The Best Hybrids of 2023

With more and more mainstream models offering hybrid powertrains, consumers have a lot of options to choose from. The best hybrids and plug-in hybrids don't just provide better fuel economy than gas-only models, some even have significant performance benefits. (Those ready to transition away from gas entirely ought to take a look at our list of the best EVs for 2022.) We know because we test hundreds of new cars and trucks each year. Our editors have put just about every hybrid sold today through our renowned testing regimen. From performance testing to cargo area measurements and a real-world fuel economy challenge, we do it all. Sure, there are still hybrids that prioritize fuel efficiency over performance, but the days of all hybrids being synonymous with lesser dynamic performance capabilities are no more. These are our picks for the best hybrids for 2022.

Here are the best hybrids and EVs for other years: 2021 | 2020 | 2019

What We Think: Efficiency and style? The Audi A7 55 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid has both. This slick fastback combines the comfort and convenience features expected of a mid-size luxury vehicle with the versatility of a hatchback body style and up to 26 miles of EPA-rated electric driving range. Sure, we prefer the performance of the more powerful gas-drinking S7 and RS7 models, but the A7 55 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid is a solid choice if you're determined to get a hybrid of some sort. It's also among the best hybrid cars in its segment.

• Car and Driver rating: 9/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 70 mpge

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: The BMW 3-series is no longer the driving enthusiast's machine it once was. Still, BMW's sports sedan is a nice all-arounder that brings a reasonably roomy interior and better-than-average driving dynamics to the fold. It's also offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Dubbed the 330e, the 288-hp Bimmer offers 23 miles of EPA-rated electric driving range in its default rear-drive form. Opt for all-wheel drive (or xDrive in BMW-speak) and that figure falls to 20 miles.

• Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 75 mpge (330e); 67 mpge (330e xDrive)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: With 31 miles of EPA-rated electric driving range, the 2022 BMW X5 xDrive 45e brings an electric twist to the German automaker's midsize SUV. The 389-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain is a smooth operator and helps the gasoline-electric X5 hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Like all iterations of this Bimmer, the X5 xDrive 45e impresses with its high-end interior and logical infotainment setup. No surprise, the X5 xDrive 45e is one the best hybrid vehicles in its segment.

• Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 50 mpge

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Practical, comfortable, graceful, and undeniably handsome, the plug-in 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has family transportation down pat and is one of the best hybrid minivans sold today. Its refined road manners make the Pacifica Hybrid a pleasure to drive, whether you're logging interstate road-trip miles or simply shuttling kids to the high school football game. Cargo capacity is vast, though the Hybrid loses the versatile fold-in-the-floor second-row seats of its gas-only counterpart. In return, however, the Hybrid benefits from 32 miles of all-electric driving range, per the EPA.

• Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 82 mpge

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Ford's F-150 is fully embracing the electrified future. While the all-electric Lightning caters to those looking to ween themselves from gasoline entirely, the pickup's available gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain (dubbed PowerBoost) brings a 400-hp punch to the table. It also includes a 7.2-kW onboard generator that's good for powering the likes of small appliances. In other words, the F-150 with the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain maintains everything we love about Ford's full-size truck while simultaneously improving its fuel efficiency and real-world capability.

• Car and Driver rating: 9/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 25 mpg (PowerBoost RWD); 23 mpg (PowerBoost 4WD)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Ford reenters the compact pickup space with the 2022 Maverick. Though a strictly gas-powered 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is optionally available, a 191-hp gasoline-electric hybrid comes standard. Offered exclusively with front-wheel drive, the Maverick's hybrid powertrain affords this versatile pickup compact car-like fuel economy, all at a base price of $21,490. With such a low starting sum, the Maverick is one of the best hybrid vehicles sold today.

