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BEST Hybrid Cars 2026 (and the ones to AVOID!) | What Car?

In this ultimate countdown of the very best Hybrid Cars 2026, we reveal the top 10 self-charging hybrids you can buy right now– including family favourites like the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe and MG HS– plus the worst hybrid cars and truck you ought to avoid to prevent some huge remorses! Whether you're trying to find an ultra-frugal little hatchback, a premium small SUV or a large 7-seater, we highlight the best hybrids for every need and budget plan.

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Self-charging hybrids (likewise referred to as HEVs) use an excellent alternative to plug-in hybrids and moderate hybrids, delivering excellent real-world mpg without the requirement to plug in and charge over night. In this video, we count down useful family SUVs like the Kia Sportage hybrid, Hyundai Tucson hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid and the more budget-friendly MG HS Hybrid+, before looking at high-efficiency small SUVs consisting of the Lexus LBX and Toyota Yaris Cross (which can balance more than 60mpg in real-world driving!).

We also feature the ultra-frugal Toyota Aygo Cross (officially efficient in more than 74mpg!), the sharp-driving Honda Civic, the flexible Toyota Corolla Touring Sports and the 7-seat Kia Sorento.

And before exposing our top three hybrid cars and trucks, we expose the worst hybrid vehicle on sale in 2026, highlighting its real-world fuel economy drawbacks and Euro NCAP safety test issues.

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Have a look at our complete video brochure:

#HybridCars 2026 #Top 10Hybrids #BestHybridSUV #KiaSportage #HondaCivic #WhatCar

Video chapters:
0:00– Introduction
0:09– The Competitors
11:47– Let United States Know What You Think!

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Comments

42 responses to “BEST Hybrid Cars 2026 (and the ones to AVOID!) | What Car?”

  1. @whatcar Avatar
    @whatcar

    The hybrid market is more competitive than ever! 🥊 This is our Top 10, but do you agree with our picks? Let us know in the comments which hybrid car you’d buy with your own money.

    Reply
    1. @josephberrie9550 Avatar
      @josephberrie9550

      your choice is very well rounded and maybe for some people it could be tweeked here and there.. but overall very good and well thought out…I bet the german car companies and their subdivisions are not happy with this post

      Reply
  2. @elmar4898 Avatar
    @elmar4898

    When buying a hybrid, it is also important to consider the type of internal combustion engine powering the system—for instance, whether it is turbocharged or naturally aspirated—as well as the type of transmission. For city driving, a dual-clutch transmission carries a higher risk of failure over the long term compared to a CVT or a planetary gear system. The Kia Sportage, for example, features a turbo engine paired with a conventional transmission… Best regards.

    Reply
    1. @Brian-om2hh Avatar
      @Brian-om2hh

      I did a bit of homework prior to going for my Corolla. It is naturally aspirated, so no turbo issues, it has a timing chain rather than a belt, it has no clutch, and the Toyota eCVT transmission has been proven to withstand 200k plus miles without issue.

      Reply
    2. @jdmguy44 Avatar
      @jdmguy44

      Wouldn’t touch a hybrid with a turbo petrol motor and a DSG transmission etc. Toyota have the right idea with Atkinson cycle normally aspirated engines and their clever seamlessly smooth eCVT set up. Hope they don’t mess with the formula going forward. Only issue I hear of is 12v batteries that don’t hold charge well on Yaris/Yaris Cross/LBX with the 1.5 motor. Easy to sort with an upgraded battery.

      Reply
    3. @jdmguy44 Avatar
      @jdmguy44

      ​@Brian-om2hh absolutely. Was in a Prius + taxi in Barcelona last autumn. That was showing the km equivalent of 297,000 miles and still running smooth and quiet.

      Reply
    4. @RichardJoashTan Avatar
      @RichardJoashTan

      @jdmguy44 And I will buy the Geely Starray EM-i

      Reply
  3. @RonaldKlaasen Avatar
    @RonaldKlaasen

    Honda Jazz!

    Reply
    1. @whatcar Avatar
      @whatcar

      It’s a very good hybrid. The only reason it doesn’t make our top 10 is that UK prices have got a bit silly. It now starts at more than £27.000.

      Reply
    2. @RonaldKlaasen Avatar
      @RonaldKlaasen

      Most cars in your top 10 are too big for me. In urban Netherlands I need a small car because of small parking spaces in our old cities and Dutch road tax is so high for large cars.

      Reply
    3. @richardshiggins704 Avatar
      @richardshiggins704

      @RonaldKlaasen Perhaps the Aygo X might be the car for you .

      Reply
  4. @jdmguy44 Avatar
    @jdmguy44

    Highly recommend Toyota hybrids. Have a 2025 Corolla Touring. Economy of low 70s mpg is quite easily achievable. It’s no less smooth to drive than my brother’s EQC electric car. Super practical, comfortable, quiet, rides and handles well. Even looks great to my eyes and others have commented likewise. A difficult car to fault.

    Reply
    1. @awareofvacuity4238 Avatar
      @awareofvacuity4238

      Same with my 2020 Corolla hatch. My total average for the last 3 years is 74 mpg. Half the distance of my 60 mile round trips to work are in pure electric. It is a decent handling car too. I test drove a Civic because of its good reputation for handling, and there was barely any difference. The Corolla is a masterpiece. British made, too

      Reply
    2. @Verbindungs Avatar
      @Verbindungs

      ​@awareofvacuity4238have you heard about the 12V Battery and Parasitic Drain Issues? Many newer Toyota and Lexus hybrids suffer from parasitic power draw caused by the Data Communication Module (DCM) or telematics systems, leading to sudden 12V battery death even if the car is parked for short periods.

      Reply
    3. @EnglishJohnyBoy Avatar
      @EnglishJohnyBoy

      1.8 or 2.0 engine?

      Reply
    4. @Verbindungs Avatar
      @Verbindungs

      ​@EnglishJohnyBoyThe 12V battery drain issue in Toyota hybrids is not specific to either the 1.8L or 2.0L engine; it affects both powertrains equally because the root cause lies in the hybrid system architecture and electronic components, not the internal combustion engine size.

      Reply
    5. @Friala Avatar
      @Friala

      Got a 2023 Corolla hatch and I hate it. It’s not comfortable at all, small for the car footprint, ageing interior, had no end of battery trouble and isn’t particularly good to drive. I much preferred the Yaris actually but all new Toyotas are awful. They used the cheapest 12v batteries they could get away with and try and fob you off when they have issues. Tried to charge me £250 to change it even though it was still in warranty. In winter, the charge doesn’t hold whatsoever if you live in freezing temps. Really regret my purchase honestly and I’ll likely be selling it asap.

      Reply
  5. @UltraJaff Avatar
    @UltraJaff

    So basically

    The Japanese and Korean know how to Hybrid

    Reply
    1. @hairyferrit Avatar
      @hairyferrit

      People thought so until the Chinese appeared on the UK market and stole the show.

      Reply
  6. @Bedurr888 Avatar
    @Bedurr888

    Love this channel

    Reply
  7. @stevencampbell1150 Avatar
    @stevencampbell1150

    I have the Corolla touring in 2.0 and brilliant though it is especially for economy I have managed 60+ mpg the sound insulation despite your review isn’t great in my opinion though this is in part down to the 18″ wheels on mine though the base model does come on 16″ which would be quieter.

    Reply
    1. @apaul9776 Avatar
      @apaul9776

      I’ve a 2019 model Toyota Touring Sports – very relaxing and pleasant around town and on country roads. But too much road noise on the motorway. Is the latest model better for sound insulation?

      Reply
    2. @stevencampbell1150 Avatar
      @stevencampbell1150

      ​@apaul9776I would doubt that as most of them bar the base model are on 18″ wheels which coupled with a 40 profile tyre doesn’t help in terms of road noise.

      Reply
    3. @jdmguy44 Avatar
      @jdmguy44

      ​@apaul9776 can’t fault my 2025 Corolla. Design spec – on 17 inch wheels. Compare it to competitors (which I did) and there’s no difference.

      Reply
    4. @apaul9776 Avatar
      @apaul9776

      @jdmguy44 I have the base model, so presumably the same smaller wheels. The road noise at motorway speeds is very noticeable. When going over (rare!) smooth sections of motorway, the car becomes very quiet. Little or no wind noise.

