[RANKED] THE BEST HYBRIDS
The process of massification of the hybrid car (HEV) in many automotive markets is already a reality. It’s the most widespread technology to enter the world of electric mobility, and more and more drivers are betting on it. There are several factors that determine this incredible process of massification that the so-called self-charging hybrids are experiencing.
One key aspect is that conventional hybrids don’t have any type of limitation compared to a conventional car. They don’t require to be plugged in to recharge the battery, and, ultimately, it’s the combustion engine that propels the vehicle most of the time. However, they offer remarkable savings in fuel consumption and emissions in various situations.
In this ranking of the best hybrid cars, you’ll discover which models offer the best features and performance right now.
Toyota Camry
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: Toyota makes good use of its expertise in hybrid technology to make the Camry a great option in the electrified vehicle segment. Pros: High fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and braking, Intuitive infotainment system Cons: Questionable build quality, dull driving experience, all-wheel drive not available |
The current generation of the Toyota Camry received in 2021 its respective half-life update and thus maintains that freshness that few manage to impregnate in cars of its category.
The Camry Hybrid offers superb ride quality. It’s an extremely comfortable car with outstanding fuel economy that at no time sacrifices dynamism. It comes with a 2.5-liter engine, which together with an electric motor generates a total power of 208 horses and 163 lb-ft of torque. All this is complemented with a CVT transmission to achieve an impressive, combined consumption of 52 mpg.
In the safety section, we highlight the ten airbags, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and dynamic radar cruise control.
The interior is spacious with a good design and high-quality material. The infotainment system offers an intuitive and responsive interface, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not to mention a sound system signed by JBL that does its job well. USB ports are also available, plus a power outlet and a wireless charger.
Honda Insight
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: The Insight is a good compact sedan with a robust powertrain that stands out for its great mpg Pros: Outstanding gas mileage, smooth drive, great safety features Cons: Bland cabin, no plug-in option, quirky transmission |
In mid-2020, Honda unveiled an updated 2021 Honda Insight worldwide. And while it appears to be the exact same car at first glance, it comes with several improvements. Therefore, this slight renewal of the third generation of this model is the perfect pretext to reevaluate and see how this car behaves two years after its original launch.
The powertrain of the Insight comprises a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine capable of producing 107 horsepower and 99 lb-ft of torque, plus an electric motor with 129 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of torque. A CVT transmission complements these engines to achieve a consumption of 48 mpg (combined)
The Insight is loaded with technology like Apple CarPlay integration, Android Auto integration, smart entry with walk-away auto-lock, Bluetooth streaming audio, front USB ports, 8-Inch display audio touch-screen, push-button start, and a remote engine start.
From the Insight, we can highlight the Honda Sensing suite that integrates technologies such as adaptive cruise control, auto high beam system, low speed follow, mitigation braking system, lane-keep assist, and road departure mitigation system.
Toyota Prius
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: A household name in the hybrid cars segment with high efficiency and lots of interesting features Pros: Excellent fuel consumption, plenty of standard features, roomy seats Cons: Shy acceleration, mixed cabin quality, sits very low to the ground |
The Toyota Prius is a sedan designed for those who are looking for a practical and efficient car. Its greatest strength comes in the fuel economy section. However, this is not accompanied by a dynamic or entertaining driving experience. To compensate for this, Toyota offers the users a spacious interior and sufficient technologies for a pleasant travel experience in different scenarios.
The powertrain of the Prius comprises a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric drivetrain, with a combined output of 121 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The CVT transmission sends the power to the front axle, achieving a combined fuel economy of 52 mpg.
Technology-wise, its 7-inch touch screen stands out in the center console, as well as an audio system with AM / FM radio and MP3 / WMA / AAC player. The latter comprises six speakers that offer a decent sound experience, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Comfort technologies include automatic air conditioning with S-Flow and heated driver and passenger seats.
In terms of safety, you get ten airbags along with ABS brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assistance, and Smart-Stop technology.
