AWD confidence in a fuel-sipping hybrid.
Driving in the rain and snow can be tricky, with reduced traction and free wheelspin or slipping. If you regularly tackle these conditions, an AWD car can significantly improve traction and give you the confidence to take on almost any road condition. Combine the impressive grip of an AWD car with hybrid technology, and you have a capable vehicle that can get you farther between fill-ups.
A hybrid AWD vehicle is perfect for whatever your next adventure holds, from around-town errands to a cottage getaway. Whether you're looking for luxury, sportiness, or just a capable daily driver, there's a hybrid AWD car out there for you.
Start your search with this list of the 10 best hybrid AWD cars for 2022 shoppers, based on CarMax sales data from November 1, 2021, through April 1, 2022. We've also included pros and cons from our expert partners at Edmunds to help you narrow down your choices. Read on to discover which of these hybrid AWD cars is right for you.
10. Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Pros
Excellent handling for an SUV
Above-average build and interior materials
Long list of customization options
Cons
Interior gloss-black gets dirty quickly
Poor visibility from the rear
Climate control fans are noisy when at full power
The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is a high-performance plug-in hybrid vehicle. Combining a 3.0L V6 engine and electric motor, the 2019-2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid has a whopping combined 455 hp. Since it plugs in, the 2019-2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid has an EPA-estimated electric range of 13 miles on a full charge and a total combined range of 430 miles.
Available options you might find on a 2019-2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid include LED matrix headlights, massaging front seats, a panoramic roof, smartphone integration, a Burmester® 3D surround sound system, and various natural wood or carbon fiber trims.
Every 2019-2022 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid includes:
Porsche Active Suspension Management®
Partial leather interior
Air conditioning
Power doors and windows
Check out more on our Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid research page.
9. Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Plug-In Hybrid
Pros
Balances performance and comfort to make it an ideal daily driver
Authentic luxury experience from elegant design and high-end finishes
Impressive range from the four-cylinder engine
Cons
Not as much cargo space as similar vehicles
Surround yourself in luxury while still getting the advantages of AWD and hybrid technology. The 2020-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor for an impressive total of 315 hp. The 2020-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e uses adaptive cruise control to maximize battery charging (part of an available package) for improved regenerative braking. Add a host of driver aids with the Driver Assistance Package, including active steering assist, forward pre-collision braking, and active lane-change assist, and you've got a great daily driver.
Make the most of your road trips with the available Nappa® leather seats, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and tri-zone climate control. Put distance between fill-ups on all 2020-2022 models with an EPA-estimated full range of 360 miles, 22 of which can be done in EV-only mode with a full charge.
Standard equipment on the 2020-2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Plug-In Hybrid includes:
Dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter
Smartphone integration
10.25-inch infotainment screen with touchpad gesture control
Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel
Learn more from our Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Plug-In Hybrid research page.
8. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Pros
Long list of features as standard
Up to an EPA-estimated 22 miles of EV-only range on a full charge
Capable AWD with a sophisticated multi-mode system
Cons
The cabin creaks and rattles on rough surfaces
Poor driving experience due to unresponsive steering and acceleration
No third row, unlike the regular version of the model
Get set to tackle everyday life with the utility and functionality of the 2018-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. There's an impressive 66 cubic feet of cargo space in models with the sunroof—more than enough for whatever you need to take along. The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can tow an estimated 1,500 lbs., when properly equipped.
A few highlights from the impressive 2018-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV include:
Heated leather front seats and leather seating throughout
Six-speaker sound system with smartphone integration
Available mobile app control (data subscription required)
Remote power tailgate
Discover more from our Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV research page.
7. Lexus UX 250h
Pros
Gets a lot of miles between trips to the gas station
Loaded with standard and optional technology
City-friendly dimensions
Cons
Infotainment controls are hard to figure out
Compact legroom in the second-row seats
Small cargo space
The Lexus UX 250h is a great small SUV for around-town commuting or day trips to the country. AWD is optional; the AWD 2019-2022 Lexus UX 250h gets an impressive EPA-estimated 41 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The 2019-2022 Lexus UX 250h base model includes:
Bluetooth® and USB smartphone connectivity
Rearview camera
Available 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Find more information on our Lexus UX 250h research page.
6. BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid
Pros
Heart-pounding performance
Comfortable cabin and features that meet expectations
Cons
Legroom is cramped for second-row passengers
If you opt for the optional third row, there's very little room for adults
The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV that's been in production since 2013. In 2016, BMW released the xDrive40e, a plug-in hybrid version, as an optional trim on the X5. This is an SUV with aggressive performance and styling. On the 2017-2019 BMW X5 xDrive40e, a powerful gas engine and electric motor create 308 combined horsepower and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Luxurious features like natural wood trim, massaging seats, and a head-up display may be included as part of several available packages. The 2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e gets an EPA-estimated range of 540 miles from a full tank of gas and battery charge, and an EPA-estimated maximum of 14 miles in EV-only mode on a full charge.
Standard equipment on the 2017-2019 BMW X5 xDrive40e includes:
Panoramic sunroof
Automatic climate control
Adaptive xenon headlights
Infotainment system with navigation
You can find out more on our BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid research page.
5. Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid
Pros
Excellent ride
Smooth engine and transmission
Loaded with technology
Cons
Not as engaging to drive as you'd expect a sports sedan to be
Big on luxury and style, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid is packed with a surprising suite of connectivity technology and everyday functionality. You can go farther between fill-ups, thanks to the EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway and 24 mpg city.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid base model includes:
Automatic LED headlights
Bluetooth connectivity
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Eight-speaker sound system
Check out more on our Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid research page.
4. Lexus NX 300h
Pros
Excellent luxury SUV for going farther between fill-ups
Plenty of space in the second row for adults
Quiet ride and interior, even at highway speeds
Cons
Infotainment interface is not intuitive
Could use more cargo capacity
Powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and rear electric motor, the 2017-2020 Lexus NX 300h combines luxury with style and AWD traction. Standard on every model, the AWD system intelligently adapts to various road conditions, while active damping suspension irons out bumps. The 2019 Lexus NX 300h AWD gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined, keeping you on the road longer.
The 2017-2020 Lexus NX 300h base model includes:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Eight-inch premium sound system
Driver aids like adaptive cruise control and forward automatic emergency braking
Apple CarPlay® integration
Get more information from our Lexus NX 300h research page.
3. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Pros
AWD available on every trim
Trims offer good value compared to the non-hybrid Highlander
Loaded with standard features
Cons
Tight space for the third-row seating
Engine is noisy when revving
A capable family hauler with three rows, AWD (on XLE trims and higher), and a hybrid powertrain with 306 hp, the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is bound to be a hit. Tow your favorite toys with the 2017-2021 Highlander's estimated 3,500-lb. towing capacity on all Hybrid AWD models, when properly equipped.
Standard equipment on the 2017-2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid includes:
Five USB charge ports
6.1-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity
Suite of driver aids like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist
Rearview camera
Look for more information on our Toyota Highlander Hybrid research page.
2. Lexus RX 450h
Pros
Plenty of space for up to five people
Cabin space is very quiet
Smooth acceleration and ride
Cons
Cargo capacity is lacking
Acceleration could be faster in passing situations
Touchpad infotainment system is not intuitive
A crossover loaded with luxury, the 2017-2022 Lexus RX 450h combines V6 power with an electric motor to get an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined.
Standard equipment on the 2017-2019 Lexus RX 450h includes:
LED headlights and taillights
Dual-zone automatic climate control
USB charge ports and Bluetooth connectivity
Power rear tailgate
Read more about it on our Lexus RX 450h research page.
1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Pros
Comfortable ride
Plenty of cargo space
Cons
Braking system feels unusual
The comfort level of the front passenger seat could be better
The infotainment system could use an update
With an impressive EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined, the 2019-2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid goes the distance.
The 2019-2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE base model includes:
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rearview camera with dynamic lines
USB charge port
Suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision avoidance
Learn more on our Toyota RAV4 Hybrid research page.
If you're looking to balance thrifty performance with on-road grip, a used AWD hybrid car is a great choice. Whether you live in an area with changeable weather, or your vehicle needs to withstand harsh winters, an AWD hybrid car can help you get around with confidence.
Looking to learn more about used hybrid cars? Check out these articles:
