The automotive landscape in 2017 witnessed a significant surge in the popularity and availability of hybrid vehicles. If you thought 2016 offered a great selection of new cars, 2017 raised the bar even higher, presenting car buyers with an unprecedented array of hybrid options. As your trusted auto repair experts at keyfobx.com, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to the Top Hybrid Cars of 2017. This list focuses primarily on cars, but includes noteworthy models from other body styles where relevant, all presented in order of their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Perhaps within this selection, you’ll discover the perfect hybrid vehicle to match your needs and preferences.
2017 Toyota Prius — MSRP $24,685
Toyota’s Prius has evolved from a single model into a family of vehicles, solidifying its position as a leading name in hybrid technology. This strategic move by Toyota has broadened the Prius’ appeal, catering to a wider range of customer needs and preferences. The 2017 Toyota Prius stands out not just as a “good hybrid,” but as a genuinely excellent car in its own right. This merit earns it a top spot on our list of the best hybrids available in 2017. A significant enhancement for the 2017 model year is the inclusion of Toyota’s Safety Sense suite as standard equipment. This suite encompasses active safety and driver-assistance features, adding an extra layer of security and convenience for drivers.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid — MSRP $25,675
While we appreciate the conventional Ford Fusion, the hybrid version elevates this affordable midsize sedan to a new level of appeal. In a vehicle class not always known for driving excitement, the 2017 Fusion Hybrid injects a welcome dose of driving pleasure into your daily commute with its surprisingly agile handling. Furthermore, the Fusion Hybrid distinguishes itself with a notably upscale interior, lending a premium feel to this budget-friendly hybrid option. The 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid is indeed one of the more accessible hybrid vehicles on the market, especially when you consider its larger size and enhanced comfort compared to many entry-level compact hybrids.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid — MSRP $25,995
The Kia Optima Hybrid, a consistent presence in the market since 2011, remains an often-underestimated midsize sedan, much like its gasoline-powered counterpart. This makes it a standout choice among the top hybrid cars for 2017, particularly for those seeking affordability. Staying true to Kia’s brand ethos, the Optima Hybrid impresses with an interior that surpasses expectations for its price point, coupled with a generous array of standard features and equipment. Kia’s cockpit designs are known for their user-friendliness, offering a comfortable and intuitive experience for both driver and passengers. While not the most flamboyant design on this list, the Optima Hybrid offers a sophisticated and understated presence.
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid — MSRP $26,790
When considering the best hybrid cars to purchase in 2017, any Toyota model is a strong contender. The Camry Hybrid is not the first, nor the last, Toyota on this list, a testament to the automaker’s dominance in the hybrid market. Toyota’s success in the hybrid sector stems from its pioneering efforts in creating hybrid vehicles that are genuinely desirable to drive. The Camry, a name synonymous with reliability and value in the midsize sedan segment for years, continues this legacy with its hybrid variant. The 2017 Camry Hybrid combines a dependable and efficient powertrain with a spacious interior, user-friendly technology, and exceptional fuel economy, making it a clear winner in its class.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid — MSRP $27,875
While purpose-built hybrid cars have their own merits, there’s considerable value in a hybrid adaptation of a well-established gasoline model, provided the base car is commendable. The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid exemplifies this approach, retaining the familiar comfort, convenience, and affordability of the classic Malibu sedan, while enhancing its efficiency and environmental friendliness. The Malibu Hybrid is recognized for its surprisingly robust acceleration for a hybrid vehicle, and it comes equipped with a wealth of standard features, including seamless integration with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid— MSRP $29,605
The Honda Accord Hybrid made a welcome return in 2017 after a brief hiatus. Honda’s decision to revive this model is a smart move, capitalizing on the enduring appeal of the Accord midsize sedan, which is better than ever. The Accord Hybrid faithfully mirrors the strengths of its gasoline counterpart. Beyond its refined styling and comfortable cabin, the 2017 Accord Hybrid boasts impressive horsepower for a midsize hybrid, coupled with excellent fuel efficiency. While not the sportiest handler in its category, it offers a composed, smooth, and stable driving experience. The generous list of standard features in the 2017 Accord Hybrid helps justify its slightly higher price point.
2017 Lexus CT Hybrid — MSRP $31,250
The Lexus CT Hybrid distinguishes itself as a luxury hybrid hatchback, offering a unique proposition within our lineup of top hybrid cars for 2017. Like other Lexus models, the CT Hybrid hints at sporty aspirations, though its primary strengths lie elsewhere. This Lexus hybrid prioritizes ride comfort over sharp handling and fuel economy over rapid acceleration. However, it possesses enough desirable attributes to earn its place on this list. Compact luxury vehicles are popular for good reason, and the Lexus CT Hybrid adds to this appeal with its distinctive aesthetics and ample cargo capacity. If conventional hybrids don’t quite capture your interest, the Lexus CT Hybrid presents a compelling alternative.
2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — MSRP $41,330
The 2017 Highlander Hybrid effectively hybridizes Toyota’s successful midsize SUV formula, enhancing efficiency by integrating three electric motors with a V6 engine. This combination yields a robust 280 horsepower and impressive fuel economy ratings for its class. While the Highlander Hybrid is undoubtedly among the best hybrid SUVs available and a strong contender for our list of top hybrid cars, its higher price premium compared to the standard Highlander might give some buyers pause. However, we encourage potential owners to seriously consider it. For the 2017 model year, Toyota expanded the Highlander Hybrid lineup with additional trim levels and increased the seating capacity to eight passengers.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid — MSRP $43,090
Chrysler rightly takes pride in the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid, a groundbreaking vehicle as the world’s first and only hybrid minivan. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, capable of traveling up to 30 miles solely on electric power before the gasoline V6 engine engages, resulting in exceptional EPA ratings. Beyond its hybrid powertrain, the Pacifica Hybrid is a genuinely impressive minivan, albeit more expensive than the standard Pacifica and most other minivans on the market. Nevertheless, the Pacifica Hybrid is an intelligent, comfortable, and feature-rich vehicle that injects much-needed innovation into the minivan segment.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq — MSRP unknown
Since the Toyota Prius pioneered the hybrid car category, numerous competitors have entered and exited the market, yet few have directly challenged the Prius’ dominance. This is poised to change with the arrival of the all-new Hyundai Ioniq in early 2017. Hyundai designed the Ioniq to present a genuine challenge to the Prius, and initial impressions suggest it will be a compelling contest. While electric and standard hybrid versions are forthcoming, the plug-in hybrid variant is expected later in the summer. Pricing details were not yet available at the time of writing, but expectations are that it will compete directly with various Prius models in terms of price.
