The best car hybrids in 2024: a fresh rating has been published

Hybrid cars successfully combine the advantages of cars with internal combustion engines and the environmental friendliness of electric vehicles. This is the secret of their commercial success in recent years.

But it is important to choose a model that is not only economical but also convenient, reliable, safe, and easy to use. Autocar.co.uk has collected the best options.

BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series from BMW is an optimal combination of all the advantages of both types of cars. And there are several models to choose from in the lineup. The smooth and strong-willed character of the B58 gasoline inline six-cylinder makes the PHEV a very good choice. The four-cylinder 530e is more than fast enough, handles well, and has a competitive electric range and efficiency. At the same time, it uses the battery charge very wisely. But the 550e also provides a big-engine feel that can't be replaced by sound effects.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes C300e is equipped with twice the battery capacity of many of its PHEV competitors and has an electric range of up to 100 km. The C300e's powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 127 hp electric motor, which together make up 308 hp. At the same time, it can accelerate to 100 km in just 6.1 seconds. The model is available in sedan and station wagon body styles.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

In 2023, the model was transformed into a compact family hatchback. More importantly, this new model features BMW's fifth-generation electrified eDrive technology, which combines an efficient 108 hp electric motor with a 14.2 kWh battery for a claimed EV range of 85 km – slightly longer than most compact cars offer. Combined with a three-cylinder 1.5-liter gasoline engine, the 225e's hybrid powertrain delivers a useful 243 hp (there's also a 230e with 321 hp). And while it's not the most exciting car to drive, it's comfortable and safe enough to be a family car. It has more space than most traditional hatchbacks, especially in the back, and is equipped with convenient storage solutions. Its solid construction and high-quality materials create a sense of class and sophistication.

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla line successfully crowned two decades of Toyota's efforts to develop hybrid models. With its top-of-the-line 2.0-liter hybrid engine, the car performs almost like a sports car. Alternatively, the more modest 1.8-liter hybrid (which even comes in a Corolla Commercial version that looks like a model van for those who need it) will delight you with a consumption of just 3.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

Honda Civic

Honda has decided to stick to the traditional family hatchback template for its latest Civic. The larger and roomier, extremely intelligent family car, in its 11th generation, has been brought to the highest possible perfection. Today, almost the entire lineup has become hybrid. The HR-V crossover and the Jazz supermini use the brand's intelligent e: HEV transmission, which in most situations involves a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a generator for a 1.05 kWh battery that powers a 181 hp electric motor. The chassis has also improved. Otherwise, the Civic has all the basic characteristics of a family car, with a roomy interior, a large trunk, and a good set of features.

Volkswagen Golf

The latest Golf is available in two PHEV versions: eHybrid with 201 hp and GTE with 268 hp. The first of them offers a huge range of up to 140 km on the electric motor. It also offers comfortable steering, confident handling, and a fairly smooth ride. In addition, there is a spacious cabin, although not the best interior. The infotainment system can also be a bit disappointing. Plus, the trunk is not the largest, with a capacity of only 273 liters.

Volvo V60

A little over a decade ago, Volvo was one of the pioneers in the development of a PHEV executive car. And now it offers a wide range of hybrids, the best of which is the V60 T6 Recharge Estate. It combines a reasonable price-performance ratio with efficiency, a useful range, and everyday versatility. With 345 horsepower and acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, it's more than enough for a family car. The car also has a well-thought-out and attractive interior with plenty of storage space and a 519-liter trunk. The car's hybrid system provides almost 90 km of autonomous driving range and great potential for saving operating costs.

Toyota C-HR

Toyota has nearly a quarter-century of experience in hybrid powertrains. The C-HR was developed to meet the growing demand for hybrid crossovers. The model has just been updated to the second generation - more stylish, but no less agile. In addition to the 1.8- and 2.0-liter self-charging hybrid variants, there is a new 2.0-liter PHEV with slightly more power.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes' compact hybrid sedan, sharing its platform with the best-selling A-Class, has a wider body and frameless doors for added visual appeal. It can also be purchased as a stylish Shooting Brake design wagon. The PHEV version is equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor for the front axle. The CLA's gasoline-electric powertrain is not the quietest or smoothest in operation, but it is quite economical, and the car handles relatively well for a compact premium executive variant.

Peugeot 408

Few French family car suppliers have invested enough in PHEV or hybrid powertrain technology to stay ahead of their competitors. However, the Peugeot 408 is an exception to this rule. It can be equipped with a more traditional 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, but a pair of gasoline-electric options are more interesting. There's the cheaper 136 Hybrid, which combines a three-cylinder turbo engine with a smaller electric motor built into its gearbox, and the more expensive and powerful 1.6-liter PHEV with 221 hp. Its range is just over 64 km. The 408's suspension works well on bad roads, and the model has a stylish interior and plenty of luggage space.

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