Top 5 Best Hybrid SUVs under 70k for 2023 in Australia

Are you in the market for a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly SUV that doesn't break the bank? Look no further. In this article, we'll explore the top 5 best hybrid SUVs under 70k for 2023 in Australia. These vehicles combine luxury, versatility, and impressive fuel efficiency, making them the perfect choice for individuals or families who want to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on style and performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Plug-in hybrid SUVs under 70k in Australia offer a combination of luxury, fuel efficiency, and versatility.
• These eco-friendly vehicles are ideal for individuals or families looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on style and performance.
• The top 5 best hybrid SUVs under 70k for 2023 in Australia provide a compelling combination of affordability, luxury, and versatility.
• Investing in a hybrid SUV offers numerous benefits, including fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and the ability to contribute to a greener environment.
• Choosing a hybrid SUV is a wise investment for individuals or families looking for a practical and eco-friendly vehicle without compromising on style and performance.

The hybrid SUV market in Australia has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the ever-increasing demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. As consumers become more conscious of their carbon footprint and seek ways to reduce their impact on the environment, hybrid SUVs have emerged as a popular choice in the Australian automotive market.

Advantages of Owning a Hybrid SUV

There are several advantages to owning a plug-in hybrid SUV in Australia. Firstly, hybrid SUVs offer lower fuel costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. The integration of an electric motor in hybrid SUVs allows for improved fuel efficiency, resulting in reduced trips to the petrol station and providing long-term cost savings.

In addition to cost savings, hybrid SUVs also contribute to the reduction of emissions. By combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, hybrid SUVs emit fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants into the atmosphere. This makes them a greener alternative, helping to protect the environment and combat climate change.

Furthermore, owning a hybrid SUV in Australia may come with potential tax incentives. The Australian government promotes the adoption of environmentally-friendly vehicles through various incentives and grants, including lower registration costs, reduced luxury car tax, and exemption from certain duties. These incentives not only encourage the purchase of hybrid SUVs but also provide financial benefits to owners.

The Rise of Hybrid Technology in Australian SUVs

The rise of hybrid technology in Australian SUVs has been driven by advancements in powertrain efficiency and electric range capabilities. Hybrid SUVs now offer improved fuel economy without compromising on performance or versatility. With enhanced battery technology and regenerative braking systems, hybrid SUVs can harness and store energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration and braking, resulting in improved efficiency.

Australian SUV manufacturers have embraced hybrid technology, integrating it into their lineup of vehicles to meet the growing demand for more sustainable transportation options. From compact to full-size SUVs, hybrid models are now available across various segments, offering consumers a wider selection of green SUV options. The inclusion of hybrid technology in Australian SUVs demonstrates the commitment of automotive manufacturers to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Let’s take a look at Driva’s top 5 hybrid SUV picks that fit within a $70,000 budget.

Why we love it

We love the XC60 for its elegant design, spacious cabin, and impressive fuel efficiency. The Volvo XC60 seamlessly combines style and functionality, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a premium hybrid SUV. Its sophisticated interior is crafted with high-quality materials, providing a comfortable and refined driving experience. The XC60 also offers advanced safety features, such as collision avoidance technology and lane-keeping assist, ensuring peace of mind on the road.

Price and Specs

 The Volvo XC60 is set to impress with its blend of elegance, power, and cutting-edge technology.

Starting Price:

• The 2022 Volvo XC60, blending elegance and power, starts at around $61,990

Engine and Performance:

• Available with T5 or T6 powertrains, delivering up to 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
• Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth, efficient performance.

Safety Features:

• Loaded with advanced features like lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Includes dual frontal, side chest, side head-protecting (curtain), and driver knee airbags.
• Comes standard with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Support Systems (LSS), and Speed Assist Systems (SAS).
• Awarded a 5-star ANCAP rating, underscoring Volvo's commitment to safety.

Interior and Technology:

• The cabin offers luxury with high-quality materials, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof.
• Features a top-notch infotainment system with a large touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Ample cargo space makes it practical for daily use and long trips.

