11 Self-Charging, Full-Hybrid Cars (Sedan, SUV, Hatchback)
Hybrid powertrain technologies achieve various fuel efficiency levels at different price points.
Still, self-charging hybrids – also called full hybrids – are appealing for their improved frugality over mild hybrids and without the hassle of home-charging of the plug-in type.
Best Self-Charging Full-Hybrid SUVs
Only a handful of hybrid car manufacturers produce hybridized versions of their popular vehicles, but these SUVs are some of the best of their kind on the market.
#1 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The regular RAV4 is among the hottest-selling compact SUVs, and Toyota unsurprisingly capitalized on its appeal by introducing a hybrid variant.
Although the RAV4 Hybrid isn’t the most efficient in its class, it is close, and RAV4 remains one of the best self-charging small hybrid SUVs, thanks to its mature regenerative braking system.
With standard all-wheel-drive, a composed ride, and a hybrid-amplified fuel economy of 40 mpg overall, the sub-$30k SUV meets many driver demands.
Like its gasoline-only sibling, RAV4 Hybrid boasts some of the roomiest cargo areas and a spacious interior, making it the perfect family hauler in the mainstream market.
The load floor is low, making loading cargo easy.
The three-row Toyota Highlander Hybrid will better suit larger families if what RAV4 offers is insufficient.
#2 Honda CR-V Hybrid
RAV4’s arch-nemesis in the compact SUV segment is the equally-popular CR-V – the CR-V Hybrid rivals the RAV4 Hybrid in many ways.
Although it came onto the market later than its Toyota adversary when it debuted in 2020, the Honda CR-V is among the best self-charging hybrid cars in the compact SUV class.
The CR-V Hybrid’s full-hybrid powertrain with all-wheel-drive manages a competitive near-40 mpg average, although the slightly underpowered gasoline engine could use a size and horsepower upgrade.
Elsewhere, the CR-V’s interior space and cargo capacity are above-average, and entering the cabin is a breeze with the SUV’s large door openings and moderate step-in height.
#3 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Although the Santa Fe began life as a compact crossover, its size has grown in recent years to bridge the gap between a small SUV and a midsize one.
If you prefer a compact SUV but desire the most voluminous interior, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a compelling option for a self-charging, full-hybrid car.
Classified as a compact, the over 146 cubic feet of total interior volume translate into abundant head and legroom in both rows and plenty of storage space with the rear seatbacks up or folded.
The higher asking price reflects Santa Fe Hybrid’s enhanced size, standard all-wheel-drive, and the Korean brand’s extensive list of standard features and industry-leading warranty.
Its added weight naturally compromises fuel economy. Still, the mid-30s mpg combined is respectably efficient and a minor sacrifice for enhanced passenger comfort with the increased interior room.
For buyers wanting a less expensive Hyundai hybrid SUV and willing to forgo some interior space, the Tucson Hybrid is worth considering.
#4 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Still on small SUVs: the Kia Sorento offers a unique proposition for shoppers in this segment.
The Kia Sorento Hybrid is one of the limited three-row hybrid SUVs in the market but also the least expensive of its kind, making Sorento Hybrid the superior choice for a small hybrid SUV that seats six.
While pre-2021 Sorentos have cramped third rows, the redesigned Sorento Hybrid offers more space and comfort for its rear-most occupants – the first and second rows enjoy impressive passenger room.
The Sorento has a comparatively small but turbocharged gasoline engine, but its powerful motor helps the acceleration and achieves a mid-30s mpg combined fuel economy – approx. ten mpg more than the regular gas model.
Kia is Hyundai’s sister brand, so the feature-packed offering and extended warranty coverage add overall appeal.
The Sorento Hybrid is a relatively new player in the field, but it’s already a solid choice among hybridized crossovers.
#5 Ford Escape Hybrid
In a segment dominated by Japanese and Korean makes, Ford flies the American flag boldly with the hybrid version of its popular Escape crossover.
Although the smallest hybrid SUV seats five, the Ford Escape Hybrid’s relatively roomy interior and superior 40 mpg overall mark it as some of the most efficient self-charging hybrid small SUVs.
It utilizes all-electric power for the initial acceleration, achieving a class-average performance on par with the CR-V and RAV4 but real-world fuel economy that slightly betters both rivals.
Class-leading efficiency, smooth ride, and affordable price tag place the Escape Hybrid among the top five full-hybrid vehicles.
#6 Lexus RX 450h
Like its Toyota parent, the Lexus luxury brand is a stalwart in hybrid car technology – full-hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Several automakers come and go, attempting to steal a share of the luxury hybrid vehicle market, but Lexus has been a leading manufacturer in the space for over a decade.
