Traditional hybrids, like the original Prius, give reluctant EV and plug-in hybrid converts an alternative that doesn’t require a charging cable. They offer drivers economical and more environmentally conscious transportation. While hybrid SUVs are more in favor, plenty of traditional hybrid sedans can deliver significantly lower fuel consumption, often at a price just incrementally higher than their standard non-hybrid counterparts.
The affordable Hyundai Ioniq hybrid and the distinctive Honda Insight hybrid called it quits, but 2023 brought a redesigned and more powerful Toyota Prius and a new hybrid from Toyota with the Crown, to replace the discontinued Avalon. Hyundai and Honda are reinforcing their lineups with a host of upcoming fully electrified products, but still offer some hybrid options.
This list includes only traditional hybrids for all non-luxury sedans. Unlike their plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cousins, standard hybrids don’t require plugging in to recharge the battery and to achieve their best fuel economy. Like a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, simply fill them with gasoline and let the hybrid system do the work.
These are the best hybrid cars (the best hybrid SUVs and are listed separately) for the 2023 model year. They are listed from highest to lowest mpg combined rating, according to official EPA estimates.
- 2023 Toyota Prius Starts at $27,450, EPA-rated at 57 mpg combined
- 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Hybrid starts at $25,550, EPA-rated at 54 mpg combined
- 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid Hybrid starts at $28,655, EPA-rated 52 mpg combined
- 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Hybrid starts at $28,250, EPA-rated 52 mpg combined
- 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hybrid starts at $23,050, EPA-rated at 50 mpg combined
- 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Hybrid starts at $31,895, EPA-rated 48 mpg combined
- 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid Hybrid starts at $43,340, EPA-rated 44 mpg combined
- 2023 Toyota Crown Starts at $39,950, EPA-rated 41 mpg combined
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Why We Picked It
With the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid no longer dominating the top spot, the original hybrid Prius takes back its rightful slot. It’s good timing with its 2023 redesign that gives it more oomph, but just as much efficiency. It was a complete redesign for the fifth generation of the hybrid hatchback. One of the only things Toyota kept in the redo were the Prius name and fabulous fuel economy. It gets 60% more power, improved handling and ride quality and a thoroughly modern interior to go along with its sleek and sporty exterior. It’s now available in three trim levels with the LE with standard front-wheel drive as the new base model. Although its redesign lowered the roofline and chopped more than an inch from interior headroom, at 181.1 inches in length, the 2023 Prius has grown by 1.1 inches and has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. That means more legroom. The LE with front drive will deliver up to 57 mpg in combined city and highway driving (that’s 56 mpg city and 57 mpg highway). AWD drops the LE to 54 mpg in all categories.
Pros & Cons
- Much-needed new styling
- Power improved
- Same class-leading fuel efficiency
- Not as much headroom as previous models
- Reduced cargo space
- Tight rear seating
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Why We Picked It
The 2023 Elantra looks like it did the year before and that means the same 140-horsepower hybrid powertrain with front-wheel drive for this popular compact sedan. Clearly no contender for the horsepower sweepstakes, it at least has enough power to keep up with traffic while saving on fuel costs. Keeping things simple, just two trims are on offer for 2023: the base Blue ($25,445), EPA-rated at a commendable 54 mpg combined, 53 city and 56 highway, and the Limited ($30,045) that slips to 50, 49 and 52 mpg in the same metrics despite using the identical powertrain.
Pros & Cons
- Stylish inside and out
- Full range of compelling, high-value models
- Trustworthy reliability, 10-year warranty
- Base engine a little underwhelming
- Aggressive, angular styling not for everyone
- Not as fun to drive (excepting the Elantra N) as a Honda Civic or Mazda3
Why We Picked It
The Camry hybrid is the marquee trim, delivering as much as 53 mpg in the base LE trim. The full trim lineup up for the hybrid is as follows: LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade and XSE. It trails competitors in trunk space but still holds sufficient amounts of groceries or luggage, and its cabin is roomy and comfortable. It gets top marks in crash testing and comes standard with many driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning with steering assist. The hybrid’s 2.5-liter engine makes 176 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque on its own, but the combined gas-electric system makes a combined 208 horsepower. The gas engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid employs an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Camry Hybrid LE is the fuel efficiency leader with EPA ratings of 52 mpg combined, 51 mpg city and 53 highway. In the other four trims, it’s rated for 46 combined, 44 city and 47 highway.
