15 most fuel-efficient hybrids on American roads
Fossil fuels have been a cornerstone of America's energy infrastructure for over a century. Today, however, as Americans come to terms with both the environmental impact of fossil fuels and rising transportation costs due to the depletion of a nonrenewable energy source, many people are seeking alternatives.
There has been increased consumer interest in electric vehicles, but the technology is not always accessible or practical in all regions, leaving many new vehicle buyers to look to hybrid vehicles.
The General used data from the Department of Energy to identify the top 15 most fuel-efficient hybrids in the U.S., ranked by their overall mileage, which is measured in miles per gallon. This story does not include plug-in electric hybrids.
Hybrid vehicles use both a traditional combustion engine and at least one electric motor. They usually store energy in a battery, which is used for lower-power functions such as driving at slower speeds and idling. The vehicles automatically switch to the combustion engine when more horsepower is required. Unlike fully electric vehicles, not all hybrids need to be plugged into a wall outlet or charging station as they generate electricity while driving.
Consumers can benefit from hybrids' increased fuel economy, and their engines generate fewer environmentally harmful emissions. Repair costs are also often lower over the lifespan of the vehicles, with many hybrids equipped with parts such as regenerative brakes. These cost-saving measures can offset the fact that hybrids sometimes have marginally higher sticker prices than their gas-fueled counterparts.
Though they are not new to the market, hybrids have steadily evolved since the first modern hybrid hit the market around the turn of the century. Toyota has produced its workhorse, the Prius, since the early 2000s; now, it also makes the Camry as a hybrid model. Industry veterans like Hyundai are also rolling out a hybrid version of their venerable Sonata.
Keep reading to find which 15 hybrids are the most fuel-efficient options.
