As hybrid SUVs become more mainstream, advanced tech like Head-Up Displays (HUD) are also making it to many buyers’ must-have lists.
If you’re shopping for a new hybrid SUV and want to make sure that it comes with a HUD, then this helpful guide is for you.
Table of Contents
Regular Hybrid SUVs
1. Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid has the distinction of being the first hybrid SUV in history when it was first introduced in 2004.
With the release of the fourth generation Ford Escape for the 2020 model year, the hybrid variant also made a comeback and a HUD came as standard.
The Ford Escape Hybrid’s HUD is quite unique. Instead of projecting driving information directly onto the windshield, it does so on a pop-up display. This makes it easier to see even if there’s glare or if you’re a bit taller or shorter than average.
You can adjust the HUD’s position, size and brightness using the steering wheel controls.
Aside from showing your speed, you can also customize what information you can see on the Escape Hybrid’s HUD, such as:
- Distance to the vehicle in front
- Incoming calls
- Lane keeping information
- Navigation directions
2. Lexus RX Hybrid
The RX has been Lexus’ best selling vehicle for over a decade, and it’s had a hybrid option since 2005.
A head-up display has been offered as an option since the third generation Lexus RX, which got its first hybrid variant in 2010.
The current generation Lexus RX has two hybrid variants, the RX350h and RX500h. A new plug-in hybrid model, called the 450h+, will be released later.
All Lexus RX models have a HUD available as an option. The top-of-the-line RX500h comes with a HUD as standard.
Modern Lexus RX’s equipped with the 10-inch head-up display are capable of showing the following info:
- Current speed and speed limit info
- Tachometer
- Hybrid system info
- Compass directions
- Navigation directions
- Lane keep assist info
- Cruise control info
- Call and music playback controls
Related: 20 Hybrid SUVs with 360 Camera (More Visibility)
3. Lexus NX Hybrid
The Lexus NX is a compact luxury crossover that uses the same platform and engine as the extremely popular RAV4.
But aside from having a completely redesigned exterior, it also uses more upscale materials and different suspension components compared to the RAV4 — giving it a more luxurious and comfortable ride.
The first generation Lexus NX, along with its NX300h hybrid variant, was first introduced as a 2015 model. A head-up display was only available if you got the Executive Package.
The second generation Lexus NX was introduced as a 2022 model and has two hybrid variants: the NX350h, which is a regular hybrid, and the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid .
The NX450h+ comes with a head-up display as standard while the NX350h only gets it as an option.
The Lexus NX’s HUD works similarly to the one found in the midsize RX model.
4. Lexus UX Hybrid
The Lexus UX is a subcompact crossover that uses the same platform as the Corolla Cross and C-HR.
Aside from being the newest SUV in the Lexus lineup, It’s also the smallest and most affordable.
The Lexus UX250h hybrid offers excellent gas mileage at an estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
A head-up display is only available as an option on all trim levels of the Lexus UX.
When equipped, the Lexus UX250h’s HUD works pretty much the same as the ones found in the Lexus NX and RX.
Similarly, the Lexus UX’s HUD can be easily controlled and customized using either the steering wheel buttons or the main infotainment screen.
5. Toyota Venza Hybrid
The Toyota Venza was revived in 2021 as a hybrid-only model after the first gen Venza was discontinued in 2015.
It’s now a compact crossover that uses the same platform and hybrid powertrain as the extremely popular RAV4 and the Lexus NX.
The new Venza is only a few thousand dollars more than the RAV4, but it looks and feels more like a Lexus.
The top-of-the-line Toyota Venza Limited trim level is the only one that comes with a 10-inch color head-up display and a 360-degree camera as standard.
The Toyota Venza’s head-up display works pretty much the same way as those found in Lexus models.
The Venza’s HUD can also show lots of driving information such as:
- Speed and speed limit info
- Tachometer
- Hybrid system info
- Navigation directions
- Compass directions
- Lane assist info
- Cruise control info
- Music playback controls
6. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander was first released in 2006.
Aside from being Toyota’s first hybrid SUV, it’s also one of the few traditional hybrids that offers third-row seats even to this day.
The current fourth generation Highlander was released in 2020 and its hybrid variants are capable of getting up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Only the top-of-the-line Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim level comes with a head-up display.
The Platinum also comes with other premium features like heated second row seats, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rearview mirror.
The Highlander Hybrid’s 10-inch color HUD is the same one you’ll find in other Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Plug-in Hybrid / Mild Hybrid SUVs
7. BMW X3 PHEV
The X3 is one of BMW’s most popular models and is just behind the iconic 3-series in terms of sales numbers.
