It’s a good rule of thumb that smaller vehicles get better EPA ratings than larger ones, and the best hybrid compacts take things to the next level. Some of these rides can top 50 mpg in city, highway, and combined driving alike.
The hybrid advantage comes from small electric batteries powering motors that provide assistance to the vehicles’ gasoline engines. That’s said, you don’t have to worry about plugging in with most hybrids. They have regenerative braking systems that use the car’s stoppers as electricity generators. The hybrids that do require an outlet can be worth it for some drivers, though: The few hours of charging can deliver a significant all-electric driving range. And plug-ins without full batteries can still supply the same kind of efficiency as traditional hybrids.