Best Hybrid Cars on the Market
With the promise of better fuel economy and comfort, hybrid cars are becoming more popular among vehicle buyers. Hybrid cars provide appealing tech features and fuel efficiency. Whether you go for a mild, plug-in or standard hybrid form, you will enjoy low fuel economy and tax bills. Hybrids are the best vehicles for urban-based drivers with low mileage since the costs for running a conventional petrol hybrid are lower than petrol or diesel cars.
A diesel hybrid will make more financial sense if you rack up thousands of miles annually. While plug-in hybrids are costly, they have more benefits. For instance, you can travel shorter distances on purely electric power. They are also zero-emission commuters that can cover longer distances with an acceptable fuel economy.
If you want to take a step towards a lower carbon footprint, here are the best hybrid cars to consider:
Kia Niro
Toyota Prius
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Mercedes C300
Renault Captur
Skoda Octavia
Toyota Yaris
Lexus NX Hybrid
BMW 330e
Kia Niro
Kia Niro is a cleverly packaged SUV car that shines in its role as a family car. You will enjoy plush rides, and the build quality stands the test of time. Kia Niro is among the best hybrid cars available in two versions; an expensive plug-in with a significant electric range and a standard hybrid with a small electric motor and petrol engine. Unlike hybrid conversions of combustion-engine cars, Kia Niro was designed with an electrified model. The electric motor and battery system were integrated into the design and didn't rob the interior space.
The total power output for the vehicle is 139bhp, and the acceleration from 0-62mph takes 11.1 seconds. Despite using a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Kia Niro has a dual-clutch automatic that minimises the sluggish feel. The plug-in hybrid variation has a large battery that can go up to 30 miles of all-electric driving.
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius was among the first commercially produced hybrid vehicles. The most recent generation comes with a 1.8L engine with 121hp when combined with an electric motor. It comes with an optional four-wheel drive for the snowy climate. You will also find a suite of driver aids in the standard hybrid version, like a steering assist and emergency braking.
You can find a Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid from the 2012-2015 models. The plug-in option offers a more appealing look and exceptional features. For instance, you can drive for a range of 34 miles for all-electric driving. Its 8.8kWh battery also takes around two and a half hours to charge from a wall box. Generally, you will enjoy a fuel economy of between 188 and 217mpg and 29g/km carbon emissions.
Hyundai Tucson
Are you looking for a practical SUV with adequate space for luggage? Hyundai Tucson should be on top of your list. The SUV can seat five people with adequate leg space for comfort. The regular hybrid version can take up to eight carry-on cases, while the plug-in hybrid takes seven due to the big battery. You can drive up to 38 miles on the battery. The low carbon emission and 50mpg fuel economy make it a favourable company and family car. Besides, you can choose from mild, regular and plug-in hybrid versions.
The infotainment features in the Hyundai Tucson are impressive, from a large touchscreen with smart graphics to a straightforward menu that is easy to navigate. Apart from the built-in sat-nav, you also have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota Corolla is powered by a tried-and-tested petrol-electric hybrid technology and is available in 1.8L and 2L engine models. The British-built hatch shuffles between two power sources and can use the petrol engine to charge the battery. Since it uses a CVT, it has better drivetrain power. Toyota Corolla is available in saloon, hatch and Sports Tourer versions, suitable for business and family buyers.
You can switch between the electric and petrol propulsion on the move. The 2L engine provides a smooth driving experience under acceleration and can get to 62mph in 8.1 seconds. The 1.8L engine has a slower acceleration, but it can keep up with the traffic. With an acceleration from 0-62mph taking 11.1 seconds, it is less adept at strenuous country drives and overtaking.
Mercedes C300 e
The long-standing executive saloon boasts high technology and comfort levels. The Mercedes C300 e model boosts the appeal of the C class series with huge potential savings for business and private users. The plug-in hybrid model provides a fuel economy of 404mpg and low carbon emissions of 14g/km. The pure-electric range also doubles other PHEVs at 62 miles. Users can enjoy fast-charging rates that take only 30 minutes to attain full charge.
Renault Captur
Renault Captur provides a visually appealing body with additional space for families. The plug-in hybrid option is only available in the S Edition and R.S. Line modes. The hybrid version of Renault Captur provides a 9.8kWh battery and uses an automatic gearbox. The petrol engine has 158bhp and a 1.6-litre capacity. A 30-mile pure-electric range is ideal for running errands or going to work and back.
Its interior provides full LED lights and an impressive infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia provides two plug-in hybrids, but the Octavia iV is more comfortable and provides better cost savings. Its 1.4-litre petrol engine delivers 201bhp of torque, and an acceleration of 0-62mph takes 7.8 seconds. With a top speed of 136mph, the Skoda Octavia is a respectable car in its class.
The government average shows that Skoda Octavia iV provides a fuel economy of 282mpg and carbon emissions ranging from 22 to 33g/km. You can also enjoy a full-electric range of 34 miles.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
The latest Toyota Yaris has a 114bhp 1.5-litre petrol standard hybrid version. The self-charging option is perfect for urban driving but can hold its own on long drives. Toyota claims the Yaris hybrid model can function in electric mode for 80% of journeys around town at 80mph before the petrol engine takes over. Its exterior is impressive with a stylish build.
You also get 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel. Despite the SUV-inspired appearance, the Yaris doesn't have a four-while-drive option.
Lexus NX Hybrid
Lexus NX gives you compelling reasons to go green with tempting company car tax rates and low running costs. The SUV provides an impressive interior with infotainment systems and spacious legroom. While the self-charging hybrid versions have small batteries, they can be charged with the petrol engine. The standard version appeals to anyone not ready to go electric since it cuts back on carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
The plug-in version has a larger battery that delivers a 30 to 35-mile range with pure-electric driving. With the 2-5-litre petrol engine, its acceleration isn't too shabby, with an official 0-62mph at 8.7 seconds for the front-wheel-drive while the four-wheel-drive form is 7.7 seconds.
BMW 330e
Aside from the shallow boot, the BMW 330e is fun to drive, with a 35-mile range of zero-emission motoring. The high-quality saloon car is well-built, comfortable and practical for running errands or driving to work.
It also boasts decent performance with a 2.0L engine and a power of 249bhp, but you can boost it to 288bhp in Sport mode. The automatic gearbox makes it easy to drive.
What should you consider evaluating hybrid cars?
Hybrid vehicles are quite popular due to the cost savings and flexibility in power sources. If you are hunting for the best hybrid cars, consider the following factors before purchasing:
Price: Hybrid vehicles are relatively costly compared to gasoline-powered cars. Besides, plug-in hybrids are more expensive than regular hybrids. The main determiner of the price is the lithium-ion batteries in hybrid cars. The battery capacity and mile range determine the price. Some manufacturers offer lifelong coverage, and you don't need to replace them, but you pay more for the batteries.
Design: The seating capacity ranges from two-seaters to eight-passenger SUVs. The designs also vary, and you can find midsize and compact designs. While hybrid cars are based on traditional models, some manufacturers develop unique designs.
Performance: When looking for the best hybrid cars, ensure they have a higher mile per gallon (mpg). Higher mpg means they consume less fuel and are more efficient, while low mpg indicates bad fuel economy. You can also check the miles covered in pure-electric motoring and the horsepower if you love cruising at high speeds.
Conclusions
When looking for the best hybrid car, keep in mind the performance and range of
electric motoring. A hybrid car gives you an alternative power source and is reliable
when you run out of fuel. Besides, the variety of designs allows you to stick to
traditional or modern versions.
