There are two quite dominating tendencies within the automotive enterprise: full electrification, and the shift to SUVs. Nonetheless, we aren’t in a spot the place EVs are the proper answer for everybody, and equally, many individuals nonetheless want to have a decrease, sleeker, and steadily lighter and extra nimble sedan or fastback hatch; in different phrases, “automobiles.” So we have rounded up the very best hybrid automobiles nonetheless available on the market, in addition to even a 2025 mannequin that is simply on the verge of launching.
Now we need to additionally specify that this checklist is simply sedans and the odd hatchback, and it is simply standard hybrids. So this is not going to embrace plug-in hybrids, that are like a standard hybrid, however have a big sufficient battery that they are often plugged in and charged for important quantities of electric-only driving. It additionally will not embrace the myriad “delicate” hybrid autos which have a small electrical motor that simply gives slight help from a cease and permits for faster and smoother engine shut-off at stops. For reference, the hybrids we’re speaking about are like what the Prius has been from the beginning (which can also be part of this checklist).
Yeah, so it is a bit complicated, however whereas ignored, conventional hybrids are nonetheless a superb approach of saving fuel — be it for financial or environmental causes. They’re more and more even essentially the most compelling variations of their respective mannequin lineups, which wasn’t true previously.
Greatest Small Hybrid Automobiles | Greatest Midsize Hybrid Automobiles | Greatest Luxurious Hybrid Automobiles
Greatest small hybrid automobiles
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Execs: There aren’t many compact hybrids left, and it is among the finest; reasonably priced; regular driving expertise; spacious inside
Cons: Styling could also be a bit overboard.
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 50 mpg mixed and 54 mpg mixed (Blue trim)
Learn our Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Assessment
The 2023 Elantra Hybrid is considered one of your finest bets for a compact hybrid. Past getting distinctive gasoline economic system of fifty or 54 mpg mixed, relying on trim degree, the Elantra Hybrid stands out by being awfully regular to drive. There isn’t any droning electronically managed CVT mooing as with Toyota system and the engine would not rev even when your foot is not on the accelerator like Honda’s. The reason being Hyundai makes use of a conventional six-speed computerized transmission for its hybrid system. The Elantra additionally stands out as a result of, effectively, simply take a look at the factor. It is awfully wild with all these sharp creases in every single place, dominant grille and pointy rear finish. The inside, in the meantime, is extra standard by hybrid requirements (for the higher), that includes a glance that’s fashionable and sporty. Its infotainment and security know-how are additionally high notch.
(Refreshed non-hybrid 2024 Elantra pictured above left)
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Execs: Reasonably priced; refined appears to be like; accessible all-wheel drive
Cons: Noisy powertrain; low energy; lackluster inside
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 50 mpg mixed (LE FWD, XLE FWD); 48 mpg mixed (LE AWD, XLE AWD); 47 mpg mixed (SE FWD, Nightshade FWD); 44 mpg mixed (SE AWD, Nightshade AWD)
The Toyota Corolla hybrid was given a reasonably reasonable replace for 2023, and with it comes sufficient cause to suggest checking it out. Horsepower, whereas nonetheless modest at 134, is elevated from earlier than, and positively welcome. However extra importantly is the addition of all-wheel drive availability, which continues to be comparatively uncommon amongst small sedans. Then there’s the affordability. The bottom Corolla LE hybrid begins at lower than $25,000 (although the Elantra Hybrid above is only some hundred extra). The all-wheel-drive model is simply shy of $1,000 extra, and is thus one of the vital reasonably priced all-wheel-drive autos you should purchase in America, sedan, hybrid or in any other case. Consider mixed gasoline economic system starting from 44 to 50 mpg, the Corolla hybrid is a powerful worth. The one draw back is an inside that feels a bit of plain and low-end in comparison with the aforementioned Elantra, and the powertrain is noisy, notably when wringing essentially the most out of these 134 horses.
