If you’ve been on the fence about buying a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV), Consumer Reports just gave you a pretty compelling nudge. For the first time ever, every single vehicle in the organization’s top 10 picks for 2026 comes in an electric or hybrid version.
Consumer Reports builds reliability and consumer satisfaction data from survey results into its rankings.
Here are the cars with hybrid and EV models that achieve the highest rankings according to Consumer Reports.
The best hybrid and EV picks of 2026
The Tesla Model Y takes the title of top electric vehicle, with high marks for reliability, responsive acceleration and access to an expansive charging network.
For drivers who prefer a gas-electric blend, the list highlights several standout hybrids. The Honda Civic hybrid claims the small car top spot, praised for its refined power delivery and entertaining drive.
The Ford Maverick hybrid is the best small pickup, delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and value.
Toyota’s Camry and Grand Highlander are top picks for midsize car and midsize SUV, respectively, thanks to their polished hybrid systems.
The Subaru Forester and Crosstrek are both recognized in the SUV categories for new hybrid options that boost mileage. And in the luxury market, the Lexus NX and BMW X5 with plug-in hybrid configurations allow for electric-only driving that reduces range anxiety.
Calculating the actual cost of ownership
Several of these top-rated vehicles come in well under the $50,000 average starting price for a new car.
The Honda Civic starts at $24,695, the Subaru Crosstrek at $26,995 and the Ford Maverick pickup at $28,145.
When you’re comparing a hybrid or EV to a traditional gas-powered car, the purchase price is just one factor to consider. You’ll want to look at fuel efficiency for the long term too.
For example, the Honda Civic Hybrid delivers an overall 44 miles per gallon.
The hybrid Ford Maverick achieves 37 mpg compared to just 23 mpg for its gas-powered counterpart. Over years of driving, that adds up to significant fuel savings.
Practical perks
The hybrids and EVs on this year’s list offer some quality-of-life improvements worth considering. According to Consumer Reports, hybrid and EV options typically provide better acceleration, quieter cabins and improved fuel economy compared to their gas-powered siblings.
The hybrid Civic, for instance, goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds while being both quieter and more powerful than the standard gas model.
The Toyota Camry, now sold exclusively as a hybrid, earned praise for its practical interior space and user-friendly controls.
Once you pick the model that best suits you, don’t forget insurance. This new insurance shopping tool can help you find the car insurer with the best rates with just a few clicks.
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