- What are the best hybrids on the market?
- 1. The 2022 Toyota Prius
- 2. The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime
- 3. The 2022 Honda Insight
- 4. The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq
- 5. The 2022 Kia Niro
- What are the best hybrid small cars?
If you want to spend less time at the gas pump and more time behind the wheel, then a small hybrid car may be the right choice for you. As for how to choose the best small hybrid car for you? Consider opting for one of Consumer Reports’ most satisfying new compact hybrid cars.
What are the best hybrids on the market?

A Hybrid badge on a Mercury Mariner | Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Consumer Reports is no stranger to evaluating new cars. That’s especially true when assessing just how much people like their cars. In fact, Consumer Reports has utilized owner satisfaction surveys to gather data on 300,000 vehicles.
That data, which is broken down into several categories, is then used to determine a vehicle’s Owner Satisfaction rating. As for what those categories are? Take a look:
- Driving experience
- Comfort
- Value
- Styling
- Audio controls
The good news is that if you’re shopping for a new compact hybrid car, Consumer Reports has already asked owners how satisfied they are with their hybrid vehicle. Below, check out the most-satisfying compact hybrid cars based on Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction scores:
1. The 2022 Toyota Prius
During the testing period, the 2022 Toyota Prius returned 52 mpg overall. Not only that, but this hybrid handles exceptionally well. All-wheel drive is also available.
Regarding Toyota Prius interior features, Consumer Reports states that the small hybrid car’s touchscreen display is easy to use inside. The seats in the new Toyota Prius are comfortable too.
2. The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime
The second hybrid on Consumer Reports’ list of the most satisfying new compact hybrid cars is another Toyota Prius model. The Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) but can only drive about 23 miles on just electricity, making it excellent for trip errands and food runs. When it’s not in EV mode, the Prime alternates between electric and gas power and delivers 50 mpg overall.
3. The 2022 Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is based on the previous-generation Honda Civic sedan and, coming in at 54 mpg overall, outshines the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq in the fuel-economy tests. When it comes to the Driving Experience category, this hybrid earned an impressive score. It also ranked high in the styling category.
4. The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq landed in the fourth spot on Consumer Reports’ list. It has some of the same styling cues as the Toyota Prius, and it also returned 52 mpg overall during testing. Powering this Hyundai model is the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric drive, creating a combined 139 horsepower.
5. The 2022 Kia Niro
Are you looking for good fuel economy and plenty of room for cargo? The 2022 Kia Niro is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric drive unit, which pumps out 139 horsepower (just like the Hyundai Ioniq). It got 43 mpg overall — not terrible, but not the excellent as the others.
What are the best hybrid small cars?
If you find yourself shopping for the best hybrid small cars, Consumer Reports’ list of the most satisfying new compact hybrid cars offers plenty to choose from. However, to determine the best fit for you, we recommend hitting the road for a few test drives.