The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, and while electric vehicles are gaining traction, hybrid cars are experiencing a surge in popularity among American drivers. More and more consumers are drawn to the practical benefits of hybrids: enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and a less drastic shift from traditional gasoline vehicles. According to Kelley Blue Book data, hybrid vehicle sales jumped by an impressive 41% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, highlighting their growing appeal.
For those considering a new vehicle, fuel economy is undoubtedly a key factor. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the most efficient 2024 hybrids achieve 50 miles per gallon or higher, translating to potential annual fuel costs as low as $900. This represents a significant saving of approximately $4,750 over five years compared to the average new car. Hybrid vehicles achieve this impressive mileage by combining a traditional gasoline engine with one or more electric motors. This system intelligently utilizes the electric motor to support the gasoline engine, particularly during acceleration and low-speed driving, maximizing fuel efficiency. Furthermore, hybrids feature regenerative braking, a system that captures energy during braking and deceleration to recharge the battery, eliminating the need for external charging.
However, fuel efficiency isn’t the only priority for car buyers. Safety remains paramount, and understanding how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a collision, and actively prevents accidents, is crucial. To address this, we’ve combined EPA fuel economy data with safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a leading authority on vehicle safety. The IIHS rigorously tests vehicles and awards “Top Safety Pick” and “Top Safety Pick+” designations to models that demonstrate superior safety performance.
To earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle must achieve “Good” ratings in various crashworthiness tests, including front and side impact evaluations, as well as driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal crash tests. These tests simulate common accident scenarios, such as collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects. Importantly, the IIHS has recently strengthened its side-impact test to better reflect the protection offered to rear-seat passengers in side collisions.
Beyond crashworthiness, the IIHS also assesses accident avoidance technologies. Top Safety Pick recipients must be equipped with advanced forward automatic emergency braking systems that earn “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings in preventing collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians, in both daytime and nighttime conditions. Headlight performance is another critical safety element evaluated by the IIHS. Vehicles must have “Acceptable” or “Good” rated headlights as standard equipment to qualify for a Top Safety Pick award. Effective headlights are essential for safe driving, especially considering that a significant proportion of traffic fatalities occur at night or on poorly lit roads. Substandard headlights can severely limit a driver’s ability to react to hazards in time.
Vehicles earning the highest distinction, “Top Safety Pick+”, achieve “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness tests, including the updated side-impact test, and meet the stringent requirements for forward collision prevention and headlight performance.
To guide you towards the safest and most fuel-efficient options, we’ve compiled a list of 2024 hybrid cars and SUVs that have earned either an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award and achieve at least 35 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy. We’ve also included the EPA’s estimated annual fuel cost for each model, based on driving 15,000 miles annually with an average gasoline price of $3.44 per gallon.
It’s important to note that the IIHS primarily tests high-volume vehicles, which means that some luxury models and low-production sports cars may not be included in their ratings. Additionally, ratings for newly introduced or redesigned models may be pending as testing is conducted continuously throughout the year. For the most up-to-date safety ratings and fuel economy information, please refer to the official IIHS website (www.IIHS.org) and the EPA’s fuel economy website (www.fueleconomy.gov).
The Top 18 Safest, Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Cars, Trucks, and SUVs for 2024
These 18 hybrid models combine exceptional fuel economy with top-tier safety ratings from the IIHS, achieving at least 35 mpg in combined driving and earning either a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award.
- Toyota Prius: Top Safety Pick; 57 mpg; $900 annual fuel cost
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 54 mpg; $950 annual fuel cost
- Toyota Camry Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 52 mpg; $1,000 annual fuel cost
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 50 mpg; $1,050 annual fuel cost
- Honda Accord Hybrid: Top Safety Pick+; 48 mpg; $1,100 annual fuel cost
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Top Safety Pick: 47 mpg; $1,100 annual fuel cost
- Kia Sportage Hybrid: Top Safety Pick+; 43 mpg; $1,200 annual fuel cost
- Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 42 mpg; $1,250 annual fuel cost
- Lexus UX 250h: Top Safety Pick; 42 mpg; $1,250 annual fuel cost
- Toyota Crown: Top Safety Pick; 41 mpg; $1,250 annual fuel cost
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 40 mpg; $1,300 annual fuel cost
- Lexus UX 250h: Top Safety Pick; 39 mpg; $1,300 annual fuel cost
- Lexus NX 350h: Top Safety Pick; 39 mpg; $1,650 annual fuel cost (premium fuel)
- Toyota Venza: Top Safety Pick; 39 mpg; $1,300 annual fuel cost
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: Top Safety Pick+; 38 mpg; $1,350 annual fuel cost
- Kia Sorento Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 37 mpg; $1,400 annual fuel cost
- Toyota Sienna: Top Safety Pick; 36 mpg; $1,450 annual fuel cost
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Top Safety Pick; 36 mpg; $1,450 annual fuel cost
Source: IIHS, EPA
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