Once considered the go-to choice for budget-conscious minicab drivers and urban residents, hybrid cars have evolved into a widely accepted alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, largely due to their potential for lower fuel expenses.
However, choosing the right hybrid can be the difference between making a smart, fuel-efficient investment and ending up with a costly error.
That’s why, after thorough evaluations of every hybrid currently on the market by our skilled road test team, we’re presenting the top hybrid cars you can purchase today along with a few you should steer clear of.
This list includes both plug-in hybrids and standard hybrids that don’t require external charging. So, regardless of whether you have access to a charging station, you’ll find a hybrid that suits your lifestyle.
That said, if you’re looking for the overall best hybrid car available, that title belongs to the Honda Civic; it delivers brisk performance, excellent fuel economy, and a highly practical interior.
If the Civic or any of the other cars on this list catch your interest, you can click the related links to learn more or discover extra savings through our free New Car Deals service.
Hybrid Cars That Hold Up Amazingly
Keep in mind that the prices shown may sometimes reflect the non-hybrid versions of these vehicles we’ve included the prices for the hybrid models at the time of writing next to each entry, but you can also verify them by following the links to the respective models.
Honda Civic e:HEV
Our top recommendation is the Honda Civic e:HEV, particularly the 2.0 eHEV Sport 5dr CVT model. It boasts a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds, returns an impressive 56.5mpg, and emits just 113g/km of CO2.
With seating for five and a generous 415-litre boot, it also falls into insurance group 28E. The Civic shines in areas such as fuel economy, boot space, and the amount of luxury and safety equipment it offers.
However, it does come with a few drawbacks namely, a relatively high price tag, limited rear headroom, and noticeable road noise.
As the reigning Family Car of the Year, the Honda Civic stands out as the best hybrid car currently available. It’s a remarkably efficient hatchback that can easily achieve 49mpg in everyday driving conditions.
While the Toyota Corolla may be more frugal in terms of fuel use, the Civic compensates by excelling in other areas.
Performance is one such highlight; with a 0-60mph sprint time of 6.8 seconds, the Civic is faster than the Corolla as well as rivals like the Ford Focus Ecoboost Hybrid 155 and Volkswagen Golf TSI 130.
The car also delivers an enjoyable driving experience, with strong grip and precise steering though it doesn’t quite reach the same level of driving engagement as the Focus.
The new Honda Civic eHEV is a wonderfully straightforward and serene vehicle. Even though there’s a substantial amount of powertrain tech tucked beneath its clean, streamlined exterior, operating it couldn’t be simpler. You just get in, press the start button, and go—no fuss involved.
You won’t feel the intense calculations or the mechanical complexity working in the background as the car glides along in quiet comfort. However, it’s worth appreciating the intricacy behind the eHEV’s hybrid system.
At the heart of the setup is a brand-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. This unit features direct, multistage injection, improved cooling, advanced valve technology, and a low-temperature catalyst.
All these upgrades help make it leaner and cleaner than the older 1.5-liter engine used in Honda’s previous hybrid configuration. As expected, the engine is positioned up front—just to clarify in case you thought Honda had gotten experimental.
Underneath the rear seats lies a lithium-ion battery pack made up of 72 Honda-engineered cells. Since the Civic eHEV isn’t a plug-in hybrid, the battery is relatively small, with a total capacity of just 1.05 kWh—not huge, but sufficient for its purpose.
The hybrid system also includes two electric motors: one that serves as a generator and another that provides power directly to the front wheels. The real magic is in the control unit that seamlessly manages all of this behind the scenes, choosing the most efficient combination of power sources at any given moment.
In ‘Electric drive’ mode, the battery sends energy directly to the drive motor. In ‘Hybrid drive’ mode, the petrol engine powers the generator motor, which in turn supplies electricity to the drive motor—this setup keeps the engine running at its most efficient RPM. And in ‘Engine drive’ mode, the 2.0-liter engine directly powers the front wheels.
You don’t get to manually select any of these modes—the Civic’s intelligent control system handles everything automatically.
On the highway, the petrol engine typically takes over; in urban settings, the battery does the work. If the battery runs low, the hybrid mode kicks in to recharge it while still keeping the car moving. Naturally, regenerative braking is also part of the package.
