You don’t have to fall asleep at the wheel (of a hybrid)
It used to be the case that driving a hybrid was a compromise. You get impressive efficiency, but you have to sacrifice any expectation of a fun driving experience. Thankfully, there are affordable models that provide both great fuel economy and non-anesthetizing seat time. That’s important for drivers who don’t want to bleed from their wallets but who also want some semblance of engagement. In some cases, you get more than you thought you would.
Honda
Modern hybrid technology has evolved dramatically, delivering off-the-line quickness, great handling, and far more engaging steering. Some of today’s hybrids are not only efficient but genuinely enjoyable to drive, regardless of their efficiency. If you’re searching for a vehicle that can save money at the pump (especially these days with gas at almost $5 a gallon!) while still putting a smile on your face, these three hybrids are some the most rewarding options on the market.
Honda Civic Sport Hybrid
Honda
The Honda Civic Sport Hybrid is, hands-down, the king of engaging hybrids. We’re still astounded at its athletic moves. Every Civic is great to drive, but the Sport Hybrid is famously efficient, surprisingly powerful (200 horsepower), and taut in the turns. Its hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, delivering strong acceleration and immediate low-speed response. Unlike many hybrids that feel detached from the driving experience, the Civic feels eager all the time. It makes you want to drive it like you stole it. It also delivers 50 mpg city / 47 mpg highway / 49 mpg combined for the sedan and a smidge less for the hatchback variant.
The Civic Sport Hybrid uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link setup in the rear for sporty but compliant handling. The hybrid gets its own damper tuning and added chassis reinforcement to sharpen its responses. The battery pack is mounted low in the car as well, helping improve balance and stability. The cabin is also a delight, providing ample space for four, supportive seats, and some of the best physical controls of any vehicle at any price.
Toyota Camry XSE AWD
Toyota completely reinvented the Camry for its latest generation. Every trim is hybrid now, and that shows how far gas-electric hybrids have come. The sportiest Camry, the XSE with all-wheel drive, delivers a noticeably more engaging driving experience. It features sportier suspension tuning, larger wheels, and sharper styling that give the sedan a more athletic personality. Under the hood, Toyota’s latest hybrid system provides smooth power delivery and impressive efficiency. It’s also good for 44 mpg city / 43 mpg highway / 44 mpg combined.
The Toyota Camry XSE uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that churns out a healthy 232 combined horsepower in all-wheel drive guise. That’s enough to move the car to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds. The handling is composed and predictable with steering that’s precise with a hint of feedback. While that won’t roast a Miata, it’s still a pretty quick family sedan. It’s the best driving Camry we’ve ever experienced, and it its level of sportiness is refreshing in a typically ho-hum segment. In terms of comfort and space, it’s one of the best sedans in the segment.
Toyota Prius Limited AWD
A great driving Prius sounds more like a healthy fried deep fried chicken sandwich, only this time around, it’s true. Few vehicles have undergone a transformation as dramatic as the Toyota Prius. Once viewed primarily as an efficiency-focused commuter car, the latest generation has become one of the most surprisingly enjoyable hybrids to drive. Toyota completely redesigned the Prius with a lower roofline, wider stance, and more aggressive proportions. Those changes aren’t just cosmetic. The new architecture lowers the center of gravity and significantly improves handling. The 49 mpg city / 50 mpg highway / 49 mpg combined carries on the Prius tradition of miserly fuel consumption.
On top of that, it has way more power. The Prius Limited AWD benefits from Toyota’s latest hybrid technology that’s good for 196 horsepower, eclipsing the last generation’s weak sauce 121 ponies. Acceleration and throttle resopnse are noticeably stronger, and the electric motor’s immediate torque makes the car feel downright spritely. More importantly, the Prius finally feels confident on a twisty road. Steering is sharper, cornering grip is improved, and the chassis is actually quite responsive. The cabin is also more conventional (meaning less weird), and the new landscape-oriented infotainment system is easier to use.
Final Thoughts
The best driving hybrids today are like a breath of fresh air and not just for environmental reasons. Vehicles like the Honda Civic Sport Hybrid, Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid AWD, and Toyota Prius Limited AWD prove that you can enjoy your drive and have efficiency, too. Whether it’s the Civic’s athletic handling, the Camry’s newfound composure, or the Prius’s remarkable transformation into a genuinely entertaining car, these hybrids demonstrate just how far the segment has come.
About the author
Amos Kwon
Contributing Writer, Autoblog