconds
Lexus has entered the fast hybrid SUV arena with the NX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid that combines luxury, efficiency, and surprising performance. While its design exudes sophistication and refinement, the NX 450h+ packs a potent hybrid powertrain that delivers a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.0 seconds. This makes it a genuinely quick SUV, capable of providing a thrilling driving experience when desired.
The NX 450h+ utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with Lexus’s advanced plug-in hybrid electric drive system to produce a combined 304 horsepower. The electric motor provides instant torque, contributing to the SUV’s responsive acceleration. Lexus has also prioritized fuel economy, with the NX 450h+ achieving an impressive combined MPG and offering a significant all-electric range for emission-free driving. The NX 450h+ is a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and fast hybrid SUV.
Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain Specs
| Engine | 2,5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with Lexus Plug-in Hybrid Electric Drive |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 304 HP |
| Torque | 176 pound-feet |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 124 mph |
(Specs sourced from Lexus)
6. Mazda CX-90 PHEV
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 6.2 Seconds
Mazda, known for its focus on driving dynamics, has entered the fast hybrid SUV market with the CX-90 PHEV. This plug-in hybrid SUV prioritizes driving engagement without compromising on efficiency. The CX-90 PHEV combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a substantial electric motor to produce a combined 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
This powertrain configuration allows the Mazda CX-90 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.2 seconds. Independent tests have even shown it to be quicker. This performance is impressive for a three-row SUV, demonstrating Mazda’s commitment to delivering enjoyable driving experiences even in larger, more practical vehicles. The CX-90 PHEV also offers a usable electric range and respectable fuel economy, making it a well-rounded and surprisingly fast hybrid SUV option.
Mazda CX-90 Performance Specifications
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 323 HP |
| Torque | 369 pound-feet |
| Transmission | Eight-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 56 MPGe |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.2 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 MPH |
(Data sourced from Mazda)
7. Kia Sportage Hybrid
0-60 MPH Acceleration: 7.0 seconds
The Kia Sportage Hybrid demonstrates that even more mainstream and affordable hybrid SUVs can offer respectable performance. While not as blisteringly quick as some of the luxury options, the Sportage Hybrid still delivers a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 7.0 seconds, which is quicker than many non-hybrid SUVs in its class.
The Sportage Hybrid utilizes a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine combined with an electric motor to produce a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provides ample power for everyday driving and even some spirited acceleration when needed. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances its versatility and all-weather capability. Furthermore, the Kia Sportage Hybrid excels in fuel economy, making it a practical and efficient choice for budget-conscious buyers who still desire some level of performance in their hybrid SUV.
Kia Sportage Hybrid Specs
| Engine Type | 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup |
|---|---|
| Combined Horsepower | 227 horsepower |
| Combined Torque | 258 pound-feet |
| 0-60 mph | 7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Driveline Layout | Front-wheel drive |
(Specs sourced from Kia)
Conclusion
The era of slow hybrid SUVs is definitively over. The models highlighted above demonstrate that the fastest hybrid SUVs on the market today offer a compelling blend of exhilarating performance and impressive fuel efficiency. From luxury models like the Volvo XC60 Recharge and Lexus NX 450h+ to more mainstream options like the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Kia Sportage Hybrid, there’s a fast hybrid SUV to suit a variety of needs and budgets.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect even faster and more efficient hybrid SUVs to emerge, further blurring the lines between performance and eco-consciousness in the automotive world. If you’re looking for an SUV that can deliver both thrills and responsibility, the fastest hybrid SUVs of 2024 are definitely worth considering.
