The best cars of 2026 in this roundup have one thing in common: every model is available as a hybrid or an EV. Below are ten cars from different classes, from a $24,575 compact sedan to a three-row SUV, with official figures for horsepower, fuel economy and prices.
All specs are for US-market versions. Fuel economy and range come from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); horsepower, equipment and prices come from the manufacturers. Elsewhere, engines, trims and prices may differ, so check with a local dealer before you buy.
How we picked
- Efficiency. Every model offers a hybrid or electric powertrain, and its fuel economy is confirmed by EPA testing.
- Different needs. A city sedan, SUVs with five or more seats, a pickup, a luxury model and two EVs.
- Current generation. These are 2026 models; the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Santa Fe are already 2027 models.
- Clear pricing. Every car has an official US starting price as of September 2026.
We did not test these cars ourselves: the comparison is built on official data — horsepower and prices from the manufacturers, fuel economy and range from EPA estimates (combined cycle).
1. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Most affordableHybrid sedan
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- Body style
- sedan, 5 seats
- Powertrain
- 1.8L gas engine + electric motors
- Power
- 138 hp
- Drivetrain
- FWD or AWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Fuel economy (EPA, combined)
- 50 mpg, 48 mpg with AWD
- Driver assistance
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Pricefrom $24,575checked 21 September 2026
An affordable sedan for city and highway driving that gets 50 mpg.
- Lowest price in this roundup
- 50 mpg combined
- AWD available at extra cost
- Modest performance: 138 hp
- The hybrid comes only as a sedan
The Corolla Hybrid is the cheapest way to get a Toyota hybrid: the LE starts at $24,575. The 1.8-liter gas engine and electric motors put out 138 hp, and the EPA rates the sedan at 50 mpg, or 48 mpg with AWD.
For the 2026 model year, the LE and SE got a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and the XLE a 12.3-inch one. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assistance suite, are standard.
2. Toyota Corolla Cross
AWD hybridCompact SUV
Toyota Corolla Cross
- Body style
- SUV, 5 seats
- Gas version
- 2.0L, 169 hp, FWD or AWD
- Hybrid
- 2.0L + three electric motors, 196 hp, AWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Fuel economy (EPA, combined)
- 32 mpg gas, 42 mpg hybrid
- Driver assistance
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Pricefrom $25,335; hybrid from $28,995checked 21 September 2026
An SUV for anyone who has outgrown the Corolla: you sit higher, and the hybrid always comes with AWD.
- Standard AWD on the hybrid
- Hybrid gets 42 mpg combined
- Hybrid reaches 60 mph in 8 s
- Gas version gets 32 mpg
- AWD costs extra on the gas version
For 2026, the Corolla Cross was updated inside and out. The gas version’s 2.0-liter engine makes 169 hp and comes with FWD or AWD. The hybrid, with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system and three electric motors, makes 196 hp and has AWD as standard.
The EPA rates the front-drive gas model at 32 mpg and the hybrid at 42 mpg. Starting prices differ by $3,660: $25,335 versus $28,995.
3. Subaru Forester
AWD on every trimSUV
Subaru Forester
- Body style
- SUV, 5 seats
- Gas version
- 2.5L boxer, 180 hp
- Hybrid
- 2.5L + electric motors, 194 hp
- Drivetrain
- full-time Symmetrical AWD
- Transmission
- Lineartronic CVT
- Fuel economy (EPA, combined)
- 29 mpg gas, 35 mpg hybrid
- Driver assistance
- EyeSight
Pricefrom $29,995; hybrid from $34,730checked 21 September 2026
An SUV for snow, cabin trips and dirt roads: every version has AWD, and the hybrid goes up to 581 miles on a tank.
- AWD on every trim
- Hybrid goes up to 581 miles on a tank
- Standard EyeSight
- Gas version gets 29 mpg
- Hybrid costs $4,735 more
The current, sixth-generation Forester has been around since the 2025 model year. The 2.5-liter boxer gas engine makes 180 hp, and the hybrid makes 194 hp. Subaru says the hybrid is up to 40% more fuel-efficient in the city, and the EPA puts its range at 581 miles on a tank.
Symmetrical AWD is standard on every version, paired with a Lineartronic CVT. EyeSight has been updated: the camera has a wider field of view, an electric brake booster was added, and the system reacts faster and in more situations.
4. Ford Maverick
Hybrid pickupCompact pickup
Ford Maverick
- Body style
- four-door crew cab pickup, 5 seats
- Standard engine
- 2.5L hybrid, 191 hp
- Optional
- 2.0L EcoBoost turbo, 250 hp, 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or AWD
- Fuel economy (EPA, combined)
- 38 mpg hybrid, 37 mpg with AWD; 25–26 mpg turbo
Pricefrom $28,145checked 21 September 2026
A pickup for hauling tools, bikes and building supplies that gets 38 mpg.
- Standard hybrid powertrain
- 38 mpg combined
- MotorTrend’s 2026 Truck of the Year
- Turbo version gets 25–26 mpg
- Hybrid makes 59 hp less than the turbo
The Maverick is the only pickup in this roundup. The XL, XLT and Lariat come standard with a 191-hp 2.5-liter hybrid, and it can be ordered with AWD. The EPA rates the front-drive hybrid at 38 mpg.
