Automakers are embracing electric vehicles more than ever. But if you want to go green and aren’t ready to buy a pure plug-in EV, fuel-efficient hybrids, which run on a combination of gas and electric power, are worthy alternatives.
They emit fewer greenhouse gases and cost less to run than gas-only autos. They also recharge as they drive, so there’s no need to plug in, and there’s none of the range anxiety that can come with EVs. Hybrid owners also are more satisfied with their vehicles.
For the models we tested that are offered in gas-only and hybrid versions, owner satisfaction was nearly 5 points higher, on average, for the hybrid version, according to our member survey results. The satisfaction score for the hybrid versions of the Ford Escape, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata—shown below—are greater than the 5-point average.
Ford Escape
Toyota Camry
Hyundai Sonata
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the May 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.