Best Hybrid Vehicles [Top Ranked Models]

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John Goreham

John Goreham

John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer. John’s focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. In the 1990s, he was part of an academic team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. His was the role of the battery thermal control designer. After earning his engineering degree, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University. For 20 years, he applied his engineering and sales talents in the worlds of semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production, and automotive electronics supply chain. Always a writer,  John has published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. In addition to online publications such as Car Talk, John’s work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers, and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites.

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Hybrid vehicles continue to grow in popularity. While all-electric vehicles are the hot new topic, the fact remains that hybrids from Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Ford, and many others are quickly becoming a green option for many buyers for whom charging and other EV compromises don’t work.

Toyota’s hybrids are among the best in business. The Toyota brand gets its due in this best hybrid vehicle ranking, but as you will see, three other brands also make our list.

In our rankings, we will consider availability, reliability, safety, fuel economy, and features.

Read about how we rank our vehicles >>

Best Hybrid Vehicles Comparison

1. Toyota Prius: The Gold Standard

The Toyota Prius was the green model that started it all. At times the best-selling car of any type in California, and for decades the top-selling green vehicle anywhere, the Prius has a long record of excellence.

For 2022, the Toyota Prius comes in a variety of trims to suit many budgets. The addition of optional all-wheel drive a year ago expanded the practicality of the Prius to areas with harsh winters. Toyota also offers a plug-in hybrid trim with an MPGe rating higher than many battery-electric vehicles.

Top all of this off with one of the longest-running perfect reliability scores from Consumer Reports, and it is no wonder the Prius is the top green vehicle in automotive history.

Current Toyota Prius Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals and average prices paid.

2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (AWD): Best Hybrid 2-Row Crossover

Half a decade ago, Prius sales began to decline from their peak. EV fans jumped at the chance to suggest that it was battery-electric vehicles filling the consumer’s wishes and driveways. But, of course, anyone who tracks Toyota sales could see clearly that the rise of the RAV4 Hybrid crossover was why Toyota shoppers were moving to a new favorite green vehicle.

The RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. Unlike many gas-powered vehicles of the past, the RAV4 Hybrid has no starter, no alternator, no need for a timing belt change, and has no transfer case.

Simplicity, reliability, and a low cost of ownership are why the RAV4 Hybrid has such appeal to so many green vehicle shoppers. That the RAV4 Hybrid delivers 40 MPG combined in EPA testing is just part of the equation.

Current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals and average prices paid.

3. Toyota Sienna: Best Hybrid Minivan

Consider this if you are shopping for a minivan; The Sienna will save you $14,000 in lifetime energy costs compared to the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival. How can that be overlooked?

Furthermore, Toyota is the only brand with an AWD minivan to which a green powertrain is coupled.

The best part is that there are no compromises. The Sienna has all the nifty family-friendly gadgets and gizmos all the other minivans do, and its performance is also normal for the class.

If you are looking for an AWD hybrid minivan, there is one choice.

Current Toyota Sienna Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals and average prices paid.

4. Ford F-150: Best Hyrbid Pickup Truck

Ford has always been a leader in fuel efficiency technology in trucks. First, the EcoBoost engines moved the market away from V8s, and then it was aluminum construction that led the industry away from steel.

The Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid pairs a turbocharged engine with a hybrid electric motor to generate a massive 570 lb-ft of torque. Contractors can also power a construction site with its built-in generator.

With a 24 MPG combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating using America’s cheapest liquid fuel, the numbers add up to a winner.

Current Ford F-150 Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Ford deals and average prices paid.

5. Honda Insight: Best Hybrid Commuter Car

The Honda Insight is one of the best-kept car secrets in America. It combines the soul of a Civic with a green powertrain that will cost a long-distance commuter just $900 per year in energy.

The modern Honda Insight is a nearly ideal commuter vehicle that has earned a perfect 5/5 Consumer Reports reliability rating and also a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from IIHS.

If you have a long drive to and from work each day and want a reliable, safe, comfortable car with a low cost of ownership, the Honda Insight is the answer.

Current Honda Insight Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Honda deals and average prices paid.

6. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Best Hybrid Midsize/Large Sedan

Those looking for a larger sedan with more visual pizzazz and luxury amenities should consider the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Although it costs a bit more than the Insight, every Hyundai comes with a 10-year warranty and three years of included maintenance.

When we tested the Sonata Hybrid, we loved the solar roof. Over its lifetime, the roof can add back as much as a year of gas-free mileage to the vehicle.

Current Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Hyundai deals and average prices paid.

7. Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Best Three-Row Hybrid Crossover SUV

The Toyota Highlander finds its way to many “Best Of” lists we create. For this list is the Highlander Hybrid line that shines brightest among three-row crossover/SUVs. Like the Sienna, the Highlander Hybrid provides class-typical performance with a massive advantage in fuel costs.

The Highlander Hybrid can seat seven, tow a large boat, and its optional AWD system provides traction in all weather on any type of road.

The Highlander is also highly rated for reliability and has a safety track record unmatched by any other SUV.

Current Toyota Highlander Hybrid Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Toyota deals and average prices paid.

What Is the Best Hybrid Vehicle?

If we had to pick a winner, it would be the Prius. Even with other Toyota models chipping away at its sales, the Prius would still be the top-selling car at any brand aside from Toyota or Honda.

The Prius is the defacto standard in the rideshare industry, and it has been produced in huge numbers, making it a viable used vehicle choice at almost every budget point. With its new available AWD, it seems there is nothing the Prius can’t do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hybrid car?

The Toyota Prius has earned a reputation as the best overall hybrid vehicle. It earns top safety and reliability scores and has one of the lowest annual energy costs of any vehicle.

What is the best hybrid car for fuel economy?

The Toyota Prius Eco has one of the highest fuel economy ratings of any vehicle without a plug at 56 MPG. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid has a 133 MPGe rating.

What is the best hybrid crossover?

The RAV4 Hybrid is the top-selling green crossover in America. It combined features like standard all-wheel drive, a 40 MPG Combined EPA-Estimated fuel efficiency, the ability to tow, a standard spare tire, and many more utility features with proven reliability and safety.

What is the best hybrid truck?

The Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid pairs a turbocharged engine with a hybrid electric motor to generate a massive 570 lb-ft of torque. With a 24 MPG combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating using America’s cheapest liquid fuel, the numbers add up to a winner.