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.

Acura Is Phasing Out the RDX But Expects Growth Anyway

The growth forecast comes in spite of a long wait for the RDX’s next-gen hybrid replacement.Alisa PriddleWriterManufacturerPhotographerJan 14, 2026

Acura’s popular RDX compact SUV is being phased out after the 2026 model year, to be replaced in a couple years by a hybrid version.

Fresh Lineup Fuels Sales

Woelfer said nearly all Honda and Acura models have been updated in the last 18 months, giving the automaker one of its freshest lineups in years. That contributed to the small sales increase last year despite a challenging 12 months with tariffs, the loss of tax credits for EVs, and a microchip shortage.

The company is projecting total sales of 1.5 million vehicles this year, up 4 percent, even though the industry is expected to be flat. The Honda brand anticipates 1.35 million sales and Acura will add about 135,000 units despite lower inventory to start the new year due to supply chain restraints.

More Affordable Models

One way to grow sales: a renewed focus on lower trims to meet demand for more affordable vehicles. The automaker plans to increase production of lesser-cost versions of core models: Honda CR-V, Civic, and Accord, as well as Acura’s entry ADX and Integra.

This year will also see updates to the Integra Type S, the MDX, Civic Type R, and the continued rollout of the refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot. The Honda S+ Shift system that simulates performance shifting on the Honda Prelude hybrid will be added to the Civic Hybrid later this year.

The new Prelude launched in November but the ramp up will be slow; it will be March by the time all dealers get one. Even with the slow rollout, sales are exceeding expectations, Woelfer said.

Our Yearlong Review Mazda CX-70 Has Left Us. We Are Not Sad.

After a year of driving it, we’re not too bummed about it leaving us.

Miguel CortinaWriterMotorTrend StaffPhotographerJan 02, 2026

I’m not going to sugarcoat it: After a year behind the wheel, the Mazda CX-70 wasn’t what I expected at the beginning of its loan. It ended up being one of the worst long-term vehicles I’ve chaperoned during my time at MotorTrend. And although there were plenty of things I liked about it, I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth by the end.