10 Durable Hybrid SUVs You Can Take Off

Jun 10, 2023

Ruggedness and durability of traditional SUVs and the efficiency of a hybrid – these ten SUVs offer the best of both worlds.

SUVs are regarded as the best passenger vehicles to explore the wilderness and most of these off-roaders are still gas-guzzling rugged beasts. If you aren't impressed with these fuel-sipping monsters, there are a couple of electric-powered off-road SUVs available in the market now including the Rivian R1S and the Hummer EV SUV. However, the outbacks aren't places packed with fast-charging stations, and you might find yourself stuck in the wild without juice in the midst of an adventure.

Unlike gasoline, electricity isn't something that could be carried in jerry cans and this puts electric SUVs and overlanders in a tricky situation. Here is where hybrid SUVs come in and offer a pragmatic solution. A decade ago hybrid vehicles used to be underpowered and there weren't many rugged vehicles offered with a hybrid powertrain which isn't the case now. Presently there are a number of SUVs from various prominent automakers, offered with hybrid powertrains. Some of them are mildly capable off the road while some exhibit exceptional all-terrain prowess and the following are the best of them.

The Subaru Crosstrek has been redesigned for the 2024 model year and its hybrid version hasn't arrived yet. However, the last model of the previous generation, i.e., the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek was offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and plenty of these models are still available to purchase across showrooms. This rugged crossover is officially named the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid but actually is a plug-in hybrid with a dedicated EV mode.

The powertrain under the hood is a 2.0-liter flat-4 engine augmented by two electric motors paired with a CVT transmission and a standard Subaru symmetrical all-wheel-drivetrain. The combo puts out a combined output of 148 horsepower, a combined fuel efficiency number of 90 MPGe, and an all-electric range of 17 miles. Overall, this Subaru crossover is the most frugal rugged hybrid crossover you can buy now.

This Toyota hybrid might not be the best hybrid SUV on this list in terms of performance or off-roading prowess. However, it can be said that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the rugged hybrid SUV with the least number of potential problems to beware of. One of the disadvantages of hybrid cars is their complex powertrain consisting of both a gas engine and one or more electric motors. This also explains why they cost more and are less reliable.

However, Toyota can be considered a pioneer in manufacturing hybrid cars and their hybrid powertrains are pretty much the most reliable ones in the market. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a capable rugged crossover powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, outputting a total of 219 horses. The Woodland Edition stands out with its TRD off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires, making it the ideal choice for getting off the beaten path.

RELATED: Come On An Adventure With Toyota And Their New Rav4 Hybrid Woodland Edition

Another unpretentious rugged SUV you can get is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV which is a plug-in hybrid that packs enough punch to venture off the road. Although not as nimble as the Subaru Crosstrek, the Outlander PHEV offers a more potent powertrain along with a much more opulent and capacious cabin. There are a number of models to choose from, and even the base trim comes well-loaded with features and driver-assistance tech.

As for the powertrain, a 2.4-liter inline-4 plays the part, assisted by a pair of electric motors, generating a total output of 248 horsepower. An AWD system that Mitsubishi calls Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is standard and there are four traction options to choose from which are Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. Furthermore, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a combined fuel economy of 64 MPGe and an all-electric range of 38 miles.

Entering luxury territory, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is the modest yet capable off-roader present in the current Land Rover lineup. This sporty three-row SUV was redesigned for the 2023 model year and is offered with both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain choices. The base P360 powertrain consists of a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder and 48-volt hybrid system which gets a bump in power in the mid-level P400 configuration that outputs 395 horses.

The high-end plug-in hybrid motor is called P440e, and it mates the same 3.0-liter six-cylinder motor with an electric motor, cranking out 434 ponies and delivering a claimed all-electric range of 51 miles. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport comes equipped with off-road apparatus including standard all-wheel-drive and adaptive air suspension making it a fun road SUV that can also be taken off the tarmac.

