Choosing a small hybrid car means you’re all in on saving fuel. Regular small cars already use less gas because they’re tiny and light. Adding a hybrid engine can make them use even less fuel than before.
Where full EVs often require a lifestyle change and don’t blend so easily with those who can’t charge at home, the best hybrid cars are capable of slotting effortlessly into the gap left by a regular car.
Manufacturers are getting better at making hybrid engines cheaper. They’re putting this advanced tech in smaller cars to meet stricter rules about pollution. Now, you can find some small cars with self-charging hybrids and many with mild hybrid systems.
In this article, we will explore the eight best small hybrid cars for 2024 that you’ll love.
2024 Toyota Prius ($27,650)
Saving money on gas has always been good, but it didn’t always look cool. The new Toyota Prius tries to change that. With the new major redesign, the Prius is a very efficient and well-put-together hybrid hatchback that sits near, if not the top among other good-looking cars.
A 2.0L four-cylinder engine with Atkinson cycle powers the Prius. The engine alone makes 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the hybrid electric motor, it produces 196 horsepower in the all-wheel drive (AWD) Prius and 220 horsepower in the front-wheel drive Prius Prime.
Both the 2024 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime use a CVT. The system switches between gas, electric, or both, and recharges through regenerative braking.
Talking about the design, as much as I love the new design of the 2024 Prius, the vehicle is not perfect(from inside of course). Firstly, the cargo area is comparatively smaller than the Kia Niro or Last Gen Kona. Another thing I didn’t like is the gauge cluster, it’s directly behind the steering wheel which forces you to adjust the wheel far down to get a clear view of the gauges. Yeah, complete crap.
But overall, the 2024 Prius still feels different, more nimble, and fun. The reviewers have praised its supple ride, neutral cornering, and improved handling. The new platform is stiffer, supporting better suspension performance. The steering is more refined, and the brake pedal feel has improved.
| Model | 2024 Toyota Prius |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Engine | 2.0L Hybrid Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 196 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 57 mpg |
2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid ($26,250)
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a small hybrid car that has a shark-like look, and the back has been slightly changed. These small changes make a big difference, giving the car a more polished appearance and making the compact sedan more eye-catching on the street.
The hybrid version comes in the Elantra Hybrid Blue and the Elantra Hybrid. Both combine a 1.6L four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor. The engine provides 104 hp and 108 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor adds 43 hp and 125 lb-ft. A 1.32-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery powers the electric motor. Together, the system produces 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike many hybrids, it uses a six-speed twin-clutch transmission instead of a CVT. This setup gives the Elantra Hybrid a surprisingly strong performance reaching 100 km/h in nine seconds but feels quicker and smoother than competitors.
It also avoids the loud noise typical of CVTs during hard acceleration.
In addition to that, the amazing fuel efficiency of Elantra that the hybrid system adds. The basic Blue model gets 54 mpg overall (51 in the city, 58 on highways), which is great for daily drives and long trips. The fancier Limited model still gets 50 mpg overall, even with its extra features and bigger wheels.
The car’s advanced 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, contributes to its excellent fuel economy while still providing responsive performance with 195 lb-ft of torque. The Elantra Hybrid is an excellent option, thanks to its comfortable ride, impressive fuel efficiency, and striking exterior design.
| Model | 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Engine | 1.6L Inline 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 139 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 54 mpg Combined |
2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid ($23,815)
If you’re a fan of off-roading and looking to find a small hybrid car that suits your adventure persona, you can go for the 2024 Ford Maverick. The Maverick is the Ford’s most affordable pickup, offering hybrid power as standard, making it unique in its segment.
The base 2024 Ford Maverick comes with a turbocharged 2.0L engine, making 250 hp and 277 lb-ft. It’s paired with an 8-speed auto and all-wheel drive. An optional hybrid powertrain uses a 2.5L engine making 162 hp on its own, combined with an electric motor for a total of 191 hp and 155 lb-ft. This hybrid model has front-wheel drive and a CVT.
The Maverick’s unibody frame provides better resistance to twisting and bending than a traditional pickup’s body-on-frame design. This helps reduce the typical side-to-side bouncing associated with firmer suspensions in bigger trucks.
And despite the compact size, the Ford Maverick looks like a truck, drives like a truck, and feels like a truck with excellent mileage of 37 miles per gallon.
Talking about Maverick, The hybrid Maverick can carry up to 1,500 pounds in its bed, but it’s only rated to tow 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged models with the 4K Tow package can handle up to 4,000 pounds of towing. Maybe Franklin would need this as well, that poor guy has been listening to Tonya for over a decade now….. I just did a mission.
| Model | 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Engine | 2.5L Hybrid Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 191 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 42 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds |
| Payload | 1,500 pounds |
2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray ($104,900)
Before I tell you, just look at the image, isn’t it as beautiful and sporty as its competitors like Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche? Well, it’s a 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray that is an extension to the C8 lineup.
The C8 Corvette, which debuted in 2020 with a mid-engine layout and exotic-car proportions, The new E-Ray variant enhances this design by incorporating a hybrid powertrain, boosting performance with electric power.
It combines a 6.2L V8 making 495 hp, driving the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch, with a 160 hp electric motor powering the front wheels. Together, they produce 655 hp, enabling 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
The all-wheel drive setup provides winter weather traction, with high-performance all-season tires standard. Summer tires are optional, and our test car had them – providing a heroic cornering grip despite the extra weight from the electric components.
