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Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have slowed in recent years, leading automakers to double down on hybrid cars as a middle-ground that improves fuel efficiency and reduces carbon emissions.
Hybrids offer the best of both worlds, operating on battery electric power for short trips or hybrid gas-electric power for longer-range drives — it is a budget-friendly entry point to low-emission vehicles.
Techopedia rounds up the best five hybrid cars on the market, from price to performance to efficiency, as the road towards a future of EVs hits a few potholes.
Key Takeaways
- The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid combines affordability with a 44-mile electric range for eco-conscious urban driving.
- The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a versatile, family-friendly SUV with competitive fuel economy, advanced safety, and spacious comfort.
- The compact, budget-friendly Ford Maverick Hybrid pickup offers AWD and an impressive towing capacity.
- The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a tech-forward SUV with excellent fuel efficiency, upscale interiors, and hybrid or plug-in options.
- The Lexus ES 300h delivers top-tier fuel efficiency, smooth handling, and premium infotainment in a luxury sedan.
- Show Full Guide
5 Best Hybrid Vehicles for 2025
1. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Price: The starting point of the 2025 Toyota Prius PHEV is expected to range from $35,000 for the SE up to $41,000 for the XSE Premium, depending on the options.
Why it stands out: Toyota has established the Prius as a popular hybrid with an affordable price point for mainstream buyers looking to reduce their carbon footprint without committing to a fully electric car. It has a trusted reputation and proven reliability, with an enhanced electric-only range for city commutes.
The Toyota Prius is well-known as one of the early leaders in the hybrid market.
The automaker was one of the first to take a hybrid-first approach and has launched only one EV car, the bZ4x, and a Proace van.
The Prius comes in standard hybrid and plug-in options.
The Prius Prime was introduced in 2016 as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and received a new name for the 2025 model: Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
The name change “is intended to help consumers more easily identify the powertrain choices among Prius models,” according to the automaker. It is available in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium sport grades.
The SE has a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery and an estimated 44-mile electric driving range, while the XSE and XSE Premium have an estimated 40–mile range.
The fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System combines a 2-liter engine and electric motor-generators for an up to 52 miles-per-gallon (MPG) rating in hybrid mode, with a 220 net-combined hybrid system horsepower (hp), 139 lb.-ft. of torque. and goes from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds.
The XSE Premium has an option to add a 185W solar roof that can charge the battery from sunlight while the car is parked. The solar charger also supplies power to auxiliary functions while driving, making a complete package one of the best plug-in hybrid cars available.
2. Honda CR-V Hybrid
Price: The starting price for the CR-V Hybrid ranges from $34,650 for the Sport up to $41,100 for the Sport Touring Hybrid.
Why it stands out: The CR-V seamlessly integrates hybrid technology into a practical and popular SUV format to appeal to families and road trip drivers. It provides competitive fuel economy for the SUV segment and is packed with advanced driver-assistance features.
Honda bills the 2025 CR-V as a “safe and sporty” compact SUV crossover hybrid and is aimed at families and SUV enthusiasts, with a focus on comfort and practicality.
It comes in Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, or Sport Touring Hybrid trims with distinctive sport styling.
The 204-horsepower powertrain pairs a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a 40MPG city, 34MPG highway, and 37MPG combined rating on the all-wheel drive (AWD) option and a 43/36/40MPG rating on the front-wheel drive (FWD) option for the Sport and Sport-L versions.
The combination makes for responsive acceleration and a smooth, quiet drive.
The CR-V offers a spacious interior, configurable rear seating, and a generous range of advanced safety features. The Real-Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) function with an Intelligent Control System for cornering traction sends extra power to the rear wheels when it senses the steering wheel turning.
The Sport Hybrid has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Sport-L and Sport Touring have a larger 9-inch screen with wireless smartphone mirroring.
However, the CR-V’s cabin technology is generally less advanced than some other electrified vehicle models.
3. Ford Maverick Hybrid
Price: The 2025 Maverick standard hybrid FWD variant starts at $26,295, plus $1,595 for destination and delivery.
Why it stands out: The Maverick Hybrid is an affordable, practical truck that is more manageable than full-size pickups and appeals to budget-conscious drivers. Combining strong tech capabilities with efficiency, it is a solid choice for small business owners and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pickup trucks are Ford’s specialty, and the 2025 version of the Maverick, its smallest model, brings together the best elements of the mid-size Ranger and the full-size F-150.
The biggest update is the top request from customers — the introduction of an AWD hybrid option, which is available on the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims.
The AWD model delivers traction in all types of weather and over challenging terrain. It can also tow small campers, personal watercraft, and utility trailers thanks to a new optional Tow package that doubles the Maverick’s towing capacity to 4,000 pounds.
The 94kW battery, electric motor, and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine deliver an estimated fuel economy of up to 42MPG in the city and 33MPG on the highway with the standard hybrid FWD option and 40MPG in the city with the hybrid AWD model.
The combined powertrain delivers 191hp and 173 lb.-ft. torque.
