
Hybrid SUVs are highly practical machines, offering ample space inside and strong fuel efficiency. Although these everyday benefits are the reasons they're so popular, many mainstream hybrid SUVs lack a certain driving verve. But here at Road & Track, we like to have our cake and eat it too. That's why we rounded up this list of exciting-to-drive hybrid SUVs that get significant power bumps from their gas-electric powertrains. Today's best high-performance SUVs are fully capable of being good driving partners, and automakers have found ways to augment their enthusiast value with electrified powertrains. We've ranked them here from most powerful to least powerful, and you'll find a wide mix of vehicles at different price points and power levels.
More Car Rankings: Best Hybrid AWD Cars | Best Hybrid SUVs | Hybrid Cars and SUVs with the Best MPG | Most Powerful Small SUVs
Lamborghini Urus SE
Horsepower: 789 hp
Price: $262,631
The Urus was already bonkers before it was electrified. But when Lamborghini added hybrid components to the twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 to create the Urus SE, it only boosted this super-SUV's performance panache. The sprint to 60 mph takes a mere 2.9 seconds, but the Urus SE is not just about straight-line speed. A hang-on-style AWD system allows for torque-vectoring and even anticipates the needed power splits based on road condition and throttle position.

BMW XM Label
Horsepower: 738 hp
Price: $187,875
The BMW XM Label isn't winning any beauty pageants, but it will likely win the drag race. The XM SUV was heralded as Bavaria's highest-horsepower M car upon release with its hybrid V-8 powertrain putting out 738 hp, and it still holds that title. The 25.7-kWh battery pack provides an electric driving range of around 30 miles. A claimed 3.6-second sprint to 60 mph is impressive for an SUV that weighs 6054 pounds.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid
Horsepower: 729 hp
Price: $161,050
The Porsche Cayenne practically invented the idea of the performance SUV upon its release in 2002, and it is still standing strong as a leader in the class today. The hybrid versions of the Cayenne stand at the top of Porsche's trim hierarchy. The top-dog Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid has a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 engine and benefits from a 21.8-kWh battery pack and a pair of electric motors to boost its power figures. Turbo E-Hybrid models can dash to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, thanks to a whopping 700 pound-feet of torque.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Review

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance
Horsepower: 671 hp
Price: $87,200
Mercedes-AMG's GLC-class is one of the smaller entrants on this list, but don't let its bite-sized appearance fool you. The compact crossover packs a mean punch thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that's augmented by a plug-in-hybrid system for a total of 671 hp. If you thought the horsepower figure was high, torque levels are set at an even more aggressive 752 pound-feet. All this power makes for a brisk 60-mph sprint of 3.1 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Details

Range Rover Sport P550 PHEV / Range Rover P550e
Horsepower: 542 hp
Price: $120,550
The Range Rover is essentially the gold standard for luxury SUVs. It has a timeless design and offers a plush ride and surprising levels of power, too. Available in both the Range Rover Sport (pictured) and the full-size Range Rover, the P550 plug-in-hybrid powertrain features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that is aided by a 31.8-kWh battery pack. Combined output is 542 horsepower, and the plug-in-hybrid model also boasts an impressive 590 pound-feet of torque.

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
Horsepower: 456 hp
Price: $242,050
Bentley's electrified Bentayga is not the flagship model. The English luxury brand shook up its SUV lineup last year by dropping the W-12 engine in favor of a twin-turbo V-8, but this crown-jewel powerplant remained void of electrification. However, prospective Bentley buyers still have the choice of an electrified, turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 in the Bentayga S Hybrid or Azure Hybrid trim levels. Silky smooth power delivery has long been part of Bentley's plush character, but even these hybrid Bentayga models can sprint effortlessly to highway speeds with 516 pound-feet of torque on tap.

BMW X5 xDrive50e
Horsepower: 483 hp
Price: $74,975
The BMW X5 is a certified classic in the luxury-SUV segment after 26 years on the market. While the high-performance X5 M Competition is tops in the power department, the xDrive50e PHEV version can still hold its own in the horsepower wars. A silky turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is paired with an electric motor and a 19.2-kWh battery pack. It's almost as quick as the top-end nonhybrid X5, too, with a 60-mph run of 3.9 seconds.

Volvo XC60 T8
Horsepower: 455 hp
Price: $62,445
Volvo is better known for safety-forward technology and its minimalist Scandinavian design, but its plug-in-hybrid models are more fiery than you might expect. The setup in the compact Volvo XC60 pumps out an impressive power figure of 455 horsepower. There's even a Polestar Engineered trim level with chassis upgrades and sporty-looking design touches.

Volvo XC90 T8
Horsepower: 455 hp
Price: $73,195
Volvo's XC90 was once its flagship model. Tough as a moose and safe as can be, the XC90 isn't known for being a traditionally sporty SUV. However, the T8 plug-in hybrid has a turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline-four that's aided by electric motors and a 14.7-kWh battery that provides some all-electric range. For such a heavy car (5124 pounds), the XC90 Hybrid manages to hit 60 mph in an impressive 4.8 seconds.

Lexus TX 550h+
Horsepower: 404 hp
Price: $78,560
The Lexus TX is the latest three-row SUV from the luxury Japanese automaker, and the TX 550h+ is the top-of-the-line plug-in hybrid version with a surprising amount of pep. Powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 and two electric motors, the TX 550h+ is the most powerful model in the range. Its total output of 404 hp is good for a 60-mph time of 5.2 seconds, thanks in part to standard AWD. Plus, Lexus says you can drive a total of 33 miles on all-electric power.
The Lexus TX Excels as a Classy People Mover

Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance
Horsepower: 366 hp
Price: $66,150
A tried-and-true staple of the luxury-SUV market, the Lexus RX's hybrid versions make good on the promise of practical, economical luxury. The RX 500h F Sport Performance is the most enthusiast-oriented of the bunch, with a hybridized and turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four as its powerplant. All-wheel drive is standard, and power output sits at 366 hp, which is good for a 60-mph run of 5.5 seconds.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max
Horsepower: 362 hp
Price: $60,270
The Grand Highlander is purpose-built to carry around a big family. With standard third-row seating and a lengthy wheelbase, the Grand Highlander Hybrid's duties aren't backroad-focused, but Toyota knows that the best family excursions can run off the beaten path or even require some extra towing capacity. That's why the 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four is offered on upper trim levels. This powertrain makes the Grand Highlander one of the quickest mainstream three-row SUVs, getting to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
Toyota Grand Highlander Review

2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
Horsepower: 320 hp
Price: $50,000 (est)
The Toyota RAV4 is set to be revamped for the 2026 model year. While the new model has yet to hit the streets, we are opening a spot on this list for the incoming RAV4 GR Sport. This new trim level is a collaboration with Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, and the enthusiast-focused RAV4 actually gets a significant power boost compared with the rest of the hybrid-only RAV4 lineup. Specifically, the RAV4 GR Sport has a 320-hp plug-in-hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors. That's good for a claimed 60-mph time of 5.6 seconds.

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