10 Hybrid Vehicles That Are Changing The Automotive Industry

In the coming days ICE vehicles may or may not be going away for good, and EVs may very well be the future, but that probably means that hybrids are here to stay. It’s important to understand what a hybrid is, in order to gauge the impact that such a vehicle has upon the automotive world. Hybrids combine a gasoline engine to at least one electric motor to move a vehicle, and the system recaptures energy through regenerative braking. Sometimes the electric motor does all the work, and sometimes it’s the engine, and also both can work together. This results in less gasoline burned, leading to better fuel economy. One can see why this alone changes the automotive landscape.

All hybrids use electricity generated from a high-voltage battery pack, different from the standard 12-volt battery of course. Along with regenerative braking, the gasoline motor may also recharge and maintain this battery. Different designs accomplish different missions, ranging from maximizing fuel consumption preservation, to keeping vehicle costs as low as possible. The design architecture is either parallel, series, or plug-in systems. Parallel are the most common, and plug-ins can revert to parallel at all-electric range depletion, but plug-ins may also be series hybrids. One day, the answer to what is a hybrid may be just about everything in terms of transportation.

Related: 10 Plug-in Hybrid Cars With The Most Electric Range

1 Toyota Prius Prime

Starting Price: $27,450

One might think the 1997 Toyota Prius is the first hybrid vehicle, but in reality hybrids date back to the late 19th century! Nevertheless, this notion goes to show how much weight the Prius bears within the hybrid market. Still, it’s also known as the ugliest hybrid out there, if not vehicle in general.

2023 Toyota Prius Prime Specs

Entering its fifth generation as of 2023, the Prius has morphed into a car that is now not only true to its efficient roots, but it’s also got more power with increasingly attractive looks. Available now with up to 196 horsepower, and up to an estimated 57 mpg combined, both figures are bests for a Prius. What’s more, the Prime variant features a total of 220 horsepower, while besting the prior Prime’s 25-mile driving range by over a dozen miles. There’s something to be said about a car that launched today’s hybrid production, is still around, and continues to evolve over two decades after inception.

2 Ford F-150 Hybrid

Starting Price: $35,730

Though certainly not the first hybrid pickup, you could say that today Ford does it best, with its PowerBoost F-150 model. This shouldn’t be anything new with the best-selling vehicle period. Ford revolutionized the truck market with its rugged off-road Raptor variant, one that had no equal until years later with the arrival of Ram’s TRX. Around the same time, Ford put a twin-turbocharged 3.5 liter V-6 in its F-150 and called it an EcoBoost, way before Toyota did something similar in the Tundra.

2023 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Specs

Armed with a 35kW electric motor paired to the EcoBoost engine, the PowerBoost puts out some serious numbers. Zero to sixty hits in 5.3 seconds, and the truck has 624 miles of range, while netting 24 mpg the whole way. It comes with a 2,120 pound payload capacity, and a 12,700 pound tow rating. Plus, Pro Power Onboard allows the user to power anything from a tailgate party to a plasma cutter depending on options for the system, one that allows the truck to be used as a generator. Though a hybrid truck has always been a good idea, with the benefits of both ICE and EV capability, Ford makes a great one. More truck makers should follow suit, as only the Ram 1500 and Tundra are also offered new today as hybrid trucks, besides what Ford makes. Toyota is still paying attention, as the next-gen Tacoma will soon gain a hybrid variant to represent the mid-size truck segment, one that the truck has lead in sales for years.

Related: 10 Best Plug-In Hybrid SUVs

3 Ford Maverick Hybrid

Starting Price: $22,595

Doubling-down with Ford, its Maverick exists in the recently revived compact truck market, in which the Hyundai Santa Cruz remains its lone competitor. The latter may have more luxury features, and tow more, but it also costs more with a smaller bed. More importantly, only the Maverick has a hybrid powertrain of the two. That means it’s the only new hybrid compact truck on the market today. More competition may be on the way, but for now, the Maverick is doing so well that it has outsold its availability. Orders are actually backlogged and sitting at idle! This truck is simply like none other in today’s new car market, and suitors just can’t get enough.

2023 Ford Maverick Specs

Despite the SUV and full-size truck craze, people are liking that they can tow and haul, all while having maneuverability and efficiency. Given the Maverick’s runaway success and compact truck market renaissance, it’s no surprise if this will cause a surge in new compact trucks from other manufacturers, of which hybrid variants must be considered for production.

4 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Starting Price: $50,795

Minivans may be unsightly, embarrassing, or otherwise not preferred over SUVs, but they still have a place as people and cargo movers. The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid remains the only PHEV in the minivan segment.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Specs

Chrysler claims it’ll hold up to 60 gallons of milk, giving a whole new meaning to the 0-60 stat sheet, as it’s the only van that’ll tuck its second row seats into the floor to create space. It’s capable of up to 33 miles of electric driving alone. Two electric motors paired with a 3.6 liter V-6, make for 260 horsepower. Thus, the Pacifica has a few tricks up it’s sleeve to set itself apart from the competition.

