small SUV class. It needs cargo space sufficient for a wheel chair and ease of entry for a disabled person...
Er, you realize that is rather contradictory? Though maybe not impossible...how big is the wheelchair? I used to do test drives for Mercedes, the head guy was in a wheelchair but it was like fiberglass and slim, not like some of the heavy hospital models of yore. Anyway does "ease of entry" mean not too high off the ground? That's why someone I know bought a BMW X1 a few years back, so the elderly husband didn't have the schlep upwards. My neighbor really likes her RAV4 hybrid but you are definitely going UP into that thing, same for a non-hybrid I rented in Vegas and drove to the Racetrack Playa in Death Valley.
I agree with
@Marc v E that hybrid is unlikely to save you money. Then again I drove a Toyota Yaris Hybrid all around Ireland last summer and average 62 mpg, even hooting it 140 km/h on the freeways-very impressive! (Nothing like the American Yaris, totally different platform). It was sure addictive to not have to stop for gas often! Rather like the Chevy Volts we have had.
I don't know if any of these hybrid "AWD" systems can really hold a candle to more developed old-school tech like a Subaru.