The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, and hybrid vehicles are surging in popularity as drivers seek a blend of fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness without sacrificing performance or convenience. Interestingly, while the shift towards all-electric vehicles is underway, many American drivers are finding compelling reasons to embrace hybrid models. They offer a less drastic change, often come with a lower price tag, and eliminate range anxiety, all while providing significant fuel savings and reduced emissions.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the first half of 2024 witnessed a remarkable 41% increase in sales of conventional gas/electric hybrids compared to the previous year. This trend underscores the growing appeal of hybrids, especially when considering their impressive fuel economy. Many 2024 hybrids achieve 50 mpg or higher, translating to substantial savings at the pump. The EPA estimates that the most efficient models can save drivers around $4,750 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle.
For those new to hybrid technology, these vehicles combine a traditional gasoline engine with one or more electric motors. The electric components assist the engine, enhancing acceleration and maximizing fuel efficiency. Crucially, hybrid batteries are self-charging through regenerative braking, capturing energy during deceleration and braking. This eliminates the need for external charging and ensures that the vehicle’s range is only limited by its fuel tank capacity. While plug-in hybrids offer extended electric-only driving ranges, their higher cost and the necessity of regular charging may not be practical for all drivers.
While fuel economy is a primary draw for hybrid buyers, safety remains a paramount concern. Knowing how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash and actively works to prevent accidents is crucial. To guide car buyers seeking the safest options, we’ve analyzed the latest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) alongside EPA fuel economy figures to pinpoint the safest and most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles of 2024.
The IIHS is a leading authority in vehicle safety, and its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards are highly respected benchmarks. To achieve these accolades, vehicles must excel in a rigorous series of crashworthiness tests. These include front and side-impact tests, as well as driver- and passenger-side small overlap frontal crash tests, which simulate collisions with objects like trees or poles. Recently, the IIHS strengthened its side-impact test to better reflect the protection offered to rear-seat passengers in side collisions.
Beyond crash protection, the IIHS also evaluates accident avoidance technology. Top-rated vehicles must feature advanced forward emergency automatic braking systems that are effective in preventing collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians, in both daylight and nighttime conditions.
Furthermore, headlight performance is a critical safety element assessed by the IIHS. Effective headlights are essential for nighttime visibility, given that approximately half of traffic fatalities occur in the dark, with a significant portion on unlit roads. Many subpar headlight systems fail to provide adequate illumination for drivers to react and stop in time when encountering obstacles at highway speeds. To earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, vehicles must offer headlights rated as “Acceptable” or “Good” as standard equipment.
The “Top Safety Pick+” designation represents the highest safety standard, awarded to vehicles that achieve “Good” ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests, and “Acceptable” or “Good” headlights standard across all trims. Vehicles earning the “Top Safety Pick” rating also demonstrate excellent crashworthiness, but may have an “Acceptable” rating in the updated side-impact test, or have “Acceptable” headlights only on certain trims.
To assist you in choosing a vehicle that prioritizes both safety and fuel efficiency, we’ve compiled a list of the top hybrid cars and SUVs for 2024 that have earned the IIHS’s highest safety ratings and boast impressive EPA fuel economy. We’ve also included the estimated annual fuel cost for driving 15,000 miles based on an average regular-grade gasoline price of $3.44 per gallon.
It’s important to note that the IIHS primarily tests popular, high-volume vehicles. This means that some luxury models and low-production sports cars may not be included in their testing. Additionally, ratings for new or redesigned vehicles may be pending as testing is conducted throughout the year. For the most up-to-date safety ratings across all vehicle types and model years, please visit www.IIHS.org. Fuel economy data dating back to 1984 can be found at www.fueleconomy.gov.
2024’s Safest and Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Cars and SUVs: Top Picks
Here are the 2024 gas/electric hybrid models that have achieved both IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status and are EPA-rated to deliver at least 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Annual fuel cost estimates are also provided to help you understand the long-term savings.
- Toyota Prius: Top Safety Pick; 57 mpg; $900 annual fuel cost. Renowned for its fuel efficiency and now recognized for its safety.
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 54 mpg; $950 annual fuel cost. A stylish and safe compact hybrid sedan offering excellent mileage.
- Toyota Camry Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 52 mpg; $1,000 annual fuel cost. A popular midsize sedan combining Toyota’s reliability with hybrid efficiency and strong safety scores.
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 50 mpg; $1,050 annual fuel cost. A smaller, more affordable hybrid option that doesn’t compromise on safety or fuel economy.
- Honda Accord Hybrid: Top Safety Pick+; 48 mpg; $1,100 annual fuel cost. Earning the coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation, the Accord Hybrid is a leader in safety and efficiency in the midsize class.
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Top Safety Pick: 47 mpg; $1,100 annual fuel cost. Another safe and stylish sedan from Hyundai, offering a comfortable ride and good fuel economy.
- Kia Sportage Hybrid: Top Safety Pick+; 43 mpg; $1,200 annual fuel cost. A hybrid SUV that achieves Top Safety Pick+ status, blending versatility, fuel efficiency, and top-tier safety.
- Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 42 mpg; $1,250 annual fuel cost. A compact hybrid SUV offering the practicality of an SUV with the fuel savings of a hybrid and solid safety ratings.
- Lexus UX 250h: Top Safety Pick; 42 mpg; $1,250 annual fuel cost. The luxury offering on this list, the Lexus UX combines premium features with hybrid efficiency and Lexus’s commitment to safety.
- Toyota Crown: Top Safety Pick; 41 mpg; $1,250 annual fuel cost. A unique and stylish sedan with hybrid efficiency and Toyota’s reputation for safety.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 40 mpg; $1,300 annual fuel cost. A popular and practical hybrid SUV known for its reliability and family-friendly features, with strong safety scores.
- Lexus UX 250h: Top Safety Pick; 39 mpg; $1,300 annual fuel cost. (Note: Listed twice in original source, likely intended to highlight different trims or configurations).
- Lexus NX 350h: Top Safety Pick; 39 mpg; $1,650 annual fuel cost (premium fuel). Another Lexus SUV, the NX 350h offers more space and power while maintaining hybrid efficiency and safety.
- Toyota Venza: Top Safety Pick; 39 mpg; $1,300 annual fuel cost. A stylish and comfortable hybrid SUV with a focus on a refined driving experience and safety.
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: Top Safety Pick+; 38 mpg; $1,350 annual fuel cost. The Tucson Hybrid earns Top Safety Pick+ status, offering a spacious interior, modern design, and excellent safety.
- Kia Sorento Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 37 mpg; $1,400 annual fuel cost. A larger hybrid SUV with three-row seating, providing versatility for families and a focus on safety.
- Toyota Sienna: Top Safety Pick; 36 mpg; $1,450 annual fuel cost. The only minivan on the list, the Sienna Hybrid offers exceptional space and practicality with hybrid efficiency and family-focused safety.
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 36 mpg; $1,450 annual fuel cost. A popular three-row SUV, the Highlander Hybrid provides ample space, capability, and Toyota’s renowned safety and reliability in a fuel-efficient package.
Sources: IIHS, EPA.
Disclaimer: Safety ratings are based on IIHS evaluations at the time of writing and may be updated. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates and may vary based on driving conditions and habits. Always consult official sources for the most current information.
