Some consumers balk at buying fully electric vehicles thanks to frequent recalls and range anxiety. But hybrid models help drivers transition from gas-powered cars to EVs by giving them the best of both worlds. When shopping for a hybrid SUV, you still need to find one that gives you what you need at an affordable price. Here are four excellent hybrid SUVs for under $30,000. 

1. 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid

Kia has the Niro EV and Niro PHEV, but the model that makes this list is the Niro hybrid. This model packs a 1.6-liter inline-four engine and an electric motor, producing 139 hp and an EPA-estimated 49 mpg combined. 

Pricing starts at $24,690 for the base-model LX. It has an 8.0-inch touchscreen, USB port, rearview camera, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrading to the LXS adds remote start, push-button start, automatic high beams, pedestrian detection, and driver drowsiness alert, U.S. News reports.

The LXS SE offers leather accents, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and rear parking sensors for $27,590. Moving up to the Touring SE, you can expect a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, synthetic leather upholstery, Highway Driving Assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Last, there’s the range-topping EX Premium, starting at $31,990. It provides most of the features from the previous trims but adds a sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. 

2. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

All 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid trims have a turbocharged four-cylinder, an electric motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission. A front-wheel drivetrain comes standard on the base-model LX, but all-wheel drive is standard on the EX and SX Prestige. As for fuel economy, expect around 43 mpg combined.

With the LX, you get cloth upholstery, a six-speaker audio system, remote keyless entry, and an 8.0-inch display screen for $27,290. Upgrading to the EX adds synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, remote start, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for $30,990. 

The top trim is the SX Prestige. It boasts heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, multicolor ambient interior lighting, and a hands-free power liftgate for $36,190. 

3. 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission, producing 219 hp. AWD is standard for this model. The fuel economy rating is 38 mpg on the highway.

In the base LE trim, you get a 7.0-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, manually adjustable front seats, and satellite radio for $30,545. The SE offers black wheels and a sport-tuned suspension for $31,730.

Upgrading to the $33,435 XLE Premium gets you 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a moonroof. Moving up to the XSE adds gloss-black wheels, a black roof, and heated front seats for $35,055. The highest trim, the Limited, provides an 11-speaker sound system, front and rear parking sensors, and built-in navigation for $37,575.

4. 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

Powering the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It harnesses 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and AWD is standard on all trims. 

The base-model Blue provides cloth upholstery, heated front seats, rear seat reminder, push-button start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its price starts at $29,200. Upgrading to the SEL Convenience trim adds a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate for $31,800.

The highest trim level is the Limited, starting at $37,500. It provides leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a navigational system, a 10.25-inch display, front and rear parking sensors, remote smart park assist, and a surround-view parking camera system. 

You’ll find plenty of new hybrid SUVs, but these four choices offer the best bang for your buck. Check out the Tucson, RAV4, Sportage, and Niro hybrid crossovers to see which model best suits your driving needs.