Used Hybrid SUVs in Indianapolis

The popularity of SUVs among US buyers is forcing automakers to expand their lineup, produce more models, and also add hybrid versions. This makes cars more economical and better for the environment. Read more about the hybrid car’s pros and cons .

Our mechanics have compiled a list of the best hybrid SUVs in Indianapolis, which are considered the most advantageous, environmentally friendly, and safe.

• Toyota RAV4 . This compact hybrid SUV excels its competitors thanks to its balanced performance, upscale interior, and remarkable reliability rating. The RAV4 Hybrid has the best combination of quality and value in its class. It is also offered in four well-equipped trim levels.
• Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek is a worthy choice in the hybrid class. It is an all-wheel-drive compact SUV that is suitable for city driving and off-road traveling. The car has impressive performance with polished road behavior, an excellent combination of engine and CVT, as well as outstanding technical equipment.
• Ford Escape. The Escape marked the return of the hybrid engine to the Ford compact SUV lineup in 2020. It has a wide range of standard equipment, including a full set of of high-tech safety options. This compact crossover also stands out for its performance, good handling, and comfortable ride.
• Lexus UX. The Lexus UX Hybrid has numerous standard features, including pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure and forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and emergency braking. This SUV also has some of the best fuel economy ratings in its class.
• BMW X5 xDrive45e. This BMW SUV is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Compared to its diverse competitors, BMW’s hybrid vehicle impresses with its smooth drivetrain, top highway ride comfort, stylish interior, and relatively low cost. And of course, the xDrive45e does not deprive its owner of the advantages expected from BMW, such as a balanced chassis, high power, and recognizable German style.
• Mercedes-Benz GLE 350de 4Matic. Mercedes-Benz’s global electrification program is not only an indicator of the brand’s ambitions. It demonstrates the innovative potential of the automotive giant. The result of their efforts is the powerful SUV GLE 350 de 4MATIC. The plug-in hybrid features Torque on Demand all-wheel drive for even more agility and safety on the road.
• Mitsubishi Outlander. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is an affordable hybrid compact SUV with good handling, performance, and technical equipment. A spacious interior, huge trunk,  well-recognizable exterior from the prominent Japanese manufacturer, plus excellent dynamics from the hybrid engine will never leave you disappointed.

A modern SUV with a hybrid power plant has many advantages over other cars with internal combustion engines and even electric cars. Read electric vs. hybrid cars comparison .

A hybrid car is powered by two or more engines – internal combustion and electric. Therefore, it has the advantages and disadvantages of both engines.

The electric motor develops maximum torque from the start, but at higher speeds, it loses momentum. Therefore, the start of electric cars seems to be fast enough. Modern gasoline engines develop the most power and torque in the range from 1500 to 4500 rpm. Therefore, they must be “twisted” to achieve the best dynamic performance. The combination of these two motors makes acceleration dynamic and smooth.

When a gas car accelerates, the engine first needs to reach the maximum torque range, and this is 4500 rpm for a given internal combustion engine. This takes precious seconds. But hybrid SUVs turn on two engines at a start. First, the car uses the torque of the electric motor, and then the power of a gasoline engine.

Also, the hybrid has an advantage in elasticity when you need to overtake a truck on the highway. When two motors are turned on, the speed increases instantly, without delay for gear changes.

At first glance, it may seem that two engines use more power, but this is not the case.

In a traffic jam during a stop or slow movement, the internal combustion engine does not work – it saves fuel. But the energy that the electric motor spends on this movement is essentially free because the internal combustion engine gives off unused energy. Thus, the gasoline versions have the highest fuel consumption in urban conditions due to constant acceleration and useless work during stops, while the hybrids have the opposite. In the city, such vehicles spend the least, and on the highway, where the gasoline engine is constantly running, – the same or slightly more.

Hybrid cars are somewhat more expensive than gasoline ones. However, during operation, they save fuel to the owner. And maintenance costs are similar to gasoline versions – modern hybrid systems require virtually no maintenance. Due to recuperation, the brake mechanisms of hybrids wear out more slowly.

The most pleasant moment – when reselling, used hybrid SUVs, they are always more expensive than their counterparts with internal combustion engines. So, buying a used hybrid is a clever bargain.

This is not always the case with electric cars – new ones are much more expensive than hybrids and versions with internal combustion engines, while in the secondary market, their price depends on the residual battery capacity.

And if you want to buy a  used hybrid SUV in Indianapolis, get in touch, and we’ll provide you with the best selling offers .