The automotive landscape in 2017 saw a surge in hybrid vehicle options, offering consumers a wider array of choices than ever before. If you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious vehicle, exploring the Top Hybrid Cars of 2017 is a great starting point. This list highlights ten of the best hybrid cars available that year, focusing primarily on car models but also including other body styles where relevant. Presented in order of increasing MSRP, you might just find the perfect hybrid to match your needs and budget.
2017 Toyota Prius — MSRP $24,685
The Toyota Prius, a name synonymous with hybrid technology, continued to expand its family in 2017. Toyota aimed to establish Prius as a distinct sub-brand, and for good reason. The Prius models are well-regarded vehicles, each subtly differentiated to cater to diverse customer preferences. The standard Prius stands out not just as a “good hybrid,” but as a genuinely good car, making it a fitting start to our list of top hybrid cars for 2017. A notable addition for this model year was the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of active safety and driver-assistance features, now standard across the Prius lineup.
2017 Toyota Prius front exterior, highlighting its fuel-efficient design and status as a top hybrid car.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid — MSRP $25,675
While the regular Ford Fusion is a commendable midsize sedan, the hybrid version elevates its appeal considerably. In a vehicle class not typically known for driving excitement, the 2017 Fusion Hybrid injects a dose of energy into the daily commute with its surprisingly agile handling. Furthermore, the Fusion Hybrid boasts an interior that feels more premium than its price tag suggests, making this affordable hybrid feel like a step up. It’s a compelling option, especially for those seeking a more spacious and comfortable hybrid without breaking the bank.
Ford Fusion Hybrid 2017 side view, showcasing its sleek design and midsize sedan practicality as a top hybrid car choice.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid — MSRP $25,995
The Kia Optima Hybrid, available since 2011, remains an often-underestimated midsize sedan, much like its gasoline-powered counterpart. This makes it a strong contender among the best hybrid cars to buy in 2017, especially considering its affordability. Staying true to Kia’s philosophy, the Optima Hybrid surprises buyers with an unexpectedly refined interior and a generous list of standard features. Kia interiors are known for their user-friendly design, providing a comfortable and intuitive experience for both driver and passengers. While not the flashiest car on the list, the Optima Hybrid quietly delivers on value and efficiency.
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid — MSRP $26,790
When considering the top hybrid cars of 2017, Toyota vehicles are consistently strong contenders, and the Camry Hybrid is no exception. Toyota’s dominance in the hybrid market stems from its early success in creating 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 the hybrid arena. The Camry Hybrid’s efficient and dependable powertrain, coupled with its spacious cabin, user-friendly technology, and excellent fuel economy, solidify its position as a winning choice.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — MSRP $27,875
While purpose-built hybrid cars have their merits, there’s also a strong case to be made for hybrid versions of well-established gasoline models, especially when the base car is already solid. The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid exemplifies this strategy, retaining the familiar comfort, convenience, and affordability of the classic Malibu sedan, while enhancing its efficiency and sustainability. The Malibu Hybrid is notable for its surprisingly robust acceleration for a hybrid and comes well-equipped with standard features including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid— MSRP $29,605
The Honda Accord Hybrid made a welcome return in 2017. Honda’s decision to revive this model was astute, given the enduring appeal of the Accord midsize sedan, which the Hybrid faithfully adapts. The 2017 Accord Hybrid combines sophisticated styling and a comfortable interior with impressive horsepower for a midsize hybrid and excellent fuel economy. While not the sportiest handler in its class, it offers a composed, smooth, and stable ride. A generous array of standard features helps to justify its slightly higher price point.
Honda Accord Hybrid 2017 side profile, demonstrating its sophisticated style and comfortable interior as a top hybrid car in the midsize segment.
2017 Lexus CT Hybrid — MSRP $31,250
The Lexus CT Hybrid stands out as a unique offering in the top hybrid cars list – a luxury hybrid hatchback. Like other Lexus models, the CT Hybrid hints at sportiness, though its priorities lean more towards comfort and fuel efficiency over outright performance. However, it possesses enough desirable qualities to earn its place on this list. Compact luxury cars are popular for good reasons, and the Lexus CT Hybrid adds distinctive styling and ample cargo space to the hybrid equation. If conventional hybrids don’t pique your interest, the Lexus CT Hybrid offers a different kind of appeal.
Lexus CT Hybrid 2017 hatchback design, highlighting its unique luxury hatchback style among top hybrid cars.
2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — MSRP $41,330
The 2017 Highlander Hybrid takes Toyota’s successful midsize SUV formula and enhances it with greater efficiency. By pairing three electric motors with a V6 engine, it delivers a total of 280 horsepower and impressive fuel economy for its class. While undeniably one of the best hybrid SUVs available and a strong contender as a top hybrid car, the Highlander Hybrid faces a challenge due to its significant price premium over the standard Highlander. However, for those who prioritize fuel efficiency in a larger vehicle, it’s worth serious consideration. For 2017, Toyota expanded the Highlander Hybrid lineup with additional trim levels and increased the seating capacity to eight.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2017 SUV stance, showcasing its spaciousness and fuel efficiency as a top hybrid SUV.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid — MSRP $43,090
Chrysler rightfully takes pride in the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid, the world’s first and still quite unique hybrid minivan. It’s not just any hybrid; it’s a plug-in hybrid, capable of traveling up to 30 miles on electric power alone before the gasoline V6 engine engages, resulting in excellent EPA ratings. Beyond its hybrid powertrain, it’s a genuinely well-executed minivan, albeit pricier than the standard Pacifica and most other minivans. The Pacifica Hybrid is intelligent, comfortable, packed with value-added standard features, and injects a much-needed dose of innovation into the minivan segment.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq — MSRP unknown
Since the Toyota Prius essentially pioneered the hybrid car category, many competitors have entered and exited the market, but few have directly challenged the Prius’s dominance. The all-new Hyundai Ioniq, arriving in early 2017, aimed to change that. Hyundai designed the Ioniq to present a real challenge to the Prius, and initial impressions suggested a compelling rivalry. While electric and standard hybrid versions were imminent, the plug-in hybrid variant was expected later in the summer. Pricing was yet to be announced, but anticipated to be competitive with the various Prius models, making it an interesting addition to the top hybrid cars landscape.
