In the last decade or so,SUVs have become the largest-selling segmentin the automotive industry, making up 81% of all new vehicle sales in 2024. However, even somebest-selling SUVshave less cargo space than sedans, and are thirsty. Hybrid SUVs offer better fuel economy than gas-only models, and the ten on this list have big trunks, too.
Depending on your needs,three-row hybrid SUVsare perfect for growing families, orelectric vehiclescould save you money on ownership costs over five years. Hybrids tend to hold their value better thanrapidly depreciating EVs,though, so these are a natural stepping-stone to making the switch.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites. We’ve ranked these compact hybrid SUVs by cargo capacity behind the second row, in descending order.
10Lexus NX 350h
Cargo Capacity: 22.7 cu-ft
Starting with a premium brand, the Lexus NX 350h is a small hybrid with a combined figure of 39 MPG, making it one of themost fuel-efficient SUVsavailable. It’s comfortable and reliable, and the cabin is designed around the driver. A large touchscreen display is angled towards you for a more natural feel and ease-of-use. However, the hybrid system eats into cargo space. At $46,600, the Lexus NX hybrid is around $4,500 more expensive than the gas model, but the plug-in version shoots the price to an eye-watering $62,415 for little return.
2.5-liter hybrid
240 hp
176 lb-ft
200 mph
0-60
7.2 seconds
9Audi Q5 PHEV
Cargo Capacity: 25.9 cu-ft
Another luxury SUV with ample cargo capacity is the Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid. Strangely, there isn’t muchdifference between the Q5 and the Q3, other than the Q5 sacrificing rear passenger space for extra storage. That said, the Q5 offers more engine options, including this hybrid with a mighty 362 hp — the most powerful of any hybrid SUV on our list. As expected, the interior is filled with high-quality materials and plenty of standard features, but it’s easy to overspend when adding options.
2.0-liter hybrid
362 hp
369 lb-ft
7-speed automatic
130 mph
8Dodge Hornet
Cargo Capacity: 27 cu-ft
The Dodge Hornet is a relatively new vehicle to the market. It already beats more expensive competitors with 27 cu-ft of cargo space, and the interior is not to be snubbed, either. Dodge has based the cabin on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, dressing it in black with red accents for a sporty appearance. It keeps it current with a large touchscreen paired with a digital instrument cluster, but low-cost plastics are easy to find.
1.3-liter PHEV
288 hp
383 lb-ft
6-speed automatic
124 mph
5.6 seconds
7Mazda CX-50
Cargo Capacity: 29.2 cu-ft
If you plan to be adventurous and go off-road, then you’ll need an SUV with high ground clearance. The Mazda CX-50 is like a CX-5 on stilts, offering 29.2 cu-ft of storage in the trunk. In essence, the CX-50 is a road car, so it can only tackle light off-road trails, but it makes everyday driving smooth and inspires confidence through strong-gripping tires.
219 hp
263 lb-ft
117 mph
7.6 seconds
6Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Cargo Capacity: 30.8 cu-ft
The Mitsubishi Outlander might look outlandish with its wide body and styling you’ll either love or hate, but it’s a great cruiser with 30.8 cu-ft of cargo space to carry all your luggage. It’s only available with the 2.4-liter hybrid engine, which is fine with us, because it’s great. It shares a platform with some Renault and Nissan vehicles, so you may be sure it’ll be comfortable and sturdy. Regenerative braking feeds energy back into the battery to achieve 26 MPG combined.
2.4-liter PHEV
248 hp
332 lb-ft
Single-speed reduction gearbox
7.3 seconds
5Ford Escape
Cargo Capacity: 34 cu-ft
At first glance, the Ford Escape may look like a taller Fiesta. Well, its soft styling gives that impression, but the Escape is bigger. In fact, it comes with 34 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row, and a roomy cabin for passengers. Front-wheel drive helps with fuel economy, but it’s a major disadvantage compared to other rivals on this list, and it’s pretty dull to drive. We can’t deny it’s a good value-for-money hybrid SUV with plenty of space throughout, though.
2.5-liter PHEV
210 hp
155 lb-ft
7.7 seconds
4Toyota RAV4
Cargo Capacity: 37.6 cu-ft
By choosing a hybrid engine, you could see returns of up to 40 MPG.
The Toyota RAV4 has been a staple in the SUV segment, making a name for itself with a monocoque chassis bringing car-like comfort to an otherwise rugged off-road vehicle. To date, the RAV4 remains one of the best SUVs on the market, regardless of powertrain. By choosing a hybrid engine, you could see returns of up to 40 MPG, more power, and faster acceleration than gas-only models. Following recent updates, the RAV4 uses a larger touchscreen display, but the interior is still behind the latest CR-V.
221 lb-ft
112 mph
8.1 seconds
3Hyundai Tucson
Cargo Capacity: 39 cu-ft
As we approach the finalists, we start to see huge amounts of storage for compact SUVs. The Hyundai Tucson is a Korean car with a dynamic design and technology-laden interior. Advanced driver assistance features, like blind-spot cameras and cruise control, make highway driving effortless. Since it’s Korean-made, the Hyundai is areliable vehicle that doesn’t come from Toyotaor Honda.
1.6-liter hybrid
226 hp
258 lb-ft
115 mph
7.8 seconds
2Honda CR-V
Cargo Capacity: 39.3 cu-ft
Finding a high rank on many lists, the Honda CR-V proves itself to be a brilliant all-round vehicle. As well as impressive trunk space, it boasts a strong, structural exterior cut with sharp lines, and an expensive-looking interior with crisp digital displays in an affordable package. The hybrid returns up to 37 MPG from the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, and glides through the streets using an electronic continuously variable transmission.
204 hp
138 lb-ft
8 seconds
1Kia Sportage
Cargo Capacity: 39.5 cu-ft
Earning bragging rights as a hybrid SUV with the most cargo space is the Kia Sportage. Not the plug-in, though, as that bulky system takes up more of the trunk. The hybrid Sportage is a value-based SUV that doesn’t cheap out where it matters. The cabin is fitted with soft-touch materials and a natural layout centered around the driver. Fancy features like a panoramic sunroof and hands-free tailgate are available on higher trims, and others add dark accents for a tougher appearance on the road.
227 hp