Like other BMWs, the X3 has always been known for its excellent handling compared to other models in its class.
The BMW X3’s first hybrid, the plug-in xDrive30e model, was introduced in late 2020 but was discontinued after the 2021 model year.
In 2022, BMW released the top-of-the-line M40i variant of the X3 which added a 48-volt mild hybrid system that’s capable of producing 382 horsepower and gets an estimated 29 mpg.
To get BMW’s color head-up display in the X3, you’ll need to add the Premium package which also gets you a heated steering wheel and heated seats.
The BMW X3’s HUD can be customized to show the following info:
- Speed and speed limit
- Navigation directions
- Distance information
- Tachometer
- Driver assist info
- Call and media playback info
Related: 13 Hybrid SUVs With Panoramic Sunroof (With Pictures)
8. BMW X5 PHEV
The X5 was BMW’s first-ever SUV when it was first released in 1999.
Throughout the last two decades, it’s consistently ranked as one of the most popular midsize luxury SUVs in the market.
The first hybrid variant of the BMW X5, the plug-in xDrive40e, came out in 2016.
This was later replaced by the fourth generation X5’s xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model in 2021.
2021 also saw the introduction of a 48-volt mild hybrid in the entry-level sDrive40i and xDrive40i models as standard.
To equip the base model BMW X5 with a head-up display you’ll need the Premium equipment package.
In the higher end BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, the HUD can be added as a standalone option.
9. Mercedes Benz GLC PHEV
The Mercedes Benz GLC is a compact luxury crossover that was first released in 2016.
Its initial lineup featured the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid, which was discontinued in 2021.
With the introduction of the second generation GLC in 2023, a 48-volt mild hybrid system became the standard powertrain in all models. An additional plug-in hybrid model is planned for release in the near future.
Although the GLC is known for its elegant interior and modern tech, you can only get the head-up display as an option.
The HUD in first generation GLCs can only display limited content like speed, speed limit and basic navigation info.
Starting with the 2023 model, the second generation GLC gets an updated 8-inch color head-up display that shows a lot more content such as:
- Tachometer
- Detailed map info
- Cruise control info
- Hybrid system info
10. Mercedes-Benz GLE PHEV
The Mercedes Benz GLE is a midsize SUV that’s known for its elegant styling, upscale interior and comfortable ride.
It first got a plug-in hybrid variant in 2016 in the form of the GLE550e.
With the introduction of the next generation GLE in 2020, higher trim levels like the GLE 450, GLE 580, as well as the AMG variants, got a 48-volt mild hybrid system, giving them more power and quicker acceleration.
Similar to the GLC, you can only get a head-up display in the GLE if you add it as an option.
The GLE’s color head-up display is slightly larger at 9.5 inches compared to the 8-inch one found in the GLC.
The GLE’s head-up display is also extremely customizable and can show lots of additional info such as:
- Speed info
- Navigation info
- Distance info
- Fuel economy
- Lane assist info
- G-force meter
- Call and media playback info
- Ride height
- Pitch and roll meter
11. Audi Q5 PHEV
The Audi Q5 is a compact SUV that first got a hybrid option in the U.S. in 2013.
In 2020, two years after the second generation model was released, the Audi Q5 got its first PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model.
The Q5’s plug-in hybrid variant gets only slightly better fuel economy than the non-hybrid version, but it also promises up to 20 miles of electric-only range.
In addition, the Audi Q5 PHEV produces more power at 362 hp compared to the non-hybrid’s 261 hp.
With the Audi Q5, you can only get the color head-up display if you choose the Prestige trim level.
The Audi Q5’s HUD shows lots of detailed driver info such as:
- Speed info
- Navigation and map info
- Driver assist notifications
- Cruise control info
- Lane assist info
12. Volvo XC60 PHEV
The first hybrid variant of the Volvo XC60 luxury crossover was released in 2018 alongside the debut of its second generation lineup.
The XC60’s T8 hybrid powertrain is very unique compared to other plug-in hybrids because it’s both supercharged and turbocharged, allowing it to produce up to 407 hp. Upgrades to the electric motor in later years upped the combined power to 455 hp.
Aside from the massive amounts of power, the T8 plug-in hybrid model also had an all-electric range of up to 18 miles.
In 2021, the XC60 T8 model was renamed the XC60 Recharge. In 2022, an XC60 Recharge Extended Range model with an all-electric range of up to 32 miles was added.