The marque has several hybrid SUVs – the UX and NX models. Still, the Lexus RX 450h stands out with an exquisitely-crafted cabin, roomy interior, and a luxuriously quiet ride, making it the best self-charging luxury hybrid SUV.
Its midsize SUV body has bold styling, and the relatively inexpensive sub-$50k starting price is attractive among premium models.
Further, according to Consumer Reports, Lexus manufactures the most reliable vehicles – a compelling reason to choose a Lexus for peace of mind and lower running costs.
Best Self-Charging Full-Hybrid Hatchbacks
#7 Toyota Prius
The Prius nameplate is synonymous with the eco-friendly march in the automotive world.
Few hybrids can rival this industry giant, and Toyota Prius has maintained a decades-long status as the most efficient and best hybrid small car with a hatchback body.
The 50-plus mpg combined in the latest-generation Prius is outstanding; even the first-generation Prius manages an over-40-mile average on a gallon of gasoline.
Besides the impressive fuel economy from the full-hybrid powertrain, the Prius has always been an easy car to drive with its compact hatchback body and good outward visibility.
Traditionally a front-wheel drive, the newest-gen Prius offers optional all-wheel-drive to improve its wet-weather capability.
The hatchback’s versatility and affordable price tag top the reasons why many opt for the Toyota Prius as an inexpensive self-charging hybrid vehicle.
#8 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
While Toyota leads the hybrid car segment, Hyundai is an emerging challenger and a compelling alternative.
Although it isn’t the first to come to mind when considering a compact hybrid, the Hyundai Ooniq Hybrid’s stellar fuel economy and abundant standard tech features make it a solid choice for a self-charging hybrid hatchback.
Its full-hybrid powertrain can return an impressive 50-plus mpg overall, only marginally less than the Prius.
Meanwhile, it has a more voluminous interior than its Toyota rival, with a maximum cargo capacity that’s as copious.
The Hyundai has a lengthy list of technology features and driver aids and comparatively longer warranty coverage for less.
Best Self-Charging Full-Hybrid Sedans
#9 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota Corolla is a famous nameplate among affordable and dependable small cars.
Available since 2020, the hybridized form of the Corolla matches the king-of-hybrid Prius in fuel economy for the same asking price, so it’s an excellent alternative for buyers preferring a sedan over a hatchback.
With an impressive over-50 mpg combined, solid build quality, and a marginally more comfortable than Prius ride, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a compelling choice for a full-hybrid compact sedan that self-charges.
The Corolla is the quintessential reliable and inexpensive small car; the hybrid model ensures you drive the most efficient vehicle that still runs on gas.
#10 Honda Accord Hybrid
If a midsize fits the family better, the Honda Accord is an excellent choice to haul five occupants.
Other mainstream midsize sedans with a hybrid powertrain deserve mention: Toyota Camry Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
Still, Accord Hybrid embodies its gasoline-only sibling’s desirable traits – spacious premium-quality cabin, ample cargo room, and high fuel efficiency – making this fun-to-drive Honda a strong candidate for the best self-charging midsize hybrid sedan.
Opting for the hybrid version of the popular Accord sedan gains you almost 15 mpg city/highway combined over the regular model.
With less than a $2,000 difference between the two versions’ starting prices, the Accord Hybrid is a thoroughly compelling investment.
#11 Lexus ES 300h
The German luxury automakers, like Audi and BMW, focus on plug-in-hybrid vehicles, leaving Lexus as one of a small number of premium brands with hybrid sedans.
Still, Lexus trumps most manufacturers, luxury or otherwise, in build quality, durability, and hybrid technology maturity.
Lexus has two hybrid sedans in its stable, the midsize ES 300h and LS 500h. The former emerges as the overall better choice as it’s about half the latter’s price, with significantly higher fuel economy and sacrificing only a few cubic feet of interior space.
If you’re looking for the best self-charging hybrid luxury car utilizing full-hybrid technology, the Lexus ES 300h sedan is an exceptional pick.
Its inline-four gasoline engine married to an electric motor returns an admirable mid-40s mpg average, nearly on par with mainstream, less-luxurious models.
Like all Lexus, it rides excellently in a quiet, finely-crafted cabin.
The midsize ES 300h’s asking price rivals compacts, but its size equals that of a large luxury car, so it’s a value-for-money buy seldom referred to as such in the premium vehicle segment.
References:
https://www.toyota.com/rav4hybrid/
https://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v
https://www.kia.com/us/en/sorento-hybrid
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe-hybrid
https://www.toyota.com/corollahybrid/