Toyota Prius
Execs: Accessible all-wheel-drive; shockingly fashionable; good energy; hatchback versatility; it is synonymous with hybrids
Cons: Odd instrument structure; tight backseat headroom
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 57 mpg mixed (LE FWD); 54 mpg mixed (LE AWD); 52 mpg mixed (XLE FWD, LTD FWD), 49 mpg mixed (XLE AWD, LTD AWD)
The outdated Prius made it to this checklist previously mainly as a result of higher rivals had dropped out of the phase. That is not the case with the brand new Prius. First off, it appears to be like good. Actual good. It is acquired a sleeker windshield rake than loads of fashionable supercars, and the traces are clear and taut, even to the tail. Then there’s the powertrain, which really has energy now, although it is nonetheless a bit noisy. The front-drive model makes 194 horsepower, and the all-wheel-drive one makes 196. And sure, it’s accessible with all-wheel-drive by way of a second motor on the rear. On high of getting energy that makes it nippy off the road, the Prius even handles decently effectively. It is no sports activities automotive, but it surely’s sportier than quite a few hybrids and compacts typically. The inside is much less unusual, too, and the infotainment is vastly improved. That is to not say there aren’t oddities, such because the deep-set instrument cluster. Plus, the worth for the candy appears to be like is lowered rear headroom and rear cargo house. However total, the Prius has gone to one of many least interesting hybrids accessible, to one of the vital in a single era.
Greatest midsize hybrid automobiles
Honda Accord Hybrid
Execs: Class-leading again seat and trunk house; electric-like energy supply; best-in-class experience and dealing with
Cons: Iffy gasoline economic system within the in any other case fascinating Sport and Touring trims
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 48 mpg mixed or 44 mpg mixed (Sport, Touring)
Learn our Honda Accord Hybrid Assessment
The Honda Accord is our best choice amongst midsize household sedans, and that does not change in terms of hybrid variations. In reality, the Hybrid is the Accord model we suggest first as its superior gasoline economic system and agreeable electric-like energy supply do not include substantial tradeoffs. Sure, it is dearer than a daily gas-only Accord, however like the opposite hybrid sedans right here, the worth premium is manageable given the fuel financial savings. Like each Accord, although, the Hybrid stands out with a very colossal quantity of inside house, a well-made inside, and a driving expertise that units a just-right stability between experience consolation and dealing with response. And in contrast to different Hondas, together with the CR-V Hybrid, the Accord has a more recent, extra user-friendly tech interface.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Execs: Glorious infotainment and security know-how; daring fashion; drives “extra regular”
Cons: OK, so possibly the styling’s too daring
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 52 mpg mixed (Blue trim, 2023) or 47 mpg mixed (Different trims, 2023)
Learn our Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Assessment
For all the various sensible, space-related areas the place the Accord Hybrid lead the phase, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is mainly only a hair or two behind it. On the identical time, its daring styling and stylish inside assist it stand out in non-practical methods — its design will not be for everybody, however Hyundai is at all times at its finest when it is pushing the envelope, and this newest Sonata is not any totally different. Moreover its design, the Sonata Hybrid is a transparent standout by way of infotainment and security know-how. Though the checklist of options between it and its rivals are comparable, Hyundai’s execution and user-friendliness are superior. Many are additionally prone to want driving Hyundai’s hybrid powertrain. It makes use of a conventional six-speed computerized, that means it drives “extra regular” with stepped gear adjustments as a substitute of the Camry’s e-CVT or the Accord’s uncommon, too-complicated-to-describe-here setup.
The up to date 2024 mannequin will proceed to have a hybrid powertrain, however gasoline economic system numbers haven’t but been introduced. They need to stay near the 2023 mannequin at 53 mpg for the bottom Blue trim, and 47 mpg mixed for others.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Execs: Totally different “flavors” of Camry with extra luxury- and sport-oriented fashions
Cons: Antiquated infotainment system; much less refined energy supply
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 52 mpg mixed (LE trim 2024) or 46 mpg mixed (Different trims, 2024)
Learn our Toyota Camry Hybrid Assessment
The Camry would undoubtedly be our third alternative on this group of midsize hybrids, however that is as a result of the Accord and Sonata do most issues just a bit higher. The Camry Hybrid continues to be actually good. Certainly, it is the decide of the Camry litter. Its electrical motor provides the low-end pull the bottom four-cylinder lacks, whereas additionally smoothing issues out significantly. Moreover, the battery’s placement underneath the again seat lowers the automotive’s heart of gravity and lessens the entrance weight bias, making for improved dynamics round corners. A heavy proper foot nonetheless ends in a good bit of droning from the powertrain, however it’s higher than previous Toyota hybrid efforts, as is the brake-pedal modulation. Which you could get it within the sportiest, extra luxurious XSE together with a wide range of luxury- and sport-oriented “flavors” is icing on the cake. Importantly, it could get the identical gasoline economic system because the Prius whereas being a wildly extra refined and simply higher automotive.