The Volvo XC60’s head-up display is exclusive to the Ultimate trim level. Previously, the HUD was one of the options you could get if you added the Advanced package.
The XC60 Recharge’s HUD can be customized to show the following information:
- Speed
- Navigation directions
- Road sign info
- Driver assist details and alerts
- Call info
13. Volvo XC90 PHEV
The midsize XC90 is Volvo’s flagship crossover and it’s enjoyed a huge following since its introduction in 2003.
When the second generation XC90 debuted in 2016, Volvo also added a plug-in hybrid variant to its model lineup.
Like the XC60, the XC90’s plug-in hybrid model uses a supercharger and a turbocharger. Combined with the power from the mild hybrid system’s electric motor, the XC90 has over 400 hp on tap.
The latest XC90 Recharge also has an estimated 36 miles of all-electric range. Early models of the XC90 hybrid could barely get 15 miles in electric-only mode.
The XC90 head-up display is exclusive to the Ultimate trim level which also adds ventilated seats and a Harman Kardon sound system.
Older model years of the XC90 got a HUD with the Advanced equipment package.
The XC90’s optional HUD is exactly the same as those found in other Volvo models. It provides important details like speed, navigation, road sign info and driver alerts.
14. Lincoln Corsair PHEV
The Lincoln Corsair is an all-new compact luxury crossover that was first released in 2020.
It uses the same hybrid powertrain that’s found in the current generation Escape plug-in hybrid.
Only the top-of-the-line Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring comes with the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
This gets you a combined power output of 266 hp, 34 mpg in the city, and up to 28 miles of electric-only range.
To equip a color head-up display in the Lincoln Corsair, you’ll need the Collection III package which adds another $8,000 to the price tag.
This package also adds the Revel 14-speaker system, heated rear seats, and the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 driver assist system.
The Lincoln Corsair’s HUD can be customized to show the following:
- Speed
- Navigation info
- Gear indicator
- Time and temperature
- Available range
- Cruise control
- Lane assist info
15. Lincoln Aviator PHEV
The Lincoln Aviator nameplate recently made a comeback in 2020 after it was discontinued in 2005.
Like the old model, the new Aviator uses the same platform as the Ford Explorer, but is significantly more upscale and luxurious both inside and out.
The Aviator is also a plug-in hybrid, while the Ford Explorer uses a regular hybrid system.
With the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Lincoln Aviator has a combined power output of 494 hp and can deliver between 15 to 20 miles of range in electric-only mode.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is only available with the top-of-the-line Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring trim level.
You’ll need to add the Grand Touring I equipment package to equip your Aviator with the color head-up display, which adds almost $6,000 to the price tag.
The Lincoln Aviator’s HUD is the same system found in the Corsair, so you’ll get the same content options like speed, navigation, range to empty and cruise control info, among many others.
16. Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV
The first hybrid variant of the popular Grand Cherokee was released in 2022.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain has a combined output of 375 hp and can go up to 26 miles in EV-only mode.
Compared to a lot of the hybrid SUVs in this list, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers a lot of off-road capability while still being extremely practical, luxurious, and family friendly.
To equip the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe with a head-up display, you’ll need to add either the Advanced ProTech Group III or IV equipment package to the vehicle.
These higher-end technology packages are only available in more expensive trim levels like the Overland 4xe, Summit 4xe and the Summit Reserve 4xe.
The Grand Cherokee’s HUD is easy to customize and can show you important details like:
- Speed info
- Navigation
- Gear indicator
- Driver assist details
- Call info
Related: 10 Hybrid SUVs with Captain Seats (With Pictures)
17. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Despite being extremely successful in Japan and Europe, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV only came to the U.S. in 2018.
A year after the significantly redesigned and updated fourth generation Mitsubishi Outlander was released, we’re now getting the much awaited Outlander PHEV as a 2023 model.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is unique because despite being a compact SUV, it manages to add a third-row seat in the back.
It’s not the most powerful or luxurious hybrid SUV in this list, but it definitely offers great value for money and loads of practicality.
The 10.8-inch head-up display is only available in the higher end Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL Touring and Premium trim levels.
These trim levels also add a Bose 9-speaker system, a panoramic roof and a heated steering wheel.
You can customize the information displayed on the Outlander’s HUD, which can include:
- Speed
- Navigation instructions
- Driving assist info
- Traffic sign recognition
- Call and media playback details
Related: 11 Plug-in Hybrids With the Highest Towing Capacity (Ranked)
