10 Hybrid SUVs With the Most Ground Clearance (With Pics)

Hybrid SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, and there are a lot of reasons why.

They’re environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, and will save you money in the long run.

If you’re looking for a hybrid SUV with good ground clearance, check out out list below!

1. Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-in Hybrid (10.1 inches)

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a segment-leading ground clearance of 10 inches and has all-conquering off-road chops. Its ride height can further be increased by equipping the Xtreme Recon package which adds factory-installed 35-inch all-terrain tires and a suspension lift with tune shocks, bringing the total ground clearance to 12.9 inches. 

The Wrangler 4xe comes in 4 trims: Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and High Altitude. Pricing ranges from approximately $57,000 to $65,000.

It comes with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, a battery pack, an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 4xe offers rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive (4WD Auto), and high- or low-range four-wheel drive.

Boasting 375 horsepower, this PHEV is capable of achieving 0 to 60 in 7 seconds. 

The all-electric range is 22 miles.

Notable safety features include ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, and Blind Spot and Cross-Path Detection. 

Owners have praised this model for being quiet, comfortable, and exciting to drive on the road and off the road. 

2. Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid (8.8 inches)

Known formerly as the Volvo XC90 T8, the XC90 Recharge delivers quick acceleration and great fuel efficiency.

It sports a high-quality interior, comfortable seats, and a slew of safety features to justify its premium price tag. 

The ground clearance of the Volvo XC90 Recharge is 8.8 inches which is above average for the segment. With this amount of ground clearance and all-wheel-drive as standard, you can traverse rugged terrain and snow with ease.

There are 5 trims to choose from: Core Bright, Plus Bright, Plus Dark, Ultimate Bright, and Ultimate Dark.  

The standard powertrain of the XC90 is a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (455 horsepower) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

This model has 18 miles of all-electric range and 27 MPG in combined city and highway driving (after the battery is depleted). 

Unique safety features include Volvo On Call, 360-Degree Surround-View Camera, and Lane Keeping Aid. 

NHTSA gives this model a perfect stamp of approval with a perfect 5-star overall rating, making this PHEV one of the safest.

3. Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid (8.7 inches)

With an enhanced ground clearance measurement and several off-road features, the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid is one of the best EV options in today’s market.

The Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. Aside from off-road capability, this measurement makes this SUV a reliable vehicle in a variety of different road and weather conditions. 

Fuel economy ratings are respectable. Gas-only fuel efficiency in combined driving tests is 35 MPG. 

This gets bumped up to 90 MPGe for combined driving when utilizing both the gas and electric systems of the powertrain. 

As for all-electric range, owners can expect roughly 17 miles. 

Practical safety features include Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Braking. 

Related: 11 Plug-In Hybrids With The Highest Towing Capacity (Ranked)

4. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid (8.4 inches)

The Grand Cherokee 4xe (pronounced “four-by-e”) is one of the best all-terrain vehicles in the market that fuses traditional Jeep qualities with new-age electrification and fuel efficiency.

The ground clearance of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is 8.4 inches, making it one of the highest vehicles off the ground. Owners should be confident when driving through moderate floods, muddy areas, and shallow snowy roads. 

Owners can choose from 5 trim levels: Base, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve.

The entry-level Base trim is priced at around $62,000 while the high-end Summit Reserve goes up to around $79,000. 

All trims are equipped with a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, a hybrid battery pack, and two electric motors, providing 375 horsepower. 

EPA claims that the electricity range of this model is 26 miles and the combined city and highway driving estimate is 56 MPGe (electric and gas). 

5. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (8.3 inches)

The Tucson Hybrid is as flashy as it is efficient. It boasts a comfortable ride, great fuel economy, and practical standard safety and driver assist features. 

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches. This can be improved by replacing its 17-inch alloy wheels with a bigger set of tires. 

Owners can choose from 3 trims: Blue Hybrid, SEL Convenience Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid.

The most popular trim level is the midrange SEL Convenience Hybrid model, priced at around $35,300. 

All 3 trim levels of the hybrid version are equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine (227 horsepower). 

Alongside a perfect 5-star NHTSA safety rating (indicating great crash test performance), interesting safety features include Blind Spot Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. 