Design and Aesthetics:

• Retains Volvo's signature sleek, sophisticated aesthetic with a modern, minimalist exterior.
• Features a bold grille, distinctive Thor's Hammer headlights, and sleek lines for standout design and enhanced aerodynamics.

Why we love it

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a standout choice in the hybrid SUV market, offering a perfect combination of style, comfort, and fuel efficiency. With its sleek design, spacious interior, and advanced safety technology, the Sorento Hybrid provides an exceptional driving experience for both individuals and families.

We love the Sorento Hybrid for its impressive towing capacity, making it a versatile SUV that can handle all of your adventure needs. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway or towing a boat for a day on the water, the Sorento Hybrid has the power and capability to get you there.

Price and Specs

 The Kia Sorento hybrid is a great option for those looking for a large 7-seater people mover that is stylish, practical and fuel-efficient SUV.

Starting Price:

• The 2023 Kia Sorento GT-Line 7 Seat HEV FWD begins at $66,750, offering value for its features and capabilities.

Engine and Performance:

• Boasts a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower.
• The power is efficiently managed by a six-speed automatic transmission for a smooth and responsive drive.

Fuel Efficiency:

• Delivers an impressive 37 mpg combined, ranking it as one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its category.
• This efficiency is not only cost-effective but also reduces environmental impact.

Safety Features:

• Equipped with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, ensuring top-tier safety standards.
• Features Kia's Drive Wise driver assistance suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
• Autonomous emergency braking, lane support system with LKA, LDW, ELK, and SAS are standard across all variants.

Technology and Comfort:

• Comes with advanced technology features, enhancing the driving experience.
• The interior is spacious and well-equipped, making it a comfortable choice for families and individuals.

Why we love it 

The Hyundai Santa Fe is one of the best large SUVs that has won the hearts of many car enthusiasts around the world. It's no surprise that it's considered one of the best cars in its category. The Santa Fe has been praised for its sleek design, luxurious interior, and top-notch safety features. However, what truly makes it stand out is its hybrid capabilities. 

The Santa Fe offers the best features as a hybrid SUV, providing excellent fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without sacrificing power or performance. Its advanced technology, comfortable ride, and spacious interior make it a great choice for families or anyone looking for a reliable and versatile vehicle. Whether it's for a daily commute or a road trip adventure, the Hyundai Santa Fe is the perfect blend of style, functionality, and eco-friendly driving. It's no wonder why so many people love the Santa Fe.

Price and Specs

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a large SUV that offers the perfect combination of performance, comfort, and value. With its spacious interior and top-notch safety features, it has quickly become known as one of the best cars in its class.

Starting Price:

• The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at around $46,050, varying with trim levels and additional features.

Engine and Performance:

• Equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, it offers 276 horsepower.

Notable for fuel efficiency, estimated fuel consumption starting from 6L/100km

Safety Features:

• Includes Hyundai's SmartSense technology with forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and safe exit assist.
• Some variants feature a Child Presence Alert and a Safe Exit Assist system for enhanced safety.
• Boasts a 5-star ANCAP rating, reflecting its high safety standards.

Technology and Comfort:

• Comes with a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced driver-assist features.
• Spacious interior with generous cargo space, ideal for families and daily commuting.

Driving Experience:

• Offers a smooth, comfortable ride, suitable for a variety of driving conditions.
• Its versatility makes it a great choice for both family trips and everyday use.

Why we love it

The Lexus NX hybrid is a standout choice in the hybrid SUV segment, offering a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. With its striking design, refined interior, and advanced features, the NX delivers an exceptional driving experience.

One of the reasons we love the NX is its premium interior. The cabin is crafted with high-quality materials and boasts stylish design elements that exude elegance and sophistication. Additionally, the NX offers comfortable seating, ample legroom, and a range of advanced technologies that enhance convenience and connectivity.

Price and Specs

The Lexus NX stands out as a luxury compact SUV, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and advanced technology. It emerges as a competitive option in its segment.

