Searching for the perfect blend of functionality, space, and fuel efficiency in a vehicle? Look no further than the latest lineup of best hybrid family cars. Recent advancements in hybrid powertrains have revolutionized larger vehicles, offering extended driving ranges and improved performance without compromising on fuel economy.
For busy families, minimizing stops for gas is essential, allowing you to focus on what truly matters - your loved ones. Below, I've curated a list of the best hybrid cars tailored for families, prioritizing convenience, accessibility, functionality, and safety. These vehicles are designed to cater to the needs of every family member, making them the ideal choice for your next hybrid family car purchase.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is one of those vehicles that does everything so well, I'd even recommend it to single commuters. It's loaded with advanced features and is technically a plug-in hybrid with 32 miles of all-electric driving range and a 520-mile total range.
It starts out roomy and becomes even roomier when the 2nd and 3rd row seats stow away into the floor. The rear sliding doors and the rear liftgate operate completely hands-free with a wave of your foot. It even comes with a built-in vacuum for when your little ones get overzealous with the snacks.
And when it comes to technology, the Pacifica Hybrid offers capabilities that are rarely seen in other vehicles, like active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin, a wireless rear seat entertainment system for movies and games, and an interior monitor called FamCAM that lets you see all of your passengers, including a child in a rear-facing car seat.
The Pacifica Hybrid was really designed with all types of families and use cases in mind, and it's one of the few vehicles where I'm more excited to be a passenger so I can enjoy all of the thoughtful amenities.
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Toyota Sienna
Although it's not in the name, every 2021 Toyota Sienna is a hybrid that offers a fuel efficiency of roughly 36 mpg city/highway/combined (EPA estimated). Its 2.5-liter engine plus hybrid system delivers a total output of 245 horsepower.
And when it comes to "family vehicles," the Toyota Sienna always comes to mind for a number of reasons. It's spacious interior offers reclining 2nd-row captain's chairs with extending ottomans, its sliding doors and rear liftgate can be opened and closed with a swift kick, and Driver Easy Speak lets you broadcast your voice to any rowdy rear passengers.
For the adventure-seeking families, the Sienna can be equipped with an all-wheel drive system as well as a sport-tuned suspension. And let's not forget about it's 3,500 pounds of towing capacity and available 1500W power outlet -- perfect for camping or weekends at the lake.
Sienna also makes it very easy to implement mobility conversions, like hand controls, wheelchair lifts, wheelchair ramps and lift-up seats, to name a few.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
If the minivan aesthetic isn't your cup of tea, the Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that utilizes a similar hybrid powertrain as the Sienna, and offers an EPA-estimated 35 mpg city/highway/combined.
Four hybrid drive modes, including a low-speed electric-only setting, lets you tackle the roads on your terms. And when roads turn into trails, the available on-demand all-wheel drive system uses a dedicated electric drive motor to instantly send power to the rear wheels for improved grip.
On the inside, a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen display is the centerpiece of the Highlander's technology, featuring support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. This is where you'll access your favorite playlists and mobile apps, as well as control any smart home devices, just like if you were in your living room. You can keep your passengers entertained and add items to your shopping list all with the convenience of voice commands.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard on the Highlander Hybrid, and you can add front and rear parking assist with automatic braking for extra peace of mind.
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Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Subaru's Crosstrek has always been a popular choice for outdoorsy families, and now you can have it in its most fuel-efficient form: a plug-in hybrid. The Crosstrek Hybrid boasts up to 90 mpg and a total vehicle range of 480 miles.
You'll also experience enhanced accelerations thanks to the instantaneous low-end torque from the electric motor. The hybrid system automatically balances power draw from the gas engine and the battery, and tries to operate in all-electric mode as often as possible.
Of course, Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Crosstrek Hybrid, and delivers better stability and maximum grip when your adventures take you off the pavement. And with a flexible rear cargo area and low-profile roof rails, there are plenty of ways to make sure the entire family is geared up for fun.
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Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
Earning the last spot on our best hybrid cars list is the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid. The already-versatile Ford Escape adds a new plug-in hybrid version for the 2021 model year, and is ready to help your family take on the city with its futuristic tech and spacious interior. Since the Escape plug-in hybrid won't hit showrooms until springtime, fuel economy data isn't available yet, but we're confident it's going to be in the mid-40 mpg range like its sibling non-plug-in hybrid.
Your future basketball players will enjoy the best-in-class 40-plus-inches of legroom in the second row, or you can just enjoy not having your seat kicked by the more active toddlers in your life. The second-row also now features sliding seats in addition to the 60/40 split-fold seats, offering even more cargo flexibility.
Ford's SYNC 3 empowers busy parents with hands-free phone calls and music controls, and built-in Amazon Alexa integration lets you multitask like a pro with Amazon Prime shopping, smart home controls, and setting calendar events.
Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technology offers a suite of advanced safety features to give you the confidence to do everything better, from changing lanes to parking to avoiding collisions, ultimately keeping your family safer on the road.
Contributed by - Andrew Chen
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