The times certainly are changing in the automotive industry, with the slow transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) taking the cake as the most talked-about development over the past couple of years. We’re as excited as anybody for what the future holds in this corner of the new car market, but we’re still a ways off from it being an easy transition.
For many people, a hybrid is a better choice at this moment in time. Particularly a mild-hybrid, which unlike a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), doesn’t require plugging it in to recharge its battery. Yet, they offer lower emissions than cars powered purely by gasoline or diesel, and they aren't all that much more expensive to buy these days. They really are a happy middle ground.
Automakers are keen to hop on the hybrid train as well because it allows them to decrease their average fuel consumption numbers while offering hybrid sedans, minivans, family cars, SUVs, and even pickup trucks in familiar form. Nearly every automaker from Nissan and Chevrolet to Mercedes-Benz and Audi offers a hybrid option.
We've gathered a list of the ten best hybrid cars available right now. You won't see electric models here (so no Teslas or Rivians), but these cars achieve top rankings in the new hybrid market. They offer great safety features and infotainment systems, and deliver impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy.
The Best Hybrid Vehicles of 2025
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Honda Accord Hybrid
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Lexus ES Hybrid
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Toyota Sienna
Ford Escape Hybrid
Best for: Connectivity in comfort
The Ford Escape Hybrid compact SUV features modern style and a load of great tech. It was significantly refreshed in the past couple of years with updated exterior styling and a revised trim lineup.
The base Escape Hybrid features an efficient powertrain that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Combined output lands at 192 horsepower, and reaches either the front or all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Ford offers a PHEV version of the Escape as well that uses a similar powertrain with a larger battery.
The Escape Hybrid delivers a solid, comfortable driving experience with a smooth ride and an uncanny ability to soak up bumps and bangs on the road. Handling isn't as precise or sharp as it could be, but the Ford holds its own in the corners and delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city.
Honda Acord Hybrid
Best for: Those who need lots of space in a sedan package
There's no denying that the Honda Accord has been one of the best cars on sale for decades now. A relatively frugal hybrid powertrain only adds to this sedan's appeal. And, best of all, all Accord variants were fully redesigned just two years ago. This generation of the iconic four-door is more attractive than ever, and the hybrid is now front and center. We’re keen on the Honda Civic Hybrid as well, but the Accord is more of an all-around value.
Honda equips the Accord Hybrid with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors that make a combined 204 hp, the same powertrain found in the redesigned CR-V Hybrid. A CVT and front-wheel drive (FWD) are standard. Unfortunately, all-wheel drive (AWD) is not available. With a powertrain designed for efficiency (up to 51 mpg in the city), the Accord Hybrid isn't wowing anyone with its grunt or acceleration. However, once underway, the electrified propulsion system works smoothly and quietly, and there are few of the stumbles that we sometimes see between gas and electric components in a hybrid system.
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Best for: A fun yet practical hybrid ride
The Honda CR-V Hybrid offers an experience that is more engaging and more fun than its gas-powered counterparts. Redesigned for the 2023 model year, this hot-selling crossover features a refined powertrain, decent handling, and a level of practicality that many hybrid vehicles can't match. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that deliver a combined 204 hp. Buyers have their choice of FWD or AWD.
The Hybrid's ride remains comfortable in most situations, and Honda's regenerative braking system is one of the best, contributing to the CR-V Hybrid's EPA-estimated 43 mpg in city driving.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Best for: People avoiding EVs due to range anxiety
The hybrid version of the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great transition vehicle for people who worry about driving range and power when buying EVs. In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain, it offers solid interior space, a choice of FWD or AWD, and premium finishes. Plus, Hyundai equips this three-row crossover with more tech, safety, and comfort features than ever before.
The Santa Fe Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor that together make 231 hp. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission keeps everything in check. According to the EPA, the FWD version achieves up to 36 mpg in city driving.
Hyundai includes several niceties as standard equipment in the Santa Fe Hybrid. Among them are dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, USB inputs, HD radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Best for: A great combination of sophistication and value
The Hyundai Sonata and Sonata Hybrid boast even more recent refreshes than the other models on this list, as they were redesigned just last year. Styling is still striking, but it's sleeker than before.
The Sonata Hybrid continues to feature impressive cargo capacity and a user-friendly touchscreen, along with a starting price in the low $30,000s. This five-passenger sedan comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that make 192 hp combined. FWD and a six-speed automatic transmission are also standard. Collecitely, these contribute to the Sonata Hybrid's 51-mpg highway rating. There's plenty of power for both in-town cruising and highway travels, but the Sonata is far better on fuel economy than it is with power delivery. That said, the ride is comfortable, and the car remains planted when the roads twist up.