Starting Price: For the 2023 model, the Lexus NX begins at around $43,805, positioning it attractively in the luxury SUV market.

Engine Performance:

• The Hybrid Model pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors, emphasizing enhanced fuel efficiency.
• The standard model boasts 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing robust power.
• The hybrid model, on the other hand, delivers 194 horsepower and excels with an impressive fuel consumption rate of around 31 mpg combined.

Safety Features:

• The Lexus NX is equipped with dual frontal, side chest-protecting, and side head-protecting (curtain) airbags, along with a driver knee airbag.
• A centre airbag, providing additional protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes, is standard across all variants.
• The NX has earned a 5-star ANCAP rating, demonstrating its high safety standards.

Technological Features: The Lexus NX is packed with advanced features, including a 10.3-inch infotainment display and a touchpad controller. Smartphone integration and a suite of driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, add to its appeal.

Interior and Comfort: The vehicle promises a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. The interior is marked by high-quality materials, a spacious and well-designed layout, and supportive seats that ensure comfort on long journeys. Additionally, the NX offers substantial cargo space, making it a practical choice for a variety of needs.

Handling and Drive: The NX delivers a smooth and composed ride with responsive steering and minimal body roll in corners. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for those requiring extra traction.

The Toyota RAV4 is a popular hybrid SUV that ticks all the boxes when it comes to fuel efficiency, reliability, and versatility. It combines the best of both worlds, offering impressive performance while minimizing its impact on the environment.

Why we love it

We love the Toyota RAV4 for many reasons. Firstly, it boasts a spacious interior that provides ample room for both passengers and cargo. Whether you're heading out for a weekend adventure or running errands around town, the RAV4 has the space you need to accommodate your lifestyle.

In addition to its spaciousness, the RAV4 offers a comfortable ride that makes every journey enjoyable. With its smooth handling and advanced suspension system, you can cruise along the roads with confidence, no matter the terrain.

Another standout feature of the RAV4 is its off-road capabilities. Designed to tackle challenging terrains, this hybrid SUV is equipped with all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance, making it a great choice for those who love exploring the great outdoors.

Price and Specs

As a standout in the compact SUV market, the Toyota RAV4 offers reliability and durability.

Starting price: Toyota's 2023 model starting price of  $39,760 makes it an attractive choice for various buyers.

Engine and Performance:

• The base model is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, yielding 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
• Fuel efficiency is a highlight, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
• For those seeking eco-friendliness, a hybrid model is also available, balancing performance with exceptional fuel economy.

Safety Features:

• The RAV4 is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control.
• It boasts a 5-star ANCAP safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, ensuring top-tier safety.

Technology and Comfort:

• The base model features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Higher trims offer luxuries like a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a JBL sound system.
• The RAV4's interior is spacious and comfortable, ideal for families and adventurers, offering generous cargo space and available all-wheel drive.

Driving Experience:

• The standard 2.5-liter engine delivers a balanced mix of power and efficiency.
• The RAV4’s safety suite includes advanced features like pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control, providing a secure driving experience.

In Australia, there are several other hybrid SUV options available for over $70k, including the Mazda CX-90. The Mazda CX-90 offers a spacious and luxurious interior, as well as impressive fuel efficiency and performance for its class. 

Another option to consider is the Nissan Rogue Hybrid, which boasts a sleek and modern design, advanced technology features, and a comfortable ride. Subaru also offers the Outback Hybrid, an all-wheel drive SUV with a rugged yet refined exterior, and a versatile and well-equipped interior. For those looking for a more adventurous and off-road capable hybrid SUV, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a top contender. 

The Wrangler 4xe combines the iconic Jeep styling and off-road prowess with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Each of these hybrid SUV options brings something unique to the table, whether it's luxury, efficiency, versatility, or rugged performance, catering to a variety of needs and preferences in the Australian market.