The 2025 Maverick comes equipped with the latest infotainment features and driver-assistance technologies. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster is visible above the steering wheel.
A large 13.2-inch touchscreen display replaces the 2024 model’s 8-inch screen and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as standard features, along with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
The new built-in 5G modem allows Ford to send the truck software updates to keep its systems current.
The truck now features Ford’s SYNC 4 cloud-connected infotainment system with Enhanced Voice Recognition, connected navigation, and a set of advanced driver-assistance technologies.
The new-for-2025 360-degree camera, which was first developed for the F-Series, provides a split view of what is directly in front of or behind the truck and displays cross-traffic views.
A Pro Trailer Hitch Assist feature uses the rear camera and corner radars to make it easy to hitch a trailer coupler, and once hitched, Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes It easy to back up a trailer with the turn of a knob to control its direction.
Both features, which will be available in early 2025 as standard features on the Lariat and Tremor trims, are key as almost half of all Maverick owners tow.
A 110V/400W power outlet in the truck bed and one in the cab provide easy access to plug-in gear like battery chargers for power tools. Owners can add their own features like 12V outlets or lighting with pre-wired 12V connections.
4. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Price: The starting price for the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid ranges from $34,760 to $42,590, while the Plug-in Hybrid ranges from $41,025 to $48,735.
Why it stands out: The Tucson Hybrid stands out from its many competitors thanks to its combination of efficiency and technology that make it versatile enough for urban and rural use. The 2025 model introduces an updated hybrid powertrain for enhanced fuel economy, advanced tech options, and a stylish interior that rivals premium brands.
The Tucson Hybrid crossover SUV is popular among tech-savvy drivers thanks to its upscale, comfortable interior and intuitive tech features. The 2025 version combines a more spacious cabin and cargo area and high performance than many of its competitors.
The hybrid and plug-hybrid (PHEV) models come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor that offer a combined 231hp and 268hp, respectively — increases of 44hp and 88hp over the standard Tucson — while delivering better fuel economy for a small price premium.
The hybrid gets a combined 35-38MPG, depending on the variant. The hybrid comes in Blue, SEL Convenience, N Line, and Limited trims.
The Tucson Hybrid comes with HTRAC All-Wheel Drive as standard, giving drivers stability and control to navigate slick roads and rough terrain.
Hyundai’s e-Handling technology combines its Traction Control System with the electric motor for precise cornering.
Hyundai has updated Tucson’s dashboard for 2025 with a pair of optional 12.3-inch screens — for the instrument panel and the infotainment system — in a single panoramic curved display and brought back several physical buttons for HVAC and audio control.
It also adds a new parcel shelf to the dashboard and a center console with a cubby and a wireless charging pad option.
Among the other high-tech features are Hyundai’s digital key smartphone app, Bluelink+, which allows drivers to remotely start the engine, lock or unlock the doors, adjust the automatic climate control, and turn on the heated or ventilated seats from a compatible smartphone.
Remote Smart Parking Assist moves the vehicle forward or backward by pressing the Smart Key button outside the vehicle — a feature not available in competing hybrid SUVs.
5. Lexus ES 300h
Price: The ES 300h hybrid range starts at $44,615 for the Base variant, up to a starting price of $53,505 for the Ultra Luxury variant.
Why it stands out: Lexus’s reputation for luxury and reliability continues with the ES 300h hybrid sedan, which offers a comfortable and stylish interior, a quiet cabin, and impressive fuel economy for its size and power.
Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus, has a range of 10 hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the ES 300h sedan. The 2025 Lexus ES 300h is one of only a few luxury mid-size hybrid sedans on the market and among the most fuel-efficient.
The electric motor and 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine deliver an estimated 43MPG city and 44MPG highway combined rating. The hybrid offers a net combined 215hp and accelerates from 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds.
The ES 300h handles well and delivers better body control than might be expected from a luxury sedan. It comes in five variants: Base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, F Sport Design, and F Sport Handling, all only available with front-wheel drive.
The Lexus Interface infotainment system is designed for speed and ease of use. The standard 8-inch touchscreen can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch display equipped with Lexus Premium Navigation, including a 360-degree camera. A 10.2-inch Head-Up Display is an optional extra that is included in the Ultra Luxury variant.
The displays are angled 5 degrees toward the driver to improve vision and usability.
The infotainment system supports Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and features Lexus’s Drive Connect with its Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant, and Destination Assist functions.
It also features an AT&T-provided Wi-Fi Connect hotspot. Lexus provides a SmartAccess card key and its Remote Connect app with engine start, service scheduling, vehicle health reports and alerts, and more.
The Bottom Line
As automakers and consumers navigate the challenges of transitioning to fully electric vehicles, hybrids are positioned to act as an intermediate stop along the route.
The hybrid models for 2025 reflect the blend of efficiency, performance, and luxury that allow consumers to experience the benefits of electrification — including reduced fuel consumption and the latest tech features — without having to depend on charging stations. From luxury sedans to compact trucks and stylish SUVs, there’s a hybrid model to suit every lifestyle.
