Hybrids of All Sizes

PHOTOS: JOHN POWERS/CONSUMER REPORTS Hybrids of All Sizes

Everyone knows the iconic Toyota Prius, which gets 52 mpg overall and earns our recommendation. But there are many kinds of hybrids out there, from posh sedans all the way to a minivan—and they all sip fuel with the help of electric power. From small to large, here are some of our favorites that shoppers may have overlooked.

Kia Niro

0 !

THE NIRO IS a genre-splitting hybrid that combines impressive fuel economy with small-SUV looks.

It doesn’t match the 52 mpg rating of the Toyota Prius or the Hyundai Ioniq (with which it shares a hybrid drivetrain), but the front-wheel-drive Niro’s 43 mpg overall beats most conventional hatchbacks and small SUVs. It can cruise up to about 40 mph on electric power alone, as long as drivers have a light right foot.

The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid electric drive deliver a 9.9-second 0-60 mph performance. The powertrain has a distinct delay, particularly during rolling starts. Although its dual-clutch transmission feels more natural than a typical hybrid’s CVT, the Niro’s shifts lack smoothness.

The Niro lumbers its way around corners with vague steering, and the ride can be uncomfortable on rough roads. There’s also elevated wind and engine noise at highway speeds.

In addition to long stopping distances, the pedal feels spongy and requires more e ort than usual to stop smoothly.

It’s easy to get into the cabin, and the upright driving position means the Niro feels more like an SUV than a car. Wide front seats accommodate most drivers, but only the optional 10-way power driver’s seat o ers two-way lumbar adjustment. The rear seat has ample room.

Climate and audio controls are easy to use, and there’s even a conventional shifter. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both available.

The Niro’s cargo area isn’t large, but it will hold a few suitcases . Bulky items t with the seats folded down.

Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-tra c warning are available on some trims, but those important safety features also tend to push up the price.

VITAL STATS

68 65

OVERALL SCORE ROAD-TEST SCORE

Price as tested $26,805 Trim line EX Drivetrain 139hp, 1.6-liter 4-cyl. hybrid engine; 6-speed automatic; front-wheel drive Overall fuel economy 43 mpg Why Buy One Good fuel economy Easy-to-use controls Cargo versatility of a small wagon Why Not to Buy One

Buyers can get better fuel economy for the same price Desirable options push price up considerably Hesitation when accelerating from a stop Mushy brake feel

BEST VERSION TO GET Choose the EX with the Advanced Technology package. It includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support.

Honda Accord Hybrid

0 !

THE NEW ACCORD Hybrid has everything we love about the standard Accord, and it achieved 47 mpg overall in our testing. For a modest price premium over the gas-only car, drivers get a whopping 16 mpg improvement.

The Hybrid accelerates from a stop smoothly, and it’s slightly quicker to 60 mph than the standard model. Although it drives calmly around town, push the gas pedal hard and you’ll get a loud response from the fourcylinder gas engine as it revs, seemingly out of sync with the car’s actual speed.

Just as with the gas-only Accord, the Hybrid strikes a happy compromise between capable handling and familyfriendly ride comfort. Its steering is well-weighted, and the suspension nicely controls body lean through corners. Other than some tire noise over coarse pavement, it’s quiet inside the cabin. And the brakes—typically grabby in hybrids—feel almost as natural as in the regular Accord.

The sedan’s low stance makes it a bit hard to get in and out, but the front seats are roomy and comfortable with four-way power lumbar support standard on all but the base trim. The rear seat has plenty of legroom, but the sloping roo ine compromises headroom for taller folks.

The trunk is generous, but it’s disappointing that metal, wires, and cheap lining material are left exposed.

The infotainment system is easier to use than the one in the previous Accord, although a learning curve still exists for more involved tasks. We’re not fans of the Hybrid’s unintuitive pushbutton gear selector. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on the EX trim level and above.

Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist come standard. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-tra c warning are not available on the base Hybrid but come standard on EX and above.

VITAL STATS

79 86

OVERALL SCORE ROAD-TEST SCORE

Price as tested $29,780 Trim line EX Drivetrain 212-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. hybrid engine; CVT; front-wheel drive Overall fuel economy 47 mpg Why Buy One Impressive fuel economy Same trunk capacity as nonhybrid Accord Responsive handling and comfortable ride Standard advanced safety features Why Not to Buy One

Low stance hurts access Unintuitive gear selector

BEST VERSION TO GET We suggest stepping up from the base Hybrid to the Hybrid EX. The EX includes blindspot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, as well as heated front seats, a sunroof, the larger 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and keyless entry with remote start for around $29,000.