Long-Term Costs and Warranty Considerations

Proper maintenance and servicing are essential for hybrid SUVs to ensure optimal performance and longevity. While hybrid vehicles offer many advantages, including fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, they also require specific care to keep them running smoothly for years to come.

One important consideration for hybrid SUV owners is the long-term costs associated with maintenance and repairs. Factors such as battery replacement, warranty coverage, and regular service intervals can impact the overall cost of ownership. Hybrid vehicle batteries typically have a long lifespan, but eventually, they may need to be replaced, which can be a significant expense. However, it's important to note that many hybrid SUVs come with warranty coverage for their batteries, alleviating some of the potential costs.

When it comes to servicing your hybrid SUV, manufacturers often offer specific servicing programs tailored to hybrid technology. These programs ensure that trained technicians are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to handle the unique maintenance and repair needs of hybrid vehicles. By following the manufacturer's recommended servicing program, you can have peace of mind knowing that your hybrid SUV is receiving the necessary care it needs.

In summarising the best hybrid SUVs under 70k for 2023 in Australia, the Volvo XC60, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Lexus NX, and Kia Sorento Hybrid stand out. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of the SUV lineup, combining midsize luxury, eco-friendly hybrid systems, and the practicality of electric SUVs. They offer a unique blend of the best SUVs' features, from the electric allure of the Lexus NX, akin to the EVs from Tesla, to the family-friendly three-row setup in the Hyundai Santa Fe.

These hybrids are more than just vehicles; they are a testament to Australia’s evolving automotive landscape. The Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sorento Hybrid, for example, demonstrate the seamless integration of hybrid technology, offering both fuel efficiency and the capability for off-roading adventures. The Volvo XC60 and Lexus NX, on the other hand, are edging closer to the pure electric experience, offering a glimpse into the future of eco-conscious driving.

With top safety picks approved by ANCAP, these are some of the best SUVs that assure safety and reliability. They represent a significant shift in the auto industry, not just as cars but as symbols of sustainability, luxury, and practicality, all within a reasonable base price range. This selection of SUVs under 70k illustrates that whether you need a small SUV for city driving or a larger model for needing more space, there's an SUV to fit every Australian lifestyle and budget.

How Driva Can Help You Finance Your Next Vehicle Purchase

 Driva can help finance your next vehicle purchase by providing personalised car loan quotes in just a few clicks, without impacting your credit score. With the ability to compare over 30 lenders, you can easily find the best loan match for your needs. And the best part? There are no hidden fees. Driva makes the car financing process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Whether you're looking to buy a new or used car, Driva is here to help you secure the financing you need to drive away in your dream vehicle.

What are the key features of the Mazda CX-9 in the context of being a top hybrid SUV in Australia?

While the Mazda CX-9 stands out as a top SUV in Australia, it is not a hybrid model. The Mazda CX-90 and CX-60 are the only PHEV models by Mazda.

Is the Toyota Kluger available in a hybrid version, and does it match the price range under 70k?

Yes, the Toyota Kluger is available in a hybrid version, and it falls within the price range under 70k, making it a practical and affordable choice for customers looking for a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly SUV option.

What sets the Nissan X-Trail apart as one of the best hybrid SUVs under 70k for 2023 in Australia?

The Nissan X-Trail is distinguished as one of the best hybrid SUVs due to its electric SUV offering, competitive pricing under 70k, and the availability of a hybrid version that combines eco-friendly features with practicality and performance.

Does the Subaru Outback come with a hybrid version, and how does it fit the bill as a top hybrid SUV under 70k in Australia?

The Subaru Outback does not offer a hybrid version, however, the Subaru offers the the Crosstrek and Forester in PHEV models that align with the under 70k price range while excelling in the mid-size SUV segment.

What are the fuel efficiency and performance aspects of the Jeep Cherokee in the context of being a top hybrid SUV under 70k in Australia?

The Jeep Cherokee stands out for its fuel efficiency and performance, offering a well-rounded package in the hybrid SUV category under 70k, making it an excellent choice for customers seeking a blend of functionality and performance.