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Interested in a hybrid car? Check out our top picks coming out this year.
While hybrid cars have been around for nearly three decades, they’re more popular today than ever before. In fact, hybrid sales in the U.S. increased by 76% in 2021, reaching a new record of total 801,550 vehicle sales.
If you’re considering upgrading to a more environmentally friendly vehicle— and saving money on gas in the process — a hybrid vehicle might be a good option.
Keep reading to find out how hybrid cars work and the new 2022 models we recommend.
A hybrid car uses a gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a hybrid battery. It can alternate between the gasoline engine and electric motor or combine both sources of power. Typically, hybrids only use the engine to accelerate or climb hills, therefore it burns less gas and offers excellent fuel economy as a result.
There are three types of hybrid vehicles:
There are a number of reasons you might want to invest in a hybrid car. Compared to standard vehicles, hybrids allow for lower emissions and better gas mileage. By driving one, you’ll be able to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on fuel.
Also, since hybrid cars use a combination of a gasoline engine, electric motor, and hybrid battery, you may enjoy less wear and tear on your engine and in turn require less maintenance. In addition, some hybrids might have a higher resale value compared to vehicles with internal combustion engines, especially as gas becomes more expensive and hybrid vehicles grow in popularity.
While the terms hybrid cars and electric cars often get used interchangeably, there are differences between these two types of vehicles. While electric cars only rely on electricity, hybrids often use a combination of fuel and electric power. Therefore, electric cars must be plugged in and recharged while you can fill up your hybrid at any gas station.
Also, electric models usually offer a shorter driving range than hybrids because of their limited battery capacity. Both hybrids and electric vehicles, however, generate less harmful emissions and provide better gas mileage than standard gas vehicles.
If you think you’ll forget to plug in your electric vehicle every night or don’t want to deal with the hassle, you may be better off with a hybrid. On the flipside, if you don’t mind charging your car and want to be as emission free as possible, an electric model might be a smart choice. Maybe you still want the convenience of refueling at gas stations, but are committed to lowering your carbon footprint. Then the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is right for you.
We considered a number of factors, such as fuel economy, performance, safety, and features to decide on the 8 best hybrids debuting this year.
MPG: Up to 48 city / 47 highway
Starting MSRP: From $26,670
Why It Stands Out:
The sleek Honda Accord Hybrid offers the comfort of the traditional Accord with improved gas mileage. The hybrid version of this midsize sedan is unique in that its battery pack doesn’t take away from the cargo space because it’s hidden underneath the rear seats.
You can choose from four trim levels, which all include an 8-inch infotainment system, split fold seats, and 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space. The Honda Sensing suite of safety features also come standard while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available if you’d like to seamlessly connect to display touch screen.
MPG: Up to 38 city / 38 highway
Starting MSRP: From $29,350
Why It Stands Out:
For a compact SUV with all-wheel drive and a hybrid electric motor, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a solid pick. This crossover offers a smooth, comfortable ride powered by a 1.6L turbo engine as well as tons of advanced standard features like smart cruise control, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and the Bluelink connected car system.
If you’d like a bit more luxury, you can always upgrade to the Limited, which is the top-of-the-line trim. It’s well-appointed with a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation, a blind-sport view monitor, and remote parking assist.
MPG: Up to 51 city / 53 highway
Starting MSRP: From $27,480
Why It Stands Out:
In addition to its incredible fuel economy, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid is equipped with a 4-mode drive switch so you can control your drive and choose between the Eco, Normal, Sport, and EV modes. The comfortable interior comes with a wide variety of safety features, like lane departure with steering assist and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
There’s also a multimedia system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM radio. We can’t forget the hybrid battery warranty, which will cover 10 years from the first date of use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
MPG: Up to 22 city / 29 highway
Starting MSRP: From $35,845
Why It Stands Out:
This plug-in hatchback with a standard all-wheel drive system offers strong off-road capabilities and a premium interior with features like 60/40 split fold down seats and the STARLINK Multimedia system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You can charge the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid at home with the included charger or at any location with a standard outlet. The Charge Finder app in the vehicle’s touchscreen can help you find nearby charging stations.
MPG: Up to 31 city/ 28 highway
Starting MSRP: From $49,345
Why It Stands Out:
If you’d like a luxury hybrid, the 2022 Lexus RX Hybrid should be on your radar. Its contemporary exterior and advanced hybrid powertrain are paired with a classy cabin, complete with a standard 8-inch multimedia system, nine-speaker premium audio system, and the Lexus safety system. The safety system includes a pre-collision system, lane tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and more.
MPG: Up to 39 city / 35 highway
Starting MSRP: From $34,090
Why It Stands Out:
The 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid’s powerful powertrain offers a range of up to 655 miles and delivers 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Since its battery recharges while you drive, you don’t have to worry about at-home charging or nearby charging stations. The base trim is well-equipped with a 10.25-inch display screen, Kia Connect with remote starting and cabin climate control, blind spot collision avoidance, rear traffic collision assist, and available all-wheel drive.
MPG: Electric range of 25 miles and 470-mile combined driving range
Starting MSRP: From $58,865
Why It Stands Out:
With the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, you can expect two electric motors, a 400-volt, water-sealed battery pack, 2.0L turbocharged engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. You may customize your drive and choose from three driving modes including the Hybrid, Electric, and Esave. The Cherokee Hybrid is also available with the Wifi enabled Jeep Brand Level II PHEV Home Charging Station, which you can use to easily control charging via a mobile app and web portal.
MPG: EPA rating of 21 combined city/highway
Starting MSRP: $83,300
Why It Stands Out:
For ultimate hybrid luxury, you can’t go wrong with the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. It drives like a sports car and comes in two hybrid models: the E-Hybrid and the Turbo S E-Hybrid. While the Turbo S E-Hybrid focuses on performance, the E-Hybrid option prioritizes fuel efficiency.
No matter which route you take, you can enjoy an electric torque that allows for quick acceleration. Even with the standard trim, you’ll find unique styling and top-notch features like 19-inch alloy wheels, a universal garage door opener, partial leather seats, a 10-speaker audio system, and four USB ports.
If you’re environmentally — and cost — conscious, you may be a great candidate for a hybrid vehicle, especially if you regularly make long commutes. Since there are so many options on the market, make sure you weigh the pros and cons of each. Once you find a few models that pique your interest, visit some dealerships to test drive them so you can figure out the ideal new car for your unique situation.
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