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

With the auto industry pivoting toward complete electrification, it shouldn't be surprising that the development of new hybrid cars has basically screeched to a halt. Toyota/Lexus makes the bulk of them, while only Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Ford offer them at all. Nevertheless, there are still hybrids out there, and the irony is that they've gotten extremely good at roughly the same time people stopped paying attention to them. That's a shame. We've already listed our choices for best hybrid SUVs and did a comparison test between the two hybrid minivans, and here you can see our choices for the best hybrid cars. And nope, the car synonymous with "hybrid," the Toyota Prius, is not one of them.

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

And to be clear, we specifically mean "hybrid" in the traditional gasoline-electric sense where the car recharges its batteries with its engine and by recouping energy from coasting and braking. The gasoline engine and electric motor(s) then pair in some arrangement to power the car together, hence the term "hybrid." You don't need to plug it in, and it doesn't offer an appreciable amount of electric-only range. That's what differentiates them from plug-in hybrids, which many car brands (most notably those from Europe) are introducing instead these days. They're also not to be confused with the growing number of "mild hybrids" that may enhance acceleration a tiny bit with an electric motor, but not nearly as much as full hybrids like those listed below can. Their efficiency improvements are also far less.

Yeah, so it's a bit confusing, but while overlooked, traditional hybrids are still an excellent way of saving gas — be it for economic or environmental reasons. They're increasingly even the most compelling versions of their respective model lineups, which is definitely something that hasn't been true in the past.

Best Small Hybrid Cars

Honda Insight

Why it stands out: High-quality cabin; handsome looks; electric-like power delivery
Could be better: Antiquated tech interface

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 52 mpg combined (EX) and 48 mpg combined (Touring)

Read our Honda Insight Review

You'll be forgiven for not realizing the Insight is a hybrid. Its conventional compact sedan body shape and general lack of weirdness stand in sharp contrast to the hybrid expectations established by the Toyota Prius. Again, you'll note that car is not found on this list. That's because the Insight effectively gets the same fuel economy as Toyota's definitive hybrid, but betters it substantially in terms of interior quality and design, overall comfort and noise, driving response, and quite honestly, it's not extremely ugly. Quite the opposite, actually. Basically, the Insight is just a better car than the Prius.

Hyundai Ioniq

Why it stands out: Best-in-class fuel economy; best-in-class tech; low price and long warranty; surprisingly fun to drive
Could be better: A bit smaller than its rivals; a bit dorky

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 55 mpg combined or 59 mpg combined (Eco trim level)

Read our Hyundai Ioniq Review

If the Insight is a better car than a Prius, the Ioniq is a much better deal. Though it lacks the polish of the Insight and definitely goes by the Prius design playbook, the Ioniq undercuts the price of both, offers a much better warranty and gets better fuel economy. Most Ioniqs get 55 mpg combined, which is better than every Insight and fall just short of the special Prius Eco model's 56 mpg combined, while the special Ioniq Blue rules them all at 59 mpg combined. At the same time, the Ioniq is surprisingly fun to drive, and it has the best in-car tech of this trio of compact, dedicated hybrid models. There are also Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid and Ioniq Electric models, which are certainly worth a look as well. Just note that none of the above are to be confused with the upcoming Ioniq 5 electric car.

Best Midsize Hybrid Cars

Honda Accord Hybrid

Why it stands out: Class-leading back seat and trunk space; electric-like power delivery; best-in-class ride and handling
Could be better: Iffy fuel economy of otherwise desirable Sport and Touring trims

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy: 47 mpg combined or 43 mpg combined (Sport and Touring trim levels)

Read our Honda Accord Hybrid Review

The Honda Accord is our top choice among midsize family sedans, and that doesn't change when it comes to hybrid versions. In fact, the Hybrid is the Accord version we recommend first as its superior fuel economy and agreeable electric-like power delivery don't come with substantial tradeoffs. Yes, it's more expensive than a regular gas-only Accord, but like the other hybrid sedans here, the price premium is manageable given the gas savings. Like every Accord, though, the Hybrid stands out with a truly colossal amount of interior space (the trunk is just enormous), a well-made interior, and a driving experience that sets a just-right balance between ride comfort and handling response. And unlike other Hondas, including the Insight and CR-V Hybrid, the Accord has a newer, more user-friendly tech interface.