The automotive landscape in 2017 saw a surge in hybrid vehicle options, offering consumers more choices than ever before. If 2016 was a year of automotive innovation, 2017 raised the bar with an expanded selection, particularly in the hybrid segment. Autobytel has compiled a list of the 10 best hybrid cars available in 2017. While the focus is primarily on cars, some relevant models from other body styles are also included. This list is organized by increasing Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), assisting you in finding the Best Hybrid Auto to match your needs and budget.
2017 Toyota Prius — MSRP $24,685
Toyota’s Prius has become more than just a model; it’s practically a sub-brand, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology. The 2017 Toyota Prius continues to be a strong contender in the hybrid market, not just because it’s a hybrid, but because it’s a genuinely good car. It earns its place as a top pick for the best hybrid autos of 2017. For this model year, Toyota enhanced the Prius with the Safety Sense suite, incorporating active safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard features. This adds to the Prius’s appeal as a safe and reliable best hybrid auto choice.
2017 Toyota Prius front view, highlighting its fuel efficiency and advanced safety features. Best hybrid auto.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid — MSRP $25,675
The Ford Fusion is already a well-regarded midsize sedan, but the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid elevates its appeal significantly. This model stands out as a best hybrid auto option in its class, offering more than just fuel efficiency. While this vehicle segment isn’t typically known for driving excitement, the Fusion Hybrid injects a dose of fun into daily commutes with its surprisingly agile handling. Furthermore, the Fusion Hybrid boasts an interior that feels more premium than its price suggests, making it an affordable yet upscale best hybrid auto choice. It’s a larger and more comfortable option compared to many entry-level compact hybrids, adding to its value proposition as a best hybrid auto.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid side profile, showcasing its spacious sedan design and premium features. Best hybrid auto.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid — MSRP $25,995
Since its introduction in 2011, the Kia Optima Hybrid has consistently been an underrated midsize sedan, and the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid continues this trend. It’s a compelling choice for those seeking a best hybrid auto, particularly one that offers exceptional value. Following Kia’s established formula, the Optima Hybrid surprises buyers with an unexpectedly refined interior and a generous list of standard features. The cockpit is user-friendly, providing a comfortable and intuitive experience for both driver and passengers. While not the flashiest car on the list, the Optima Hybrid is a solid and dependable best hybrid auto that blends seamlessly into everyday life.
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid — MSRP $26,790
When considering the best hybrid autos of 2017, Toyota vehicles are consistently strong contenders. The 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid is no exception, joining other Toyota models on this list. Toyota’s dominance in the hybrid market stems from being among the first to create hybrid cars that people genuinely enjoy driving. The Camry, a long-standing leader in the midsize sedan segment, brings its reputation for reliability and value to its hybrid variant. The Camry Hybrid combines a dependable and efficient powertrain with a spacious interior, user-friendly technology, and excellent fuel economy, making it a winning best hybrid auto choice.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — MSRP $27,875
While some argue for unique, purpose-built hybrid vehicles, there’s a strong case for hybrid versions of well-established gasoline cars, especially when the base car is already excellent. The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid exemplifies this approach. It retains the comfort, convenience, and familiar appeal of the classic Chevrolet Malibu sedan while enhancing it with improved efficiency and sustainability. The Malibu Hybrid is noted for its surprisingly strong acceleration for a hybrid and comes equipped with numerous standard features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, making it a tech-savvy best hybrid auto.
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid— MSRP $29,605
The Honda Accord Hybrid made a welcome return in 2017. The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid builds upon the strengths of the already impressive Accord midsize sedan. Despite past challenges in gaining widespread popularity, the Accord Hybrid is a smart addition to Honda’s lineup. Beyond its refined styling and comfortable cabin, this car boasts impressive horsepower for a midsize hybrid, along with excellent fuel economy. While not the sportiest handler in its class, the Accord Hybrid offers a composed, smooth, and stable ride. Its generous list of standard features helps justify its slightly higher price point, positioning it as a well-equipped best hybrid auto option.
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid side view, emphasizing its sophisticated style and spacious interior. Best hybrid auto.
2017 Lexus CT Hybrid — MSRP $31,250
The Lexus CT Hybrid is a unique offering in the best hybrid auto segment – a luxury hybrid hatchback that stands apart from the typical sedan or SUV. While it carries the Lexus sporty image, the 2017 Lexus CT Hybrid prioritizes comfort over outright sportiness and fuel economy over rapid acceleration. However, it possesses enough desirable qualities to earn its place on this list. Compact luxury cars are popular for good reason, and the Lexus CT Hybrid adds unique aesthetics and ample cargo space to the benefits of hybrid efficiency. For those seeking a best hybrid auto that deviates from the mainstream, the Lexus CT Hybrid is worth considering.
2017 Lexus CT Hybrid hatchback design, highlighting its luxury compact size and generous cargo space. Best hybrid auto.
2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — MSRP $41,330
The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid takes Toyota’s successful midsize SUV formula and enhances it with greater efficiency. This best hybrid auto SUV pairs a V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a combined 280 horsepower and impressive fuel economy for its class. Although the Highlander Hybrid is undoubtedly a leading hybrid SUV and a strong contender for the best hybrid auto title, its higher price compared to the standard Highlander might be a consideration for some buyers. However, the added efficiency and performance make it a compelling option. For the 2017 model year, Toyota expanded the Highlander Hybrid trim levels and increased the seating capacity to eight.
2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV, showcasing its spacious interior and efficient hybrid SUV design. Best hybrid auto.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid — MSRP $43,090
Chrysler rightly takes pride in the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid, as it is the first and, at the time, only hybrid minivan globally. More than just a standard hybrid, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid, capable of traveling up to 30 miles on electric power alone before engaging its V6 engine, resulting in exceptional EPA ratings. Beyond its hybrid powertrain, it’s a genuinely excellent minivan, although pricier than the standard Pacifica and most other minivans. The Pacifica Hybrid is intelligent, comfortable, loaded with value-added standard features, and injects a fresh and innovative spirit into the minivan segment, making it a unique best hybrid auto.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq — MSRP unknown
While numerous hybrid cars have entered and exited the market since the Toyota Prius pioneered the category, few have directly challenged the Prius’s dominance. The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq was designed to be a direct competitor to the Prius, and early assessments suggested it would be a significant contender. The Hyundai Ioniq is available in electric and hybrid versions, with a plug-in hybrid variant expected later in the year. Although the exact pricing was still to be announced at the time of writing the original article, it was anticipated to be competitive with the various Toyota Prius models, positioning the Hyundai Ioniq as a strong, upcoming best hybrid auto option.