Toyota Avalon Hybrid

0 !

THE AVALON HYBRID boasts unrivaled fuel e ciency and ride quality among large sedans. A 2019 redesign moves the Avalon upscale, and it’s now a practical alternative to higher-priced luxury cars.

The hybrid powertrain delivers an impressive 42 mpg overall, and that electric assist helps the Avalon accelerate immediately from a stop. Merging and passing maneuvers cause the engine to work hard, however, and those revs are accompanied by a boisterous soundtrack.

The Avalon’s ride absorbs road imperfections and coddles passengers in ways that some more expensive luxury models can’t match. But the car is still agile, with limited body lean and responsive steering when taking corners.

Despite the Avalon’s size, it can be a challenge to get in because of the car’s low roof and oor. Pampering touches, such as soft materials, wood trim accents, and detailed stitching, help distinguish the spacious cabin.

The front seats are roomy and supportive, and the left footrest and padded armrests contribute to comfort. The low dash aids forward visibility. Some taller drivers wished for more steeringwheel telescope range.

The backseat has generous legroom, but our taller testers found their headroom limited. Rear passengers in high-end trims get heated seats and two USB ports.

The Avalon’s user-friendly controls may be reason enough to choose it over a Lexus, though the touch screen is too far away for some drivers to reach. Apple CarPlay connectivity is available; Android Auto is not.

Across all trim levels, the Avalon comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver assist systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot warning.

VITAL STATS

92 93

OVERALL SCORE ROAD-TEST SCORE

Price as tested $38,643 Trim line XLE Drivetrain 215hp, 2.5-liter 4-cyl. hybrid engine; CVT; front-wheel drive Overall fuel economy 42 mpg Why Buy One Great fuel economy Plush ride Roomy interior Easy controls Comprehensive standard advanced safety features Why Not to Buy One

Low stance compromises ease of access Headroom is limited for tall passengers

BEST VERSION TO GET For a bit more luxury, consider the Limited. It brings quilted leather seats with more available adjustments. Otherwise, desirable safety features come standard, and the hybrid costs only slightly more than a comparable V6 Avalon.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

THE PACIFICA HYBRID is the rst and only electri ed minivan sold in the U.S. In our tests, this plug-in hybrid van delivered 29 miles of electric-only driving. Once the initial charge is gone, it reverts to standard hybrid operation, which we measured at 27 mpg overall.

Power delivery is smooth and pleasant. The welltuned suspension keeps the Hybrid’s body from bobbing up and down, and insulates passengers from most bumps. We enjoyed the quiet interior, with the only blemish being the coarse engine sound under heavy acceleration.

The Hybrid seats only seven passengers, and it doesn’t get Chrysler’s slick Stow ‘n Go second-row seating, which allows the seats to fold into the oor. Owners have to remove the second-row captain’s chairs instead to expand cargo room. However, those seats are far more comfortable than the Stow ’n Go ones. And having only two secondrow seats creates a handy aisle to get to the third row. Passengers taking refuge back there won’t mind sitting on the wide, roomy bench.

There is abundant storage space, with drawers and cubbies lling the center console, plenty of cup holders for the rear passengers, and ample room for luggage behind the raised third row.

The Touring L and Limited have swanky stitched, padded materials and leather. A large panoramic sunroof is optional on the Limited. The optional Uconnect 8.4 touch-screen infotainment system remains a benchmark for ease of use. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available.

But the Paci ca’s reliability rating has dropped to below average, which prevents us from recommending it. We dislike that only the top Limited trim can be tted with the optional forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. This forces buyers to spend nearly $46,000 to get that vital safety equipment.

VITAL STATS

66 88

OVERALL SCORE ROAD-TEST SCORE

Price as tested $48,380 Trim line Platinum Drivetrain 248-hp, 3.6-liter V6 hybrid engine; CVT; frontwheel drive Overall fuel economy 27 mpg Why Buy One Excellent fuel economy Versatile, quiet interior Easy-tounderstand infotainment system Why Not to Buy One

Reliability is below average Hybrid doesn’t have Stow ‘n Go second-row seats Expensive to get desirable advanced safety equipment

BEST VERSION TO GET Consumers need to buy a Limited and add in the Advanced SafetyTec package to get FCW and AEB. The Limited includes threezone climate control, wireless streaming for the second-row video screens, and hands-free operation for the doors and liftgate.