In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, hybrid vehicles have emerged as a popular choice for environmentally conscious consumers seeking efficiency without compromising on performance. Leading the charge in this domain are several renowned brands that have consistently delivered innovative and reliable hybrids, setting industry standards with their cutting-edge technology and design. From fuel-efficient models crafted for the urban commuter to robust options designed for those with a spirit of adventure, these brands offer a precisely engineered blend of electric and gasoline power. Discover which key players dominate the hybrid market and explore their top models in the comprehensive list below.
Illustration of hybrids
Best brands of hybrids in 2025
Toyota
Toyota is renowned as one of the leading producers of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), having reported a record profit for the 2023-24 fiscal year largely due to strong HEV sales. The company sold 3.6 million HEVs globally, marking a significant 32.1% increase from the previous year, with North America being the leading market. Toyota plans to increase HEV sales by 24.5% to 4.5 million units in 2024-25, which will account for 43% of its total sales projection. The company's hybrid models, such as the Toyota Prius, have successfully dominated the market, with the Prius family holding a significant market share in the U.S. since its inception. Toyota's portfolio impressively includes 30 electrified vehicle options, with September 2024 seeing nearly 50% of total sales volume stemming from electrified models. Discover more about how hybrid vehicles spur Toyota's record 2023-24 profit.
Honda
Honda has established itself as a leading producer of hybrid vehicles, with the Honda CR-V Hybrid emerging as its best-selling hybrid model in 2024, selling over 17,000 units in July alone and accounting for more than 50% of the CR-V's total sales for the month. This success contributes to Honda's significant market share, with hybrids representing nearly 39% of its total sales in July 2024. The CR-V Hybrid is on track to sell over 180,000 units by the end of the year, making it one of Honda's most successful hybrid cars. Honda's hybrid strategy, which includes applying hybrid drivetrains to existing models like the Accord and Civic, has been a winning formula, enhancing the brand's appeal and sales figures. In 2023, Honda's hybrid and electric vehicles accounted for approximately 18% of its total global sales, expected to increase to 22% in 2024.
Ford
Ford has solidified its position as a leading producer of hybrid vehicles, experiencing significant sales growth in 2024. In April, Ford set an all-time monthly hybrid sales record, with U.S. hybrid sales reaching 17,997, marking a 60% improvement from the same month a year ago. The Maverick Hybrid stands as the best-selling hybrid pickup overall, with 26,061 units sold in the first four months of 2024, and 59% of these customers transitioning from other brands. The F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid also witnessed a 93.6% increase in sales, making it America's top-selling full-size hybrid pickup. Ford's hybrid sales continued their upward trajectory with a 56% increase in the second quarter, setting a new quarterly sales record. For more details, explore the detailed report on Ford's exceptional hybrid growth.
Hyundai
Hyundai has emerged as a significant player in the hybrid and electric vehicle market, with the Hyundai Motor Group securing a 10% market share in the U.S. EV market from January to July 2023, ranking second behind Tesla. The company's success is driven by its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), with models like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 achieving notable sales. For instance, the IONIQ 5 sold 18,728 units from January to June 2023, capturing a 3.6% market share. Hyundai's commitment to innovation and its expanding EV lineup, including the upcoming IONIQ 9, further solidify its position. The company's hybrid vehicles also contribute to the growing market, with hybrid vehicles making up 10.6% of the U.S. light-duty vehicle market in the third quarter of 2024. You can read more about Hyundai's market achievements on their latest developments.
Lexus
Lexus stands as a leading manufacturer of premium hybrid vehicles, backed by decades of research and development from its parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation. Since 2005, Lexus has sold over one million hybrid vehicles worldwide, with a significant presence in Europe where over 237,000 examples have been sold. In 2023, the Lexus RX Hybrid was the best-selling hybrid model, with 32,965 units sold in the U.S., and by June 2024, it had already sold 20,287 copies, indicating strong growth. Lexus's hybrid lineup includes a diverse range of models, from the compact CT 200h to the luxury LS 600h, and the brand aims to offer electrified versions of all its models by 2025. Lexus's commitment to hybrid technology has contributed to its reputation for reliability and performance.
Kia
Kia, as part of the Hyundai Motor Group, has established itself as a leading producer of hybrid vehicles, with a decade-long advancement in hybrid technology. In 2023, Hyundai and Kia combined sold 766,964 hybrid vehicles globally, a 32% increase from the previous year, highlighting their technological prowess and market dominance. Kia's hybrid models, such as the Kona Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid, have seen significant growth, with new hybrid manufacturing lines set to be introduced at Ulsan Plant 3 in 2024. This expansion underscores Kia's commitment to hybrid technology, which has contributed to their rise as the world's third-largest automaker by volume. With seven hybrid models available in the US market, Kia continues to attract consumers with its innovative and efficient hybrid vehicles. For more detailed insights, visit the KED Global website.
Subaru
Subaru, though somewhat late to the hybrid market, is poised to become a significant player with its upcoming models, such as the next-generation Forester Hybrid, which will leverage Toyota's extensive hybrid technology. According to Cloud Theory, hybrids are experiencing high demand, with a hybrid Inventory Efficiency Index score of 137, indicating strong and sustained demand. By 2028, hybrids are expected to make up 4% of Subaru's sales, up from 2.75% in 2024. Subaru's decision to produce hybrid trim levels, including potential Outback, Crosstrek, and Ascent hybrids, aligns with industry trends and regulatory shifts that favor hybrid vehicles. This move is expected to enhance Subaru's eco-friendly offerings and appeal to consumers seeking practical alternatives to electric vehicles. For more insights, explore this comprehensive analysis on Subaru's hybrid plans.
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen brand has solidified its position as a leading producer of hybrid and electric vehicles, with a significant increase in deliveries in 2023. The company delivered around 4.87 million vehicles worldwide, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year, with all-electric vehicle deliveries rising by 21.1% to about 394,000 units. In Europe, Volkswagen's all-electric vehicle deliveries grew by 34.2%, contributing to a 12.5% share of total deliveries in the region. The Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.3 were among the best-selling all-electric models, with the ID.4 seeing an 84.2% increase in deliveries in the US and a 62.9% increase in Germany. This growth underscores Volkswagen's commitment to electric mobility and its strong market performance. For more details about Volkswagen's growth in 2023.
BMW
The BMW brand has solidified its position as a leading producer of hybrid and electric vehicles, with a notable 34.1% increase in fully electric vehicle sales in the first half of 2024, delivering 179,557 units. In 2023, all-electric automobiles made up nearly 15% of total BMW Group sales, highlighting the company's strong commitment to electromobility. The BMW Group also achieved a record high in total deliveries across all drivetrain types in 2023, with 2,554,183 units sold. The brand's upper premium segment models, such as the BMW 7 Series, also saw significant growth, with a 22% increase in sales in the first half of 2024. This growth underscores BMW's innovative and attractive product portfolio. For more detailed insights, visit BMW Group's strong growth report.
Volvo
Volvo has established itself as a leading producer of hybrid and electric vehicles, with a significant portion of its sales coming from electrified models. In April 2024, electrified vehicles, including fully electric and plug-in hybrids, accounted for 32.8% of Volvo's sales in the U.S. and Canada, with a notable 89% increase in plug-in hybrid sales in the U.S. Globally, Volvo achieved a record 708,716 car sales in 2023, with 16% of these being fully electric and 21% of global sales volume coming from fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars. The company's strategy towards electrification is clear, aiming for 50% of sales to be fully electric by 2025 and a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions per average vehicle compared to 2018. For further details on Volvo's commitment to sustainability and their performance, view their Annual and Sustainability Report 2023.
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