The Best Hybrid Vehicles You Can Buy In 2025

Every year, reputable automotive publications rank the best vehicles in each category. In this case, we are talking about hybrid vehicles, which have jumped in popularity since the declining demand for fully electric vehicles. While EVs are great in certain scenarios, they are not a universal solution to reducing the carbon footprint. Hybrid vehicles combine the best of both worlds as they provide electric power where it's needed the most, with the proven benefits of an internal-combustion engine. With that said, Cars US News recently ranked the best electric vehicles.  

Things like fuel economy, EV range, safety, reliability, price, and the overall opinion of the automotive press were considered when ranking these BEVs. 

While this includes all BEVs, I am focusing on the hybrid models, which I feel are what most buyers will go for. Below are five hybrid vehicles from five different categories. 

Best Hybrid SUV: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 

The Hyundai Tucson has long been more than a worthy alternative to the Toyota RAV4. With the Japanese compact SUV getting a new generation soon, this may change, but currently, the Tucson offers hard-to-beat value for money, especially in hybrid form. The 1.6-liter T-GDi engine has proven reliable so far, and with the added electric motor, power jumps to 231 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.  

The ICE, alone, provides 178 horsepower and 194 pound-feet while the rear-mounted e-motor adds another 64 horsepower and 194 pound-feet, for a brisk, 7.1-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration – 0.2 seconds quicker than the RAV4 hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid also returns 38 MPG (EPA), regardless of whether you are on the highway or in the city.

If your yearly mileage is 15,000 miles of mixed driving, you will spend just $1,300 on fuel annually. The RAV4 is a worthy opponent and has a starting MSRP $1,300 cheaper than the Hyundai's $34,915 starting price, but the Tucson Hybrid offers more performance. 

Best Hybrid Car: 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid 

It seems, the Toyota Camry is always the answer when it comes to reliable and fuel-efficient hybrid sedans. A mid-size hybrid sedan for $28,700 is hard to beat these days, and the Camry features a proven 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, developing 232 horsepower. There is also an all-wheel-drive variant. You also get as much as 51 combined MPG (EPA) and generous standard equipment.  

According to FuelEconomy.gov, you will spend just $950 annually on fuel, with the Camry Hybrid (for 15,000 miles of mixed driving). The engine performance is less impressive, and it can drone when pushed hard. Second-row headroom also isn't the greatest in the segment. The Honda Accord Hybrid is slightly better in some regards, especially the interior practicality. However, it has a much higher starting price of $33,655.

Best Luxury Hybrid: 2025 Lexus NX Hybrid 

Lexus continues to mark success on the US market, and with a new compact crossover replacing the slow-selling UX, things are about to get even better for Toyota's luxury arm. The Lexus NX Hybrid spoils with the typical for the brand high quality, generous equipment, and efficient powertrain.  

The downsides of the NX Hybrid are the limited cargo and second-row space and the rather unimpressive performance, despite having 240 horsepower on tap. The 0 to 60 mph sprint takes 8.3 seconds. At $45,425 starting MSRP, the Lexus NX Hybrid is reasonably priced, given the brand's great reputation for quality, dependability, and value retention.  

Best Plug-in Hybrid: 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV 

There’s never a dull moment with Mazda. The Japanese brand likes to do things differently, and the CX-90 Plug-in hybrid is no exception. Its rear-wheel-drive-biased platform gives the Mazda CX-90 a surprisingly sporty feel, and reports even indicate that Toyota is eyeing Mazda's straight-six engine for the next-generation Supra. The PHEV variant relies on the proven, 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine, now aided by a powerful electric motor for a combined 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet.  

Other strengths include a well-executed interior, athletic handling, and generous standard equipment. The CX-90 PHEV can drive up to 26 miles on electricity and has a total range of 490 miles. The EPA ratings show 56 combined MPGe when charged, but only 25 MPG without the electric motor.

The CX-90 is a three-row SUV, but it features some of the most cramped third-row seats in the segment. Cargo space is also among the worst in the segment, but you can still fit up to 74.2 cubic feet, with the second and third-row seats folded. Still, with a starting price of $49,945, the CX-90 is a great value for money when it comes to sporty, three-row, hybrid SUVs. 

Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid: 2025 Volvo XC60 PHEV 

Volvo's mid-size hybrid SUV is all the car most people will need. It may lack the three-row seating the XC90 provides, but it makes up with great EV range and surprising performance. Not to mention the traditional for the Swedish brand safety, which is on the highest level. The Volvo XC60 PHEV shines with a spacious premium interior, generous standard equipment, and a punchy powertrain that allows 35 miles of electric range and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, thanks to 455 combined horsepower.  

On the downside, the XC60's ride quality is a bit on the firm side, and the infotainment system requires a learning curve. I would have liked physical buttons for some functions, like the HVAC controls. Still, at $58,050 starting MSRP, the Volvo XC60 PHEV gives a lot, especially considering the less powerful Lexus RX PHEV starts at $71,260. Moreover, Volvo's recently announced ES90 sedan promises an exciting future for the brand. 

 Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Volvo, Mazda, Hyundai, Toyota, Lexus