Pros & Cons
- Available all-wheel drive
- Standard driver-assist technologies
- Smooth ride and handling
- Rivals have more front legroom
- Infotainment system looks dated
- Pointless “EV Mode” button on hybrid
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Why We Picked It
The most efficient Hyundai Sonata model is the hybrid Blue series and it doesn’t suffer from inflated hybrid pricing. The 2023 Blue is EPA-rated for 52 mpg combined. The SEL and the Limited both suffer slightly on fuel economy, returning 47 mpg. It’s not the best-driving car in its class, but it remains a stylish midsize sedan with available high-tech features that are a class above and offers solid value, made more so by its extended warranty and 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Pros & Cons
- Available class-leading technology
- A lot of car for the money
- Serious performance from the N Line, best-in-class fuel economy from the hybrid
- Front-wheel drive only
- Some unrefined driving mannerisms in the finer points
- Love it or hate it looks
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Why We Picked It
The Corolla built its reputation by offering thrifty reliable transportation and the hybrid version takes that ethos one step further. Refreshed for 2023, a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder is now standard across the lineup, except for the hybrid sedan which still has the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 134 net combined system horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid front-wheel drive returns 47 mpg combined, 50 city and 43 highway, while the new AWD version is EPA rated for 44, 47 and 41 mpg in the same measures. Standard Toyota Safety-Sense 2.0 and 10 airbags ensure it’s as safe as it is a bargain. It’s a less engaging option than the gas engine, but it does improve your fuel economy.
Pros & Cons
- More powerful base engine
- Versatility with sedan or hatchback body styles
- Hybrid offers all-wheel drive
- Not that fun to drive
- Snug rear seats
- Small trim lineup
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Why We Picked It
Even if the Honda Insight is a goner, Honda still has a sedan-shaped hybrid up its sleeve. The base 2023 Accord hybrid emerges better than ever after a redesign that made it more powerful and much more fuel-efficient. Hybrids get a modest 2 horsepower boost over last year. It also grew: It’s almost full-size now. Across the lineup, the redesigned Accord gets a completely new look with a fastback roofline, structural improvements Honda says result in a stiffer body and suspension upgrades they claim improve ride and handling. The standard hybrid returns up to 48 mpg combined (from 51 city and 44 highway). The hybrid is slightly faster than its rivals but also isn’t necessarily “exciting.” As before there are lots of safety features and the trademark quality feel, but this Accord is a little less exciting than the previous one.
Pros & Cons
- Good performance
- 192 combined output offers an engaging driving experience—for a hybrid
- Lots of passenger and cargo space
- Odd glitches in infotainment system
- No high-performance version
- A little too understated
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Why We Picked It
The 2023 Lexus ES is a solid all-around performer with predictable handling, a quiet cabin and competitive fuel efficiency, particularly from the 300h hybrid model. The 2023 ES hybrid costs slightly more than the regular version, but only by just over $1,000. Trims include the Luxury and Ultra Luxury grades and the F Sport Design and F Sport Handling options. The 300h hybrid option pairs the four-cylinder with a capable electric motor for a combined total of 215 hp. The ES’ typical handling is focused on delivering a comfortable ride above all else. As expected, the 300h is the efficiency champ, returning 44 mpg in combined and highway driving and 43 mpg in the city. Those numbers obliterate the regular version’s base 28 mpg combined.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent value for the money in its class
- Upscale interior with meaningful and thoughtful design
- Quiet, composed ride
- Storage flexibility limited due to stationary back seats
- Base four-cylinder engine is lackluster
- No all-wheel drive variant for the hybrid
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Why We Picked It
The Toyota Crown is technically new this year, even if the name is recycled from yesteryear. The all-new 2023 Crown replaces the large Avalon in Toyota’s domestic lineup and is considered a sedan despite its almost coupe-like fastback profile. There are three available trim levels, XLE, Limited and Platinum, and all come standard with an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain. The base configuration provides exceptional fuel efficiency, particularly for a vehicle this size. The XLE and Limited with the traditional Toyota Hybrid system are rated at 41 mpg combined, a number many much smaller and lighter vehicles would struggle to achieve. Stepping up to the more exhilarating Hybrid Max configuration delivers an impressive 30 mpg combined.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent fuel economy for a bigger sedan
- Interesting design
- Robust driver assist suite
- Slightly hollow sounding
- Lack of hatchback for improved cargo access
- Big infotainment screen should offer a split-screen mode
How does a hybrid car work?
Despite decades of improvements, traditional internal combustion automobile engines are a product of compromise. Combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor—or two, or three as some of the latest hybrids do—allows engineers to volley between power sources for significantly improved efficiency across the board.
Hybrid vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine that works in concert with an electric motor. Most vehicles operate on its electric motor at low speeds or in city traffic, but switch to gasoline or combined operation when power is needed or at higher speeds. In contrast to pure gas or diesel vehicles, which operate most efficiently on the highway at high speed, hybrids return their best mileage around town, where they can take full advantage of the electric assistance.
The relationship between the three main components (gasoline engine, electric motor and battery) is precisely controlled by software and attendant hardware that makes sure the battery stays charged, usually when the gasoline engine is operating in a low-demand situation like cruising on the highway at a steady speed. Hybrids also use regenerative braking, a process that returns charge to the battery under braking or in some instances coasting. This is particularly significant, as traditional vehicles “throw away” large amounts of energy during braking in the form of heat.
A traditional hybrid like the ones in this list requires no external charging or special operating procedures; just fill your car with gas as usual.
