The Prius will not be the only fuel economy champion in 2026.
Why don’t car thieves buy electric cars or plug-in hybrid cars?
Research shows that electric cars and plug-in hybrid cars are less likely to be stolen by car thieves. Let’s see why.
- Hybrid cars offer significant fuel savings, with some models achieving over 50 miles per gallon.
- Toyota and Hyundai will lead the most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle market in 2026.
Cars with hybrid powertrains are significantly more fuel efficient than gasoline-powered cars. Some hybrid cars can travel more than 80 miles on one gallon of gas.
By 2026, there will be several cars that can travel more than 600 miles on a full tank. These vehicles can save drivers hundreds of dollars in annual fuel costs and thousands of dollars in gas savings over the life of the vehicle.
These four hybrid cars offer the best fuel economy in 2026, offering solid value for drivers looking to save money on fuel.
4 hybrid cars with the highest fuel efficiency in 2026
Two brands dominate the list of the most fuel efficient hybrid cars: Toyota and Hyundai. Toyota has worked hard over the past decade to become one of the largest hybrid vehicle companies, producing many of its best-selling models such as the Camry Standard Hybrid. South Korean automaker Hyundai is closely tracking Toyota, producing competitive alternatives in most car segments.
Hybrid car with the highest overall fuel efficiency
- 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 81 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid 51 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: 84 miles per gallon combined
- 2026 Toyota Prius: 57 miles per gallon combined
The Sonata Hybrid is tied with the recently redesigned rival Toyota Camry for the title of most efficient midsize car. They follow the recently redesigned Elantra Hybrid, the second-most fuel-efficient small car after the Prius. Toyota’s Prius model is an icon in the hybrid car field, effectively paving the way for its major competitors as one of the first mass-produced hybrid cars in history.
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has amazing range.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets 47 miles per gallon in the city and 56 miles per gallon on the highway. The 13.2-gallon tank provides a maximum range of 1,086 miles. USA TODAY Cars tested the 2025 model and found its fuel economy to be exceptional.
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starts at $29,200 and is available in three trims. It produces 192 horsepower.
Hyundai’s midsize hybrids may not have the best driving dynamics or second-row space, but the Sonata Hybrid offers solid value for the money. It will have one of the longest cruising ranges among new cars that will go on the market in 2026.
There’s a reason Toyota’s 2026 Camry is a best-selling car.
The 2026 Toyota Camry gets 52 miles per gallon in the city and 49 miles per gallon on the highway. The tank size is 13 gallons, so the midsize car can travel up to 676 miles on a full tank of gas.
Pricing for Toyota’s popular midsize hybrid starts at $29,100, making it slightly more affordable than its rival, the Sonata Hybrid. It comes in five trims and produces 225 horsepower.
MotorTrend’s vehicle review says the Camry “offers a great driving experience” and is “modern and well-equipped.” It is expected to have a significant impact on Toyota’s sales numbers in 2026, as it is very well-balanced and offers good value for money.
2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid stands out
Hyundai’s small hybrid gets 51 miles per gallon in the city and 58 miles per gallon on the highway. It has an 11-gallon tank and can travel up to 638 miles on a full tank.
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at $25,420 and is available in three trims. It produces 139 horsepower, which is not a lot for this segment.
Hyundai’s compact hybrid vehicles come with plenty of standard equipment and spacious cabins. The biggest drawbacks are slower acceleration compared to rivals and the poor quality of the hybrid’s interior.
Toyota’s original hybrid will be the most efficient car in 2026
The 2026 Toyota Prius gets 57 miles per gallon in the city and 56 miles per gallon on the highway. It is equipped with an 11.3-gallon tank and has a maximum range of 644 miles.
Prices for Toyota’s compact hybrid start at $28,550 and are available in a whopping eight trims. It produces 194 horsepower, which is a huge improvement over the previous model.
Toyota moved into the fifth generation of the Prius in 2023, completely redesigning the hybrid and addressing its major shortcomings. After the redesign, the Prius is more visually appealing and more powerful. USA TODAY Cars reviewed the plug-in hybrid version of the new Prius and was surprised by its brisk acceleration.
Car brands like Toyota and Hyundai are proving that modern hybrid vehicles don’t have to sacrifice looks, affordability, or engaging driving dynamics for efficiency.
