SUVs have replaced sedans as the default choice for most new car buyers, and it’s easy to see why. Today’s SUVs require far fewer compromises than they used to. For example, while gas guzzling was once the norm, many SUVs now offer fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. Saving fuel helps keep ownership costs low, but that can be negated by poor reliability.

That’s why we’ve identified the most reliable hybrid SUVs for the 2026 model year. Predicting long-term reliability for brand new vehicles is always challenging, but by analyzing past model years and real-world data, we can pinpoint which models are most likely to keep running smoothly for years to come.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

Honda has one of the best reputations for reliability in the business, and while it does have several SUVs in its lineup, only the CR-V is offered with a hybrid powertrain. That’s okay, though, because the CR-V is Honda’s bestselling model in North America—SUV or otherwise. 

Honda’s two-motor hybrid system eliminates a conventional transmission for maximum efficiency, giving the CR-V up to 40 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 37 mpg combined with all-wheel drive (it’s the only Honda hybrid available with all-wheel drive). 

The CR-V Hybrid is a few years into its current generation, which should mean fewer potential issues. For 2026, it gains larger touchscreens, standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and a new TrailSport trim level.

Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Sorento Hybrid was the top-ranked three-row SUV in Consumer Reports’ most recent reliability survey, making it one of a handful of models to outperform their non-hybrid counterparts. The current generation arrived for the 2021 model year but received a facelift for 2025 that makes it look a lot more current inside and out. 

Unlike Honda, Kia prefers to use a conventional six-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor, a setup that returns up to 37 mpg combined in front-wheel drive models and 34 mpg combined in all-wheel drive models. For 2026, a Terrain Mode is now standard with all-wheel drive, and a new X-Line package adds blacked out trim.

Lexus NX Hybrid

Lexus is a fixture in pretty much every reliability survey and study, and the NX compact SUV doesn’t let the side down. It was among the most reliable models in the most recent Consumer Reports rankings, after all. 

Last redesigned for the 2022 model year, the NX uses Lexus parent Toyota’s ubiquitous hybrid system and adds a lower-priced front-wheel drive option in addition to the previously available all-wheel drive model, which uses a dedicated electric motor to drive the rear wheels in place of a driveshaft. The NX Hybrid is EPA-rated at 40 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 39 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.

Lexus RX Hybrid

If you’re looking for a bigger SUV, the Lexus RX is available with the same hybrid system as the NX, and also has a good reputation for reliability. It was the second-ranked midsize premium SUV in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, behind the Lexus GX (which isn’t sold as a hybrid). 

Lexus actually has two RX hybrid models: the RX 350h and the RX 500h F Sport Performance, both with standard all-wheel drive. The RX 350h is EPA-rated at 36 mpg combined, but the RX 500h drops to 27 mpg combined, a tradeoff for this model’s 366 horsepower—120 hp more than the RX 350h.

Subaru Forester Hybrid

The Forester was just redesigned for the 2025 model year, adding a hybrid powertrain option for the first time. While redesigns can sometimes compromise reliability as new components and production processes are introduced, the Forester maintained a well-above-average reliability score in the latest Consumer Reports survey. 

The hybrid model also combines tried-and-true components, including Toyota’s hybrid system and a Subaru boxer engine and mechanical all-wheel drive system. Its 35 mpg combined EPA rating is slightly less than some competitors, but Subaru viewed it as a reasonable compromise to maintain greater off-road capability.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a reliable and frugal compact sedan, but for those who want more cargo space, or who just like the look of an SUV, Toyota also offers the Corolla Cross. This cute ute shares the Corolla’s TNGA-C platform and powertrain, albeit with a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that bumps up horsepower to account for the Cross’ added weight, and standard all-wheel drive. 

The Corolla Cross Hybrid was introduced for the 2023 model year and gets a mild facelift and larger available touchscreen for 2026, while maintaining its impressive 42 mpg combined EPA rating.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

One of the first hybrid SUVs, the Highlander Hybrid has become a staple of taxi and ride-share fleets because of its dependability, fuel efficiency, and three-row seating. It was the second-ranked three-row SUV in the most recent Consumer Reports reliability survey (just behind the Kia Sorento Hybrid discussed above), which bodes well for the 2026 model, as it carries over basically unchanged. 

Using similar powertrain tech to other Toyota and Lexus hybrids, the Highlander Hybrid is estimated to get up to 35 mpg (all-wheel drive was made standard for the 2025 model year) while offering seating for up to eight and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.