What are the Advantages of a Hybrid Car?
The primary advantage of a hybrid car is improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. For instance, low-speed stop-and-go traffic can be particularly inefficient with a gasoline engine; a hybrid utilizes the electric motor(s) in these situations to increase efficiency dramatically. Plus, electric motors make all of their available torque from 1 rpm and up, which is ideal for stop-and-go traffic; gasoline engines require revving to produce maximum torque. When needed, the system can also operate the electric motors and gasoline engine simultaneously for maximum output and acceleration when merging or getting up to speed.
Series-parallel hybrid cars like the ones on this list offer considerably better gas mileage than any gas-only cars, and they also tend to run on regular-grade gas, rather than premium. In the long run, that adds up to significant fuel savings, typically at no additional maintenance cost versus a less-complex gas or diesel-powered car. They’re generally quieter than gas or diesel vehicles as well.
What are the Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car?
Most hybrids have come down in price over the last few years, but many still demand a small premium over the cost of their non-hybrid counterparts. Hybrids are also heavier due to the battery pack and additional hardware, but the improved fuel economy negates the additional weight in all but a few very specialized instances.
Another downside? Not as much choice. There are also tradeoffs in performance and require a higher trim level, which again means more cash upfront.
How Long Does a Hybrid Car Battery Last?
Battery lifespan and replacement cost remain the chief concerns of buyers considering a hybrid automobile. Unfortunately, most hybrid vehicle manufacturers use specific technology, components and suppliers so there is no universal answer. Most experts agree that the average hybrid battery should last approximately 80,000 to 150,000 miles. Bear in mind that hybrid batteries in the U.S. are legally required to warrant them for a minimum of 8 years or 100,000. Some manufacturers have taken this a step further and offer a 10-year and 150,000-mile warranty.
That said, forums and owners’ clubs have many members touting over 200,000 miles on the original battery pack. Replacement battery prices for popular models have improved dramatically over the last few years, and used and refurbished options are also available.
Methodology
We selected cars (based on size) that have an available hybrid powertrain as an option on one or more of its trims and are priced under $50,000. We also looked at the overall vehicle ranking by Forbes Wheels staff. The hybrids are ordered from highest to lowest EPA-rated mpg in combined driving on base hybrid models.
For 2023, our ratings categories are:
- Performance
- Range, Energy Use & Charging
- Safety
- Infotainment
- Comfort & Room
- Cargo Space & Storage
- Style & Design
Overall: 100 points
- Performance (15 points): The Performance score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s handling, braking, acceleration, ride quality and other qualitative performance measures such as horsepower, torque, zero-to-60 time and top speed. Towing capability for trucks and SUVs also is considered. Performance of the vehicles is compared against the identified competitive set. While driving, reviewers look for attributes relative to the expectations set by the manufacturer and by consumer expectations.
- Fuel Economy (15 points): The Fuel Economy score is based on the combined mpg estimate for the entire model lineup and how that figure measures against the identified competitive set. The mpg estimates are based on EPA data or the manufacturer if no EPA data is available. Scoring for pure electric vehicles will be based on kilowatts consumed per 100 miles and the comparative mile per gallon equivalent, or MPGe.
- Safety (15 points): The Safety score is based on crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Vehicles not yet rated by either agency receive zero points. Also included in the safety rating are points awarded for certain advanced driver-assistance safety features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. There are nine safety features Forbes Wheels considers mandatory for the standard offering: forward emergency automatic braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning or one its higher-level variants, lane keeping assistance or lane centering. Vehicles must have at least four of these in their standard offering to receive points. Vehicles that offer a Level 2 self-driving system, (a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centering) are eligible for a bonus point.
- Infotainment (15 points): The Infotainment score is based on points awarded for certain features offered as standard equipment on the base trim. Forbes Wheels identifies certain features that are growing in popularity and therefore have been adopted by both premium and mainstream automakers. Some of these features include a minimum 7-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable, digital driver information display or instrument panel and at least two USB ports. Additional points are awarded for popular features that haven’t been widely adopted in mainstream vehicles such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging capabilities.
- Comfort & Room (15 points): The Comfort & Room score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s comfort, ergonomics and overall interior feel as well as effective use of space. Points also are awarded for the measurement of rear-seat legroom and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer a segment-best legroom in either rear seat or optional third row are eligible for a bonus point.
- Cargo Space & Storage (15 points): The Cargo Space & Storage score is based on points awarded for the reviewer’s assessment of the vehicle’s large and small cargo spaces (as well as small-item storage) and how well they serve their purpose and effective use of space. Reviewers also consider innovative storage solutions and flexible loading features. Points also are awarded for the cargo space measurements for rear cargo hold or trunk and how it compares with the identified competitive set. Vehicles that offer segment-best cargo or trunk space are eligible for a bonus point.
- Styling (10 points): The Style score is a subjective assessment of a vehicle’s overall styling and design, inside and out. Reviewers also consider the configuration of the interior and how well the design plays into the function. Build quality also is a consideration.