Hybrid technology is becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. Several popular automotive brands are making use of hybrid tech. Toyota, Hyundai, and several other major automakers make hybrid small SUVs that arguably provide more value than their gas-powered predecessors. Here are three 2023 small SUVs that are better as hybrids.

Toyota’s small hybrid SUV could be better than the RAV4

Claiming that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is better than the RAV4 may be blasphemous to some fans, but consider the specs of both models. Toyota’s small hybrid SUV is more expensive than the gas version but has much better fuel economy and standard features. In short, the hybrid variants are more efficient RAV4s.

Gas prices are a huge issue for American drivers. Hybrid SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid help alleviate the stress of high refueling costs by limiting the number of trips consumers have to make to the gas station. Moreover, RAV4 Hybrids have further driving ranges than their gas counterparts, making them cheaper to refuel. These fuel savings really start to kick in over long ownership periods and eventually cover the price difference between the two Japanese SUVs.

The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid starts at $31,225 and uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to make 219 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. The small hybrid SUV achieves up to 41 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway. It’s quicker than the gas model and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a steal for its low price

Kia’s small SUV is getting plenty of attention following its redesign. The 2023 Kia Sportage is the most affordable SUV in its segment and offers plenty of value for its affordable price. Kia’s hybrid iteration of the Sportage offers even more value for a price that’s still more affordable than some gas small SUVs.

The 2023 Sportage Hybrid starts at just $27,490, using a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. As a result, Sportage Hybrids get up to 42 miles per gallon in the city and 44 miles per gallon on the highway. Lastly, it comes loaded with great standard features like rear parking sensors and Drive Mode Select.

Kia’s gas Sportage model starts at $26,290. With a price difference of just $1,200 before taxes and additional fees, why not splurge on the more powerful and more efficient hybrid model?

Honda’s small hybrid SUV is a masterpiece

Japanese automaker Honda redesigned the CR-V small SUV for 2023. The Honda CR-V has regularly battled the Toyota RAV4 in rankings.

Honda’s 2023 CR-V Sport Hybrid starts at $33,350 and uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to make 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Honda’s small Hybrid SUV achieves up to 43 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is better than its gas counterpart because it comes with standard creature comforts like heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also has great tech features like smart entry and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.

Hybrid and electric vehicles are slowly taking over the automotive industry. Automakers are learning to use alternative options to typical internal combustion engine powertrains setups, and consumers are reaping huge benefits from these technological innovations.