Yes, it’s all technically complex. But in practice? Effortless. The transitions between modes are nearly imperceptible. You might find yourself cruising in hybrid mode, thinking you’re on battery power alone.
When overtaking on the motorway, the car responds briskly, without the sluggish, rubber-band sensation that often taints the CVT experience in that other well-known hybrid. With no traditional gearbox to deal with, the Civic eHEV delivers impressively responsive performance.
Mercedes GLC 300e
Next on the list is the Mercedes GLC 300e, specifically the GLC 220d 4Matic AMG Line 5dr 9G-Tronic variant. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 8 seconds, returns 53.3mpg, and emits 140g/km of CO2.
This plug-in hybrid SUV seats five, offers a spacious 620-litre boot, and falls under insurance group 40E. Its strengths include a generous list of standard equipment, an impressive electric-only range, and a roomy interior.
However, it’s let down by a slightly firmer ride than some competitors, a stylish but less robust interior, and petrol engines that require more effort to deliver performance.
For company car drivers seeking a premium-badged SUV, the GLC 300e is a very appealing choice. Its official electric-only range of 80 miles is particularly noteworthy, as it results in lower monthly costs than the Lexus NX 450h+, which can only manage 45 miles in electric mode.
The plug-in hybrid version of the GLC also comes standard with rear air suspension, which masks the battery weight and ensures a comfortable ride.
While the interior is both stylish and spacious, it lacks the solid, high-quality feel of rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. As of this writing, the starting price for the GLC 300e is £63,210.
Compact SUVs strike a solid balance between practicality and size, which has made them one of the most popular vehicle categories. If you’re looking for one with a dose of premium luxury and the prestige of a renowned badge, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class deserves your attention.
Its exterior design is refined and understated, with bodywork that is cleanly sculpted and precisely finished. Built on the same platform as the well-regarded C-class sedan, the GLC carries over much of that model’s interior styling and infotainment features.
Inside, the cabin is both inviting and well-crafted, boasting materials that feel upscale throughout. Powering the GLC is a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an option.
The engine delivers brisk acceleration, although the GLC favors comfort over sporty driving dynamics. Compared to sportier alternatives like the Jaguar F-Pace or Porsche Macan, the GLC leans more toward a plush, smooth ride.
Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, contributing to a calm, refined driving experience. Combine that with the added practicality of increased cargo space thanks to its classic SUV shape, and the GLC emerges as a compact luxury crossover that fully embodies the sophisticated Mercedes-Benz identity.
Also Read: 10 Vehicles With Best Long-Term Fuel Economy That Save You Money Year After Year
Lexus NX 450h+
The Lexus NX 450h+ also earns its place among the best hybrid cars available. Its key strengths include strong performance, expected high reliability, and a competitive electric-only range for a plug-in hybrid.
On the downside, the petrol engine isn’t the smoothest, the ride can become choppy at high speeds when fitted with 20-inch wheels, and the high-end Takumi trims are quite expensive.
Still, the NX makes a compelling case for those looking to go green. Its 45-mile electric range qualifies it for a lower company car tax rate than similarly priced models like the Audi Q5 or BMW X3.
It also offers a lively driving experience, with its hybrid system producing 305bhp and enabling it to outpace the Mercedes GLC 300e from 0-62mph by half a second.
Although it’s not positioned as a sporty SUV, it handles corners with a commendable level of precision. Inside, the Lexus NX impresses with its refined and durable cabin.
It balances luxury with practicality, making it a strong contender for families in need of a reliable and premium hybrid SUV. At the time of writing, the NX 450h+ starts at £52,652.
The Lexus NX 450h+ AWD, with a starting price of $58,755, stands as one of only a handful of luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) SUVs currently available. It features distinctive styling that is both sharp and somewhat unconventional, paired with a refined, quiet interior.
The infotainment interface is clean and user-friendly, and the electric-only driving range is sufficient to handle most typical daily commutes. Priced competitively within its segment, the NX 450h+ also comes well-appointed with an array of standard safety technologies.
