If you’re exploring fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicle options, hybrid cars are an excellent choice. The automotive market has seen a surge in hybrid technology, offering a wide array of models that combine gasoline engines with electric motors to maximize fuel economy. While the selection continues to grow, looking back at models from previous years can provide valuable insights into reliable and efficient options. For instance, 2017 was a particularly strong year for hybrid vehicles, showcasing a diverse range of cars that still hold relevance today. Let’s delve into some of the best hybrid cars from 2017 that stood out for their efficiency, features, and overall value.
2017 Toyota Prius
Starting our list is the iconic 2017 Toyota Prius, a name synonymous with hybrid technology. With a starting MSRP of $24,685, the Prius continues to be a benchmark in the hybrid segment. Toyota has strategically expanded the Prius family, effectively creating a sub-brand known for its fuel efficiency and reliability. The 2017 Prius is not just a good hybrid; it’s a good car overall, offering a comfortable ride and practical features. For the 2017 model year, Toyota enhanced the Prius with the Safety Sense suite, incorporating advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies as standard features, making it a smart and safe choice for eco-conscious drivers.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Next up is the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid, priced at an MSRP of $25,675. While the standard Ford Fusion is a solid midsize sedan, the hybrid version elevates its appeal. In a segment not always known for driving excitement, the Fusion Hybrid injects a bit of dynamism into your daily commute with surprisingly responsive handling. Beyond its efficiency, the Fusion Hybrid boasts an unexpectedly upscale interior, giving it a premium feel without the premium price tag. It’s a larger and more comfortable option compared to entry-level compact hybrids, making it a compelling choice for those seeking both space and fuel savings.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, with an MSRP of $25,995, is often an overlooked gem in the midsize hybrid sedan category. Following Kia’s established formula, the Optima Hybrid impresses with an interior that exceeds expectations for its price point. It comes loaded with a generous array of standard features, ensuring a comfortable and user-friendly experience for both driver and passengers. While not the most visually striking car in the lineup, the Optima Hybrid quietly delivers on value and efficiency, blending seamlessly into everyday driving scenarios with its understated style and practical design.
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Continuing Toyota’s strong presence in the hybrid market, the 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes with an MSRP of $26,790. Toyota’s dominance in the hybrid sector stems from its early success in creating hybrid cars that are not only efficient but also desirable to drive. The Camry Hybrid leverages the long-standing reputation of the Camry as a reliable and value-packed midsize sedan. It combines a dependable and efficient powertrain with a spacious interior, user-friendly technology, and excellent fuel economy, making it a consistently winning choice for hybrid car buyers seeking a trusted and practical vehicle.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, priced at $27,875 MSRP, presents an interesting approach to hybrid design. Instead of being built from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid, it integrates hybrid technology into the well-established Chevrolet Malibu sedan. This strategy successfully retains the familiar comfort, convenience, and affordability of the standard Malibu while enhancing its fuel efficiency and sustainability. Notably, the Malibu Hybrid delivers surprisingly strong acceleration for a hybrid vehicle and includes a rich set of standard features, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, appealing to tech-savvy drivers.
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
Making a comeback in 2017 was the Honda Accord Hybrid, with an MSRP of $29,605. After a brief hiatus, Honda smartly reintroduced the Accord Hybrid, capitalizing on the popularity of the Accord midsize sedan. The 2017 Accord Hybrid faithfully adapts the qualities of the standard Accord, offering sophisticated styling and a comfortable interior. It also stands out with its high horsepower for a midsize hybrid, coupled with impressive fuel economy. While not the sportiest handler, it provides a composed and smooth driving experience, complemented by a generous list of standard features that justify its price point.
2017 Lexus CT Hybrid
Stepping into the luxury hybrid segment, we have the 2017 Lexus CT Hybrid, with an MSRP of $31,250. The Lexus CT Hybrid is a unique offering – a luxury hatchback that differentiates itself from typical hybrids. While it carries Lexus’s sporty image, its priorities lean more towards comfort than outright performance, and fuel economy over rapid acceleration. However, it possesses enough desirable traits to earn its place among the best hybrids. In the popular compact luxury car category, the CT Hybrid distinguishes itself with unique styling and ample cargo space, appealing to those seeking a hybrid with a touch of luxury and individuality.
2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
For those needing more space, the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, priced at $41,330 MSRP, brings hybrid efficiency to the midsize SUV category. Toyota effectively hybridizes its successful Highlander SUV formula, combining a V6 engine with three electric motors to deliver 280 horsepower while maintaining excellent fuel economy for its class. Despite being one of the best hybrid SUVs available and a strong contender on the best hybrid cars list, its higher price tag compared to the standard Highlander might be a consideration. For 2017, Toyota expanded the Highlander Hybrid lineup with more trim levels and increased seating capacity to eight, enhancing its versatility and appeal to larger families.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, with an MSRP of $43,090, makes history as the first and only hybrid minivan in the world. Chrysler rightly takes pride in this innovative vehicle. As a plug-in hybrid, the Pacifica Hybrid can travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone before engaging its gasoline V6 engine, resulting in exceptional EPA ratings. Beyond its groundbreaking hybrid technology, it’s an outstanding minivan, offering a higher level of refinement than the standard Pacifica and most other minivans. The Pacifica Hybrid is a smart, comfortable, and feature-rich vehicle that injects new excitement into the minivan segment, appealing to families seeking both practicality and advanced fuel efficiency.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
Finally, we have the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, with an MSRP that was yet to be determined at the time of the original article but positioned to compete with the Toyota Prius. Hyundai designed the Ioniq specifically to challenge the Prius’s dominance in the hybrid market. The Ioniq aimed to offer a compelling alternative, and early reviews suggested it would be a strong competitor. Available in electric and hybrid versions, with a plug-in hybrid version following later, the Hyundai Ioniq represented a significant entry into the hybrid market, offering consumers another excellent option in the quest for fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
The 2017 model year presented an impressive array of hybrid vehicles, catering to various needs and preferences, from compact cars to SUVs and minivans. These models exemplify the advancements in hybrid technology, offering enhanced fuel economy, innovative features, and reliable performance. Whether you prioritize fuel savings, spaciousness, luxury, or family practicality, the 2017 hybrid car market had something to offer. Exploring these models provides a strong foundation for understanding what makes a hybrid car truly exceptional and can guide your decisions when considering a hybrid vehicle today.
