Hybrids and plug-in hybrids combine gasoline and electric power to improve fuel economy, and these are the top hybrid cars, SUVs, and trucks to consider.

Hybrids are no longer fringe players in the automotive world. Gasoline-electric powertrains have become more mainstream, with many automakers offering multiple hybrid options in their lineups. Traditional hybrids rely on a gasoline engine, a battery pack, and one or more electric motors that all combine to power the car. They are fueled solely with gasoline, just like a normal internal-combustion car. Plug-in hybrids include a charge port and larger battery packs as a means of offering some degree of electric-only driving.

Hybrid vehicles are found in many forms, including cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, and even sports cars. Some favor efficiency, while others use the gasoline-electric combination to notably increase performance. A number manage to do both of these things at once.

With so many hybrid vehicles available, it’s difficult to distinguish the merely good from the utterly great. That’s why we put practically every hybrid vehicle through our comprehensive testing regimen. The hybrids here come from our Editors’ Choice and 10Best lists and represent the cream of the crop. These vehicles don’t just understand the assignment, they ace it.

Compact Car: Toyota Prius / Prius Prime

The Toyota Prius hatchback turned over a new leaf when it entered its fifth generation in 2023. It transformed from an ugly caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. The new car also offers far more horsepower than before, improving acceleration considerably, and fuel economy remains high, at up to 57 mpg as rated by the EPA. A completely redesigned cabin welcomes a more traditional approach, with bigger screens and a sweetened offering of features including available heated rear seats. The new Prius has a low roofline, a wide stance, and a low seating position that completes its transition into something that looks very much worth driving. The plug-in-hybrid Prius Prime continues as well, and it’s now the most powerful model in the bunch, offering 220 horsepower.