Hybrid cars draw from both gas and electric sources of power, resulting in a more efficient ride. They can alternate the engines that they use or use both at the same time for extra power. Also: The best electric cars Here’s a quick breakdown of the three engine combinations that can go into a hybrid vehicle: Plug-in hybrid cars can receive a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 if the car is on this list. PHEVs have a larger electric battery with more capacity that you can recharge with an external power source. In a series hybrid system, like the one used by the BMW i3, the internal combustion engine recharges the battery while the electric side of things powers the wheels. In the parallel hybrid system, like the one used by the Toyota Prius, both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine power the car’s movements. Also: The best affordable EVs ZDNET experts looked at the best hybrid cars on the market going into the new year and selected affordable yet quality options.
MPG (city/highway/combined): 58/53/56Power: 121 hp Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds for the newest modelPrice: $25,075
The Prius is a classic hybrid car that keeps getting better. It ranks well in affordability, with a starting price of $25,075, and it also has great gas mileage at 56 mpg. On a ranking of the hybrid cars with the best gas mileage, it was topped only by the Hyundai Ioniq Blue, which has 59 mpg. The 2023 Prius will be the first Toyota vehicle to go “Beyond Zero” emissions as Toyota aims to maximize efficiency with as low emissions as possible. In the Prius L Eco, you have impressive safety features, like the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control that you can use on the highway to drive at a preset speed while maintaining a preset distance from the driver in front of you.
Electric + gas MPG: 76Acceleration 0-60 mph in 7 secondsElectrical total range: 30 milesPower: 261 hpPrice: $40,000 (before a $7,500 federal tax credit)
The Hyundai Santa Fe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is perfect for families with its large cargo volume and safety features. It has collision-avoidance assist features, lane-keeping assist, smart cruise control, and more. The Hyundai digital key allows you to lock the doors of your vehicle from the app, and it even remembers your seat, mirror, and navigation settings. You also get heated front seats and an all-wheel drive for extra stability in all road conditions. This is a plug-in hybrid, so it has a higher-capacity electric battery when compared to a series or parallel hybrid system. You can recharge the car with an external power source. The PHEV status of this car qualifies it for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Also: The new EV tax credit is complicated. Here’s who qualifies
MPG: 50 (on electric), 20 (gas only)Acceleration 0-60 mph in 5.3 secondsElectrical total range: 31 milesTotal range: 400 milesPower: 389 hpPrice: $65,700 (before a $7,500 federal tax credit)
This luxury, sports activity PHEV is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 and additional state incentives. The BMW xDrive system is the foundation of this car, taking you through any terrain with ease. The intelligent, all-wheel system collects and uses your driving data to transfer power to each wheel for the best control of your car in every season. If you lose traction on a slick or snow-filled road, the xDrive Dynamic Stability Control feature helps minimize the loss of traction so that you can power out of snow and drive safely. You can charge this car’s electric battery easily with a BMW Wallbox or any power outlet, and you can check your charging status, range, and more from the My BMW app.
MPG: 53Acceleration (0-60): 9.1 secondsProjected driving range: 479-588 milesPrice: $26,490
The Kia Niro hybrid boasts an impressive driving range of up to 588 miles – meaning less time at gas stations or charging stations for your car. Kia uses a parallel hybrid system for this car, and regenerative braking too. You get a touchscreen display that shows you navigation and diagnostic information about your vehicle, and you get standard safety features too, like collision avoidance assist, lane following assist to keep you at the center of your lane, and highway driving assist that helps you match posted speed limits. There are also plug-in hybrid and EV options for the Kia Niro, but neither option qualifies for the federal tax credit.
MPG: 52Power: 107 hp Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.7 secondsPrice: $26,855
The Honda Insight is a quietly powerful hybrid that packs in 52 mpg and accelerates well. It’s a functional car that prioritizes the user, with precision steering, a responsive touchscreen entertainment system that syncs up with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and plenty of cargo storage space. You can get more storage with the Toyota Prius, but the 15 cubic feet of storage with the Insight could be more than enough for your needs. The safety features included with the Insight are essential, like a rearview camera, stop sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, and more. Honda discontinued the Insight in June, but you can still purchase a used model. Hybrid cars feature complex technology, like an electric motor, specific gears, etc, that leads to higher initial costs and maintenance costs. If you buy a new hybrid, you’ll probably get a warranty with it, but if you’re buying used, you’re taking more of a risk.
