Hybrid SUVs are all the rage. They are becoming common and preferred by car owners, especially in this eco-conscious age. These machines combine the best features of cars and SUVs, making them versatile, fuel-efficient family and cargo haulers. However, not all of them live up to their hype. These are the most overrated hybrid SUVs in terms of cost, according to HotCars.
1. 2022 Lexus RX 450h
Lexus has extensive experience making hybrids. So expect it to make flawless cars. Well, that’s not always the case with the 2022 Lexus RX 450h. This overrated hybrid SUV has many attractive features. However, reliability goes out the window when a manufacturer starts to recall their cars.
According to Driver Advisor, this hybrid has many other challenges, including oil leaks, brake actuator and boost pump failure, and inferior wiring. So is it still worth spending supreme gas on?
2. 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
The 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid does not live up to the expectations of the Ford brand.
For starters, fuel economy could be better. The vehicle has an average EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (23 city/26 highway). That’s pretty low compared to its hybrid competitors, like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which averages 35 mpg.
Additionally, Edmunds notes that the hybrid SUV’s interior construction and materials are disappointing, and the features don’t justify its high price. Who wants a noisy, clumsy engine instead of a satisfying roar?
3. Toyota Venza 2023
Although it has maintained its competitiveness against its rivals, the Toyota Venza hybrid SUV still needs to improve. Car and Driver tested the SUV on a test track and discovered a mediocre acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds!
You may also need help with space for you and your passengers. You have just 40.9 inches/37.8 inches of front/rear space and 28.8 inches/55.1 cubic feet of cargo storage with the seats up/down. Worse, you can only carry a maximum of 3,500 pounds of cargo!
4. 2013 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid
If you want to haul up to 6,200 pounds of cargo, the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is your ideal full-size SUV. Although it has a powerful engine and two electric motors, your mechanic needs to be on call due to constant breakdowns.
It also increases when switching between gasoline and electric power. Not to mention the delays in acceleration and breaking! Even worse, you’ll have to leave the entire third row of seats to get enough cargo space.
5. 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The South Korean automaker joined the big leagues and filled some huge shoes with the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. According to HotCars, it has a quiet cabin, lively powertrains, and ample cargo space.
The fly in the ointment is the hybrid’s poor fuel economy at an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/29 highway. It also has some transmission challenges, including a lag in acceleration with the turbo engine. Also, the transmission may not shift down enough. You’d expect a brand that’s been around for over a decade to do better.
6. 2021 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
A spacious interior, state-of-the-art technology and a defined style are some of the features that the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offers. However, they are not enough to justify the manufacturer’s priority of performance over efficiency.
The car update is excessively conservative and the changes are limited to zero driver interest. Meanwhile, the car’s suspension sends vibrations into your seat, making for an uncomfortable ride on a bumpy road. You will also notice a lag in acceleration from what appears to be an overloaded engine. Sure, it looks sportier, but it doesn’t make sense.
7. BMW XM 2023
The BMW XM takes car owners from the usual beautiful designs to create an unconventional and heavy beast. Best of all, the M division installed a powerful 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine along with an electric motor and battery pack to produce a massive 644 horsepower with 590 lb-ft of torque.
As impressive as it is, it’s hard to ignore its hideous design. The list goes on, from the short, concave front to small chips for the headlights. The characteristics of this SUV do not join in the beautiful bow car enthusiasts know and long.
