Hyundai Hybrid Cars Ranked by Efficiency
Previously dominated by Japanese car brands like Toyota, Honda, and Lexus, the hybrid segment now has multiple competitive offerings from Kia and Hyundai. Buyers who seek a car that delivers greater fuel efficiency than their standalone gasoline models have an even greater selection to choose from, along with plug-in hybrids, also known as PHEVs, to consider.
Currently, Hyundai offers several hybrid vehicles on sale today that span multiple segments to fit any budget or preference, from compact sedans to midsize crossover SUVs. Not only do these models from the Korean brand stand out among rivals with their competitive pricing, futuristic styling, and a great number of safety features onboard, but they deliver excellent gas mileage compared to other rivals. Featured in the following list are all the Hyundai hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars you can buy today, ranked from least to most efficient, based on their combined EPA ratings.
In cases where the MSRPs are quoted, note these prices exclude additional fees such as the destination fee, applicable taxes, title, and dealer charges. Combined, city, and highway MPG ratings are quoted from each model’s figures from the EPA.
6 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD
Combined EPA Rating: 34 MPG
The latest generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid starts this list – specifically, the all-wheel drive variant. The Santa Fe Hybrid AWD comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain and delivers 35/34/34 mpg city/highway/combined combined. This hybrid midsize SUV also benefits from added traction for slippery roads and conditions, making it ideal for customers who need extra grip and hybrid fuel efficiency. As an additional selling point, despite the inclusion of the hybrid battery system and all-wheel drive onboard, the Santa Fe Hybrid still has ample amounts of occupant and cargo room – with up to 165.6 cubic feet of total interior volume. The third row is also fairly usable to seat occupants when needed, though if passenger comfort is what buyers want to target, second-row seating with individual captain chairs can be selected.
Hyundai’s midsize hybrid SUV closely competes against offerings from Japanese brands, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mazda CX-90 Hybrid.
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Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid AWD |
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|---|---|
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Powertrain |
1.6L four-cylinder hybrid, 6-speed automatic transmission |
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MPG |
35/34/34 mpg city/highway/combined |
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Starting MSRP |
$39,000 (Santa Fe Hybrid SEL AWD) |
5 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Combined EPA Rating: 35 MPG/80 MPGe
If you want to drive as efficiently as possible in a Hyundai hybrid, you can’t beat a plug-in hybrid, since its ability to cover short distances on electric power alone sets it apart from the conventional hybrids with smaller batteries. The Tucson plug-in hybrid delivers competitive gas mileage numbers, including an impressive estimated rated 80 MPGe, and it can cover 32 miles on electric power alone. However, based purely on its mpg rating, it finds itself in this position on this list.
In addition, the Hyundai Tucson is covered by one of the most generous factory warranties for new cars sold in the United States, consisting of a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as complimentary maintenance covered by Hyundai for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). On top of these selling points, both the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid models are available exclusively with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system.
Do note that as of this article’s writing, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is only sold in select US states.
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2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
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|---|---|
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Powertrain |
1.6L four-cylinder turbo hybrid, 6-speed automatic transmission |
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MPG/MPGe |
80 MPGe/35 mpg combined |
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32-mile all-electric range |
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Starting MSRP |
$39,380 (SEL) |
4 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD
Combined EPA Rating: 36 MPG
When sending power exclusively to the front wheels, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid outshines the all-wheel-drive hybrid model, achieving 36/35/36 mpg city/highway/combined. In addition to greater fuel efficiency, front-wheel-drive Santa Fe Hybrids are priced slightly cheaper than the entry-level all-wheel-drive models – prices for the Santa Fe Hybrid SEL FWD begin at $37,200, compared to SEL AWD’s starting price of $39,000.
A similar midsize SUV hybrid with three-row seating, the Kia Sorento Hybrid, is also priced very close to this range. The Sorento also has the advantage of being available as a plug-in hybrid. In contrast, the Santa Fe is currently only available in either full gasoline or hybrid form – though there is potential for Hyundai to add a plug-in hybrid variant to the SUV’s model range in the future.
