Best hybrid SUV for city driving and occasional dirt roads
Which hybrid SUV should you buy: Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona or Subaru Crosstrek?
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QUESTION
Hi John,
Looking for a good mid-size hybrid SUV, mostly for inner city driving, with the occasional off-road/regional gallivant.
I was previously considering the Subaru Crosstek Hybrid, but reading your review has lead me to the Hyundai Kona, specifically the "hybrid Elite".
How have the hybrid models held up, in your opinion? I am looking to buy soon (within the next month or so) and your advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Regards,
-Anonymous-
ANSWER
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If you want the safest all-round recommendation in this part of the market, Toyota is probably still the moral high ground when it comes to hybrids. They’ve been doing it longer than anyone, the systems are well proven, and resale value is generally very strong.
For more on Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid click here >
The Kona Hybrid is a perfectly reasonable urban SUV, however, and I don’t have any fundamental objection to it. Cars of this nature are all quite compatible with occasional regional travel, but they are really designed primarily for commuting and general road use rather than genuine off-roading.
For more on Hyundai Kona hybrid click here >
That distinction matters. If by “off-road” you mean maintained dirt roads, gravel roads, national parks and the occasional rough regional access road, most conventional SUVs will cope reasonably well if driven sensibly. If you mean actual off-road tracks, ruts, mud, rocks or substantial ground-clearance demands, I would not choose a Kona Hybrid, or most other front-drive urban hybrids, for that job.
The Subaru is a little different because the AWD system gives it an advantage on dirt roads, slippery surfaces and loose gravel. I’d still describe it as dirt-road capable rather than a serious off-roader.
For more on the Subaru Crosstrek click here >
So I’d frame the choice this way: if the overwhelming majority of your driving is inner-city and suburban, with occasional regional touring, I’d place Toyota hybrids very high on the list, with the Kona Hybrid also worthy of consideration. If regular dirt-road travel is genuinely part of the requirement, Subaru’s AWD starts to make more sense.
I’d concentrate on the actual job the car needs to do rather than buying extra capability for a trip you might make once or twice a year.
Once you’ve worked out exactly which vehicle and specification you want, we’d also be happy to assist with the price. It can save you a significant amount of time and minimise your exposure to the fairly high-stakes negotiation process with car salespeople, particularly when you’re ready to buy and just want to get the best realistic deal without the usual dealership theater.
Regards,
John