6. Kia Sportage Hybrid (8.3 inches)

The Sportage Hybrid is a mid-size SUV that was launched in early 2022.

It has a roomy and quiet cabin, comfortable ride quality, and relatively high fuel economy for its segment. 

The ground clearance of the Kia Sportage Hybrid is 8.3 inches, but this is only applicable to the all-wheel-drive versions of the vehicle. The entry-level front-wheel-drive LX trim only has a 7.1-inch ground clearance. 

There are only 3 trims to choose from: LX, EX, and SX-Prestige. The base LX trim comes in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. 

All variants are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a hybrid system, giving around 230 horsepower. 

EPA estimates roughly 42 MPG for city driving, 44 MPG for highway driving, and 43 MPG for combined driving. 

Related: 16 Hybrid SUVs With All-Wheel Drive (With Pictures)

7. BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-in Hybrid (8.3 inches)

The X5 xDrive45e delivers authoritative luxury, tons of torque, and unbelievable handling. 

The ground clearance of the BMW X5 xDrive45e is 8.3 inches. This is more than sufficient for light off-road trips, poorly built roads, and unavoidable potholes. 

The plug-in hybrid powertrain is fitted with a turbocharged 3-liter 6-cylinder engine (389 horsepower). 

The model’s all-electric range is 31 miles. For electric and gas combined driving, EPA estimates around 50 MPGe. 

On the other hand, for gas-only combined driving, expect up to 20 MPG. 

Noteworthy safety features include Evasion Aid, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Emergency Stop Assistant. 

8. Honda CR-V Hybrid (8.2 inches)

The wildly popular Honda CR-V is just as amazing as its traditional gasoline-powered counterparts.

It has roomy seating, secure handling, and a buttery smooth hybrid powertrain which all make for a fun driving (and riding) experience.

The 8.2-inch ground clearance of the Honda CR-V Hybrid is decent enough for the casual off-roader. To increase this, you may want to explore third-party options such as a bigger set of wheels, a body lift kit, or a suspension lift kit. 

This model comes in 3 trims: EX, EX-L, and Touring. Pricing ranges from roughly $33,000 to $39,000. 

All trim levels are powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (212 horsepower) paired to a hybrid system and a CVT (continuously variable transmission) system. 

According to EPA measurements, expect up to 40 MPG for city driving, 35 MPG for highway driving, and 38 MPG for combined driving. 

9. Lexus RX 450h Hybrid (8.2 inches)

The Lexus RX 450h is an example of a polished business-class executive vehicle fitted with a hybrid powertrain.

It is impeccably crafted, has an attractively designed cabin, and has smooth power delivery. 

The 8.2-inch ground clearance of the Lexus RX 450h is acceptable (but is lower than most models on this list). This measurement can be boosted slightly by replacing the model’s stock tires or installing a third-party suspension lift kit. 

The more recent model years come in 3 trim levels: Base, F Sport, and F Sport Handling. 

All 3 trims have a 308-horsepower hybrid powertrain, thanks to its 3.5-liter V6 engine. 

Fuel economy estimates are quite average. Expect around 31 MPG for city driving, 28 MPG for highway driving, and 30 MPG for combined driving. 

Value-adding safety features are the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, Lexus Enform Safety Connect, and Blind Spot Monitor. 

10. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (8.1 inches)

The RAV4 Hybrid provides comfort, a roomy interior, a smooth ride, and all the practical benefits of an SUV.

It is considered to be one of the most versatile and affordable hybrids on the market. 

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has an 8.1-inch ground clearance. While this measurement is admittedly not the best on this list, it is definitely acceptable for the occasional off-road trips. 

There are 7 trim levels to choose from: LE, XLE, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited. Pricing ranges from around $32,000 to $40,500.

All trims are powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, alongside an electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). 

A secondary electric motor powers the rear wheels when necessary, making this model an all-wheel-drive. 

Fuel economy ratings are top-notch. EPA claims up to 41 MPG for city driving, 38 MPG for highway driving, and 40 MPG for combined city and highway driving. 

Interesting safety and driver assist features include Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. 

The majority of owners have praised this vehicle for its ergonomics, suspension, and intuitive controls. 

Related: 20 Hybrid SUVs With Ventilated Seats (With Pictures)

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...