A recent AAA survey revealed that, while most consumers are still not ready to commit to a fully electric vehicle for their next car, there is an increasing interest in hybrid vehicles. Among survey respondents, 31% reported they would be highly likely or likely to buy a hybrid.
Hybrids offer the best of both worlds: You get the benefits of electrification, such as higher gas mileage and fewer emissions, without the range anxiety or worries of having to charge as often.
Hybrid 101
The two types of hybrids on the market are hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Both HEVs and PHEVs have a gas engine, an electric motor and a battery, but they are powered a little differently.
HEVs do not require an external charging source to charge. The gas engine generates enough electricity to charge the battery while driving, which also gets a boost from regenerative braking, a process in which the brakes utilize momentum to create electricity when the car coasts or decelerates.
PHEVs get some of their charge from regenerative braking, too, but as the name suggests, can also be plugged into a power source. PHEVs can travel as far as 40 miles on electricity alone.
Fully electric or battery electric vehicles do not have any engine and get all their power from an externally charged battery.
Top Hybrids
The kind of hybrid you drive all comes down to your lifestyle and preferences. For those in the market for a new car, these are some of the best hybrids and PHEVs, based on information about cost, range, safety, maneuverability and dependability from the AAA Car Guide, Edmunds, Car and Driver, Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book.
Volvo S60 PHEV
This is a luxury hybrid, but don’t just buy it for its looks and comfy seats. The strong engine provides a high performance full-EV experience for more than 40 miles, until the battery charge gets low, and the gas engine takes over for an overall 30 miles per gallon. Comfortable, heated seats, a smooth ride and quiet cabin all come together to create a serene ride. The Volvo has a long list of safety features, including stability control, overhead airbags and anti-whiplash head restraints. Prices start at about $51,425.
Ford Maverick
A smaller, reasonably priced pickup that maneuvers easily, the Maverick costs as little as $24,000 and boasts a 2.5L hybrid engine. The standard maximum payload is 1,500 pounds.
Standard on all versions is Ford Co-Pilot360™, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. This helps prevent collisions by automatically applying the brakes if it senses potential forward collision. Towing and off-road packages are available.
Honda Accord
The gas-powered model has long been the bestselling car in the U.S., so it’s no surprise the hybrid is a winner. With a starting price of $33,990, drivers get a drivetrain that moves seamlessly from gas to electricity offering a smooth ride all while it’s clocking in at 44 miles per gallon. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes that can sense when a tire is no longer rotating and adjust the brake pressure so the tire can resume rotating, enabling the car to turn; stability control that senses when the car has exceeded it handling limits and adjusts so the driver does not lose control. Besides the usual airbags, the Accord is equipped with overhead and knee-level airbags.
Hyundai Santa Fe
This SUV features a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. There are three rows of seats in a modern cabin. The Hyundai Smart Sense safety features include five collision avoidance systems to alert drivers to potential obstacles when going forward or backing up, parking, as well as from rear cross traffic and in blind spots. Highway Drive Assist helps drivers stay in their lanes and adjust speed when necessary. And a Remote Smart Parking Assist will even park your car for you! Prices start at about $35,000.
Hyundai Tucson PHEV
Posting up to 38 combined miles per gallon – powered by 226 horsepower from the turbo engine and electric motor – plus comfortable seating, the Tucson could be the small SUV for you. This Hyundai also features collision-avoidance systems, smart cruise control and driver attention warning system, which is on the alert for drowsy or inattentive driving and will notify the driver with sound and a message on the onboard screen. The starting price is about $40,000.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon X
This plug-in hybrid SUV can use electric power for up to 12 miles at a time. The Wrangler’s powertrain includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a100-kilowatt electric motor. Besides collision-alert systems for multiple directions, this jeep also has a monitoring system for blind spots, automatic high beams and an off-roading camera that points forward. It’s also ready to tow up to 5,000 pounds. All that power does not come cheap, though; it’s about $72,290 to start.
Toyota Camry
The Camry exudes efficiency, with a comfortable interior, roomy trunk and a miles-per-gallon rate of 52. The Camry features pre-collision assist technology, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings and road sign alerts, which identify upcoming signs (such as stop and yield) and displays them on the onboard screen. LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRL) are also standard. Prices for the Camry start at $29,000.
Toyota Prius
The car that started the hybrid revolution remains a top pick. The first mass-produced hybrid, over the past 25 years Toyota has sold about six million Priuses. The Prius boasts a range of about 50 miles per gallon, good acceleration and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Besides a blind spot monitor and cross-traffic alert, the Prius features a safe-exit alert to warn of a collision if a door is opened. The Prius prices start at about $29,000. The Prius Prime, a PHEV, has an impressive all-electric range. PHEV prices begin at about $34,400.
Toyota Sequoia
The Sequoia saves gas without compromising power with its hybrid powertrain. It has a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,520 pounds. The Sequoia features collision -alert systems and proactive driver assistance, which can provide gentle braking into curves. A panoramic view monitor creates a comprehensive overhead review of surroundings. Prices start at $63,000.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