      Reply
  8. @ryanlaffan7064 Avatar
    @ryanlaffan7064

    Yaris cross should be higher up the list.its the pick of its class. I think swap with Aygo X

    Reply
  9. @joe80ss Avatar
    @joe80ss

    Kia Niro is also decent Hybrid, and when the Seltos comes out it will be more economical than the sportage.

    Reply
    1. @stevenham1937 Avatar
      @stevenham1937

      Trouble is it’s slow with 11 second+ 0-60 and 140hp. My Sportage gets me a long term average of 47 mpg and when needed it has 240hp and a low 7 second 0-60. On motorway driving you really notice the pick up difference between the 2 having driven both.

      Reply
    2. @joe80ss Avatar
      @joe80ss

      ​​@stevenham1937i had both. Niro would always give me well over 50mpg, the sportage though quicker and yes it’s noticeable but on motorways the 235bhp only gets me 38 to 40 mpg. All that weight ends up sacrificing economy. Waiting for the Seltos should be the one to fit in between.

      Reply
    3. @stevenham1937 Avatar
      @stevenham1937

      your right. Motorway MPG is bloody awful in comparison. I’ll be honest it’s individual and I prefer the extra power with good MPG on the local roads making it better especially after having an AWD Sportage in the old shape that had a long term average of 31mpg.
      I’m Definitely looking forward to giving the Seltos a test run.

      Reply
  10. @PeteWoodcraft-go5fl Avatar
    @PeteWoodcraft-go5fl

    The only alternative you missed is the Suzuki Swace, which is the re-badged Toyota Corolla touring sport. It comes with the 1.8 petrol engine so benefits from the same remarkable efficiency. Standard trim comes with everything you’d ever need. But it still undercuts its Toyota cousins price significantly, representing even better value for money.

    Reply
  11. @shazwinzaroze4572 Avatar
    @shazwinzaroze4572

    What about the honda hrv ehev?

    Reply
  12. @gawainevandervalk8366 Avatar
    @gawainevandervalk8366

    I bought a Honda Civic in March… This is great hybrid, Sticks to road … It’s a real good drive ! …. Before I was driving BMW’s for years … So the Honda been pleasant surprise and economical for full hybrid.

    Reply
  13. @CaiSpidox Avatar
    @CaiSpidox

    To be honest i think any toyota or Lexus hybrid could make the list, should have a number 5 slot, all if um xD

    Reply
  14. @Friala Avatar
    @Friala

    Got a 2023 Corolla hatch and I hate it. It’s not comfortable at all, small for the car footprint, ageing interior, had no end of battery trouble and isn’t particularly good to drive. I much preferred the Yaris actually but all new Toyotas are awful. They used the cheapest 12v batteries they could get away with and try and fob you off when they have issues. Tried to charge me £250 to change it even though it was still in warranty. In winter, the charge doesn’t hold whatsoever if you live in freezing temps. Really regret my purchase honestly and I’ll likely be selling it asap.

    I think the newest Corollas have used slightly better batteries but all the other issues remain. It’s also one of the noisiest cars I’ve ever had the displeasure to drive. Doesn’t help that the higher spec trims don’t allow the smaller alloys so you end up with 18/19” alloys on a tiny car. Wish I never fell for the hype with the Corolla honestly. They’re stupidly expensive for the crap interior and other issues. MPG is reasonable but nothing remarkable in its class.

    Reply
  15. @Soulman009 Avatar
    @Soulman009

    Definitely agree with Kia Sportage at number one spot, what about the Renault Symbioz 1.8L Self charging hybrid?

    Reply
  16. @francobollei3232 Avatar
    @francobollei3232

    You forgot the Honda Jazz

    Reply
    1. @whatcar Avatar
      @whatcar

      It’s a very good hybrid. The only reason it doesn’t make our top 10 is that UK prices have got a bit silly. It now starts at more than £27.000.

      Reply
  17. @NahImSte Avatar
    @NahImSte

    Got a 2l corolla gr sport, love it.

    Reply
  18. @hairyferrit Avatar
    @hairyferrit

    Where is the Jaecoo?

    Reply
  19. @lkfldfadf Avatar
    @lkfldfadf

    Renault has pretty decent hybrids Captur/ Clio . Inexpensive too

    Reply
  20. @waynekerrr9027 Avatar
    @waynekerrr9027

    Honda EHRV.. fabulous car..55/60 mpg…..rides like silk.

    Reply

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