And when you’re prepared to attend a bit of bit, the 2025 Camry will probably be hitting sellers within the spring of 2024. It’s going to function contemporary styling inside and outside, together with welcome updates together with Toyota’s most present infotainment system, in addition to extra energy and accessible all-wheel drive. The front-drive mannequin will make 225 horsepower, and the all-wheel-drive model will make 232 horsepower.
Greatest luxurious hybrid automobiles
Lexus ES 300h
Execs: 44 mpg from a big luxurious automotive is exceptional; surprisingly good to drive; impeccable inside high quality
Cons: Annoying tech; sluggish for a luxurious automotive; droning powertrain
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 44 mpg mixed
Lexus is actually the one luxurious automotive model that sells standard hybrids nowadays, so the truth that it sweeps the rostrum right here shouldn’t be taken for something better than it’s. Nonetheless, the ES 300h is a terrific luxurious automotive alternative for these prioritizing gasoline economic system. Not solely does it present 44 mpg mixed, which is a sky-high quantity solely plug-in hybrids might beat, it is fairly a big luxurious automotive. Equally priced sedans are virtually all a lot smaller, that means as a price play, the Lexus ES 300h makes loads of sense. Lexus’ superior reliability and resale worth reputations builds its case even additional. The down facet is that the ES suffers from irritating infotainment controls and a powertrain that, whereas thrifty, is sluggish and a bit unrefined for a luxurious automotive.
Lexus LC 500h
Execs: Simply take a look at the factor; stunning inside; distinctive gasoline economic system for a luxurious GT
Cons: Hybrid energy supply can appear a bit bizarre in a automotive like this
EPA-Estimated Gasoline Financial system: 29 mpg mixed
Even when each luxurious automotive model offered a hybrid, there’s an excellent probability the LC 500h would nonetheless find yourself on this checklist. It is a beautiful luxurious GT with an inside beautiful sufficient in design and high quality to make up for the truth that its tech interface makes you need to pull your hair out. Though the common LC 500’s 5.0-liter V8 will at all times maintain a particular place in our hearts, there isn’t any denying that the LC 500h and its 29 mpg mixed is a much more accountable alternative — particularly for a automotive that is comfy and nice sufficient to legitimately drive every day or on lengthy street journeys. The hybrid powertrain can also be spectacular sufficient that it received our 2018 Expertise of the 12 months award. That is as shut as you may get to a guilt-free luxurious GT.
Lexus LS 500h
Execs: Distinctive and exquisitely made inside; extra partaking to drive than you’d assume; distinctive gasoline economic system
Cons: Much less highly effective than different flagship luxurious sedans; much less subtle infotainment
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 28 mpg mixed (RWD) or 26 mpg mixed (AWD)
Learn our Lexus LS 500h Assessment
The Lexus LS way back acquired a repute as a dull-as-ditch-water luxurious sedan, however that is simply not the case with the newest model. It really has the identical powertrain and shares its rear-wheel-drive platform with the LC 500h, and though it is not as sharp as that, this is not the Grandpa’s sofa that earlier LS generations have been. We legitimately get pleasure from driving the LS greater than most variations of the BMW 7 Sequence (think about saying that 15 years in the past!), and that features the compelling LS 500h hybrid. This does make up for the truth that this hybrid Lexus’ gasoline economic system is not that a lot better than the gas-only BMW 740i, however that claims extra about BMW’s engineering wizardry, as no different flagship luxurious sedan comes near both. You may even be coping with Lexus reliability, and though the model’s design is not at all times for everybody, the LS typically seems extra athletic than its extra conservative, stately rivals. Its “Signature Spindle Grille” even appears refined in comparison with the faces of the flagship BMW, Audi and Genesis sedans.
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