Hybrid technology is taking over the supremacy over the conventional sources of power. Diesel engines are finding it harder to adjust to the latest requirements and it is just a matter of time when will they become history. Hybrid crossovers are able to return over 40 mpg. The gas mileage is the main advantage. Also, there is reduced emission as well.

However, it is not so easy to implement such technology for the larger SUVs. The cost for better mileage and emissions is paid with reduced towing capacity. Also, performance and off-road capacity could be affected. So, carmakers are not producing full-size models with hybrid systems. Mid-size SUVs are the largest units we can currently find in dealerships.

Largest 2020-2021 Hybrid SUVs: Specs, Mileage, Prices

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

We can call it the first of a kind. The Highlander was the only three-row hybrid for a long time. However, now it faces the competition. The 2020 Toyota Highlander is not using a 3.5-liter V6 engine anymore. The new combination pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant with an electric motor for total outputs of 240 hp and 260 lb-ft.

We will have to wait until February to get the precise details about the price and the towing capacity. A smaller block is definitely not going to offer 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The new system returns 34 miles per gallon combined, which is a 5-mpg boost compared to the predecessor. The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is debuting in February and the company didn’t unveil the price for the new SUV.

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid

The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid is the new model and Highlander’s competitor we already mentioned. Ford is executing its electrification plan and the mid-size three-row SUV is the first to get an electric upgrade. This model offers plenty of options under the hood. However, the newest system includes a 3.3-liter petrol V6 engine that outpowers the previous version of Highlander. Total outputs for the Explorer Hybrid are 318 hp and 322 lb-ft. European buyers will get a different setup which returns 450 hp.

The extra power costs more. The 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid will start at $54,000. That is more than $3,500 over the Limited model with a 2.3-liter turbo engine. An all-wheel drive is optional, while the 10-speed automatic transmission is sending power to rear wheels by default.

Build your Explorer Hybrid HERE

2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid

2020 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV

Highlander and Explorer are currently the largest non-premium SUVs with hybrid technology. With the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV, you will upgrade both the styling and the drivetrain system. The SUV also offers T5 and T6 configurations with less power. The T8 delivers 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter supercharged petrol engine.

The XC90 is also pretty spacious. Behind the third row, there is nearly 16 cu.ft. of cargo space. With the rear seats folded, the capacity increases to 42 cubic feet, and up to 85.6 cu.ft. behind the front row. Three trim levels are available for the 2020 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid version. Momentum is the base one and costs $67,000. R-Design and Inscription are other options. For these models, you will pay at least $73,000.

Build your XC90 T8 HERE

2020 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV

2020 Lexus RX 450hL

RX is the best-selling mid-size luxury SUV in the US. Its sales are even better than some non-premium models. The main reason behind such success is the versatility of the vehicle. The SUV appears as RX350 two-row petrol version. However, you can upgrade it with the third row of seats (RX350L), F Sport package, or a hybrid engine. The last one you can find as the RX 450h. Also, the extended model is available for hybrid configuration as the 2020 Lexus RX 450hL.

The three-row model is using a 3.5-liter engine. While the Toyota replaces the unit for the Highlander, its premium sibling sticks to a V6. After the redesign, we could see the PHEV version. The 2020 Lexus RX 450h includes an all-wheel drive and the price of $47,000. For the third row, the price jumps by $3,500.

Build your RX 450h hybrid HERE

2020 Lexus RX 450hL

2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

Another versatile luxury SUV is coming from a Japanese brand. Acura is well known for its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive and A-Spec package. The 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid brings more fun. The system includes a 3.0-liter V6 engine and an electric motor. The system pairs a seven-speed automatic transmission for a total of 321 hp.

What’s more, the new model could get a special version. The spy photos are unveiling the Type S performance-oriented version. According to rumors, this one will be based on the 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, but with boosted specs. Hybrid system will get larger batteries to reach 400 horsepower. Until this happens, the Sport Hybrid model will be available for $53,000. The $6,700 upgrade by Advance Package will boost convenience, comfort, and technology.

2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid

2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-In Hybrid

The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-In Hybrid is the new model by the Bavarian carmaker. The X5 is one of the most popular luxury SUVs and now it is available with the electric drivetrain. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 gets a boost from an electric motor. The combination is good for 395 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque. The first test showed that SUV can sprint 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

The electric motor for the 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-In Hybrid is the largest in the company’s portfolio. The range is not official for the US model, but leaking sources are saying we can expect 40+ miles. In Europe, the company announces 80 kilometers (50 miles). Top speed of the xDrive45e PHEV is 87 mph.

