No. 8 (Tie): 2016 Toyota Prius v
MPG: 44 City / 40 Highway (Details Below)
The 2016 Prius v provides plenty of room for cargo and class-topping passenger space. Adults will be comfortable in the roomy back seats. It is highly efficient for its size, returning 43 mpg in the city and 39 on the highway.
2016 Toyota Prius V
Starting Price: $26,675 (Details Below)
A gas engine work with an electric motor to provide 134 horsepower. This is below-average for the class and makes for difficult passing and merging at freeway speeds. Interior quality is subpar for the segment. Safety is outsanding, and reliability is slightly above average.
No. 8 (Tie): 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
MPG: 38 City / 41 Highway (Details Below)
Critics praise the completely redesigned 2016 Sonata Hybrid for an unnoticeable transition between gas and electric power. The Sonata features best-in-class interior space, with front and back seats that are comfortable and spacious for adults. Predicted reliability is outstanding, and Hyundai offers an industry-leading warranty.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Starting Price: $26,000 (Details Below)
For city driving, the Sonata lacks efficiency, which is uncommon among hybrids. Critics also noticed that the brakes feel spongy. However, it is a great highway commuter and the new Sonata Plug-In option is a standout in the segment. The serene, well-appointed interior is a class leader, with high-quality materials and intuitive technology.
No. 6 (Tie): 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid
MPG: 44 City / 41 Highway (Details Below)
The 2016 Fusion Hybrid is one of the least expensive hybrids in its class. Great fuel economy adds further value. The Fusion Hybrid is one of the most “fun to drive” vehicles in the segment. It offers sporty handling and a powerful punch, something that’s not found in many hybrids.
2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Starting Price: $25,675 (Details Below)
The Fusion Hybrid offers an upscale cabin with available SYNC3 infotainment technology. Rear seats lack headroom for taller adults, and the trunk is smaller than the non-hybrid Fusion, due to the battery pack. Safety scores are high, which is typical for the class. Reliability is slightly above average.
No. 6 (Tie): 2016 Chevrolet Volt
Electric Mode: 53 Miles of Electric Range / Gas Mode: 42 MPG Combined City and Highway (Details Below)
The Chevrolet Volt has been one of the most successful plug-in hybrids of all-time. The redesigned 2016 Volt fares even better, with a new engine that is more powerful and efficient. While small, the new Volt seats five and the updated interior is quiet and user-friendly.
2016 Chevrolet Volt
Starting Price: $33,170 (Details Below)
The Volt finds itself with little competition in extended-range plug-in vehicles. It is part electric car and part hybrid, boasting 53 electric-only miles and an additional 367 miles with the gas engine.
Standard features and technology are better than most in the class. The Volt lacks in size, making for cramped rear passenger space and limited cargo capacity.
No. 5: 2016 Toyota Prius
MPG: 54 City / 50 Highway (Details Below)
The 2016 Prius is freshsly redesign, offering a higher-quality interior, roomy seats, and class-topping cargo space. Safety scores are excellent, but the Prius hasn’t received any reliability scores. It returns better fuel economy than nearly every compact car.
2016 Toyota Prius
Starting Price: $24,200 (Details Below)
The Prius provides sporty handling and outstanding comfort. The engine is adequate for typical driving, however it lacks excess power found in many rivals’ models. It is one of the most affordable hybrid vehicles, but still more pricey than gas-only compacts.
No. 4: 2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
MPG: 40 City / 39 Highway (Details Below)
For a large vehicle, the 2016 Avalon Hybrid returns outstanding fuel economy. The upscale interior is stocked with premium materials, all seats are comfortable, and the rear seats provide plenty of passenger space for adults. Although cargo space is minimal, there are many places for small-item storage.
2016 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Starting Price: $38,100 (Details Below)
Critics mention that the engine is noisy at heavy throttle and performance doesn’t stand up to the competition. Steering is confident and handling is responsive, but not exciting. The 2016 model offers new advanced safety features and a larger touchscreen. Safety and reliability ratings are above average.
No. 1 (Tie): 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid
MPG: 42 City / 38 Highway (Details Below)
The 2016 Camry Hybrid has a lot to offer those looking for a fuel-efficient car with space and comfort. All five seats provide class-topping head- and legroom, in an ultra-quiet cabin. Even the trunk offers considerable space for a hybrid. Tech features are numerous and intuitive.
2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Starting Price: $26,790 (Details Below)
The Camry Hybrid’s drivetrain pushes a nearly class-leading 200 horsepower, providing peppy acceleration for city driving. Ride and handling are well-balanced for a smooth commute and a composed feel around corners.
No. 1 (Tie): 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
MPG: 49 City / 43 Highway (Details Below)
The 2016 Malibu Hybrid is fully-redesigned and receives exceptional safety scores. It is also one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids. Critics praise its ability to imperceptibly transition between gas and electric power. The regenerative braking is also smooth and consistent.
2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Starting Price: $27,875 (Details Below)
The Malibu Hybrid provides a tranquil ride with composed handling. Interior materials are average, and seating is comfortable for all passengers in the front and back. However, taller passengers may have limited headroom in the rear seats. Cabin controls are simple and features are plentiful.
More Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Is the time right to get into a hybrid and minimize your trips to the gas pump (and help curb climate change)? When you’re ready to take action, visit the U.S. News Best Price Program to locate a nearby dealer and save money on your new car purchase.
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Go Green With One of These Hybrids
Are you considering purchasing a hybrid vehicle to save some money on fuel, or to better the planet? Hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more common, and prices are slowly coming down as the technology is improving.
Hybrid technology can be applied to any vehicle. It takes kinetic energy that is normally wasted and transforms it into electricity, which can be used to power the car. It can provide substantial efficiency improvements over a vehicle powered by gasoline only.
Some automakers include state-of-the-art cabin and driver assistance technologies to further complement the innovative drivetrain. Regenerative braking is just one of the many features found in hybrid vehicles. The brakes work to recharge the battery pack, which can feel different at first, and there may be a punchy, grabbing feeling as the traditional friction brakes take over. Initially, it takes some getting used to.
Not only does hybrid technology aid in efficiency, but it also decreases the amount of carbon emissions that the vehicle expels into the atmosphere. You can think of it as helping yourself and the environment, which in turn helps you two-fold.
The following slideshow features the top hybrid cars in our rankings. Read on to join the ranks of the environmentally-friendly.