For buyers who care more about performance, Ford offers a 250-hp 2.0 EcoBoost turbo with an 8-speed automatic, but its fuel economy drops to 25–26 mpg. MotorTrend named the Maverick its 2026 Truck of the Year.
5. Toyota Camry
Most efficient hybridHybrid sedan
Toyota Camry
- Body style
- sedan, 5 seats
- Powertrain
- hybrid only, 2.5L + electric motors
- Power
- 225 hp, 232 hp with AWD
- Drivetrain
- FWD or AWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- Fuel economy (EPA, combined)
- 51 mpg (LE), 50 mpg with AWD
- Driver assistance
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Pricefrom $29,600checked 21 September 2026
A roomy sedan with the best fuel economy in this roundup: 51 mpg.
- Best fuel economy: 51 mpg
- Up to 232 hp
- AWD available at extra cost
- No gas-only version anymore
- Costs $5,025 more than the Corolla Hybrid
Since the 2025 model year, the ninth-generation Camry has been sold only as a hybrid, with a 2.5-liter engine and Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system. With front-wheel drive, the sedan makes 225 hp; with AWD, 232 hp.
The EPA rates the LE at 51 mpg, the best figure among the cars in this roundup that burn gas. For 2026, the lineup added a Nightshade Edition.
6. Nissan Leaf
Affordable EVElectric crossover
Nissan Leaf
- Body style
- compact crossover, 5 seats
- Electric motor
- 160 kW (214 hp)
- Battery
- 75 kWh
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Range (EPA)
- up to 303 miles
- Fast charging
- up to 150 kW, 10–80% in 35 minutes
- Charging ports
- J1772 and NACS
Pricefrom $29,990checked 21 September 2026
The most affordable EV in this roundup: up to 303 miles on a charge and access to Tesla Supercharger stations.
- Up to 303 miles of range
- Charges from 10 to 80% in 35 minutes
- NACS port for Tesla stations
- Range is 259 miles on 19-inch wheels
- FWD only
The third-generation Leaf is no longer a hatchback but a compact crossover. A liquid-cooled 75 kWh battery and a 214-hp motor give the S+ on 18-inch steel wheels up to 303 miles of EPA-rated range. With 18-inch alloy wheels, range is 288 miles; with 19-inch wheels, it is 259 miles.
The car has two charging ports: J1772 for home charging and NACS for fast charging, which opens up more than 20,000 Tesla Superchargers. The Leaf’s powertrain made the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list. Pricing: S+ from $29,990, SV+ from $34,230, Platinum+ from $38,990.
7. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Three-row hybridThree-row SUV
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Body style
- SUV, three rows of seats
- Powertrain
- 1.6L turbo + electric motor
- Power
- 231 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or HTRAC AWD
- Fuel economy (EPA, combined)
- 36 mpg, 35 mpg with AWD
Pricefrom $36,650checked 21 September 2026
A hybrid for families that need more than five seats: a third row and 36 mpg.
- Three rows of seats
- 36 mpg combined
- The Drive’s Best Hybrid of 2026
- HTRAC AWD costs extra
- Less fuel-efficient than the hybrid sedans
The fifth-generation Santa Fe gained a third row of seats. The hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbo engine with an electric motor for 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, and it uses a 6-speed automatic rather than a CVT.
The EPA rates the front-drive hybrid at 36 mpg and the HTRAC AWD version at 35 mpg. The price and fuel economy are for the 2027 model: the hybrid starts at $36,650. The Drive named the Santa Fe its Best Hybrid of 2026.
8. Kia Telluride
For big familiesThree-row SUV
Kia Telluride
- Body style
- SUV, 7 or 8 seats
- Gas version
- 2.5L turbo, 274 hp, 8-speed automatic
- Hybrid
- 2.5L turbo + electric motors, 329 hp, 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD or AWD
- Fuel economy (EPA, combined)
- 22 mpg gas, 35 mpg hybrid EX
- Cargo space behind third row
- 21.3–22.3 cu ft
Pricefrom $39,190; hybrid from $46,490checked 21 September 2026
The biggest vehicle in this roundup: up to eight seats, 329 hp in the hybrid and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
- Up to 8 seats
- Hybrid is more powerful and more efficient than the gas version
- 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- Gas version gets 22 mpg
- Hybrid seats only 7
The second-generation Telluride (2027 model year) gets a hybrid for the first time: a 2.5-liter turbo engine and electric motors produce 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, more than the gas version with 274 hp. The EPA rates the front-drive hybrid EX at 35 mpg and the gas SUV at 22 mpg.
The SUV has 10 airbags, including a center airbag between the front seats, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it its highest rating, 2026 Top Safety Pick+. For off-road driving, there is an X-Pro version. The gas Telluride starts at $39,190 and the hybrid at $46,490.
