Six Super Savers
It’s hard to believe that hybrid technology has been around in America since the 1990s. What was once a niche technology targeted exclusively at fuel-savers has become very mainstream: there are now hybrid cars available in all segments. Consumers have the option of driving hybrid sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and even high-performance hybrid sports cars.
Still, if you’re looking for the highest levels of efficiency, a low-slung, aerodynamic hybrid sedan or hatchback will still offer the best MPG figures. In our list of the five most efficient hybrid vehicles, you’ll find two nameplates that have been there since the beginning as well as some familiar vehicles recently enhanced with hybrid technology.
Toyota Prius
It’s not surprising that the Toyota Prius is on this list. After all, it’s one of the original hybrids. Introduced in 1997, the Prius has always been a leader in fuel economy and low running costs, thanks to the careful aerodynamic sculpting of its body and the relentless efforts of Toyota’s R&D department.
In many ways, the Prius has set the template for every hybrid: teardrop shape, hatchback body, compact drivetrain, exceptional economy. A 1.8-liter gasoline engine is augmented by an electric motor to produce 121 hp – enough for the lightweight Prius to feel eager and responsive on city and highway, delivering 56 combined EPA MPG.
We really like the design of the Prius’ interior, which is nicely styled, very well-made, and versatile thanks to its wide-opening hatchback. There’s plenty of room for your family, backed with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, all operated through a large central screen.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 features include active cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, and pedestrian detection. And if you need even more capability or economy, all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid versions of the Prius are also available.
- Starting MSRP: $28,350
- EPA estimated City/Highway MPG: 57/56
Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic is one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy in America, and drivers love its combination of efficiency, space, quality, resale value, and handling. The new Civic Hybrid offers even more efficiency than before and is one of the most powerful Civic models ever.
Hybrid power is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, as well as in Sport and Sport Touring trim levels. Honda estimates it will eventually account for about 40 percent of total Civic sales. That’s no surprise as their combined 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque come with better gas mileage than the regular gasoline Civic while offering even more performance. Plus, you get a spacious, beautifully made interior and timeless styling; it really is a complete package.
- Starting MSRP: $28,950
- EPA estimated City/Highway MPG: 50/47
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Hyundai’s Elantra sedan is one of the best-selling cars in America, thanks to its impressive combination of interior space, features, and edgy styling. In gasoline form, it is already a very efficient performer, but the Elantra Hybrid significantly ups the efficiency. Its 1.6-liter direct-injection gasoline engine is augmented with a battery and electric motor, which don’t impinge on its 99.4-cu.ft. interior.
The hybrid drivetrain builds on an already strong package. There’s a large central touchscreen, an available digital instrument cluster, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. Elantra also has a wide range of safety systems: forward collision assist with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, and more are all standard.
A 10-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years are also standard.
- Starting MSRP: $25,450
- EPA estimated City/Highway MPG: 58/51
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
We think the midsize Sonata is one of the best-looking four-doors on the road today, with a swooping roofline and high-end details that really set it apart. It has a massive cabin, whose luxurious design and furnishings are backed up by a smooth, effortless driving experience. In hybrid form, a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder and electric motor produce 192 horsepower.
The Sonata Hybrid is packed with innovative technology. We particularly like the clever solar roof panel, which helps recharge its batteries, as well as the LED exterior lighting hidden in the chrome trim. It comes with a 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch central touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Safety features include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision assist, and blind spot monitors. Like all Hyundai vehicles, three years of scheduled maintenance is free.
- Starting MSRP: $26,900
- EPA estimated City/Highway MPG: 51/44
Honda Accord Hybrid
One of the top-selling sedans in America, the Accord combines efficiency with luxury and a fun, sporty driving experience that makes it entertaining as well as intelligent. The hybrid Accord posts impressive fuel economy numbers and doesn’t give up its fun-to-drive nature.
Power from the 2.0-liter engine and twin electric motors totals 204 horsepower, and the suspension tuning makes the Accord Hybrid a great car to drive as well as a great family vehicle.
We like the luxurious cabin, which is beautifully finished and has a perfect combination of analog controls and digital screens. The standard Honda Sensing safety suite includes blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, automatic pre-collision braking, and more.
- Starting MSRP: $33,655
- EPA estimated City/Highway MPG: 51/44
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The compact Corolla is the best-selling vehicle in the history of the world, ever, thanks to its combination of space, efficiency, and rugged reliability. Now, Toyota, the brand most associated with hybrids, has introduced a hybrid Corolla, bringing a lot of Prius technology into the popular Corolla sedan. A lithium-ion battery powers an electric motor, which augments a 1.8-liter four-cylinder to produce 139 horsepower.
Corolla Hybrid shares the rest of its virtues with the regular Corolla: a roomy interior, surprisingly stylish design, and a responsive, sporty driving feel. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 gives you active cruise control, lane assist, automatic braking, pedestrian detection, and more. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa are also included.
- Starting MSRP: $23,825
- EPA estimated City/Highway MPG: 53/46