Still, its uninspiring driving dynamics and relatively modest cargo space prevent it from taking the lead in its class. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e, starting at $69,500, offers superior performance, a more spacious cabin, and a competitive electric range—earning it the Editors’ Choice among PHEV SUVs.
Lexus offers the NX 450h+ in two trim levels: Luxury and F Sport. Both trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an 18.1-kWh battery, delivering a combined output of 304 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Power is distributed to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
The NX 450h+ boasts an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric-only range. It earns a combined 85 MPGe in electric mode and 36 MPG in hybrid mode. Charging the battery from empty to full using a Level 2 240-volt charger with the standard 3.3-kW onboard charger takes approximately 4.5 hours.
Opting for the available 6.6-kW charger cuts that time down to around 2.5 hours. For convenience, the vehicle also includes a 110-volt charging cable, which can fully recharge the battery in about 12 hours using a standard household outlet.
The model tested was the Luxury trim, priced at $58,755, equipped with standard exterior features like 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights, LED fog lights and taillights, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors with auto-dimming, power-folding function, integrated turn signals, roof rails, and welcome lighting.
Interior highlights include keyless entry and ignition, heated and ventilated front seats with memory functions, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, and elegant piano-black and real wood trim.
Honda Jazz 1.5 Hybrid
The Honda Jazz 1.5 Hybrid, particularly the 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Elegance 5dr eCVT variant, offers an appealing mix of efficiency and practicality.
It accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds, delivers an impressive 62.8mpg, and emits just 102g/km of CO2. With space for five passengers and a 304-litre boot, it falls into insurance group 21A.
Its standout strengths include a spacious interior enhanced by flexible rear seats, a generous amount of standard equipment, and an efficient engine.
On the downside, the Jazz is relatively expensive for a car in its size class, isn’t the quietest on the motorway, and lacks the driving fun found in some competitors.
Still, it remains the top small car when it comes to passenger and luggage space. Its innovative rear seating layout adds to its practicality, and visibility is excellent thanks to a tall windscreen, slim front pillars, and large side and rear windows.
While the price is on the high side, it’s balanced by impressive standard kit, strong resale values, and low running costs due to its economical hybrid powertrain. Although it may not match some rivals for outright comfort or driving enjoyment, the Jazz continues to lead overall.
Mercedes C-Class C300e
The Mercedes C-Class C300e shines as an executive car thanks to its highly capable plug-in hybrid system.
The C300e surpasses the BMW 330e in electric-only range by an official 30 miles, and its robust electric motor allows it to reach motorway speeds without needing the petrol engine.
Like the GLC 300e, it features standard rear air suspension, which helps to mask the added weight of the battery pack. However, it still doesn’t handle corners as confidently as the BMW 330e.
This model combines a smooth ride with excellent efficiency and an impressively low company car tax rate, making it a practical option for business users.
That said, the interior quality lets it down the dashboard is cluttered with low-grade plastics more befitting a small car than a premium executive saloon.
This is a far cry from the upscale interiors seen in rivals like the Audi A4. Despite this shortcoming, the C300e stands out in terms of its hybrid technology and ride comfort. At the time of writing, prices for the C300e begin at £52,025.
Also Read: Top 10 Worst and 10 Best Trucks for Towing
Hybrid Cars That Cost a Fortune to Maintain
One of the wisest financial decisions you can make as a car owner is to choose a vehicle that has low repair costs. A reliable way to estimate potential maintenance and repair expenses is by checking the reliability ratings of a specific car model.
If you’re considering purchasing a hybrid vehicle and want to minimize your long-term maintenance spending, here are several hybrid versions of well-known models that are best avoided, along with their manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Mazda CX-50
MSRP: $33,970
Consumer Reports gives the Mazda CX-50 a reliability rating of just 47, a score that reflects poorly on the vehicle’s dependability.
Reviewers have pointed out that the CX-50 falls short in terms of passenger space, and they note that it is more expensive than several of its rivals in the same segment.
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a vehicle that combines premium features with some notable compromises, finding itself somewhat caught between two worlds.
While it excels in handling, with precise steering and a slightly firm ride that is well-controlled, the hybrid powertrain doesn’t deliver the excitement many might expect from such a sporty SUV.
