Electrified vehicles are now mainstream, with offerings from every major automaker.
Just in time for Earth Day (Sunday, April 22), U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Cars for the Money and Best Vehicle Brands, unveiled the Best Hybrid and Electric Cars. Covering six categories, the awards highlight the best hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs on the market.
Best Hybrid and Electric Cars unveiled by U.S. News & World Report; BMW plug-in hybrid cars ; photo: bmw.co.uk/model-types/plug-in-hybrid
“These awards show that an affordable hybrid, plug-in or EV can help consumers save money and reduce their carbon footprint. While luxury models may not provide the same value as hybrids and EVs from mainstream brands, they allow consumers to make a positive environmental impact without compromising performance or luxury,” said Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars.
The winning models across six categories have the best combination of price, performance in the U.S. News Best Cars rankings and mpg, mpg-e or EV range.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV beat the Tesla Model S by a wide margin for Best EV, with the Hyundai Ioniq EV a close third. Though some Model S trims have a much longer range than the Bolt, the range of the base Model S is only 21 miles more than the range of the Bolt, and the Bolt’s price is roughly $37,000 less.
Though the Toyota Prius dominates hybrid sales, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (one of three models in the Ioniq line) won Best Hybrid. The Ioniq, which debuted for 2017, has a lower starting price than the Prius and better fuel economy.
lexus NX-hybrid; photo: lexus
2018 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars;
- Best Luxury Hybrid – Lexus NX Hybrid;
- Best Luxury Plug-In Hybrid – BMW 3 Series.
- Best EV – Chevrolet Bolt EV;
- Best Hybrid Car – Hyundai Ioniq;
- Best Hybrid SUV – Kia Niro;
- Best Plug-In Hybrid – Toyota Prius Prime;
lexus NX-hybrid; photo: lexus
