Hybrids use an electric drive that augments the gas engine. They can glide on electric power at low speeds, and they typically yield strong fuel economy. Unlike plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, hybrids don’t need to be charged, so there’s no need to change your routine. The large hybrid battery gets charged by the gasoline engine as well as regeneration from coasting and braking.
To help guide members in their selection, we focused on models that earn a CR recommendation for their test performance, reliability, and safety, then we took a closer look at the Owner Satisfaction data collected from member surveys.
We combed through our data to find the 2017 models most people said they would buy again, models in the small, midsized, and large sedan categories. We picked those known for strong reliability and fuel economy, vehicles that are the most likely to provide years of relatively trouble-free service.
All of these models carry our Green Choice designation, which highlights the vehicles with the cleanest emissions. And because they aren’t that old, some of them come standard with active safety features like forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB)—features that have since become standard on most new cars.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, the list below is available to you. CR members also have full access to the results of our Annual Auto Surveys; first-drive reviews of the newest cars, SUVs, and trucks; our full road-test results; and exclusive ratings for each vehicle we buy and test.
If you’re not a CR member, click below to become one to access the list and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.
