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Toyota produces some of the best SUVs on the market, from the RAV4 to the Land Cruiser. The Japanese automaker is known for making long-lasting models. Some of its internal combustion engine vehicles have made the brand immensely popular, but there are two Toyota SUVs that seem to be better as hybrids.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid fixes the Highlander’s worst issue

A blue 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is parked.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Toyota

The Toyota Highlander is a great midsize SUV. That being said, it also has its flaws. The midsize SUV only gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. While that isn’t horrible fuel economy for its segment, there are more fuel-efficient midsize SUV options on the market. Toyota saw that the Highlander nameplate could be improved (from a gas mileage standpoint) and began producing the Highlander Hybrid way back in 2005.

The midsize hybrid SUV had time to mature after over a decade, and it seems like it has reached peak efficiency. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts at $40,220. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to make 243 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander Hybrid gets 36 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s better gas mileage than a 2023 Toyota RAV4 small SUV.

The Highlander Hybrid has a 17.1-gallon gas tank. So, it should be able to travel for over 607 miles on a single tank of gas thanks to its incredible fuel economy. The Highlander Hybrid takes one of the Highlander’s weaknesses and turns it into its greatest strength.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a spin on America’s favorite SUV

A blue 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid small SUV is parked.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Toyota

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is based on America’s favorite small SUV. The Toyota RAV4 is the most popular model in its segment because it’s affordable, practical, and fuel efficient.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $30,725. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to make 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid gets 41 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a 14.5-gallon gas tank. It’s able to travel for over 572 miles on a single tank of gas. MotorTrend praises the RAV4 Hybrid’s quick acceleration, many driver assistance features, and great standard infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid only costs $2,750 more than the gas version. If drivers intend on keeping the small hybrid SUV long-term, they could save hundreds of dollars on gas.

Toyota hybrid SUVs provide incredible value for the money

A red 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid midsize hybrid SUV is driving off-road.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Toyota

Toyota produces several hybrid SUVs that are fuel efficient and value-oriented. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is much more cost-effective for long drives than the gas-powered version. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is an upgrade from America’s most popular SUV. If you’re looking for a great new Toyota SUV, the brand’s hybrid options are worth considering, thanks to their incredible value proposition.

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3 Reasons to Choose the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Over the RAV4