Best Hybrid and Electric Cars of 2018

Here Are the Best Green Cars in U.S. News Rankings

Sunday is Earth Day, a day when people across the globe celebrate their commitment to environmental protection. There are many ways to show you care about protecting our planet, and one of them is driving a low-emissions, eco-friendly hybrid or electric vehicle.

These green machines have a reputation for unsightly styling and boring driving dynamics, but given the influx of new entrants into the market over the past five years, there are now more genuinely desirable options than ever before. This slideshow highlights some of the best.

To build rankings in each of the six categories, we combined U.S. News overall score, starting price, gas mileage, and range data from the EPA for 58 hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars. The winners have the best combination of quality, value, and efficiency in their segment.

So if you’re looking to boost your green cred this Earth Day by bringing home an environmentally friendly vehicle, this slideshow is a perfect place to start your search. Not only do these cars and SUVs benefit the planet’s health; they’re also a joy to drive or ride in, and they may even draw an envious look or two from neighbors or passersby.

• See 2018 Lexus NX Hybrid Photos
• Find 2018 Lexus NX Hybrid For Sale
• Read the 2018 Lexus NX Hybrid Full Review
• See Rankings

2018 Chevrolet Bolt | Best Electric Vehicle

$36,620 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6 | Range: 238 miles | MPG-e: 119

All-new last year, the all-electric Chevy Bolt is more than just a green car. It’s one of our top-ranked compact cars thanks to its punchy electric motor, nimble handling, spacious cabin, and long list of available technology.

Efficiency is its greatest strength, however, as the Bolt can travel up to 238 miles without a drop of fuel and returns 119 MPG-e. The Tesla Model S and Model X offer a longer range than the Bolt, but they cost over twice as much. Lower-priced all-electric competitors like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Ioniq EV don’t come close to matching the Bolt’s range. That makes Chevy’s EV the smartest buy for most shoppers.

It’s tough to top the Bolt’s combination of quality, efficiency, and value. If you’re ready to bring one home, take a look at this month’s Chevy deals for all the best finance and lease offers. Also be sure to use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the Chevy dealership in your area with the lowest available price.

• See 2018 Chevrolet Bolt Photos
• Find 2018 Chevrolet Bolt For Sale
• Read the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt Full Review
• See Rankings

2018 Hyundai Ioniq | Best Hybrid Car

$22,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6 | MPG: 58

The Hyundai Ioniq came up short in the electric car category, but it’s also available as a hybrid, and that’s where it really excels. It returns an impressive 58 mpg in combined city/highway driving, and its base price is among the lowest of any hybrid car at $22,200. The Toyota Camry Hybrid (52 mpg) and Toyota Prius (52 mpg) are the only other hybrids that top 50 mpg, but both will cost you more than the Ioniq.

Gas mileage and value aren’t the Ioniq’s only strong suits, however, as it boasts an attractive cabin built with eco-friendly materials, user-friendly technology, and poised handling. It’s also a top choice if space is a priority, as its hatchback body style affords 26.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

If the Ioniq’s environmental credentials, utility, and value have you convinced, be sure to check out this month’s Hyundai deals for all the best finance and lease offers. For a streamlined buying experience, use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the Hyundai dealership in your area offering the lowest price.

• See 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Photos
• Find 2018 Hyundai Ioniq For Sale
• Read the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Full Review
• See Rankings

2018 Kia Niro | Best Hybrid SUV

$23,340 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1 | MPG: 49

Green buyers who value the cargo flexibility and high ride height of an SUV have some excellent options, and the Kia Niro should be near the top of their list. It has spacious and comfortable seats in both rows, excellent cargo capacity for a subcompact SUV, easy-to-use technology, and a handsome cabin aesthetic.

It’s also the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUV you can buy, boasting 49 mpg combined. Alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ($27,235), Nissan Rogue Hybrid ($26,240), and Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($36,670) are considerably more expensive than the Niro and return 34 mpg or less.

At only $23,340, you’ll save up front and at the pump with the Niro, making it an excellent pick for those who prioritize efficiency and value. This month’s Kia deals can help you save even more at the dealership. Also, don’t forget to check out the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the Kia dealership in your area offering the lowest price.

