Are hybrids OK for road trips
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Paramount to any long road trip is the art of planning ahead. Perhaps the most important factor to consider is the vehicle you will be traveling in. Fuel economy, cargo capacity, auto cruise control capabilities, and an entertaining infotainment system are all features that make any long road trip ahead quite relaxing for all those involved. With the introduction of hybrid cars in the United States in 1999, long road trips have become much more economical in lieu of their ability to run on an electric motor and fuel. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, hybrid cars captured 5.5% of the light vehicle market in the United States by the year 2021. To accommodate a growing market like the hybrid vehicle market, an extensive infrastructure has been built. Till May 2023, 138,111 examples of charging outlets and 53,393 units of charging stations have been built across the country. Traveling long distances in a hybrid car has never been easier, prompting more potential buyers to consider purchasing the best hybrid cars for long road trips.
Related: 10 Hybrid Cars That Are Perfect For City Driving
1 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid - 46 MPGe
Not your average family hybrid sedan, the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid has a better-than-average combined MPGe of 46. Its electric range is 21 miles with the capacity to travel a total of 430 miles courtesy of its 21-gallon gas tank and 18.9 kWh Lithium-ion battery. However, in a test conducted by CarandDriver, the Flying Spur outperformed its rating, traveling 35 miles on battery.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.9-liter Twin-Turbo V-6 Plug-in Hybrid |
| Electric Range | 21 miles |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 46 MPGe |
| Power Output | 542 horsepower |
Its interior is decked with the most premium quality wood and leather upholstery. Its rear seats offer a calming environment complete with seat massagers and the ability to recline. Although its power output of 542 horsepower is much higher than your average hybrid sedan, with a simple upgrade to the speed model, youll have a W-12 engine with the power of 626 ponies. This luxury hybrid car comes with a hefty price tag of $211,325.
2 2023 BMW 530e - 69 MPGe
The BMW 530e has become a road-trip favorite that offers great communicative handling and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds, making overtaking smooth and quick. Its 83 kW electric motor, automatic eight-speed transmission, and intercooled turbo four-cylinder engine offer great performance and work in perfect harmony.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder with an integrated electric motor |
| Electric Range | 21 miles |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD and AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 69 MPGe |
| Power Output | 288 horsepower |
The 530e comes with rear-wheel drive, which allows for supreme handling. Its all-electric range goes up to 21 miles and with a 12.1-gallon gas tank, the 2023 BMW 530e can travel far. However, its efficiency isnt too high coming in at 69 MPGe and it lacks a solid cargo space to accommodate its battery pack. It has a cargo capacity of only 10 cubic feet. The 2023 BMW 530e comes with an MSRP that starts at $57,600.
Related: 10 Hybrid SUVs That Are Perfect For Families
3 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge - 74 MPGe
The 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge comes with an 18.8 kWh battery and a 15.9-gallon gas tank. It can travel 41 miles on a full charge. In a test we conducted, on a full tank, the S60 Recharge traveled 245 miles and could still travel a further 120 miles without using its electric charging. It features heated seats, although the front gets the added benefit of seats with powered cushion extensions.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine |
| Electric Range | 41 miles |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 74 MPGe |
| Power Output | 455 horsepower |
While supremely comfortable the 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge isnt quite suited for anyone above six feet. With the front seat set at an average driving distance, the rear passenger may still run out of leg space. On another note, this Volvo hybrid offers an exemplary driving experience with a smooth, soft suspension and steering that can be adjusted to be tight or soft depending on the amount of tire responsiveness the driver wants. Its base trim comes at an MSRP of $51,250.
4 2023 BMW 330e - 75 MPGe
With the capacity to travel a total of 320 miles on a combined MPGe of 75, you can travel from Cheyenne to Colorado in the 330e twice and still have 78 miles to spare. It comes with a cargo space of 13.2 cubic feet as its fuel tank is positioned at the rear axle to make space for its 11.5 kWh battery pack at the front.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline |
| Electric Range | 22 miles |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | 75 MPGe |
| Power Output | 288 horsepower |
The hybrid trades off 3.71 cubic feet of cargo space to accommodate its battery, which is still spacious enough to hold three standard suitcases. To prevent any cargo damage, the 330e hybrid comes with shrouded lid hinges. In a test conducted by Car and Driver, while running on its battery, it could only sustain a maximum speed of 87 MPH otherwise it loses its 22-mile electric range. However, by using its automatic system integrated with the sat nav the 330e will pick the ideal points in the route to use its electric range, thus nullifying its range of efficiency depletion issue. It starts at $44,900.
Related: 10 Cheapest Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles In 2023
5 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid - 43 City/44 Highway MPG
Known previously as the 300h, the Lexus ES Hybrid boasts a 700-mile range alongside a cargo capacity of 17 cubic feet. It allows for easy travel from New Hampshire to New Jersey and back with 176 miles to spare. However, the ES Hybrid isnt ranked higher due to its comparatively lower fuel efficiency of 44 MPG on the highway.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.5-liter engine with an integrated motor |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 43 City/44 Highway MPG |
| Power Output | 302 horsepower |
The ES hybrid comes in several different trims with varying performance, all of which are higher than your average hybrid car. A hallmark of the ES hybrid is its comfort and noise cancelation. Its seats are built to provide support throughout long journeys due to their firm back support and minimal side bolsters. The rear seats are comfortable, and their flat nature allows for long stretches. The base trim starts at an MSRP of $44,490.