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2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid FWD |
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|---|---|
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Engine |
1.6L four-cylinder turbo hybrid, 6-speed HEV automatic transmission |
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City/Highway/Combined MPG |
36/35/36 mpg |
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Starting MSRP |
$37,200 (Santa Fe Hybrid SEL FWD) |
3 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Combined EPA Rating: 38 MPG
The Hyundai Tucson is a fashionable crossover SUV, competing against the likes of the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. For buyers aiming to have a practical crossover with the added benefit of great fuel efficiency, the Tucson is available with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The cheapest Tucson Hybrid trim starting at $33,115, the Hybrid Blue, is especially alluring with what it offers at its price point. Not only does it achieve slightly better gas mileage compared to the standard Tucson Hybrid models, but Tucson Hybrid Blue models are generously equipped for an entry-level hybrid SUV – featuring a Digital Key, Smart Cruise Control functionality, and blind-spot assist. The non-Blue hybrid trims achieve 35/35/35 mpg city/highway/combined.
This is one of the best Hyundai hybrid SUV models to help keep your running costs down.
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Hyundai Tucson Hybrid |
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|---|---|
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Powertrain |
1.6L four-cylinder turbo hybrid, 6-speed automatic transmission |
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MPG |
38/38/38 mpg city/highway/combined (Blue) |
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35/35/35 mpg city/highway/combined (SEL, N Line, Limited) |
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Starting MSRP |
$33,115 (Blue) |
2 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Combined EPA Rating: 47 MPG
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has been fully redesigned top to bottom for its current iteration – featuring an all-new futuristic body design, digitalized dashboard, and efficient powertrain, all at a competitive price point. It returns 44/51/47 mpg, excellent figures for a midsize sedan. The 2025 Sonata Hybrid lineup consists of the entry-level Sonata Hybrid SEL and the top-spec Sonata Hybrid Limited. Both models come equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder hybrid setup, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Prices for the cheapest model, the Sonata SEL Hybrid, begin at $31,000.
This places it slightly above the gasoline Sonata SEL, but is priced cheaper compared to other rival hybrid sedans from Japan such as the 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid – the cheapest Accord Hybrid, the Sport, begins at $33,655. The Honda does benefit from more equipment and safety features as standard, but the Hyundai benefits from a more striking exterior, as well as a more comprehensive warranty and free maintenance benefits that make the Korean model more attractive within this segment.
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2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid |
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Engine |
2.0L four-cylinder hybrid, 6-speed automatic |
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City/Highway/Combined MPG |
44/51/47 MPG |
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Starting MSRP |
$31,000 (Sonata SEL Hybrid) |
1 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Combined EPA Rating: 54 MPG
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid tops our list as one of the most fuel-efficient Hyundai Hybrids on sale today. In Blue guise, the Elantra Hybrid returns excellent ratings of 51/58/54 mpg. The Elantra Hybrid is also the cheapest Hyundai Hybrid vehicle currently on sale – the base Elantra Hybrid Blue prices begin at $25,100.
Based on the seventh-generation Elantra that was given a midlife update for the 2024 model year, Elantra Hybrid models benefit from new exterior headlights, front fascia design, and alloy wheels. More safety equipment is also added onboard to make the Elantra one of the safest compact sedans in its class – new additions include rear side airbags, along with standard lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert that now operates via haptic pulses through the driver’s steering wheel. The 2025 Elantra Hybrid range also adds a sport-inspired SEL Sport trim.
The closest rival to the Elantra Hybrid is the latest Honda Civic Hybrid sedan, recently refreshed for the 2025 model year. The Elantra Hybrid Blue is noticeably cheaper than the Honda but does feature less equipment as standard as a result. Buyers of the entry-level Civic Hybrid Sedan Sport models do receive more safety equipment and features – such as adaptive cruise control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and heated front seats, along with a bigger hybrid engine. The Elantra Hybrid, meanwhile, only receives features like smart cruise control (with automatic acceleration and braking) on the more expensive Hybrid Limited models.
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2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
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|---|---|
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Engine |
1.6L four-cylinder hybrid, 6-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission |
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City/Highway/Combined MPG |
51/58/54 MPG (Elantra Hybrid Blue) |
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49/52/50 MPG (Elantra Hybrid), |
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Starting MSRP |
$25,100 (Elantra Hybrid Blue) |
