Every 2023 Hybrid & Electric Car Ranked from Best to Worst
Last update:
January 8, 2024
Over a million EVs are now on the road in the U.S. Nationally, electric vehicles still only comprise just shy of 2% of all cars sold. But in certain regions of the country, like the Western U.S.’s 5% EV market share, their numbers are growing larger every day. While 2020 electric vehicle sales were flat (for obvious reasons), cars with batteries are on the up and up.
For this listing, we’ve combined HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs all onto one list. If you’re unclear about the differences between each type, head on over to our lovely electric vehicle explainer to clear things up for you.
We rank 18 hybrid and electric cars from best to worst by combining their ratings on driving performance, standard features, design, and value.
15. 2023 BMW iX
(image via BMW)
The 2023 BMW iX has great safety ratings and shows off BMW’s impeccable build quality. However, buyers can find all-electric alternatives at a lower price point that still have some luxury features but travel a much longer distance. The iX goes up to 324 miles according to the EPA.
14. 2023 Mini Electric Hardtop
(image via Facebook)
Mini’s first stab at an all-electric car does have some good things going for it. It has the fun driving dynamics and sportiness of a gas Mini Cooper. Plus the instant torque of an electric motor really gives it some speed off the line. The price is also very affordable! However, the range is simply paltry; 114 miles just won’t cut it. Other competitors offer more roominess for passengers and cargo, also.
13. 2023 Toyota Prius & Prius Prime
(image via Facebook)
The Toyota Prius is the granddaddy of environmentally friendly cars, but it’s beginning to show its age. The sharp, angular lines of the exterior design aren’t for everyone. Then again, that’s always been the case with the Prius. Its styling has always been an acquired taste. On the inside, we like our cars to look like…well, cars. Not spaceships. But we do appreciate the available AWD, something that helps it stand out in the segment. While the original Prius is a traditional hybrid electric vehicle, the newer Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid version
12. 2023 Nissan Leaf
(image via Facebook)
The 2022 Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable fully electric vehicles on the market. That makes it a true EV for the masses (sorry, Tesla). But its compact size can hold only so big of a battery. Because of that limitation, even the longer ranger “Plus” trims only max out around 226 miles according to the EPA. That’s closer to competitors like the Chevy Bolt but still a little behind (granted at a lower price point).
11. 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid
(image via Facebook)
The 2022 Lexus ES Hybrid sits near the middle section of our ranking. Great handling and a supple ride are paired with great fuel economy—44 mpg combined. It has a large array of safety features, but they also come at a price. A price that increases quickly. As is common in many Lexus vehicles, the interior cabin is unintuitive and busy. Frankly, we find the ES Hybrid dash downright ugly.
10. 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
(image via Facebook)
With 247 miles of range, the all-electric 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is no slouch. Engineers found a way to squeeze out more range from the battery last year. The Bolt’s hatchback design provides a raised driving position to give drivers a good view of the road. It also allows for a roomy, expansive interior cabin. One common complaint among Bolt owners, however, is the somewhat thin, narrow, and unsupportive front seat. The interior is also far from upscale, but Chevy promises to address these concerns with a new redesign that is just around the corner.
9. 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
(image via Facebook)
Finally, a hybrid version of the Corolla exists! You’ve been asking, and now it’s here. Toyota took everything good about the Corolla and added a battery to the engine. The result is a fuel economy rating of 50 mpg city and 43 mpg on the highway. The steering can be a little numb, but with solid safety ratings and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, this new Corolla Hybrid is a good purchase.
8. 2023 Toyota Crown
(image via Toyota)
The 2023 Toyota Crown Hybrid lands on the list just ahead of the Corolla Hybrid. Its larger size makes it a tad roomier and more stately to drive but also hinders the fuel economy. The crown gets up to 42 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The brand-new model is a replacement for the Avalon with superior driving performance.
7. 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
(image via Hyundai)
The hybrid version of the Elantra returns for 2023 with a spirited powertrain that is also fuel efficient, getting up to 53 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway. On the downside, it’s fairly noisy for a hybrid, and the interior, while state-of-the-art, is not quite soft to the touch.
6. 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid
(image via Facebook)
The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a traditional hybrid vehicle that operates on gasoline with the support of a range-extending electric motor. That means the Camry Hybrid LE squeezes 52 mpg combined out of its fuel. Like its gasoline counterpart, we appreciated the large array of standard features, but we sometimes found it a little noisy in the cabin.
5. 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
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Hyundai and its sister company offer great value by packing on the standard features. The Hyundai Sonata was completely redesigned in 2020 and is a looker with its Astin Martin-inspired design. While the plug-in version may be gone for now, this new Sonata Hybrid brings great driving dynamics and a truly luxurious interior cabin to a shockingly affordable price point. Plus, there is a solar panel embedded in the roof! Sure it’s a little bit of a gimmick and only extends range negligibly, but we still give props for ingenuity.
4. 2023 Tesla Model 3
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This is the Tesla for the masses! While it only briefly made it down to the promised base price of $35,000 (the current cheapest option online is $43,505), it’s still a much more affordable option than any other Tesla offering. The range of 358 miles is second only to its larger sibling (the Model S), and the Model 3 features precision handling and peppy speed. It sometimes has quality issue problems to be a luxury offering, however. You also have to pay more for max range. The cheapest version only goes around 272 miles.
3. 2023 Tesla Model S
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The 2023 Tesla Model S is the EV to beat. Yes, it has a high price, starting at just under $90K. That’s right—starting. But that will also get you the longest range of any fully electric vehicle on the market. The EPA estimates range at a whopping 405 miles for the Model S Long Range Plus. Other pros include roomy seating, precision handling, and speedy acceleration. We still aren’t the biggest fans of the everything-on-a-screen approach to the interior, however.
2. 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid
(image via Facebook)
The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid is the highest-ranking car that still utilizes gasoline. The hybrid version of the Accord has a 45% improvement in fuel economy than its non-hybrid counterpart at 44 mpg combined. With an upscale and intuitive interior and a large trunk, it’s the perfect family sedan. The only downside is that you’re still using some gasoline…granted not as much.
1. 2023 Porsche Taycan
(image via Facebook)
The Porsche Taycan is an all-new all-electric vehicle for the venerated German brand. Yes, it’s quite pricey, but the Taycan is also a perfect balance of buttery smooth handling and ride paired with strong power. Electric vehicles can be fun to drive, and you can have fun driving without using any gasoline. The high-quality interior also matches the high starting price of $86,700. A range of 246 miles isn’t terrible, but it’s much much shorter than Tesla (and the Chevy Bolt).