Honda CR-V
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: An SUV with Honda’s signature reliability that offers great standard equipment and advanced safety features for the money. Pros: Good synergy between the gas engine and the electric motor, great handling, roomy interior Cons: Meek acceleration, unintuitive infotainment system, noisy ride |
Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Line is the top of the model range, sporting a unique exterior finish and a comprehensive list of additional equipment.
Thanks to its recent update and the support given by the public, the Honda CR-V Hybrid remains one of the best purchase options for those looking for a practical, versatile vehicle with sufficient comfort and safety to enjoy daily trips or road trips with outstanding fuel efficiency.
As for the mechanics, this hybrid CR-V is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine associated with a small electric generator that together delivers 180 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque.
The Honda Sensing system in the CR-V offers a suite of more advanced active safety technologies to help you with driving and road safety. Features include collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist system.
In the technology section, we highlight Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming audio, radio data system, 7-Inch Display Audio with High-Resolution Electrostatic Touch-Screen, Customizable Feature Settings and Compass, HondaLink.
Hyundai Ioniq
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: This car does everything a hybrid car should do but also offers a solid technology proposal for safety Pros: Impressive fuel economy, pleasant driving, large cargo hold Cons: Noisy gas engine, unexciting driving experience, not the most intuitive infotainment system |
The Hyundai Ioniq was born in early 2016 in response to the success of the Toyota Prius. There are a few ways in which it resembles it, such as the fastback silhouette, although the Korean hybrid takes on a much less risky style.
The Ioniq offers generous equipment, like that of a higher category sedan. We find a rain sensor, sunroof, LED headlights, wireless phone charger, digital instrument panel, leather upholstery, power-adjustable seat, electric parking brake.
Key safety features on the Ioniq include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention alert.
Being a hybrid vehicle, the powertrain of the Hyundai Ioniq comprises a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 104 horsepower and 108 pound-feet of torque, which works together with an electric motor that puts out 43 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Ioniq sports a combined fuel consumption of 55 mpg.
KIA Niro
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: A family-size hybrid crossover that can match or even outperform rivals in its segmentPros: Excellent fuel economy, intuitive infotainment system, roomy interiorCons: Uninspiring acceleration, all-wheel drive not available, disappointing interior quality |
The Niro results from the KIA’s desire to have a hybrid, to which a version that is also plug-in will be added.
KIA bets on a 105-horsepower 1.6 GDI gasoline engine and a 32-kW electric motor that combined develop 141 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The Niro´s combined fuel economy is 49 mpg.
In the technology area, the Niro features a 10.25” touch screen that integrates the information and connectivity functions such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay or the reverse camera with dynamic lines. In addition, it has a 6-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charger, remote engine start, a USB charger on the armrest, and monitoring of the hybrid system in the information cluster.
Safety is another aspect well covered by Kia and is that the Niro has seven airbags, ABS brakes, Isofix system, hill start assist, brake assist, and electronic parking brake.
The list continues with cross-traffic alert, electronic stability control, emergency tail lights, blind spot detection system, vehicle stability management system, tire pressure monitoring system, and lane-keeping system. In addition, it has a virtual sound emulator for pedestrians that warns them of the vehicle’s presence.
Infiniti Q50
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS Summary: A comfortable and powerful sedan, not as upscale as most of its rivals and with an unimpressive gas mileage for a hybrid Pros: Impressive performance, luxurious feel, one of the most powerful hybrids Cons: Poor gas mileage, dull handling, complicated infotainment system |
The 2021 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid is the planet-friendly version of this premium sedan from Infinity. It offers an excellent selection of comfort technologies, such as a Bose Performance Line Premium Sound System with 16 speakers, illuminated audio controls on the steering wheel, voice recognition and navigation, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Spot. It also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Infiniti InTouch, and Infiniti navigation system, among others.
The Q50 features a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor that together produce 360 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission to achieve 23 mpg (combined).
For safety, the Q50 includes six airbags, seat belts with forward pre-collision alert, front seat occupant detection sensors, and advanced vehicle dynamic control with traction control, and more.
It also has the Dynamic Safety Shield technology package with assists such as emergency braking and prediction system, blind-spot warning, distance control, tire pressure monitoring, 360 ° camera, change assistance, and lane control, prevention system front collision, warning, and rear collision avoidance.
