10 Best Compact Hybrid Cars

Without proper infrastructure or hundreds of miles of range, fully electric vehicles are still a big ask for the average car buyer. For this reason, gas-electric hybrids are a great option to cut down on fuel costs without requiring a change in lifestyle.

Hybrid technology has also taken steps to bridge the gap further with pure EVs. Plug-in hybrid models (PHEVs) offer some all-electric range before the gas-electric tandem takes over. This is perfect for those with a short commute and could mean all-electric travel every day with charging at home and at the office.

While full-size, SUV, and truck-based hybrid vehicles have become more popular as of late, compact sedan, hatch, and crossover hybrids are still far more common. With that in mind, we’ve assembled a list of the 10 best compact hybrid cars to suit a variety of pricing and functionality requirements.

The first generation Chevrolet Volt introduced the range-extender 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain to the industry, but lackluster marketing kept the car from being a sales knockout. With the introduction of the second generation Volt, Chevy hasn’t just improved the car’s powertrain and performance, it’s transformed the Volt into an attractive, fun-to-drive alternative to the Toyota Prius.

Underneath its svelte new bodywork, an 18.4 kW battery, electric motor, and a 1.5-liter range-extending gasoline engine power the Volt. All-electric range is up by a considerable margin to 53 miles, while total range jumps to 420 miles, up from 380 in the previous model. The second generation Volt rounds out its new set of skills with quicker acceleration and shorter braking distances.

Toyota set the stage for the future of alternative energy vehicles in 1997. By building the world’s first mass production gas-electric hybrid vehicle, the automaker bet consumers would quickly move past skepticism and on to enthusiasm for the efficiency of a 4-cylinder hybrid. 3.5 million global Prius sales later, Toyota has competition from just about every major automaker, but has still sold more hybrids than everyone else.

The 2017 Toyota Prius may not be beautiful in the traditional sense, but everything else about it is top notch. Its stiffer platform means better handling than previous generations, the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor makes 121 hp, and its fuel economy numbers are best-in-class at 54 mpg city, 50 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. The Prius is an excellent place to start when shopping for the best compact hybrid car.  

In 2012, Toyota added a plug-in hybrid variant to its Prius lineup, offering all-electric range without any sacrifices. That model is now called the Prius Prime, and it’s one of the most efficient cars you can buy. The same 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder from the regular Prius is paired with a larger 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor for a combined 121 horsepower. This setup equates to a total driving range of 640 miles and fuel economy estimates of 55 city/53 hwy/54 combined mpg, and an MPGe rating of 124.

The Prius Prime will also travel up to 25 miles without activating its gas engine. Styling wise, the Prime is distinguished from the Prius liftback by quad projector beam headlights, a pointed acrylic grille, new “double wave” rear window, and a continuous LED taillight bar. Standard convenience features include automatic climate control, a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Entune audio, navigation, and Toyota apps, Bluetooth, a 4.2-inch color TFT display, two 12V ports, one USB connection, backup camera, and push-button ignition.

The Ford C-Max can’t quite match the sales or buzz of the Prius and Volt, but its utility and styling help it secure a spot on our list of 10 best compact hybrid cars. The C-Max shares its powertrain with the excellent Ford Fusion Hybrid and comes in hybrid and PHEV variations. Thanks to subtle badging, the C-Max also doesn’t make a big statement about being a fuel-efficient car, which might appeal to low-key drivers.

In standard hybrid trim, the C-Max manages 42 mpg city and 38 highway while the Energi (plug-in) variant touts 88 MPGe combined. While these aren’t astounding numbers, they are still far better than your average gas-powered car. In addition, the C-Max boasts Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system, which will soon include Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa voice recognition.

For a more luxurious compact hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h keeps the price point down, but adds a softer ride and sleeker styling to the Toyota Prius formula. The CT 200h has helped lure new buyers to the Lexus brand while simultaneously showing off the automaker’s alternative energy potential.