• Car and Driver rating: 9/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 37 mpg

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Although SUVs and crossovers are the people haulers these days, we think those folks are missing out by not considering the superb 2022 Honda Accord sedan. The Accord can do most things your average compact crossover can do, and its spry handling will give its driver more of a thrill should they encounter a twisty road. Plus, it's available with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that provides a more efficient twist on the daily commute. With a commodious trunk and enough space for four adults to relax in comfort, the Accord is also an ideal road-trip partner, made even better by its comprehensive set of standard driver-assistance features and intuitive infotainment system. There's a reason the Accord makes our 2022 10Best and Editors' Choice lists like it has done time and time again: It's a winner and one of the best hybrid cars out there.

• Car and Driver rating: 10/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 47 mpg (Hybrid and Hybrid EX-L); 43 mpg (Hybrid Sport and Hybrid Touring)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: The 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid won't get anyone's blood pumping, but its capacious interior and fuel-efficient gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain make it a compelling compact SUV. In fact, it's one of our favorites, earning a spot on our 2022 Editors' Choice list. The Honda isn't necessarily fun to drive, but it steers and stops without any fuss. Its ride is also relaxing on long hauls. Family road trips will also require fewer fill-ups than many other SUVs thanks to the CR-V's noteworthy fuel economy. A host of standard active safety features and popular tech options help it compete with newer rivals. While the 2022 CR-V isn't the flashiest or classiest in this hotly contested segment, it's still one of the most satisfying and talented entrants, making it one of the best hybrid SUVs sold today.

• Car and Driver rating: 9/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 38 mpg

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Although it's getting on in the years, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe remains a compelling mid-size SUV option. Credit a number of redeeming qualities, including the ability to option the model with either a gasoline-electric hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, the latter of which offers up to 32 miles of EPA-rated electric driving range. Regardless, all Santa Fe models feature a quiet and comfortable cabin with lots of standard tech features. That said, taller rear-seat riders may find headroom a tad tight.

• Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 76 mpge (Plug-in Hybrid); 34 mpg (Hybrid Blue); 32 mpg (Hybrid SEL Premium and Hybrid Limited)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: The 2022 Hyundai Sonata is a family sedan that's both visually interesting and a really good value. Hyundai's mid-sizer comes in three trims: Blue, SEL, and Limited. All are motivated by a 192-hp gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. The Sonata Hybrid impresses with an array of standard comfort and convenience features, as well as an upscale interior that's full of popular tech items. As a result, this Hyundai is one of the best hybrid cars on the market.

• Car and Driver rating: 9/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 52 mpg (Hybrid Blue); 47 mpg (Hybrid SEL and Hybrid Limited)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: The 2022 Hyundai Tucson sports a daring new design. Though the entry-level Tucson relies on a conventional 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine for motivation, the SUV also offers gasoline-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the latter of which offers up to 33 miles of all-electric driving range, according to the EPA. All models are fairly well equipped and the Tucson is among the most stylish options in the segment. No surprise, the model nabbed an Editors' Choice award for 2022.

• Car and Driver rating: 9/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 80 mpge (Plug-in Hybrid); 38 mpg (Hybrid)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Jeep's two-row Grand Cherokee welcomes a plug-in hybrid powertrain option as part of its 2022 redesign. Dubbed 4xe, the gasoline-electric setup is far from our favorite power source Jeep offers in its mid-size SUV. Still, the 4xe offers a compelling combination of electric driving range (26 miles, per the EPA) and rugged style. There's also a good deal of luxury, too, as the Grand Cherokee's cabin is a fine place to while away the miles. We do wish this plug-in powertrain was a bit smoother, though, especially given the model's $57,660 starting price.

• Car and Driver rating: 9/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 56 mpge

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: With more powertrain options and a smaller footprint, the 2022 Kia Sorento is a compelling substitute for the larger Kia Telluride. Both Kia models are handsome and have three rows, but adults won't want to spend much time in the Sorento's far-back seats, and when those seats are upright they limit its cargo capacity. Keep the third row stowed, however, and its nicely appointed cabin becomes a comfortable place for a small family. Unlike the Telluride, the Sorento is available with both gasoline-electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the latter of which offers up to 32 miles of electric driving range, according to the EPA. No matter what's providing the motivation, the Kia has a smooth ride and satisfying handling characteristics. The entire package is cohesive and packed with popular standard and optional features, making the 2022 Sorento one of the best hybrid SUVs out there.

• Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 79 mpge (Plug-in Hybrid); 37 mpg (Hybrid FWD); 35 mpg (Hybrid AWD)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Available in both squareback and fastback body styles, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid and Turbo S E-Hybrid rely on plug-in gasoline-electric powertrains to power the brand's mid-size SUV. The lesser E-Hybrid packs 455 horsepower and an EPA-rated electric driving range of 17 miles. Opt for the Turbo S E-Hybrid and you're looking at a PHEV Cayenne with 670 horses and an EPA-rated electric driving range of 15 miles. Though the extra weight of the powertrain's electric bits is a hindrance to the SUV's dynamics, these Cayennes are still very enjoyable machines to tool about in. That said, neither comes cheap, with the lesser E-Hybrid sticker for $84,650 and the mighty Turbo S E-Hybrid going for $166,650. Plan to drop a few stacks more if you want either in the Cayenne's more stylish Coupe form.

• Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 46 mpge (E-Hybrid); 42 mpge (Turbo S E-Hybrid)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Toyota hybrids have come a long way since the original Prius, and that growth is most apparent in the 2022 RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUVs. These electrified RAV4s deliver the same practicality and roominess as their strictly gas-powered counterpart but burn through fuel at a more miserly rate. Both are quicker than the nonhybrid RAV4—particularly the Prime, which even beat the four-cylinder variant of Toyota's GR Supra sports car in our 5-to-60-mph rolling start acceleration test. Better yet, the Prime also offers up to 42 miles of electric driving range, per the EPA. Both are among the best hybrid vehicles on the market.

• Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 94 mpge (Prime); 40 mpg (Hybrid)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Wagon enthusiasts will want to take a gander at the 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered model that boasts a plug-in-hybrid powertrain with 455 horsepower, 22 miles of EPA-rated electric driving range, and the ability to hit 60 mph in a manufacturer-estimated 4.3 seconds. Selecting the Extended Range option pushes the wagon's electric driving range up to 40 miles but adds 0.1 second to its 60-mph time. Sure, the V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered's ride is a tad stiff, but with so few wagons on the market, it's a small pain we're willing to accept. Plus, the V60 Recharge Polestar Engineered simply looks stunning, inside and out.

• Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 74 mpge (Recharge w/ Extended Range); 69 mpge (Recharge)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: Though the 2022 Volvo XC60 Recharge's plug-in hybrid powertrain is a tad less refined than we'd like, the gasoline-electric setup's combined 455 horsepower and a minimum of 19 miles of EPA-rated electric driving range make this compact luxury SUV hard to ignore. Drop the coin for an Extended Range-equipped XC60 Recharge and the EPA claims this SUV will go 36 miles on a full charge of its battery pack. Regardless, all XC60 models feature loads of standard driver-assistance tech and an interior that looks and feels fantastic.

• Car and Driver rating: 9/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 63 mpge (Recharge w/ Extended Range); 57 mpge (Recharge)

Review, Pricing, and Specs

What We Think: If driving verve isn't a top priority when shopping for a mid-size luxury SUV, then the 2022 Volvo XC90, which serves up a whole lot of style and safety tech, is a solid choice. As the only three-row in Volvo's portfolio, it's best suited for shuttling families, even if its far-back seats aren't the most spacious. Still, it has one of the prettiest interiors in its class. The XC90 is also offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain which has 455 horsepower and perkier acceleration. The standard Xc90 T8 Recharge's electric driving range is an EPA-rated 18 miles; however, an Extended Range option increases this figure to 36 miles.

• Car and Driver rating: 9.5/10
• EPA-combined fuel economy: 66 mpge (Recharge w/ Extended Range); 55 mpge (Recharge)

Review, Pricing, and Specs