• See 2018 Kia Niro Photos
• Find 2018 Kia Niro For Sale
• Read the 2018 Kia Niro Full Review
• See Rankings

2018 Toyota Prius Prime | Best Plug-In Hybrid

$27,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1 | EV Range: 25 miles | MPG-e: 133

The Toyota Prius Prime is the plug-in hybrid variant in Toyota's popular Prius lineup. The Prius Prime is currently the only plug-in option from Toyota.

The Prime debuted in 2017 as a direct competitor to options like the Ford Fusion Energi and the Chevrolet Volt. The Prime set itself apart with its unique styling and optional, giant 11.6-inch Tesla-style touch screen. Backed by top-notch safety scores and the dependability of the Toyota nameplate, the Prius Prime is the best plug-in hybrid on the market.

The Prius Prime allows you to drive up to 25 miles on pure battery power before the gasoline engine kicks in. While some plug-ins will get you further on EV power alone (as with the Volt's 53-mile range or the brand-new Honda Clarity's 48 miles), the Prime blows its competitors out of the water with its 54 mpg combined fuel economy. This is the best combined fuel economy of any plug-in hybrid available right now.

If you are ready to park the Prius Prime in your driveway, head over to our Toyota deals page to check out this month's best financing and lease offers. Also, be sure to use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the Toyota dealer in your area with the lowest available price.

• See 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Photos
• Find 2018 Toyota Prius Prime For Sale
• Read the 2018 Toyota Prius Prime Full Review
• See Rankings

2018 BMW i3 | Best Luxury Plug-In Hybrid

$48,300 | U.S. News Overall: 8.2 | EV Range: 97 miles | MPG-e: 109 |

The BMW i3 is one-half of BMW's electric i division – the other being the BMW i8 supercar. The i3 has a bit of a polarizing style – with its suicide doors and futuristic, boxy shape – but its strong acceleration and sporty handing make it a favorite among hybrid enthusiasts.

What makes the i3 the best luxury plug-in hybrid is its impressive MPG-e rating. The i3 gives you 97 miles of pure EV power, which is plenty to run around town. If you need to go further, the optional gasoline-powered range extender kicks in, giving you 180 miles of total range. Most of the other luxury plug-in hybrids on the market have less than 20 miles of EV range. If you want to throw a little green into the blue-and-white flag of a BMW, you can't go wrong with the i3.

Check out this month's BMW deals for all the best financing and lease offers. Don't forget to use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the BMW dealer in your area with the lowest available price.

• See 2018 BMW i3 Photos
• Find 2018 BMW i3 For Sale
• Read the 2018 BMW i3 Full Review
• See Rankings

2018 Lexus NX Hybrid | Best Luxury Hybrid

$38,335 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0 | MPG: 31

The Lexus NX Hybrid leads the luxury compact SUV class in fuel economy, and if you are considering a hybrid, fuel economy is likely a top concern. As a bonus, you also get a comfortable and luxurious cabin, along with industry-leading safety and reliability scores.

The NX Hybrid gets 31 mpg combined, which is not only the best in its class, but one of the best MPG ratings across all hybrid SUVs. Only the subcompact Kia Niro and corporate cousin Toyota RAV4 Hybrid best the NX Hybrid's fuel economy. However, neither of those vehicles can claim a luxury badge on its nose. Among luxury brands, Lexus is the clear leader.

If you want a luxury hybrid vehicle that will make the fewest stops at the gas station, the Lexus NX Hybrid is for you. Head over to our Lexus deals page for information about the best financing and lease deals available this month. Be sure to use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the Lexus dealer in your area with the lowest available price.

• See 2018 Lexus NX Hybrid Photos
• Find 2018 Lexus NX Hybrid For Sale
• Read the 2018 Lexus NX Hybrid Full Review
• See Rankings

Ready to Buy?

If you're ready to buy, you can save thousands off these highly rated, safe cars by using the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program. You can also save money by heading over to our car deals and lease deals pages, where we list the best manufacturer incentives from across the country.