The hybrid car market share is growing rapidly, and with it the number of high-quality hybrid vehicles. More and more drivers are heading to the dealership in search of an electrified sedan, SUV, or even pickup. Though most Americans still hesitate to buy an all-electric car, especially for one-vehicle households, hybrids present an attractive middle-ground that combines excellent fuel economy with the range and convenient refueling times of gas-only models. Below, we’ll explore some of the most popular hybrid models on the market today and what makes them so appealing.
Toyota Prius
Around since 1997, the Prius is the original mass-market hybrid. For a long time, it was the only hybrid anyone could name, and the face of the electrified car movement. Now the Prius must compete in an increasingly tough and crowded market, but it gets by on more than just brand recognition. Totally redesigned for the 2023 model year, the all-new Prius has a sleek new design and comes standard with all the latest Toyota safety and infotainment tech. But its best feature is the stunning fuel economy: an EPA-estimated 57 mpg combined.[1]
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Virtually identical to the Prius under the hood, the electrified version of the Corolla has obvious appeal to set it apart from its Toyota sibling. The Corolla is the bestselling car nameplate in the world, with 1.12 million sales in 2022 according to Statista. While the Corolla Hybrid has been around for some time, the current 12th-generation Corolla is the first to bring that hybrid variant to the United States market. With a starting MSRP of just over $23,000, available all-wheel-drive, a standard 8-inch touch screen and Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 features, and a fuel economy of 50 mpg combined, the Corolla Hybrid packs a big punch in a convenient, budget-friendly package.[2]
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Corolla may be the bestselling car, but the RAV4 isn’t far behind, and holds the sales crown among SUVs both worldwide and in the U.S. The RAV4 Hybrid has a tough job to do, though, as the hybrid compact SUV segment is about as competitive as it gets. But it manages to eek out its rivals by taking the excellent package that is the gas-only RAV4 and making it not just more efficient, but also faster and more responsive behind the wheel, without compromising any of its other features or even interior space. For 2023, every RAV4 Hybrid comes with Toyota’s next-gen infotainment interface, which packs wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, onboard Wi-Fi, and an available 10.5-inch touch display.
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Nipping at the heels of the RAV4 Hybrid is the Honda CR-V Hybrid, that other bestselling SUV. For the 2023 model year, the CR-V received a fresh new look both inside and out, and it now offers a 9-inch touch screen with wireless smartphone connectivity as well as a 12-speaker Bose® sound system. Like the RAV4, it comes bundled with an industry-leading array of driver-assistance tech, but what distinguishes it from its Japanese rival is the driving experience. The CR-V Hybrid lets you choose between economy, sport, and even full-electric drive modes, and comes with standard AWD.
The Toyota Prius, Corolla Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, and CR-V Hybrid are just a drop in the increasingly large sea of electrified vehicles. And while Toyota may hold the sales crown, it’s far from the only manufacturer to offer high-quality hybrid cars. Before you settle for a new hybrid, shop around and compare vehicles with the features that matter most to you — and make sure to take them out for test drives.
[1] EPA-estimated 57 city/56 hwy/57 combined mpg rating for 2023 Prius LE FWD, 53 city/54 hwy/54 combined mpg rating for 2023 Prius LE AWD, 52 city/52 hwy/52 combined mpg rating for 2023 Prius XLE and Limited FWD, and 49 city/50 hwy/49 combined mpg rating for 2023 Prius XLE and Limited AWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
[2] EPA-estimated 53 city/46 hwy/50 combined mpg rating for 2023 Corolla Hybrid LE and Hybrid XLE; EPA-estimated 51 city/44 hwy/48 combined mpg rating for 2023 Corolla Hybrid LE AWD; EPA-estimated 50 city/43 hwy/47 combined mpg rating for 2023 Corolla Hybrid SE and Hybrid SE Infrared; EPA-estimated 47 city/41 hwy/44 combined mpg rating for 2023 Corolla Hybrid SE and Hybrid SE Infrared AWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
[3] Manufacturer estimate with fully charged battery. Actual mileage may vary.