Best Hybrid Cars of 2026 | New Hybrid Vehicles Ratings | CarBuzzNot too long ago, even the best hybrids were either overpriced or offered a sanitized driving experience that few could love. Times have changed and technology has progressed to the point where everything from subcompacts to high-performance exotics run on a combination of electric power and gas. Consequently, this means that shopping around for the best hybrid vehicles is no simple task. Whether you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a conventional hybrid, you can find them all ranked in our list of the best hybrid cars of 2026.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.This list only includes full hybrids or plug-in hybrids. Mild hybrid models are excluded. Volvo XC60 PHEV Taking the number one spot on our list of the best hybrid cars is the Volvo XC60 PHEV. The standard XC60 is a mild hybrid, but increasing your budget by a few grand opens up the option to sit behind the wheel of a comfortable, relatively luxurious midsize SUV. In general, the XC60 rivals the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the Audi Q3, but neither of them have PHEV variants. Powering the XC60 PHEV is the T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid system, which makes 455 horsepower combined. It can drive 35 miles on electric power alone, and it tows up to 3,500 pounds. Volvo says this model gets 63 MPGe combined. BMW M5 Touring PHEV Hybrid cars come in all shapes and sizes these days, and another one of our favorites is this BMW wagon. The BMW M5 Touring reaches the top of this hybrid cars list with its impressive performance, despite its size and weight compared to older M5 models. Once you get over the fact that it weighs more, you can have a ton of fun throwing it around a track. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 PHEV setup makes 717 combined horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, which launches it to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The M5 Touring can drive 25 miles on electric power, and gets 54 MPGe combined."As we played around with the car on local South Carolina roads, it became clear that the M5 Touring can get its rear end loose, even without putting the car in its rear-drive setting. Even on imperfect back roads, the M5's Adaptive M suspension system straddles a fine line between enthusiastic handling and executive comfort. It's firmer than the Audi RS6 Avant, but far more compliant than the Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon, which is exactly what we want from a sporty wagon."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Lexus NX Hybrid Lexus has a wide range of hybrid vehicles available, but we particularly enjoy the Lexus NX. This small SUV can be configured with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The NX rivals the Volvo XC60 we talked about above, as well as the Acura RDX and now-discontinued Infiniti QX50. That said, this Lexus is great since it can be had with a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid or a PHEV of the same displacement. The full hybrid model makes 240 hp while the plug-in makes 304 combined hp. When equipped with FWD, the hybrid NX gets 42/38/40 mpg (city/highway/combined), and the AWD PHEV gets 84 MPGe combined."As is often the case with the F Sport badge, the NX 450h+ F Sport talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. Sport mode does the usual trick of sharpening throttle response, giving the transmission a more aggressive shift pattern, and stiffening the adjustable suspension."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Mazda CX-90 PHEV Mazda's best hybrid car, with a BuzzScore of 8.8 out of 10, is the CX-90 PHEV. This large three-row SUV is fit for any family. It's relatively luxurious at its higher trim levels, but it starts at a more reasonable price point when compared to other three-row plug-in hybrids. It starts at $50,495, which isn't too bad when you consider the high-quality interior, good fuel economy, and more. This version of the CX-90 is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 plug-in hybrid powertrain that makes a combined 323 horsepower. As for range, it can drive 27 miles on electric power alone. It also gets 56 MPGe combined. Toyota Prius No list of top hybrid cars would be complete without the Toyota Prius. This quintessential hybrid hatchback sparked new joy in the segment, and proved that hybrid cars could be truly successful. The current Prius generation looks great, has a reasonable amount of power, and gets great fuel economy as expected. Buyers can choose between a regular hybrid and plug-in versions. The regular hybrid has a 2.0-liter I4 hybrid system that makes 196 hp with AWD, while the PHEV variant makes up to 220 hp. Choosing the standard hybrid means getting up to 57 MPGe combined, but the PHEV manages to get 127 MPGe combined - plus, it can drive 44 miles on electric power."...the Prius ditches its floppy handling for a more grippy experience. The car is still held back by skinny eco-tires, but this is the most entertaining Prius to drive by some margin. It also remains pretty comfortable with compliant suspension, little wind noise even on the highway, and enough power for swift overtaking maneuvers"- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Hyundai Palisade Hybrid The best hybrid model Hyundai has to offer is the Palisade Hybrid, which earns a BuzzScore of 8.9 out of 10. This is another three-row family SUV, but it's far more affordable than most other hybrid three-rows. The Palisade rivals the Honda Pilot as well as its corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride. Hyundai starts its hybrid Palisade at $44,160 before destinations and options, but the Calligraphy trim tops its lineup at $56,780. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter turbo I4 hybrid that makes a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. In its most efficient guise, the model 33/35/34 mpg city/highway/combined. "Take a more relaxed approach to motoring, and you'll have very few qualms about your new Palisade Hybrid; in the gas-brake-honk of daily commuting, you'll find that there's just enough grunt coming from the electric motors to make the gas engine mostly redundant at low speeds, although when it does fire up, the four-cylinder does make some untoward noises that mostly fade into the background after a moment or two."