Read more: 2021 BMW X5 Hybrid Arrives in the US Next Year

2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-In Hybrid

2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Hybrid

As Ford’s premium brand, we expected the Lincoln Aviator with the same drivetrain as for the Explorer. However, the luxury SUV raises the bar to another level with a twin-turbo system attached to a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline powerplant as the base drivetrain. Atop of that, engineers are pairing it with an electric motor for a total of 495 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The configuration is going to be available only for the Grand Touring trim level.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator Hybrid is pretty potent with so much power. It can tow 5,600 pounds, which is less than the base model can do. Still, the fuel economy will get a boost. The electric range of the PHEV system is 18 miles. Experts believe the Aviator Grand Touring is going to return around 24 MPGe. The bad thing about the SUV is its price, which will exceed $70,000. If the hybrid becomes available for the Black Label trim, then the six-digit price is certain.

2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Hybrid

2020 Mercedes GLE 450 4MATIC with EQ Boost

The new 2020 Mercedes GLE is available in three different setups. The base model is GLE 350, while the high-end versions are wearing the AMG badge. Between these, you will find the 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 with a hybrid setup. Instead of a 2.0-liter turbo-four, a turbo I6 is going to boost the performance of the mid-size premium SUV. The total output of the system based on a 3.0 engine is 362 hp and 370 lb-ft. Sadly, the German carmaker is not going to offer this setup to the coupe version of the GLE.

The mid-size luxury SUV costs $61,200 with the base options. Although it is not available for the AMG models, the exterior package will add wheels, accents, and sport brakes. For $1,000 you can get panorama roof, and the heavily-loaded 2020 Mercedes GLE Hybrid will reach $70,000.

Build your 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 HERE

2020 Mercedes GLE 450 4MATIC with EQ Boost

2020 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

Where are Mercedes and BMW, there is Audi. This time, the VW group challenges its main rivals with the other luxury brand. The 2020 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid needs only 4.7 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint. It is possible thanks to a 3.0-liter petrol engine mated to a 14.1 kWh battery. Total output of the E-Hybrid system is 455 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque, while the motor provides 27 miles of electric range. Before upgrades, the base SUV will cost $81,100.

You want to spice things up? Then the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is the SUV to look. A twin-turbo V8 is replacing the smaller sibling and the 4.0-liter displacement is producing 670 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. An all-wheel drive is a standard, as well as the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV takes 3.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The price is two times higher than for the standard E-Hybrid.

Read more: 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid

2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid specs

2020 Range Rover Sport P400e

JLR is offering plenty of engine options for its mid-size premium lineup. The 2020 Range Rover Sport P400e is the newest and the most interesting one. The system is based on a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and crunches out 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Range Rover Sport is pretty heavy, so a small block needs more time for 0-60 acceleration (6.2 sec). Also, the price of this model is pretty hefty.

The 2020 Range Rover Sport P400e is available with two trim levels. The base package costs $79,000 and brings HSE elements. Panoramic moonroof, fog lights, 20-inch wheels, and 11-speaker Meridian surround sound system are standard if you are after hybrid. Upper trim is Autobiography. It costs $10,000 more and adds larger wheels, black contrast roof, 22-way heated and cooled front buckets, eight speakers more than for the HSE, and 3-zone climate control.

2020 Range Rover Sport P400e

2021 Honda Pilot PHEV

If you don’t like the offer for 2020 season, then be patient. Honda is preparing the hybrid version of its flagship SUV. We expected the same drivetrain the Acura MDX is using. However, the Japanese company is about to spice things up with the 2021 Honda Pilot PHEV. Spy photos are showing the prototypes, and the vehicle should be ready for the next season.

We still don’t have precise numbers, but the plug-in hybrid system will be probably based on the 3.5-liter V6 engine. This is the most reliable and the largest unit Honda has to offer. For the 2021 Pilot PHEV, the output will reach at least 350 hp. A petrol displacement is ready to burst 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque alone. The price of the new hybrid model will start between $45,000 and $50,000.

2021 Honda Pilot PHEV
2021 Honda Pilot PHEV Spy Photos

2021 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid

Infiniti is Nissan’s luxury subsidiary. The company announced that models for the 2020 season are coming mostly unchanged, and that focus is on electrification. So, in 2021, we will have a raid of Infiniti SUVs, and one of the stars could be QX60 Hybrid. For a long time we expect to see this one out. Nissan was one of the leaders in the electric segment. They own the best-selling EV of all time, LEAF. But the lack of hybrid SUV made the carmaker less interesting in the US market.

The QX60 was a hybrid, but the company discontinued it in 2017. Now, the electric system will be based on the same 3.5-liter engine. The 2021 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid could borrow the system from the outgoing sedan, Q50. The powerplant can produce 350 hp. The fuel economy is going to reach 30 mpg combined, which is a pretty fair offer. Still, we need to see how much the 2021 QX60 Hybrid is going to cost.