6 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid - 51 City/44 Highway MPG
The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid comes with a 204 horsepower hybrid powertrain, an all-electric range of 44 miles, and a 12.8-gallon gas tank. With a combined 48 MPG range of efficiency in both the city and highway, the Honda Accord hybrid allows for maximum fuel efficiency. Although it doesnt feature a traditional transmission, it has been programmed to automatically adjust its RPM for smooth shifting. It also comes with a responsive braking and suspension system making long trips comfortable.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder Hybrid engine |
| Electric Range | 47 miles |
| Transmission | Electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 48 MPG Combined |
| Power Output | 204 horsepower |
For a family sedan, youd expect ample cargo space, and the 2023 model delivers. It offers 16.7 cubic feet worth of cargo space allowing it to hold 4 standard suitcases. Its Honda Sensing suite comes equipped with a lane-keeping system along with an adaptive cruise control system. The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid comes with an MSRP of $27,295.
Related: 5 Plug-in Hybrid SUVs You Should Buy (And, 5 You Should Avoid)
7 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 44 City/47 Highway MPG
Toyota hybrid cars rank high in terms of their range of efficiency as the 2023 Camry Hybrid boasts an MPG of 47 on the highway. Its 88 kW electric motor and 13.2-gallon fuel tank allow for it to travel a total distance of 700 miles. The 2023 Camry Hybrid has no dearth of cargo space, which expands over 15.1 cubic feet.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 44 City/47 Highway MPG |
| Power Output | 176 horsepower |
While it comes with a spacious cabin that offers 38 inches of legroom, its battery is positioned underneath its rear seats, thus the overall space isnt as expansive as it couldve been. However, due to the battery placement, its trunk has a lower liftover height and a wider opening. With an NHTSA rating of 5 stars the 2023 Camry Hybrid makes for safe yet speedy long trips due to its power output of 208 ponies. It starts at $28,655.
8 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - 45 City/51 Highway MPG
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can travel a total distance of 620 miles due to its 13.2 gas tank and 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery. It gained its popularity mainly as a reliable midsize hybrid for families with a cabin as spacious as an SUV. The hybrids performance is on par with its hybrid competitors providing a smooth acceleration of 0 to 60 MPH in 8.3 seconds. This is largely due to its automatic six-speed transmission that channels its power to the front wheels. Its CVT transmission is also quick to downshift.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup |
| Transmission | Eight-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 45 City/51 Highway MPG |
| Power Output | 192 horsepower |
The Sonata Hybrid focuses on a comfortable driving experience as its brakes do not have any unwanted stiffness that comes with regenerative braking. Its cargo capacity expands over 16 cubic feet with a wide ease-of-use opening with access levels for the rear seats. The hybrid also comes with adaptive cruise control with the ability to stop and go. Its base trim starts at $28,250.
Related: 10 Advantages Of Plug-in Hybrids Over Electric Vehicles
9 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid - 53 City/56 Highway MPG
Boasting a fuel consumption of 56 MPG on the highway, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offers an impressive range of efficiency. Courtesy of its 12.4-gallon gas tank alongside a 32 kW battery, it can travel up to 550 miles, which is enough to travel from Columbia to Columbus with 124 miles to spare.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 53 City/56 Highway MPG |
| Power Output | 139 horsepower |
Hyundai with its Elantra Hybrid prioritizes efficiency and comfort with thick tire sidewalls making for comfortable ride as the wheels absorb any jerks or shocks caused by undulated roads. It features well-cushioned seats, a suspension curated for pliancy, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The NHTSA after conducting crash tests awarded it a five-star rating. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $24,550.
10 2023 Toyota Prius Hybrid - 57 City/ 56 Highway MPG
The 2023 Toyota Prius Hybrid comes with an electric motor working alongside a four-cylinder ICE engine. Its LE trim has a fuel consumption of 56 MPG on the highway. It can travel up to 44 miles on a full charge and its 11.3-gallon gas tank expands its traveling range to an impressive 640 miles - thats 55 miles more than the distance from Vermont to Virginia.
Specs and Features
| Engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup |
| Electric Range | 44 miles |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 57 City/ 56 Highway MPG |
| Power Output | 196 horsepower |
A well-maintained 2023 Toyota Prius Hybrid can travel up to a good 250,000 miles. Its LE trim comes with an expansive cargo space of 23.8 cubic feet while the XLE and Limited trims offer 20.3 cubic feet allowing for easy storage of four to five standard suitcases. Although the 2023 Toyota Prius Hybrid comes with more legroom, its roof slopes inwards causing any rear passenger over six feet to have their hair heavily acquainted with the roof. Its LE trim is available at an MSRP of $27,450.
