Hybrid Car. Photo: Mixi Canva
Hybrid Car. Photo: Mixi Canva

Top 5 Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid cars in 2021

1. Hyundai Ioniq: 58/60/59 mpg

2. Toyota Prius: 58/53/56 mpg

3. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: 53/56/54 mpg

4. Honda Insight: 55/49/52 mpg

5. Toyota Corolla Hybrid: 53/52/52 mpg

Detailed Information - Top 5 Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid cars in 2021

2021 Hyundai Ioniq

Photo: The Car Connection
Photo: The Car Connection

The Ioniq Hybrid hatchback pairs a 43-hp (32-kilowatt) electric motor and a 1.56-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion-polymer battery with a 104-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. In its highest-efficient trim, called Blue, the Ioniq is EPA-rated at 58/60/59 mpg (non-Blue versions get 54/56/55 mpg). The Ioniq Hybrid joins plug-in and all-electric versions in the Ioniq lineup.

2021 Toyota Prius

Photo: The Car Connection
Photo: The Car Connection

The hatchback Prius’ sole powertrain pairs a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with electric-motor power for 121 hp. In the highest-efficient trim, called Eco, it’s rated 58/53/56 mpg. (Non-Eco trims are rated 54/50/52 mpg.) All-wheel-drive versions are rated lower, at 51/47/49 mpg.

The Good

  • Fuel economy
  • Handling
  • Front-seat roominess
  • AWD availability
  • Many standard safety, driver-assist features

The Bad

  • Road and wind noise
  • Brake-pedal feel
  • Drivetrain responsiveness
  • Some ride harshness
  • Aging multimedia setup
  • Backseat cushion height

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Photo: Motor1
Photo: Motor1

The hybrid version of Hyundai’s compact sedan uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor and 32-kW lithium-ion battery for a combined 139 hp; it works with a dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission, and it’s front-drive only. In the Elantra’s most-efficient trim, called Blue, the sedan is EPA-rated 53/56/54 mpg. (The non-Blue Elantra is rated 49/52/50 mpg.)

The Good

  • Ride quality
  • Handling
  • Refined 2.0-liter powertrain
  • Interior roominess
  • Efficiency, drivability of Elantra Hybrid
  • Overall value

The Bad

  • Pervasive low-budget cabin materials
  • Powertrain lag with N Line
  • Upper trim levels lose wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

2021 Honda Insight

Photo: CarBuzz
Photo: CarBuzz

If you’re a fan of the Honda Civic but considering a hybrid, the Insight might do the trick. It’s not the most athletic car, but it's spacious, comfortable, and delivers eager acceleration. The Insight shares many similarities with the Hyundai Ioniq, including its size and fuel-efficient powertrain, but the Insight provides a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.

Based on the EPA’s estimates, you’ll save $3,250 in fuel costs over five years by choosing the Insight over the average car. Compared to the Honda Civic, the Insight will cost you about $450 less per year to gas up. The Insight will cost you about $1,800 more than the Civic up front though. This Honda compact hybrid car comes packed with advanced driver assistance systems and earns top-notch crash test ratings, too.

Honda fans and other hybrid buyers looking for terrific fuel economy and an alternative to the Prius would do well to consider the Honda Insight. With a long list of standard safety features and three trim levels to choose from, the Insight offers a measure of style to go with its practicality.

2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Photo: Best Cars
Photo: Best Cars

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid isn’t quite as fuel-friendly as the Prius, but it will cost you about the same to gas up over time. Its starting price is about $1,000 less than the Prius, and it comes with the same 121-horsepower hybrid setup, but it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. The Corolla is safe, reliable, and packed with features, though it’s short on cargo space and its seats could be more comfortable.

According to the EPA, opting for the Corolla Hybrid over the non-hybrid Corolla will save you $350 per year on fuel. However, the hybrid will cost you about $3,600 more up front. While the standard Corolla is available as a hatchback, the hybrid only comes as a sedan.

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