Related: 10 Solid Hybrid Alternatives To The Toyota Prius Prime

5 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

Starting Price: $59,865

With the 4xe (pronounced four-by-E) models, to include the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, Jeep has made more than some solid ground. For one, the Wrangler 4xe is America’s best-selling PHEV. However, Car and Driver found that the Wrangler variant complicates a historically simple machine. Instead, it seems the publication prefers the Grand Cherokee version as it’s choice 4xe.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Specs

SUVs remain ever popular, especially in the mid-size three-row realm. There are all types of them out there, ranging from compact to luxury, and small to large. The Grand Cherokee is a two-row, and the plug-in hybrid system is exclusive to this type of SUV, in the sense that it isn’t available on the bigger three-row Grand Cherokee L. So if one is looking for a Jeep SUV not named Wrangler, that is also a 4xe, then the Grand Cherokee is your choice. It not only comes with the SUV specs that makes them desirable, as far as towing and cargo/people hauling, but it comes with Jeep’s legendary “trail-rated” 4×4 systems technology to boot.

6 Land Rover Range Rover

Starting Price: $104,500

Apart from legendary off-road capability, SUVs may be attractive due to the elegant styling that’s brought to the table. Such is the case with the Land Rover Range Rover P440e. The 2023 model is the most luxurious Range Rover model yet, pulling in Global Elites and A-listers perhaps more so than it has in years past, as it has built up its status.

2023 Land Rover Range Rover P440e Specs

The ride is smooth, the interior quiet, and the cabin is rich. All-wheel-drive is standard, and the air suspension may raise the ground clearance, but this rolling art piece will probably be relegated to fine wine and dining. Starting at over $100,000, it’s more expensive than several rivals, but it has the reputation to merit such a price. This vehicle brings hybrid SUVs into the realm of luxury.

Related: Why You Need To Buy A Plug-in Hybrid Over An Electric Vehicle

7 BMW 3 Series PHEV

Starting Price: $44,900

The 2023 BMW 3 Series sedan pleases the seekers of both comfort and sportiness better than most. As a corner-carving sports sedan, well-appointed luxury car, or a combo of both, this car is an enduring preference. The plug-in hybrid 330e presents impressive performance and above average fuel economy. This vehicle can run a five second 0-60 mph time, and has a 22-mile electric-only range.

2023 BMW 330e Specs

It might not have the style or features of some competitors, but it’s well-rounded, athletic, and engaging. It’s worth noting that this vehicle back in 2021 was not preferred to regular gas-only 3 Series cars, due to some testing by Motortrend, but this car remains a step in the hybrid direction for BMW. As such, it could’ve paved the way for future electric vehicles by the German automaker, in the likes of the i4.

8 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Starting Price: $123,700

The Mercedes-Benz S580e is like a rolling yacht, a full-size luxury sedan standing head and shoulders above its peers. The plug-in hybrid makes 510 horsepower, and can travel around 40 miles on electricity alone. Air suspension is standard, making the road feel like floating on a cloud. Optional E-Active Body Control will actually lean the car into corners, so forget about spilling a drink ever again.

2023 Mercedes-Benz S580e Specs

The rear seats are reclining, power adjustable, and come with a heated massage feature. Talk about living the good life in the back of a four-door sedan. Starting at just under $124,000, this vehicle features an inline-six coupled with the electric motor. As such, its cheaper and puts out more power than the V-8 variant. Thus, not only does this hybrid bring the luxury and comfort that its gas only predecessors provide, but it also does so for less and with better performance.

Related: Best Hybrid Supercars

9 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

Starting Price: $86,500

As stated, people love SUVs because they can tow, off-road, and haul people or things. The Jeep Grand Cherokee takes the 4×4 ability to the next level, and the Range Rover does the same but in the luxury aspect. Now, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid does what those two do, but in the realm of performance.

2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Specs

It’s simply fun to drive and quick, given it’s 455 horsepower powertrain, with 516 pound-feet of torque. Competition may have lower starting prices, but they also have trouble keeping up. What’s more is a Turbo S E-Hybrid variant is available, putting out a combined 670 horsepower. This vehicle will hit 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds, one of the quickest SUVs Car and Driver has ever tested! However, starting price for all this performance is a staggering $172,750.

10 McLaren Artura

Starting Price: $233,000

A hybrid future has been accepted and has hit elite performance. The McLaren Artura is a relatively new introduced mid-engine two-seater, boasting a combined 671 horsepower, with 531 pound-feet of torque. It’s estimated to hit 0-60 in 2.6 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph. The car weighs a claimed 3,303 pounds, with a starting price of $225,000 from the British supercar maker. The order of this list on the top and bottom ends could easily be flipped, if talking strictly performance. However, a supercar, or these latter performance high-cost vehicles won’t have the same impact on the auto industry as a whole. For they are exclusive, reserved, and limited.

2023 McLaren Artura Specs

Nevertheless, cars like the Artura are significant apart from this, because they still pave the way for further production within this segment. For example, the Lamborghini Revuelto is on its way, as the brand’s first hybrid. Clearly, hybrids are represented well within the auto industry, as there appears to be such an option anywhere and everywhere. Expect this trend to not only continue, but to spread, as the automotive landscape transitions from ICE technology to EVs.