Latest Hybrid SUVs in UAE: Top Range and Tech

Abu Dhabi:  Looking at the vibrant automotive market of the United Arab Emirates, there are several key trends emerging. Among the top markets in the Middle East in terms of annual sales, today car buyers have multiple choices. Apart from conventionally powered cars, there is a plethora of choices including electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid, etc. After several years, the UAE hybrid SUV market has matured significantly in recent years. This is one positive trend driven by higher fuel prices, growing urban congestion, expanding highway routes, and buyers' preference for  more fuel-efficient cars with a balance of efficiency with practicality without missing modern features. 

Hybrids clearly stand out in meeting all of these requirements. Furthermore, a hybrid powertrain combines petrol and electric power for superior economy, reduced noise, and lower emissions. Unlike full EVs, buyers don’t really need to deal with range anxiety. Moreover, our government is also actively supporting adoption through reduced registration fees for eco-friendly models. As a result, automakers are aggressively bringing their global hybrid powertrain to Emirati buyers, offering them a wide choice. 

On clear cost parameters, hybrid SUVs seem to provide clear benefits. For example, with 20,000 km of annually running, a conventional V6 SUV consumes roughly AED 4,800 in fuel. A hybrid averaging 20 km per litre reduces this to about AED 2,660, which almost halves the price, and hence, considerable savings over five years. Buyers are starting to understand the real advantages and become more open to buying a hybrid SUV. 

Hybrids differ from petrol SUVs through electric motor assistance at low speeds, such as in bumper-to-bumper traffic of our big cities. This allows seamless acceleration, reduced wear, and stronger resale values. While there is an initial price premium, with high mileage the cost is easily recoverable. 

For 2025, leading hybrids offer strong efficiency, advanced technology, and adaptations for local conditions, including robust air conditioning and cabin filtration. We list the top newest models with long range and high tech.

The Big Players Right Now

Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the real standout in the mid-range. Price range between AED 179,000 - 231,000. This three-row SUV comes with a premium interior with a focus on comfort and convenience. The driving experience is pretty familiar and true to what Mazda is known for. This isn't just an SUV, but rather a lot more, feels like something worth driving.

The hybrid version puts out 323 hp of power, with up to 26 miles on pure electric power. That's enough for most daily commutes without touching the petrol engine. You can charge it overnight with a regular outlet, and you're set for the day's commute to the office. The cabin has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and parking sensors both front and back. The seats are genuinely comfortable even on long drives across the Emirates.

Hybrid SUV Comparison at a Glance

Model	Price (AED)	Power (HP)	Electric Range	Best For
Mazda CX-90	179,000–231,000	323	26 miles (PHEV)	Balanced luxury and driving fun
Jetour G700	179,900–230,000	900	TBA	Off-road adventures + tech
Lexus NX	2,23,000	245	TBA	Quiet, reliable, premium feel
Zeekr 9X	250,000–540,000	885	Extended range sys.	Maximum tech and performance
BYD Denza N9	~200,000 (TBA)	590	202 km (EV)	Speed and value
Toyota Highlander	170,000–200,000	240	Hybrid, No PHEV EV	Big families, 7 seats, low running costs

Zeekr 9X

Here's the new player turning heads. Zeekr just launched the 9X at the Shanghai Auto Show, and the UAE is getting it soon with an expected price of AED 250,000 - 540,000. This is a hybrid technology at another level, the most advanced and latest in the world of hybrids by these Chinese brands. It is even referred to as a super electric system. That's a mix of EV, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range technology all in one. 

It has Nvidia's autonomous driving chip, and the interior features a 35.4-inch panoramic digital display, heated and massage front seats. A 17.3-inch entertainment screen for rear passengers. It's basically a living room with wheels. A 48-volt system runs the suspension, giving you active anti-roll bars and two-chamber air springs for handling that rivals sports cars.

Jetour G700

Jetour just brought the G700 to the UAE, and it's worth paying attention to. This Chinese brand is serious about the GCC market, and the UAE in particular. 

