What Are the Best New Hybrid Vehicles?
If you are shopping for a new hybrid vehicle, you have more choices than ever. There are now dozens of hybrid models on sale in the U.S., and they come in all forms – from compact hatchbacks to SUVs and even pickup trucks. Each new hybrid vehicle that enters the market brings new features and technology – along with improvements in range and fuel efficiency.
In our list of best new hybrid cars, we’ve focused on vehicles that are new to the market and feature “conventional” hybrid technology – meaning these are not plug-in hybrid vehicles. If you are looking for a new plug-in hybrid, we have you covered with this article.
2023 Kia Niro Hybrid
Kia’s long, tall Niro hatchback is unique in being available with three distinct powertrain configurations – regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric. The new 2023 Niro is a very appealing package for urban and suburban users alike. All Niro models are front-wheel-drive; a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard in the hybrid version, which features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a permanent-magnet electric motor, for a combined power output of 139 horsepower. It returns 53 MPG in the city. One cool feature is the Green Zone drive mode, which automatically switches the Niro Hybrid into electric drive in residential areas, and near schools and hospitals. It can also use navigation data to calculate the amount of regeneration required using radar and road gradient information.
Niro’s long, tall hatchback body is one of the most practical body styles on the market. A high seating position makes it easy to get into and out of, without any of the unnecessary height and bulk of an SUV. Advanced technology is baked into the Niro. Standard advanced driver assistance systems include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection; lane keeping assist; lane following assist; blind spot monitor; rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist; and more. Smart cruise control is available, as is Highway Driving Assist II, which on the Niro EV integrates the functionality of lane change assist, forward collision assist with lane change, and smart cruise control with machine learning.
- Starting MSRP: $24,690
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 53/48
2022 Ford Maverick
There was a time that “hybrid” stood only for small economy cars. Now, the most affordable hybrid for sale in the U.S. is actually a pickup truck – and a very capable one at that. And with pickup trucks being the most popular vehicles in America, there’s no doubt the compact Maverick will sell in big numbers. It’s a flexible, fun, and affordable pickup that breaks all kinds of pickup stereotypes – not least for fuel economy. The 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain is enough to haul five people and 1,500 pounds of gear effortlessly – delivering 42 MPG in the city, better than most other pickups on the market.
It's not just in the economy stakes that the Maverick is a game-changer. Because it is based on the platform of the Escape SUV, it drives more like a smooth, responsive car than it does a pickup truck, without sacrificing the versatility you’d expect from a pickup. There’s an 8-inch LCD touchscreen that gives easy access to all of the Maverick’s infotainment functions, while standard safety features include pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking.
- Starting MSRP: $20,995
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 42/33
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
One of America’s best-selling SUVs has been redesigned for 2023. Perfect for daily life or weekend escapes, the new Honda CR-V is longer and wider than before, with a broader stance. It backs up the strong looks with a more fun-to-drive personality, as well as increased capability. There are two new hybrid-powered trim levels, the CR-V Sport and Sport Touring; they are the most powerful CR-Vs ever. A 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine gains direct fuel injection, and is mated to a pair of electric motors mounted side-by-side. Combined system output is 204 hp, while peak torque rises to 247 lb.-ft. of torque.
Inside, the new sporty and modern interior brings fine craftsmanship, high-quality materials and new tech features. It’s also more quiet and more comfortable, with new front seats to reduce fatigue and improve posture, and the most cabin and cargo space ever in a CR-V. Safety features include Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology with a new wide-view camera and radar, next-gen front airbags, as well as new rear side-impact and knee airbags. There’s a larger standard touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 7-inch digital instrument panel, and more.
- Starting MSRP: TBA
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: TBA
2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Redesigned for 2022, the Kia Sorento is a full-size, three-row SUV that combines impressive space and practicality with high-end styling and an innovative hybrid drivetrain with available all-wheel drive. Sorento uses a tiny 1.6-liter gasoline engine with turbocharging, combined with electric motors; total power output is 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a sporty driving feel thanks to a six-speed automatic that can be shifted manually. For a vehicle of its size, its 39 MPG city and 35 MPG highway ratings are impressive, too.
Three rows of seating for your family are augmented by a generously-sized cargo area and an impressive array of standard features. Kia’s Drive Wise driver assist package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection; blind spot assistant; rear cross-traffic collision assist; lane keeping assist, and more. There are also a total of 8 USB ports to keep all your family’s devices charged up, alongside a wireless phone charger, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sorento Hybrid is a good-looking, nicely-made package that offers excellent value for money – and an impressive competitor for vehicles like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
- Starting MSRP: $35,690
- EPA Estimated City/Highway MPG: 39/35
