Just like other modern vehicles, some hybrid SUVs have better tech features than others.
Luxury SUVs typically come with the latest and greatest in automotive tech, but lots of modern yet affordable hybrid SUVs have also been quickly improving and quickly catching up.
In this article, we’ll take a look at several hybrid SUVs with the most cutting edge tech, as well as models with really good software implementation.
Table of Contents
1. BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid
BMW’s iDrive has always been considered as one of the best infotainment systems in the business.
For the 2024 model year, the midsize BMW X5 underwent a mid-cycle refresh which gave it a redesigned exterior, engine upgrades, and the latest iDrive 8 software.
The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid has also been replaced by the xDrive50e, improving the power output to 483 hp and increasing the EV range to 40 miles.
The infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster is now also integrated into one impressively large curved display that spans two-thirds of the dashboard.
Aside from the touchscreen controls, the X5’s iDrive system also works with voice commands, replacing the gesture controls of the older X5 models.
In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all trim levels of the X5 now come standard wireless phone charging, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot and a 10-speaker sound system.
It also has loads of optional bells and whistles which includes a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system, a head-up display, hands-free driving and automatic parking.
2. Mercedes Benz GLE Plug-in Hybrid
Mercedes Benz is known for making very comfortable and luxurious vehicles, but the company also has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of automotive tech and engineering.
For the 2024 model year, the GLE has been significantly updated with new exterior styling and upgraded powertrains, as well a new plug-in hybrid model called the GLE450e.
This new hybrid variant isn’t as powerful as the X5 PHEV, but its 48 miles of EV range is the best in the segment.
The facelifted GLE features the latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system which features voice recognition.
It also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
The GLE was also one of the first to feature a widescreen display that combines the digital gauge with the infotainment screen when the current generation first debuted in 2020.
The customizable 64-color interior ambient lighting also elevates the already luxurious cabin to another level.
The GLE also has lots of optional tech and features such as navigation with augmented reality features, a premium Burmester sound system, a head-up display and gesture controls, and more advanced driver assists.
3. Porsche Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid
The Porsche Cayenne combines copious amounts of luxury with sports car-like handling and performance.
It received a minor facelift for the 2024 model year and the Cayenne E-Hybrid PHEV now has a bigger battery that should improve on the older model’s 15 miles of EV range.
Power from the hybrid powertrain also improves by 9 hp, giving it the ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
The interior gets a more noticeable upgrade as it now uses the same 12.6-inch digital gauge found in the all-electric Taycan and can be optioned with an additional 10.9-screen for the passenger.
Porsche’s infotainment software, which was already considered one of the best in the business, now also works wirelessly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Some features that were previously only available as options are now standard, which includes wireless charging, blind spot monitoring, lane assist, and adaptive LED headlights..
The Cayenne E-Hybrid also comes standard with the Sport Chrono package, launch control and adaptive suspension.
As can be expected with any Porshce, the Cayenne E-Hybrid has a seemingly endless amount of options which includes really advanced tech like night vision and remote parking,
Related: 11 Best Hybrid SUVs for Snow & Winter Driving (With Pics)
4. Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid offers tremendous value for money and has features that you can usually only find in luxury vehicles.
The top-of-the line SX Prestige trim level is still priced like a regular compact SUV but it’s loaded with lots of modern tech.
Some of the features that make it stand out in its class include navigation-based cruise control with Stop and Go capabilities, highway driving assist, a 360 camera, a blind spot monitor, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
For comparison, to get similar features in the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which uses the same platform and powertrain, you’ll have to spend several thousands more for the Limited trim level.
The cheapest LX trim level also comes with a 12.2-inch digital gauge as standard, but to get the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen and wireless charging, you’ll have to spring for either the EX or SX Prestige models.
All trim levels also come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, lane assist, automatic braking, rear parking sensors and driver attention warning.
5. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The Santa Fe has been significantly redesigned for the 2024 model year and brings back the third-row that was dropped from the fourth gen model.
The fourth gen already had an impressive list of features, but the latest Santa Fe adds even more tech like a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen that works wirelessly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With the fourth gen Santa Fe, getting the larger 10.25-inch screen meant you were stuck with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The more expensive trim levels of the Santa Fe come with advanced tech like remote smart parking, voice recognition, a Harman Kardon sound system, a blind spot monitor, and a 360 camera.
Some of the standard features offered in all trim levels include highway driving assist, navigation-based cruise control, driver attention warning, automatic braking, lane assist and a driver attention warning.
Wireless charging and Hyundai’s Bluelink remote services are also standard on all trim levels. The fifth generation Santa Fe also has a UV sterilization compartment in the glovebox that kills off the germs on your personal items.
6. Lexus RX Hybrid
Unlike many of its rivals, the Lexus RX manages to deliver exceptional levels of luxury and comfort while maintaining an excellent track record for reliability.