The G700 is built on the GAIA platform, made specifically for hybrid off-road vehicles. It's the first to use a dual-speed hybrid transmission. The engine produces a claimed 900 horsepower. For context, that's an entire other league. The cabin is nicely designed with features such as a 35.4-inch panoramic display and a 15.8-inch touchscreen, heated and massaging seats up front. At the rear is a separate 17.3-inch entertainment screen. This isn't a stripped-down SUV, and what makes it special is the off-road tech with an AI-powered cockpit. If you actually take your SUV into the desert, this thing is built for it. The ground clearance goes up to 350 mm, which is just awesome. 

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander is the family workhorse. Three rows, comfortable for everyone, and it just works. Toyota's hybrid technology is proven. After 20 years of making hybrids, they know what they're doing. The Highlander Hybrid isn't the typical flashy, but it's spacious, the reliability is legendary, and parents love the safety features. If you need to haul people and gear and don't want to think about your car for the next eight years, this is it.

Lexus NX Hybrid

Lexus brings that quiet, refined luxury feel that Japanese brands do so well. The NX Hybrid isn't the fastest, but it's smooth. Everything feels solid. And this is certainly a premium starting from AED 223,000. The interior is premium without being flashy. You get leather, responsive steering, and all the safety tech you'd expect. It's perfect if you want something dignified and reliable. The kind of car that just works, year after year.

BYD Denza N9

Another premium hybrid SUV option is the BYD Denza brand coming to the UAE soon. Expected to be around AED 200,000, the N9 is a plug-in hybrid with 590 horsepower. That's faster than most sports cars—0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. It has a massive 202 km of pure electric range. Total range hits about 1,302 km on a full tank and charge. The cabin is packed with tech. Premium materials throughout.

Technology Features Breakdown

Displays & Screens

Feature Level	Features
Entry Level	10-12 inch touchscreen
	Digital driver display
Premium (Zeekr, Jetour)	35.4-inch panoramic display
	15.8-17.3-inches secondary screens
	AI-powered cockpit

Comfort Features, Safety & Driving Modes

 

Category	Features
Comfort Features	Heated/massaging seats (front & rear), panoramic sunroof, premium leather interiors, wireless phone charging, three-row seating
Safety & Tech	Autonomous driving chips (select models), 360° camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring
Driving Modes	Eco (max efficiency), Normal (daily comfort), Sport (full power), Off-Road (traction optimization, select models)

 

Factors to consider

Fuel Economy

The Mazda CX-90 and Lexus NX are high on fuel consumption compared to traditional petrol SUVs. Real-world numbers? Expect 20+ km/litre on hybrid power alone. Add the electric range on plug-in hybrids, and you're looking at weeks between fill-ups for regular driving.

Seating and Space

All these SUVs seat seven or eight. The CX-90, Highlander, and Jetour G700 have genuinely usable third rows; kids fit back there without feeling cramped. The Zeekr 9X prioritises luxury over that extra row, if that matters to you. Cargo space ranges from 15 to 20 cubic feet with all seats in place. Fold the rear seats, and you're pushing 70+ cubic feet.

Driving Experience

The Mazda CX-90 stands out here. It actually feels fun to drive; it has responsive steering, good handling for its size. The Jetour G700 is built for off-roading. Desert dunes, rocky terrain, it’s genuinely capable. The Lexus prioritises smoothness. The Zeekr wants to impress with acceleration.

Reliability

Toyota and Lexus are proven with two decades old hybrid technology experience. No surprises. The Mazda is solid, too. Jetour and Zeekr are newer players in the UAE. They're backed by massive Chinese manufacturers, but local support is still building.

Tech

The Zeekr 9X and Jetour G700 are tech leaders. A huge display, AI systems, and satellite communication. The Mazda and Lexus focus on simplicity with premium materials. The Highlander is straightforward and works just fine.

Conclusion

The hybrid SUV market in the UAE has grown a lot in the last few years, and it’s not something new to buyers. This is visible in steadily growing annual sales.  Compared to traditional petrol SUVs, the hybrid ones aren’t compromises or second-choice vehicles anymore. They're genuinely good cars that happen to use less fuel. If you’re a serious buyer of Hybrid SUVs, this list proves a perfect guide to start your journey.