The vehicle’s 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque come from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors (two in the front and one in the back), all-wheel drive is standard, but it’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that somewhat dampens the driving experience.
The driving dynamics are superior to many similarly sized crossovers, yet the lack of muscle in the powertrain takes away from the full potential of these qualities. In terms of fuel economy, the CX-50 Hybrid achieves an estimated 39 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, which is considered below average for a hybrid SUV.
The interior of the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid offers some fine luxury features, but the vehicle’s infotainment system is cumbersome, making it less user-friendly than its rivals. The CVT continues to be a weak point, detracting from the overall driving experience, and despite its premium features, the hybrid powertrain doesn’t offer much excitement.
The vehicle’s cargo space is also on the smaller side, which can be a drawback for those looking for more versatility. While the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive and an impressive set of features, it struggles to make a significant impact in a highly competitive hybrid SUV market, ranking 13th in its category.
Although it ranks below competitors like the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid, the CX-50 Hybrid’s driving dynamics, safety, and quality make it a worthy option for buyers looking for a premium compact SUV.
However, with its unimpressive powertrain and less-than-ideal fuel economy, it fails to fully capitalize on the strengths of hybrid technology. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid remains a solid choice for those prioritizing driving enjoyment over pure efficiency, but it lags behind in key areas when compared to its competitors.
Lincoln Nautilus
MSRP: $50,415
With a reliability score of 57 from Consumer Reports, the Lincoln Nautilus is expected to be less dependable than the average vehicle. This rating should make potential buyers think twice before committing.
Reviewers have also criticized the fact that the most attractive features are reserved for the higher trims and have found the car’s controls unnecessarily complicated.
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus SUV offers an array of high-end features typically associated with six-figure European luxury vehicles, such as hands-free highway driving, a massive 48-inch infotainment display, a cabin that is scented and synchronized with a seat massage function, relaxing visuals, and curated music. However, this is not a European luxury vehicle we’re talking about, but rather the redesigned Lincoln Nautilus.
Along with these luxurious touches, the five-passenger Nautilus provides the essential qualities you’d expect from a premium SUV, including spacious seating, a quiet and comfortable ride, and standard all-wheel drive. This marks a significant transformation for the Nautilus, taking it from a merely decent domestic SUV to a contender against its more expensive Japanese and European luxury counterparts.
While the base model’s four-cylinder engine is only adequate, the Nautilus comes at a considerably lower price than its competitors, making the engine’s lack of power a manageable compromise. For those seeking more power, a hybrid option is available, though it is reviewed separately.
In the rankings, the Lincoln Nautilus holds the #9 spot in the Best Mid-Size 2-Row Luxury SUVs category, with competitors like the Genesis GV80, Porsche Cayenne, and BMW X5 taking the top positions. For 2025, Lincoln has added some exciting updates to the Nautilus.
A four-year trial subscription for BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is now standard on all trims. After a delay in the 2024 model year, the Lincoln Rejuvenate feature, offering a multi-sensory relaxation program, is now available.
The new Whisper Blue Metallic paint color replaces last year’s Blue Panther, and a new Light/Dark Smoked Truffle interior theme is now offered with the optional Jet Appearance package.
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus starts at $53,485 and goes up to $76,645 depending on the trim and options. The midrange Nautilus Reserve trim offers excellent value, as it adds several premium features for only a small price increase over the base trim.
These include the Jet Appearance package, which provides an adaptive suspension, Revel Audio premium sound system, and stylish 22-inch wheels with chrome inserts. The package also includes several cosmetic upgrades, such as paint-matching cladding, fenders, and wheel arches, along with a black-painted roof.
The standard engine in the Nautilus is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.
This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. There is also a hybrid version with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that works in tandem with a 100 kW electric motor, producing a total of 310 horsepower. This hybrid model is reviewed separately.
The previous 330-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine option has been discontinued, which aligns with the broader trend toward better fuel economy in new powertrains. On the road, the Nautilus offers a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride.
In Normal drive mode, the suspension absorbs most road imperfections, while the Excite mode firms up the suspension for better handling, though it can result in a somewhat harsher ride, particularly with the larger 22-inch wheels.