Lexus also includes lots of advanced tech and amenities as standard features, making their vehicles an excellent overall value.
When the fifth generation Lexus RX was introduced for the 2023 model year, the standard infotainment screen grew to 8.9-inches while the more expensive trim levels now come with a massive 14-inch screen.
A 12-speaker system, Lexus Remote Connect, Wi-Fi hotspot, voice command capabilities, cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as interior ambient lighting are also standard on all RX models.
The Luxury trim levels add even more features like a 10-inch head-up display and wireless phone charging.
The RX can also be optioned with more premium features such as remote parking, a 360 camera, a digital rearview mirror, Traffic Jam Assist, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
7. Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
Despite being several years old, the Audi Q5 remains a great all-rounder that can stand toe-to-toe against its more modern rivals.
Its interior and tech is not as jaw dropping or futuristic as others in the luxury compact SUV class, but Audi’s MMI infotainment system is still very user-friendly and well implemented.
All trim levels of the Q5 55 Plug-in Hybrid also come standard with Audi’s virtual cockpit which adds loads of extra information such as maps and directions to the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Other standard features include Audi’s adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, a 10-inch touchscreen display, voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Moving up to the higher trim levels ets you an upgraded 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 360 camera, a head-up display, interior ambient lighting, wireless charging, an advanced navigation package and parking assist with automatic steering.
8. Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid
The CX-90 debuted as a 2024 model and replaces the aging CX-9 as Mazda’s flagship vehicle.
Aside from being Mazda’s first hybrid, the CX-90 also showcases the company’s best attempt at becoming a more premium brand.
More recent iterations of the Mazda Connect infotainment system have also gotten lots of praise from reviewers and owners alike for being intuitive and easy to use.
All hybrid models come with a 12.3-inch digital dash. The Preferred and Premium trim levels have a 10.25-inch infotainment screen while the Premium Plus model has a larger 12.3-inch display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but the Premium and Premium Plus models add wireless integration, wireless charging, an upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system, and an integrated navigation system.
It also has lots of advanced driver aids like radar cruise control with stop and go, driver attention alert, a 360 camera, and a head-up display.
9. Toyota Venza Hybrid
The Toyota Venza uses the same chassis and powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid, but it features more sophisticated bodywork and upscale interiors.
Aside from being more comfortable and exhibiting better on-road manners, it also offers more advanced tech and features compared to the RAV4.
The base LE model has an 8-inch infotainment screen, while the higher trim levels have an impressive 12.3-inch center display. The 12.3-inch digital gauge is only available on the Limited model.
For comparison, the biggest screen you can get on the RAV4 Hybrid only goes up to 10.5 inches.
All models feature Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, as well as wireless phone charging.
The top of the line Limited trim level also adds a 10-inch head-up display, navigation, a 360 camera, a digital rear-view mirror, and an upgraded 9-speaker JBL audio system.
The Nightshade and Limited models also have an optional Star Gaze panoramic sunroof that can switch from opaque to transparent with the push of a button, which is a feature that’s usually only available in much more expensive luxury vehicles.
10. Honda CR-V Hybrid
The sixth generation CR-V debuted as a 2023 model with a more aggressive truck-like exterior and slightly more room in the cabin.
Its hybrid powertrain remains largely the same as the previous generation CR-V Hybrid with some slight tweaks, but the infotainment and safety systems have been significantly improved.
Although the CR-V Hybrid’s infotainment screen isn’t too impressive size-wise, its software is very responsive and easy to use.
The most affordable Sport Hybrid model only has a 7-inch screen while the Sport-L and Sport Touring Hybrid models have a slightly larger 9-inch screen and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging.
The top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid also has an array of premium features like an upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, integrated navigation, voice recognition, and more ambient lighting.
All trim levels of the sixth gen CR-V come with Honda Sensing as standard, which is Honda’s suite of advanced driver assists that has features like adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition and a driver attention monitor.
11. Range Rover Plug-in Hybrid
Only a few vehicles can come close to the levels of opulence and comfort that the Range Rover has to offer.
In the last few years, Land Rover has been making great strides with their plug-in hybrid models and infotainment software.
New for the 2024 model year is the P550e plug-in hybrid which has a combined output of 542 hp and up to 59 miles of EV range, which is currently you can get in any plug-in hybrid SUV.
All Range Rovers now feature a curved 13.1-inch touchscreen, a 13.7-inch digital dash, and the latest Pivi Pro infotainment software which is very responsive.
The Autobiography P550e PHEV also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, voice control, a head-up display, a 360 camera, a digital rearview mirror, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, 11.4-inch displays for the rear passengers and automated parking.
Its interior also has lots of luxury amenities like ambient lighting, a refrigerator compartment, an air quality sensor, and powered rear window sunblinds.
The 35-speaker Meridian sound system also has noise canceling technology built into the headrests.