Although the flagship Land Rover Range Rover entered its fifth generation with the 2022 model year, it received major revisions with both the 2023 and 2024 model year updates. The latest and greatest 2024 Land Rover Range Rover is a potent off-roader that is available with two hybrid powertrains to choose from. The base P400 configuration is a 395-hp turbocharged inline-six mated with a 48-volt hybrid system whilst there is a more puissant 542-hp plug-in-hybrid option available under the code-name P550e.

Standard all-wheel-drive and Range Rover's advanced off-road driver assist system dubbed Terrain Response 2 is standard in all Range Rover models whereas its extravagant cabin is filled with all sorts of creature comforts. The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover is undoubtedly a rugged SUV and one of the best off-road capable full-size luxury flagship SUVs in the market.

RELATED: Why The New Range Rover Will Be The Luxury SUV To Beat in 2023

After a mild refresh for the 2024 model year, Porsche has streamlined the Cayenne model lineup, eliminating some previously available models and bumping the power output of the available ones. Among them is the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid model available with an impressive powertrain under its hood comprising a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor.

The Cayenne E-Hybrid churns out a combined output of 463 horses and is a hoot to drive on the asphalt with arguably the best driving dynamics of any road-going hybrid SUV. Even so, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is mildly capable off the tarmac too. It gets standard all-wheel-drive and an available air suspension setup with a maximum ground clearance of 9.1 inches which is plenty enough for occasional trips on the unbeaten path.

This old-school SUV from Land Rover is one of the best off-road-oriented hybrid SUVs available in the American market now. And no it doesn't make compromises on its off-roading and overlanding dexterity for added luxury features or on-road performance. The Land Rover Discovery is a well-built and exceptionally adroit off-roader that also happens to proffer a sumptuously appointed cabin and a practical third row.

Full-time all-wheel-drive is standard across all trims of the Land Rover Discovery and there is one mild-hybrid engine option available. This 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 motor is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system, conjuring 355 horses and performing friskily on all kinds of topography. This is the hybrid Land Rover to choose if you want an SUV that can effortlessly attack trails while seating your whole family comfortably inside it.

Finally, we meet the top three hybrid off-roaders on this list that are special and a grade above the others in terms of off-roading competency. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhunter 4xe houses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 and two electric motors, a combo capable of producing 375 horsepower. Full-time 4-wheel-drive is standard across all Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models but the Trailhunter specifically gets an electronic rear limited-slip differential.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhunter 4xe further features a Quadra-Lift air suspension system with selectable ride height settings along with Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, allowing the SUV to conquer any terrain with ease. Furthermore, this Jeep SUV gets a class-exclusive sway bar disconnect feature along with front tow hooks and a front-facing camera allowing the driver to monitor the terrain while venturing off-road.

RELATED: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe Review: A Serious Luxury 4x4

The legendary classic Defender was a vehicle deemed to be taken off-road and didn't exhibit admirable road manners. However, the present generation Defender retains all the off-roading adroitness of its predecessor whilst being much more enjoyable to drive on the tarmac. The Land Rover Defender is available in three body styles and all of them are equipped with standard four-wheel drive and locking differentials, making them highly proficient across varying terrains.

A 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder mild hybrid engine is the sole hybrid engine that could be clubbed with the Land Rover Defender. This powertrain is available in P300 and P400 SE variants and puts out either 296 or 395 horsepower respectively. Once off the tarmac, the Defender feels right at home and there is pretty much no land mass this Land Rover can't prevail over.

The Jeep Wrangler is considered the ultimatum and peerless emperor among rugged SUVs, and it is also available with a hybrid powertrain. Similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhunter 4xe, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe also gets a 2.0-liter turbo-inline-4 engine coalesced with a pair of electric motors to produce a combined output of 375 horses. Being the revered Rubicon trim, this Jeep is further enhanced with a unique set of off-road goodies.

33-inch off-road tires, heavy-duty front and rear axles with a shorter 4.10 gear ratio, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and an electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar are all standard features in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. This extensive set of off-roading paraphernalia makes this hybrid Wrangler undoubtedly the best hybrid off-roader SUV you can own now.

Amal Shaw is a Visual Communication graduate and automotive aficionado. He is curious and enthusiastic about everything automotive, ranging from motorcycles to sports cars and pickup trucks.