The Toyota Prius lends its 1.8-liter 4-cylinder and Hybrid Synergy Drive system to the CT 200h, where it produces 134 hp. Mated with a CVT transmission, the CT 200h achieves a combined 42 mpg, a few miles per gallon less than the lighter Prius. Though the Audi A3 e-tron will have no trouble out-maneuvering the CT200h, it costs thousands more and pays an efficiency penalty for its extra performance. If you don’t need ample interior volume, the Lexus CT 200h is an excellent compact hybrid car.

Challenging the Lexus CT 200h’s unique position as a luxury hybrid hatchback is Audi’s A3 e-tron Sportback. Audi says its approach to the plug-in hybrid segment is to offer a “transitional” vehicle for consumers who want the benefits of an electrically assisted car without cramping their lifestyle. In practical terms, that means the e-tron performs just as well as a typical A3 hatch, but increases the car’s total driving range and throws in some cool technology for good measure.

The A3 e-tron pairs a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with a 75kW lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor for a combined 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The e-tron returns a combined MPGe of between 83 and 84 and an electric-only range of 16-17. That should be enough juice to accommodate most Americans' workday commute (assuming they can re-charge at the office).

Thanks to BMW’s new iPerformance sub-brand, luxury car buyers shopping compact sedans have access to fuel-efficient options. The all-new 330e iPerformance may cost a good chunk more than the entry-level 320i sedan, but it comes with plenty of premium touches and a top-notch powertrain.

A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine is mated to a 7.6-kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor for a total of 248 hp. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 330e iPerformance can scoot to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. EPA estimates show 31 combined mpg and 29 mpge – strong but not overwhelming numbers for a heavier luxury sedan. In addition to its efficient gas-electric drivetrain, the 330e offers 14 miles of all-electric range and can charge up in just 2.5 hours when connected to a 240-volt power source. Even if the 330e iPerformance wasn’t a hybrid, it would be a great car, but its plug-in powertrain certainly earns a spot on our list of 10 best compact hybrid cars.

When looking for a compact hybrid crossover, the best place to start is with a reliable, well-equipped gas-engine model that happens to offer an alternative energy variant. Such is the case with the Toyota RAV4. The fourth generation RAV4 was given a thorough update inside and out in 2016, including the addition of a hybrid version. The refresh has given the RAV4 much more cohesive styling and an upscale cabin.

All-wheel drive is standard on hybrid RAV4 models, as is a CVT automatic transmission. Power is provided by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired to an electric motor for a combined 194 hp. EPA estimates are set at 34 city, 31 highway, and 33 combined mpg, which is 3 combined mpg better than the gas-only model.

Hot on the heels of Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid, Nissan launched a hybrid version of its redesigned Rogue compact crossover. Combined output from the gas-electric power combo is 176 hp (up 6 horses from the standard engine). A CVT transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is an option). EPA estimates 26 city and 33 highway mpg, which are both off the pace of the RAV4 hybrid.

Nissan’s Rogue hybrid is arguably better looking than the RAV4 hybrid, however, with a handsome V-motion front fascia and sharp lines along its profile. Whichever design you prefer, both the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan Rogue Hybrid are great crossover options among our list of 10 best compact hybrid cars.

We’ll conclude our roundup of 10 best compact hybrid cars with a little of every segment we’ve covered so far: luxury, compact, hybrid, and crossover. The Lexus NX 300h combines each of these categories in a stylish and comfort – albeit expensive – package. Borrowing design cues from the larger RX crossover, the NX’s smaller footprint boasts considerable flash in the entry-level luxury segment.

Like the RAV4 Hybrid, the NX 300h is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and electric motor for a combined 194 hp sent to either the front or all four wheels via a CVT transmission. Unlike the RAV4 hybrid, however, the NX 300h makes far less power than its gas-engined sibling. The 2.0-liter turbocharged NX manages a healthy 235hp by comparison. Fortunately, the NX hybrid’s 33 combined mpg is excellent for its class. Just be prepared to shell out $40,660 in exchange for the stylish little crossover.