Hybrids

Hybrid cars are those which combine electric and gas power to enable the vehicle to operate more efficiently than it might on gas power alone.

Ushered into the modern era of automobiles by the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, hybrid vehicles have appeared in many guises. In parallel hybrids, gas and electric are used simultaneously. Series hybrids use their battery electric power before switching to gas or other combustion sources.

Plug-in hybrids can operate in a variety of modes, but also offer the plug for drivers to recharge the battery, providing much better ability to drive on battery power alone for longer distances, before the gas engine is called into action. The Chevrolet Volt offers a good example of a series hybrid that engaged some infrequent parallel-hybrid modes in the name of efficiency—and also offered drivers the ability to plug in and recharge its batteries for 50 miles or more of all-electric driving.

Diesel hybrids also exist in some markets outside of the U.S.

The typical setup pairs a moderately sized battery pack with an electric motor, which contributes power to the gas drivetrain at intervals or during scenarios determined by engineers for optimal fuel economy. Some hybrids can decouple their gas powertrain entirely to reduce friction and increase efficiency—and some offer more motors to distribute power differently. Many Toyota hybrids, for example, use an electric motor with the gas drivetrain, and a second motor dedicated to supply power to the rear wheels, to create an all-wheel-drive system known as “through the road.”

Cheapest new hybrids under $30,000? Honda Civic makes the cut
Cheapest new hybrids under $30,000? Honda Civic makes the cut

Looking for a cheap car that doesn't feel cheap yet has a cheaper cost of ownership than any other cheap car? The cheapest cheap car is a hybrid, and it should be no surprise it's a Toyota. With a Toyota Corolla Hybrid and its 50 mpg combined, the EPA estimates that you can save $3,250 in fuel...Read More»

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The 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Mazda CX-50 are two strong attempts to unseat the bestselling Toyota RAV4, in what’s become the most popular vehicle segment in America. Among these so-called compact crossovers—close to what we considered midsize not long ago—the Honda CR-V remains...Read More»

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How big is big enough when it comes to the three-row crossover SUV? When Honda redesigned the Pilot for the 2023 model year, it got bigger and roomier, opening up to one of the roomiest in the crossover SUV class. Toyota followed it with a larger version of the venerable Highlander dubbed the Grand...Read More»

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Mitsubishi's flagship vehicle is now a beacon for safety. On Thursday, the IIHS bestowed a Top Safety Pick designation on the redesigned 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid. To qualify for either the Top Safety Pick or the Top Safety Pick+ designation, 2023 model year vehicles such as the...Read More»

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The redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius debuted on Wednesday on the eve of the Los Angeles auto show, and the hybrid hatchback might be a showstopper. With a larger engine, improved fuel economy, and uncharacteristic style, the fifth-generation Prius breathes new life into a fading star. The only thing...Read More»

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Kia unveils plug-in hybrid option on 2023 Sportage
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2022 Ford Maverick buzzes the tower for hybrid trucks
2022 Ford Maverick buzzes the tower for hybrid trucks

The 2022 Ford Maverick touches down as a small pickup truck powered by a standard hybrid engine with an estimated 40 mpg around town, Ford announced Wednesday. Just like "Top Gun: Maverick" returns to the big screen later this year, the 2022 Ford Maverick dusts off its forgettable past as a compact...Read More»

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2021 Toyota Corolla adds Android Auto compatibility, more safety gear
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