9. Lexus NX 350h
Luxury hybridLuxury SUV
Lexus NX 350h
- Body style
- SUV, 5 seats
- Powertrain
- 2.5L + electric motors
- Power
- 240 hp
- Drivetrain
- FWD or AWD
- Transmission
- CVT
- 0–60 mph
- 7.2 s with AWD, 8.2 s with FWD
- Fuel economy (EPA, combined)
- 40 mpg, 39 mpg with AWD
- Driver assistance
- Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
Pricefrom $45,570 including destinationchecked 21 September 2026
A luxury SUV with the fuel economy of a compact hybrid: 240 hp and 40 mpg.
- 240 hp and 7.2 s to 60 mph
- 40 mpg combined
- New FWD version costs less
- Slower acceleration with FWD: 8.2 s
The NX 350h is the only luxury vehicle in this roundup. Its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain makes 240 hp and, with AWD, gets the SUV to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. A front-drive version arrived for the 2026 model year: it is slower (8.2 s) but more efficient at 40 mpg, and it costs $1,550 less than the AWD model.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard, with automatic emergency braking that detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Pricing starts at $45,570 including destination.
10. Tesla Model 3
Longest rangeElectric sedan
Tesla Model 3
- Body style
- sedan, 5 seats
- Trims
- Standard, Premium, Performance
- Drivetrain
- RWD or AWD
- Range (EPA)
- 321 miles (Standard), up to 363 miles (Premium RWD)
- Performance
- more than 500 hp, 0–60 mph in 2.9 s
- Charging
- Tesla Supercharger network
Pricefrom $38,630 including destinationchecked 21 September 2026
An EV for long trips: up to 363 miles on a charge and Tesla’s own fast-charging network.
- Up to 363 miles of range
- Performance makes more than 500 hp
- Tesla’s own Supercharger network
- Performance has less range than the other trims: 314 miles
- Performance starts at $56,630
The Model 3 leads this roundup in range: the rear-drive Premium is EPA-rated at 363 miles, the AWD Premium at 346 miles and the base Standard at 321 miles. The Performance reaches 60 mph in 2.9 seconds but covers less ground on a charge: 314 miles.
Tesla lists prices including destination and order fees: Standard from $38,630, Premium from $44,130, Performance from $56,630. For charging on the road, the brand has its own Supercharger network.
Comparison
| Model | Best for | Key advantage | US price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla Hybrid | City driving and savings | 50 mpg | from $24,575 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | An everyday SUV | AWD hybrid | from $25,335 |
| Subaru Forester | Snow, cabin trips, dirt roads | AWD on every trim | from $29,995 |
| Ford Maverick | Hauling and hobbies | Hybrid pickup, 38 mpg | from $28,145 |
| Toyota Camry | Families and highway trips | 51 mpg | from $29,600 |
| Nissan Leaf | A first EV | Up to 303 miles, NACS port | from $29,990 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | Families that need three rows | 36 mpg with a third row | from $36,650 |
| Kia Telluride | Big families | Up to 8 seats, 329-hp hybrid | from $39,190 |
| Lexus NX 350h | Luxury without the fuel penalty | 240 hp and 40 mpg | from $45,570* |
| Tesla Model 3 | Long electric road trips | Up to 363 miles on a charge | from $38,630* |
How to choose a car
- Hybrid or EV. A hybrid does not need to be plugged in: the hybrids in this roundup get 35 to 51 mpg. An EV makes sense if you can charge it at home or at work. We explained how a hybrid works and how it differs from a conventional car in our guide to what a hybrid car is.
- Drivetrain. You need AWD for snow, dirt roads and cabin trips. The Subaru Forester has it on every version, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has it as standard, and the other models, except the Nissan Leaf, offer it at extra cost or on certain trims.
- Seating. The sedans and compact SUVs seat five. If you need more, look at the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Telluride, which have a third row.
- Fuel costs for your driving. A gap in fuel economy quickly turns into real money. Over 10,000 miles a year, a 22 mpg SUV burns about 260 more gallons than a 51 mpg sedan.
- Prices in your country. Outside the US, trims, engines and prices differ. For more EVs, see our pick of the best EVs.
Bottom line
If saving money matters most, get the Toyota Camry at 51 mpg or the cheaper Corolla Hybrid at $24,575. For snow and cabin trips, go with the Subaru Forester; for a big family, the Kia Telluride Hybrid; and for long electric road trips, the Tesla Model 3 Premium with 363 miles of range.
FAQ
Which hybrid in this roundup is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Camry LE: 51 mpg combined, according to the EPA. The front-drive Corolla Hybrid trails it by just 1 mpg.
Which EV has the longest range?
The rear-drive Tesla Model 3 Premium: 363 miles, according to the EPA. The Nissan Leaf S+ goes up to 303 miles.
Which models have all-wheel drive?
All of them except the Nissan Leaf. The Subaru Forester has it on every version, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has it as standard, and the rest offer it at extra cost or on certain trims.
Which hybrid is best for a big family?
The Kia Telluride Hybrid: 7 seats, 329 hp and 35 mpg per the EPA for the front-drive EX. A cheaper option is the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid with a third row of seats, from $36,650.
Why are the prices in US dollars?
All the data is for US-market versions: they have consistent EPA fuel economy ratings and published manufacturer prices. In other countries, trims and prices differ.
Leave a Reply