Shoppers have a lot of SUVs with hybrid powertrains to choose from these days, but it hasn’t always been that way. Those searching for the best luxury hybrid SUV will likely encounter these options from Porsche and Lexus. Depending on your priorities, both have some strong characteristics that would make for an excellent hybrid SUV. Those looking for a reliable luxury hybrid might find one SUV easier to side with than the other, especially if you prioritize fuel economy.

What is the best luxury hybrid SUV?

Some argue that the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid is the best luxury hybrid SUV. U.S. News says it satisfies the luxury requirement with a refined and comfortable interior and the latest technology. When Porsche set out to make SUVs, the only thing that made sense was a performance-oriented vehicle with just some extra seats. The Cayenne Hybrid checks all those boxes with a fun ride and plenty of power.

The 2023 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid starts at $86,500 this year, with four trim levels to choose from. If you opt for the fully loaded Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, that’ll cost you $171,300. All versions get all-wheel drive and between 455 and 670 horsepower. Porsche uses a turbo 3.0L V6 as the standard engine. The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with an electric motor for 670 horsepower.

The Cayenne Hybrid prioritizes speed and a thrilling ride over almost everything else, but it is an excellent option for shoppers who share that sentiment. You likely won’t find the power and performance of the Cayenne anywhere else, especially in a lower price bracket.

What is a better hybrid SUV?

The 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid is a pretty good entrant for the best luxury hybrid SUV. It has great fuel economy, a luxurious and comfortable cabin, and is a reliable SUV overall. Lexus SUVs tend to be dependable and comfortable, but certainly not a performance SUV like the Cayenne. However, the NX Hybrid is an excellent option with a low starting price of $41,955. The fully loaded NX 450h+ F SPORT costs only $57,805 and comes with options and features.

Lexus uses three electric motors paired with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine in the 350h trims, which get 240 horsepower. The NX 450h trim has 304 horsepower, which is still powerful enough to move this compact SUV around town.

While the label “performance-oriented” is not usually associated with Lexus SUVs, some trims are quick. Lexus excels at reliability and comfort, which this luxury SUV does well. It has five comfortable seats, plenty of standard driver-assistance features, and good fuel economy. The NX is dependable and safe, but it also has good fuel economy. There are more pros than cons, but this Lexus SUV can’t match the Cayenne’s performance. It also isn’t trying to.

Here’s why the best hybrid SUV is from Lexus

Most people are searching for the best hybrid SUV for better fuel economy. The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid base model gets an EPA-estimated 46 MPG equivalent in combined city/highway driving. That is pretty low for a brand-new hybrid SUV. When you move up to the Turbo S E-Hybrid, the fuel economy drops to 42 MPGe combined. Gas mode on the base model gets 21 mpg in combined city/highway driving, and the Turbo S E-Hybrid gets 18 mpg combined.

The Lexus NX Hybrid’s fuel economy estimates show an EPA-estimated 84 MPG equivalent in combined city/highway driving. Gas mode on the Lexus hybrid SUV base trim gets 39 mpg in combined city/highway driving, while the 450h+ gets around 36 mpg combined. That is a huge difference in fuel economy between the two, other specs aside.

For the best hybrid SUV, the Lexus is a clear winner through the lens of finding a fuel-efficient daily driver. Those who want a hybrid engine for power and speed will be thrilled with what the Porsche has to offer.