Hybrid demand is rising because of high gas prices and the elimination of the EV tax credit. Hybrids offer a middle ground for consumers who want a more efficient model without a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
Electric vehicles accounted for 6.4% of all U.S. new car sales in the third quarter of 2026, up from 5.8% in the second quarter, according to Cox Automotive. That was down from 10.5% in the third quarter of 2025, the last three months when shoppers could get $7,500 in federal EV tax credits.
In the first half of 2026, 22% of shoppers said they would consider a hybrid vehicle, which was up from 20% in 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. By comparison, only 10% of car shoppers said they would consider buying a fully electric model during
the first half of 2026, according to the group.
That uptick in hybrid interest follows 2025, when 13,929,600 non-plug-in hybrid vehicles and 1,765,700 plug-in hybrid vehicles were registered on U.S. roads, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuel Data Center. By comparison, the agency said there were 5,689,100 fully electric cars and over 240 million gas cars registered in the nation last year.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) can be affordable, boast great fuel economy, and provide strong value for car buyers. Here are some of the best hybrid SUV picks for drivers based on my experience test driving nearly 30 cars in 2026.
The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid is a value-oriented family hauler
Automotive Reporter Keith Laing and I have tested multiple versions of the 2027 Kia Telluride this year because it's shaping up to be an impactful model. The Telluride Hybrid earns a spot on this list because it has a unique design language and is extremely value-oriented.
2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid specs:
- Starting Price: $46,490
- Horsepower/Torque: 329 horsepower/339 pound-feet of torque
- MPG: 34 city/36 highway/35 combined
My recommendation: Drivers with large families interested in long-term ownership should consider the Telluride Hybrid. Three-row SUVs aren't for everyone, but if you can use the additional cabin space, the Telluride is reasonably priced for what it offers. It gets excellent gas mileage for such a large model and comes with great standard tech features like massive 12.3-inch infotainment and digital instrument cluster screens.
Hyundai's Tucson Hybrid checks important boxes for small families
If you don't need a midsize three-row SUV like the Telluride, a compact SUV model can be a better fit for your lifestyle. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is affordable for its segment and has practical fuel economy for commuters who want to get the most mileage possible out of their family SUV.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid specs:
- Starting Price: $31,300
- Horsepower/Torque: 231 horsepower/271 pound-feet of torque
- MPG: 38 city/38 highway/38 combined
My recommendation: The compact SUV segment is popular due to best-selling models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Tucson Hybrid shouldn't be overlooked by small families because it has a low starting price and solid fuel economy. It also comes loaded with great standard features like smart cruise control and blind-spot collision warning.
The 2027 Kia Niro is a commuter's dream come true
Not every driver needs a compact or midsize family SUV. If you're a car buyer who just wants a commuter to get to and from work every day, there are a few reasons why the Kia Niro outshines rivals.
2027 Kia Niro Hybrid specs:
- Starting Price: $29,890
- Horsepower/Torque: 139 horsepower/195 pound-feet of torque
- MPG: 53 city/46 highway/50 combined
My recommendation: If fuel economy and affordability are your main focus as a car buyer, the Niro Hybrid subcompact SUV drives a hard bargain. It can travel for up to 555 miles on a full tank, which is valuable to drivers who want to save money on gas. It may not be powerful or exciting compared to some rivals, but the Niro is an efficiency champ.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hybrid SUVs are surging as EV demand cools — these are the best models