- Brett T. Evans, CarBuzz Honda Accord Hybrid Honda continues to impress with its new hybrid cars, like the current Accord. The 2026 Accord is available with both gas and hybrid powertrains - its hybrid trims cost a bit more than the gas-only engines, but we feel as though it's worth it for the better fuel economy and more upscale interiors. The Sport Hybrid trim is the cheapest hybrid, which starts at $33,795 before destination. No matter which hybrid trim you choose, you'll be pulled around by a 2.0-liter inline-4 hybrid that makes 204 combined horsepower. In its most efficient trim, the hybrid Accord reaches 51/44/48 mpg city/highway/combined."There was an instant familiarity from driving many Accord models over the years, but it felt better as a whole. The ride is smoother, most notably in the high-frequency damping from the suspension - something driving on a badly maintained California freeway at 70 mph shows immediately. The steering system is new, but we didn't even notice as it just reacts perfectly for a daily-driver sedan on the road and in parking lots."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Some of you may not have expected a pickup truck to be one of the best hybrids, but the Toyota Tacoma deserves a spot with its BuzzScore of 7.9 out of 10. This midsize pickup has two available powertrains; five of its eleven trims have the i-Force MAX hybrid system. This engine is a 2.4-liter inline-4 hybrid that makes a combined 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard in the Tacoma's best trims, like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro off-road focused variants. The cheapest way to get this powertrain, though, is in the TRD Sport i-Force MAX trim for $47,035. It gets 23/24/23 mpg city/highway/combined. Toyota Camry Another new hybrid car that deserves a spot on this list of the best is the Toyota Camry. No matter which trim you choose, all versions of the Camry come with a hybrid powertrain. It's even more affordable than the Honda Accord's cheapest hybrid, since this Toyota starts at $29,100 before destination. There are five trims to choose from, though, with the XSE top trim starting at $35,500. They're all powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid system that makes up to 232 combined horsepower. As far as fuel economy goes, the 2026 Camry gets 52/49/51 mpg city/highway/combined in its LE trim with FWD."Handling is great with a minimal amount of roll. Even quick highway lane changes and twisting back roads are easy and fun in the Camry. It also has excellent braking that keeps you confidently in control. The ride itself is smooth with a minimal amount of road and wind noise. The plush seats make it easy to relax without being so soft that longer rides prove uncomfortable. Whether you're driving the Camry or simply along for the ride, it’s a fantastic sedan."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Wrapping up our list of the best hybrid vehicles is the Toyota Grand Highlander. This is another three-row family SUV that's made even better by including electric power to boost fuel economy and power output. This larger SUV rivals the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, for reference. There are six hybrid trims to choose from, with the Hybrid LE starting them off at $45,010 before destination and options. There are two hybrid powertrains available: the more affordable option is a 2.5L inine-4 that makes 275 combined hp, but buyers can increase their budgets to afford the 2.4L turbo inline-4 hybrid setup that makes 362 hp. When equipped with the less-powerful option and FWD, the Grand Highlander manages to get 37/34/36 mpg city/highway/combined."We had the chance to drive all three powertrains, and the two hybrids came away as our favorites. Toyota's gasoline powertrain is fine, but it lacks the efficiency of the hybrid and the brute force of the Hybrid Max. The lack of power in the hybrid may turn buyers away, but we'd happily trade speed for best-in-class fuel economy."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Main Characteristics Of The Best Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid cars come in every shape and size, from the compact hatchback to the full-size sedan. As such, there are just as many similarities as there are differences. It can be hard to form a comparison between the disparate body types and models, but there are some things you should look for and expect when shopping for top-rated hybrid cars in the USA: Performance: Hybrid powertrains can be tuned to enhance efficiency or power outputs. Even when favoring one or the other, the benefits are palpable. Instantaneous torque from the electric motor provides lively acceleration, and getting the most out of the all-electric range can really improve overall mileage returns. Battery life is limited, though, and constant recharging is required to maximize the advantages. Practicality: The newest hybrid cars have more space inside than they used to, thanks to more advanced battery tech and smarter cabin design. Now, buyers no longer have to sacrifice legroom or cargo space in the name of better fuel economy and a ‘green’ conscience. Price: While it is true that you need to spend more to get behind the wheel of a hybrid, the trick is to take a look at the bigger picture. Thanks to their far superior mpg returns, even on models tweaked for higher performance, these cars have a lower overall cost of ownership. This is especially true if you only make use of all-electric driving by recharging between trips. What To Consider When Buying Top-Rated Hybrid Cars While the top hybrid cars have a lot going for them, there are still some disadvantages you need to be aware of. A quick review of these factors can help you determine if this is the right type of car for you: Pros Less money spent at the pumps Smaller carbon footprint Thrilling acceleration from high-output derivatives Attractive rebates for PHEVs Quieter engines Battery life can exceed 100,000 miles Cons Initial costs are higher than gas-only models Dull feeling behind the wheel of some Selection is still somewhat limited Sources: Volvo, BMW, Lexus, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, Honda,
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