The hybrid sedan was an essential stepping stone toward widespread eco-friendly cars and the inevitable electric revolution. It embodies the capabilities of mixing combustion power with electricity to deliver superb fuel economy or even boost performance capabilities. However, now that the world is moving away from the internal combustion engine, hybrid sedan cars are no longer receiving as much attention. However, for those not yet willing to commit to a life without gasoline, a PHEV sedan is a good introduction, and here we list the best hybrid sedans of 2024 to choose from.
Characteristics of Hybrid Sedans
There are two chief types of hybridization: mild and plug-in. Each brings its own strengths and traits to the traditional four-door sedan. However, there are still similarities between these types of cars, for better or worse:
What to Consider When Buying an MHEV/PHEV Sedan
Hybrids are no longer the most advanced automobiles on the road, but they are still more complicated than your average vehicle. This brings advantages and disadvantages that are definitely worth considering when it comes time to buy a new car. So from the top hybrid sedan to the worst, these are the pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
FAQs
What is the best hybrid sedan on the market?
Hybrids are generally about getting the most bang for your buck and reducing fuel consumption. To this end, it should come as no surprise that one of the most popular sedans in the USA is also one of the best when in hybrid configuration. We are, of course, talking about the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. That being said there are quite a few luxury hybrids like the Volvo S60 if your budget allows for it.
Are hybrid sedans safe and reliable?
For the most part, yes. Many automakers only start offering hybrid powertrains halfway up their lineup. This means that the hybrids get a lot more standard tech than a base model would. More safety tech is always a welcome sight. However, it is worth noting that more advanced vehicles are more susceptible to mechanical failure. This can mean that hybrids are more costly to maintain and may break down for unexpected reasons.
What is the difference between MHEV and PHEV?
These are the two principal forms of hybridization. Mild-hybrid electric vehicles use electric motors but do not include a separate battery pack for them. Instead, power is produced via regenerative braking technology. This limits your ability to reliably build up charge on demand and it cannot be stored. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, on the other hand, have onboard battery packs that can be manually charged from an outlet. They can also travel for a certain distance relying purely on the electric motors and not even engage the combustion engine.