Neat tech highlights the Sonata Hybrid's cabin, which features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is available, as are a wireless smartphone charging, a Bose stereo, and more. Not only that, but Hyundai is well-regarded for its 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Lexus ES Hybrid
Best for: A practical approach to a luxury car
The Lexus ES offers decent performance and a comfortable ride that lives up to its luxury car nameplate. It's also got a premium feel inside and out, good tech, and sharp styling, making for a great family sedan. Priced from the mid $40,000s, the ES Hybrid, labeled the ES 300h, comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors that make 215 hp combined. FWD and a CVT are also standard. The ES isn't tuned for all-out performance but there's enough power to get the car moving well from a standstill, and it delivers an EPA-estimated 44 mpg on the highway.
Inside, the ES Hybrid features exceptionally accommodations for up to five people and front seats that offer a high degree of adjustability for the most comfortable driving experience possible. Synthetic leather upholstery is standard, but Lexus offers rich leathers and upgrades such as heating and ventilation for the front seats. Thankfully, Lexus recently replaced the controversial touchpad controller with a choice of touchscreen displays.
If you need the extra cargo space of a full-size luxury sedan, the Lexus LS is also available as a hybrid. However, its base MSRP is a steep $115,000.
Toyota Camry
Best for: Midsize sedan practicality
The Toyota Camry has become surprisingly sporty in recent years. Now equipped with a standard hybrid powertrain, this popular five-passenger sedan delivers strong performance and a comfy interior, making it one of the best cars in its class. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor linked to a CVT. In FWD guise, the 2025 Camry puts out 225 hp; opt for AWD and that jumps to 232 hp. While it's more at home cruising, the Camry can deliver the beans when asked while averaging up to 51 mpg in mixed driving.
Though steering feel and handling aren't the 2025 Camry's strongest points, they do a good enough job, and the ride remains comfortable at almost all times. Toyota worked wonders with the brake pedal feel here, as the regenerative braking doesn't grab or feel unstable under heavy pressure.
If a compact car is more your speed, you might also consider the smaller Toyota Corolla Hybrid. It, like the Camry, comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver-assistance features including the latest version of adaptive cruise control.
Toyota Prius
Best for: Young urban dwellers
The Toyota Prius hatchback jumpstarted the hybrid car craze two decades ago, and it remains one of the most popular and well-known options in the space today. Like many of the options on this list, the Prius got a full glow-up back in the 2023 model year.
Toyota offers the car in a few different configurations today, including a plug-in hybrid model, but the original is still worth a look. The Prius's powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce 194 hp. A CVT and FWD are standard, but the Prius is one of few hybrid models available with AWD, which makes it an excellent choice for people who live with legitimate winter weather. AWD models add a second electric motor and increase output to 196 hp. City EPA estimates range from 49 to 57 mpg.
The Prius's interior features hard plastics and is not the most luxurious place to spend time, but the sub-$30,000 base price is right and there's plenty of space. The front seats are supportive and roomy enough, and the back seat can accommodate real, live adults.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Best for: Cost-effective all-wheel drive (AWD)
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, along with the Honda CR-V Hybrid on this list, is a great example of how a more fuel-efficient vehicle version of vehicle can deliver a better driving experience. Toyota equips its popular crossover with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a CVT. Combined output lands at 219 hp.
The 2025 RAV4 Hybrid offers better-than-expected handling and good acceleration off the line, but things calm down at highway speeds, where it takes a little effort to pass. Under heavy throttle, the engine tends to wail and sound unrefined. That said, the 41-mpg highway rating is a great bonus for an already-great crossover SUV.
Toyota Sienna
Best for: Three-row space with two-seater fuel economy
We didn't even have to write "Toyota Sienna Hybrid" above, because Toyota's minivan has been exclusively hybrid since 2021—the same time it got its stylish new looks. Toyota upped the ante by introducing a Woodland Edition to the lineup for 2023, as well as Plus and Premium packages that lets you add cushy features like leather seats and a power-tilt steering wheel to low and mid trims.
The Sienna is available with either FWD or AWD, and you won't sacrifice much in the way of gas mileage if you opt for the latter: The EPA estimates 36 mpg combined for FWD and 35 for AWD. All Siennas get the Toyota Safety System 2.0 suite of advanced driver aids, and it has earned top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