Kia Sportage
MSRP: $27,390
Consumer Reports awarded the Kia Sportage a reliability rating of 56. Critics have expressed disappointment in the Sportage’s overall design and have remarked on its lack of spirited performance.
The fifth-generation Kia Sportage is making a bold statement with its design. As the second car to be created under Kia’s ‘opposites united’ design philosophy—following the all-electric EV6—it shares a clear family resemblance with its futuristic sibling. While the Sportage is slightly boxier than the smooth lines of the EV6, it adopts many of the same creases, especially at the rear.
The aggressive front end, featuring sharp, upright daytime running lights, stands out as a more distinct design element. However, this unique look seems to have gained popularity, with the Sportage currently ranked as the second-best-selling car in the UK. This success marks a significant achievement for Kia.
When it comes to powertrains, the Sportage offers a wide range of options. At the time of writing, the available engines include a 1.6-liter mild hybrid, a full petrol hybrid that produces 226 horsepower, and an all-wheel-drive-only plug-in hybrid petrol that boasts a larger 13.8kWh battery pack, offering a respectable electric-only range.
Additionally, various gearbox options, including manual, automatic, and DCT, are available, giving buyers plenty of choices to suit their preferences.
This version of the Sportage is designed specifically for Europe. Although the nameplate has been around for 30 years, this is the first Euro-specific model.
The international version of the Sportage shares a similar appearance but is slightly larger and more SUV-like. The European model, on the other hand, is a compact five-seat crossover that aligns with its practical design.
Inside, the Sportage is packed with technology, and its interior marks the most significant leap forward in the redesign. Higher trims feature a large, wraparound dashboard that includes a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a matching digital display for the dials.
Kia is known for offering great value, and the Sportage is no exception. It’s equipped with a substantial amount of technology for the price, and its interior features like stylish air vents and door pulls elevate the overall premium feel.
Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: $28,605
The Hyundai Tucson received a reliability score of 53 from Consumer Reports. According to reviewers, the Tucson is underpowered and trails behind some competitors when it comes to fuel efficiency.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson receives a styling refresh for its fourth year on the market, with notable updates to its grille, bumpers, and wheels.
Inside, Hyundai has replaced the old optional infotainment setup with a new configuration that features two displays—one for infotainment and the other for the gauges—encased in a single rectangular housing on the dashboard.
Entry-level models come equipped with a single 12.3-inch touchscreen and analog gauges. Additionally, the steering wheel design has been updated, and the climate control panel has also received a refresh.
For the best balance of features and value, we recommend the mid-level SEL trim, which comes with desirable features such as a power liftgate, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
For an additional $2,450, the Convenience package adds even more features, including extra driver-assist technology, a sunroof, built-in navigation, and a digital gauge cluster. All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels for an extra $1,500.
Under the hood, the 2025 Tucson is powered by a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
While the Tucson provides adequate power for city driving and highway passing, it may not satisfy drivers seeking a more spirited performance.
However, it excels in handling, offering a confident and crisp driving experience, with a ride that is smooth and comfortable. What stands out most about the Tucson’s driving characteristics is its quiet and refined nature on the road, traits that lend it a sense of luxury that is rare in this segment.
Ford Escape
MSRP: $29,150
Consumer Reports assigns the Ford Escape a reliability rating of only 21, suggesting it’s likely to be significantly less reliable than the average car.
Reviewers have also taken issue with the vehicle’s interior, noting that the extensive use of hard plastics gives it a “cheap” appearance.
For the best balance of value and performance, we recommend the ST-Line model. It provides the most affordable way to access the more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which offers lively performance. This requires the Select package, which includes all-wheel drive.
The ST-Line comes equipped with distinctive 18- or 19-inch wheels, body-colored lower cladding, a mesh grille, and a rear spoiler. Inside, the cabin features an all-black design with red contrast stitching and a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel.
To enhance the Escape ST-Line’s digital features, you can opt for the Premium Technology package, which upgrades the standard 8.0-inch infotainment and gauge displays to a 13.2-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
The nonhybrid version of the Escape offers two engine options. The base powertrain features a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. While the base turbo-three engine can be somewhat grumbly and lacks refinement, it provides adequate acceleration.
For a more powerful and compelling option, the 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. Both gasoline engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.