On the road, the E-Ray drives much like the standard Corvette Stingray – easy to live with for daily tasks or spirited driving. It offers two distinct personalities in one sports car.
| Model | 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Engine | 6.2L V8 + Electric Motor |
| Horsepower | 655 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16 mpg observed |
Also Read: Best Hybrid Sports Cars
2024 Honda Civic ($23,950)
The Honda Civic stands as the go-to compact car, often the first that comes to mind for efficient, practical transportation, even surpassing competitors like the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3 in recognition.
Base models feature a 158-hp 2.0-liter engine, while a more potent 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter is available. All Civics come with touchscreen infotainment supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features.
While not as powerful as its sportier siblings, the Si and Type R, the standard Civic still offers enjoyable driving dynamics with responsive handling and a refined ride. It strikes a balance between everyday practicality and driving pleasure, making it a well-rounded choice in the compact car segment.
The base Civic comes with a 158-hp 2.0-liter engine, while higher trims offer a 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter. In Milleage, the base 2024 Honda Civic, specifically the LX trim, has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 35 mpg.
There are a few minor drawbacks, such as elevated road noise on the highway and a slightly firm ride, but overall the Honda Civic is a great pick for a small hybrid car, offering a comfortable interior, excellent fuel efficiency, and a reputation for reliability.
| Model | 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 / 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 150-200 hp (varies by trim) |
| Fuel Efficiency | 34 mpg combined |
2024 Lexus NX Hybrid ($43,605)
Lexus cars are known for their comfort, and the 2024 Lexus NX is no exception. If you ever need the best front seats that can be fitted into a family SUV, then it is the Lexus NX. They are very well bolstered and correspondingly adjustable.
The Lexus NX has all the abilities to make the heads turn and with an efficient hybrid engine, it should definitely be on your top picks.
There are four powertrains available for 2024 NXs. The entry-level NX250 features a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder; the NX350 gets a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter. Both get paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
That said, the NX250 can be fitted with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the NX350 comes only with the latter. Hybrid options begin with the NX350h, which mates two electric motors to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder for a net output of 239 horsepower.
Storage capacity is, however, one area in which this NX trails several of its competitors. It offers 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, less than the BMW X3 (28.7) and Acura RDX (31.1). However, the NX’s cargo area is wide and unobstructed, making it easy to load bulky items. Interior storage is also less generous than some competitors, but still practical
Overall, the Lexus NX is a lot more luxurious than what similar-priced EVs would provide. Not many cars of this size can average nearly 35 MPG, offering an orderly option as an alternative to the rise of fully electric vehicles.
| Model | 2024 Lexus NX Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Horsepower | 240 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 39 mpg combined |
You may Also Check: Best Used Hybrid SUVs Under $30K
2024 RAV4 Hybrid ($31,725)
If you’re unfamiliar with the Toyota RAV4, The RAV4 is one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide with over 10 million units sold globally. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is an addition to the RAV4 lineup and is available in a wide variety of trims to suit most buyers looking for a small hybrid SUV.
The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid features a 2.5L four-cylinder with a hybrid system to produce 219 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is rated for 39 mpg combined, with a top speed of around 112mph.
An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) and standard all-wheel drive, ensure confident handling and traction in various driving conditions.
In addition, safety and driver assist technology are used in the RAV4 Hybrid such as the Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking and a Panoramic View Monitor with Perimeter Scan that uses multiple cameras to exhibit a great view of one’s surroundings.
Talking about charging, the 6.6-kWh charger is standard. This means you can fully charge the battery in just 2.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet. If you only have a regular 120-volt home outlet, it’ll take about 12 hours to charge.
This setup makes the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid a good choice for people who want to do short trips on electricity but still have a gas engine for longer drives.
| Model | 2024 RAV4 Hybrid |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Engine | 2.5L four-cylinder engine with electric-drive motors |
| Horsepower | 219 hp combined |
| Fuel Efficiency | 39 mpg combined |
2024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class ($61,900)
If you’re a fan of Mercedes, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the smallest and one of the most affordable models in the brand’s lineup. You can have it in a practical hatchback or Sedan.
The A-Class comes fitted with some pretty powerful and efficient petrol engines as an option to suit all driving tastes. The plug-in hybrid version is available in the A-Class Saloon, featuring an electric-only range of up to 51 miles.
It features a 1.3-liter four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 218 horsepower.
The plug-in hybrid configuration offers a remarkable fuel economy of up to 282.5 mpg, achievable primarily through regular use of the electric mode. However, if the car is primarily driven using the combustion engine, the fuel economy is significantly lower at around 44.8 mpg.
All in all, the A-Class Saloon plug-in hybrid is insanely good at fusing ambient Mercedes-Benz luxury with technology that not only makes for cleaner driving but also allows drivers to do their bit regarding the environment.
| Model | 2024 Mercedes-Benz A-Class |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Engine | 1.3L petrol engine + 75 kW electric motor |
| Horsepower | 262 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 282.5 mpg |
Final Words
With advanced technology features, generous interior space, and par excellence safety features, these are the 8 Best Small Hybrid Cars You’ll Love in 2024.
Be it compact sedans, luxury cars, versatile hatchbacks, or small SUVs, there will be a small hybrid car to suit every requirement and complement your drive.
Hope you enjoyed reading the article, you can check out our website for more unique and amazing articles to get the best knowledge on automotive.
