Since the first modern gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles appeared in the late 1990s, they’ve enabled more efficient driving without requiring a drastic lifestyle change.
Plus, the cost of a hybrid’s small high-voltage batteries has dropped to the point where the purchase premium over a gas-only model is negligible, if not at all. These days, hybrid powertrains are offered in a variety of body styles from sedans to SUVs to pickup trucks, and many are available with all-wheel drive, meaning there are almost no compromises to make and only efficiency to gain.
Alphabetically, here are the new 2024 hybrids that our AutoTrader experts voted as the best ones to buy after considering every single hybrid available in Canada. These efficient hybrids go above and beyond and our experts feel comfortable recommending them to their own family and friends.
2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid
Just because you drive a full-size truck doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice excellent fuel economy. That’s one reason our experts voted for Ford’s hybrid version of the popular F-150 pickup.
Within an engine menu consisting of a traditional V8, a twin-turbo V6, and the battery-electric Lightning, the F-150 Hybrid has a conventional gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain with impressive capabilities (and there is no need to plug it in). An electric motor boosts the F-150’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 to deliver 430 horsepower. Like all F-150s, a 10-speed automatic transmission is used. Combined with the Ford truck’s aluminum-intensive chassis that saves weight, the full-size truck returns an excellent 10.8 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km) city and highway combined fuel economy estimate. It can also tow up to 12,700 pounds.
The hybrid powertrain is available on the upper F-150 Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trims that come exclusively with the roomier SuperCrew four-door configuration. A refreshed 2024 F-150 is on the way, but 2023 model year prices start at $74,265 for two-wheel drive (2WD) versions. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a $5,200 extra,
2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid
If you’re searching for a pickup truck with excellent fuel economy but in a smaller package, our AutoTrader experts highly recommend another hybrid Ford truck: the Maverick.
Ford’s compact truck boasts real-world capability and can even go off-road despite riding on a unibody platform borrowed from the Escape SUV. The combination of the Maverick Hybrid’s 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine and electric motor makes 191 hp. Despite this impressive power, its drivetrain delivers 6.3 L/100 km fuel economy and the ability to tow up to 2,000 pounds. Although all-wheel drive (AWD) is available with the Maverick’s base 250-hp turbocharged 2.0L gas engine, the Hybrid’s power goes solely to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Like all Mavericks, the Hybrid only comes as a SuperCrew four-door cab with a 4.5-foot bed. Beyond its efficient power source, the Maverick Hybrid’s five-passenger interior is reasonably roomy. While the hybrid drivetrain was the standard option on the Maverick last year, it’s optional on all 2024 Maverick trims, starting at $33,600.
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross arrived in 2022, offering more capability than its sedan namesake. Already an efficient and practical subcompact SUV, with an electrically aided 196 hp and a remarkable 5.6 L/100 km fuel economy estimate, the Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers more power and better fuel economy than the Toyota SUV’s base gas-only 169-hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Starting at $34,590, the Corolla Cross Hybrid gets AWD standard (optional on the gas-only variant), giving drivers a more sophisticated multilink rear suspension instead of the standard torsion beam arrangement.
Inside the five-passenger Corolla Cross, you will find the same easy-to-use ergonomics as in many Toyota vehicles. Fitting its “SUV” responsibilities, the Corolla Cross rides higher than its sedan sibling with 8.0 inches of ground clearance, delivering that elevated driving position many drivers enjoy.
2024 Toyota Prius
The iconic Prius underwent a significant overhaul last year with the launch of its fifth generation. The latest generation departs from its previously sluggish and unconventional compact hatchback design and boasts sleek styling, more power, and better fuel economy than the previous generation.
Starting at $37,759 for the Prius XLE AWD-e, a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor with standard AWD (that includes an additional electric motor for the rear wheels) results in a total output of 196 hp. At the same time, fuel efficiency remains impressive at 4.8 L/100 km.
In this latest Prius, Toyota has significantly improved the driver information display by moving it in front of the driver instead of the top of the centre console. The Toyota hybrid’s dashboard mirrors its modern, sleek exterior design with a large touchscreen. As for cargo space, the Prius is almost as practical as a small SUV. Its fold-down rear seats offer ample room for a couple of hockey bags and longer items like skis.
2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 is not only one of the best hybrids according to our experts, but it’s also one of the most popular compact SUVs in Canada. Part of Toyota’s appeal is the availability of the hybrid: half of the 16 RAV4 trims can be had with the gas-electric AWD powertrain, starting at $39,950.
Bracketed between the base gas four-cylinder gas-only engine and the plug-in electric hybrid, the RAV4 Hybrid hits the sweet spot when trying to balance power and efficiency. Its 2.5L gas four-cylinder engine and two electric motors make a healthy 219 hp and contribute to a super-efficient 6.0 L/100 km fuel economy estimate (which drops slightly to 6.4 L/100 km with the rugged RAV4 Woodland Edition trim and its off-road tires).
No matter the powertrain propelling it, this current RAV4 generation has been in production for five years, making it one of the older competitors in its class. Despite its age, the Toyota still has back seats that provide ample legroom for average-sized adults. The RAV4 Hybrid’s cargo volume also delivers the same amount of space as its gasoline-only counterpart.
*Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices and trim availability in Canada as of March 1, 2024.
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