7 Best Hybrid Cars (and the Prius isn’t one)

With the auto trade pivoting towards full electrification, it should not be shocking that the event of latest hybrid automobiles has principally screeched to a halt. Toyota/Lexus makes the majority of them, whereas solely Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Ford supply them in any respect. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless hybrids on the market, and the irony is that they’ve gotten extraordinarily good at roughly the identical time individuals stopped listening to them. That is a disgrace. We have already listed our decisions for best hybrid SUVs and did a comparison test between the two hybrid minivans, and right here you’ll be able to see our decisions for the perfect hybrid automobiles. And nope, the automotive synonymous with “hybrid,” the Toyota Prius, isn’t one among them. 

Best Small Hybrid Cars  |  Best Midsize Hybrid Cars  |  Best Luxury Hybrid Cars

And to be clear, we particularly imply “hybrid” within the conventional gasoline-electric sense the place the automotive recharges its batteries with its engine and by recouping vitality from coasting and braking. The gasoline engine and electrical motor(s) then pair in some association to energy the automotive collectively, therefore the time period “hybrid.” You needn’t plug it in, and it does not supply an considerable quantity of electric-only vary. That is what differentiates them from plug-in hybrids, which many automotive manufacturers (most notably these from Europe) are introducing as a substitute nowadays. They’re additionally to not be confused with the rising variety of “delicate hybrids” that will improve acceleration a tiny bit with an electrical motor, however not almost as a lot as full hybrids like these listed under can. Their effectivity enhancements are additionally far much less.

Yeah, so it’s kind of complicated, however whereas ignored, conventional hybrids are nonetheless a superb manner of saving gasoline — be it for financial or environmental causes. They’re more and more even probably the most compelling variations of their respective mannequin lineups, which is certainly one thing that hasn’t been true up to now.

Finest Small Hybrid Vehicles

Learn our Honda Insight Review

You will be forgiven for not realizing the Insight is a hybrid. Its standard compact sedan physique form and normal lack of weirdness stand in sharp distinction to the hybrid expectations established by the Toyota Prius. Once more, you will be aware that automotive isn’t discovered on this checklist. That is as a result of the Perception successfully will get the identical gas financial system as Toyota’s definitive hybrid, however betters it considerably when it comes to inside high quality and design, total consolation and noise, driving response, and fairly truthfully, it is not extraordinarily ugly. Fairly the alternative, truly. Mainly, the Perception is only a higher automotive than the Prius.  

Hyundai Ioniq

Why it stands out: Finest-in-class gas financial system; best-in-class tech; low worth and lengthy guarantee; surprisingly enjoyable to drive
Could possibly be higher: A bit smaller than its rivals; a bit dorky

EPA-Estimated Gasoline Economic system: 55 mpg mixed or 59 mpg mixed (Eco trim stage)

Learn our Hyundai Ioniq Review

If the Perception is a greater automotive than a Prius, the Ioniq is a significantly better deal. Although it lacks the polish of the Perception and positively goes by the Prius design playbook, the Ioniq undercuts the value of each, affords a significantly better guarantee and will get higher gas financial system. Most Ioniqs get 55 mpg mixed, which is best than each Perception and fall simply in need of the particular Prius Eco mannequin’s 56 mpg mixed, whereas the particular Ioniq Blue guidelines all of them at 59 mpg mixed. On the similar time, the Ioniq is surprisingly enjoyable to drive, and it has the perfect in-car tech of this trio of compact, devoted hybrid fashions. There are additionally Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid and Ioniq Electrical fashions, that are definitely price a glance as nicely. Simply be aware that not one of the above are to be confused with the upcoming Ioniq 5 electric car. 

Finest Midsize Hybrid Vehicles

Learn our Honda Accord Hybrid Review

The Honda Accord is our best choice amongst midsize household sedans, and that does not change on the subject of hybrid variations. In truth, the Hybrid is the Accord model we suggest first as its superior gas financial 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 value premium is manageable given the gasoline financial savings. Like each Accord, although, the Hybrid stands out with a really colossal quantity of inside area (the trunk is just enormous), a well-made inside, and a driving expertise that units a just-right steadiness between experience consolation and dealing with response. And in contrast to different Hondas, together with the Perception and CR-V Hybrid, the Accord has a more recent, extra user-friendly tech interface. 

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Why it stands out: Finest-in-class infotainment and security know-how; daring model; drives “extra regular”
Could possibly be higher: OK, so possibly the styling’s too daring

EPA-Estimated Gasoline Economic system: 47 mpg mixed or 52 mpg mixed (Blue trim stage)

Learn our Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review

For all the various sensible, space-related areas the place the Accord Hybrid leads the phase, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is principally only a hair or two behind it. On the similar time, its daring styling and stylish inside assist it stand out in non-practical methods — its design might 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. Apart from its design, the Sonata Hybrid is a transparent standout when it comes to 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 automated, 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. 

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Why it stands out: Completely different “flavors” of Camry with extra luxury- and sport-oriented fashions
Could possibly be higher: Antiquated infotainment system; much less refined energy supply

EPA-Estimated Gasoline Economic system: 46 mpg mixed or 52 mpg mixed (LE trim stage)

Learn our Toyota Camry Hybrid Review

The Camry would positively 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 remains 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 below the again seat lowers the automotive’s middle of gravity and lessens the entrance weight bias, making for improved dynamics round corners. A heavy proper foot nonetheless leads to a good bit of droning from the powertrain, however it’s higher than previous Toyota hybrid efforts, as is the brake-pedal modulation. 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 might probably get the identical gas financial system because the Prius whereas being a wildly extra refined and simply higher automotive. 

Finest Luxurious Hybrid Vehicles

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. Its ES 300h hybrid even misses the minimize — certain, it is a hybrid, however it’s hardly a compelling automotive and the mechanically associated Toyota Avalon Hybrid is a greater purchase. 

Now that that is out of the best way, how in regards to the LC 500h! 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 wish 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 snug and nice sufficient to legitimately drive every day or on lengthy highway journeys. The hybrid powertrain can be spectacular sufficient that it received our 2018 Technology of the Year award. That is as shut as you may get to a guilt-free luxurious GT. 

Lexus LS 500h

Why it stands out: Distinctive and exquisitely made inside; extra participating to drive than you’d suppose; distinctive gas financial system
Could possibly be higher: 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 Review

The Lexus LS way back received a fame as a dull-as-ditch-water luxurious sedan, however that is simply not the case with the most recent model. It truly 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 take pleasure in driving the LS greater than most variations of the BMW 7 Collection (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’ gas financial system is not that significantly 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 will even be coping with Lexus reliability, and though the model’s design is not at all times for everybody, the LS usually seems extra athletic than its extra conservative, stately rivals. Its “Signature Spindle Grille” even appears delicate in comparison with the faces of the flagship BMW, Audi and Genesis sedans.