As I continue looking for a new car for my oldest, I want to compare the top companies that offer hybrids at their entry level.
- Kia is replacing the Forte with the K4, which does not have a hybrid model.
- Nissan does not have a hybrid sedan. Nissan does offer the LEAF, but it is pure electric and does not have great reviews.
- Mazda3 has no hybrid model.
- Subaru does not have a hybrid sedan.
- Ford does not have a hybrid sedan.
- Chevrolet’s only sedan, the Malibu, is horribly reviewed and thankfully does not offer a hybrid model.
That leaves us with three competitors.
Reviews
| Make | Model | C/D | Edmunds | KBB | MT | USNews | AVG |
| Honda | Civic | 10.0 | 8.1 | 9.4 | 8.7 | 9.1 | 9.1 |
| Hyundai | Elantra | 8.5 | 7.9 | 9.2 | 9.2 | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Toyota | Corolla | 7.5 | 7.1 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.0 |
I was surprised to see the review lead the Civic and Elantra have over the classic Toyota Corolla.
Prices
MSRP
| Car | Base | Top |
| Civic Hybrid | $28,750 | $31,750 |
| Elantra Hybrid | $26,250 | $29,450 |
| Corolla Hybrid | $23,625 | $27,990 |
TrueCar Cheapest
| Car | Base | Top |
| Civic Hybrid | $29,478 | $31,750 |
| Elantra Hybrid | $26,250 | $29,450 |
| Corolla Hybrid | $24,635 | $28,385 |
There is a minimal inventory of the 2025 Corolla Hybrid and the Honda Civic. I don’t think negotiating under MSRP will be easy. I was surprised to see the 2025 Elantra, as the Hyundai website only promotes the 2024.
Engine MPG & Power
| Car | HWY | CITY | COMBINED | HP |
| Civic Hybrid | 47 | 50 | 49 | 200 |
| Elantra Hybrid | 58 | 51 | 54 | 139 |
| Corolla Hybrid | 46 | 53 | 50 | 138 |
The Civic dominates in horsepower, which is why you are paying at least $2k more for the vehicle. It even has more HP than the Sonata Hybrid.
Features
Honda Civic Hybrid
- Honda Sensing is a safety system for collision detection, road departures, and adaptive cruise control on both trims. The top trim has parking sensors.
- The base model is compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto. The top trim has a larger screen with Google built-in, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger.
- Both models have a power moonroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The top model has leather trim, power front seats, and premium sound.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
- Both trims have collision warnings, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. The top trim has highway driving assist, intelligent cruise control, forward collision avoidance, and parking distance warnings.
- With the top trim (Limited), you get heated and ventilated leatherette power seats. 60/40 fold-down rear seats
- Both trims offer CarPlay and Android Auto, and the top trim offers wireless charging. It also has premium sound and voice recognition.
- The top trim comes with a sunroof.
- Both trims offer dual climate control, vehicle wi-fi hotspot, and second-row USB-C charging ports.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Corolla offers three models: LE, SE, and XLE. The SE has slight styling differences that are unavailable on the LE or XLE. I will only comment on the LE vs. XLE.
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts are available on all models but are standard on the XLE. All models come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This provides collision detection, dynamic cruise control, lane departure assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist.
- Only the XLE has heated front SofTex power seats, but all models have power front seats.
- All models come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging is available on all models and is standard on the XLE. The XLE also provides a larger screen and the option for premium sound.
It’s crazy to me that the Elantra doesn’t offer fold-down seats on the base model. I was also very impressed by the Corolla’s base model, as I think it could be a real option. With Honda and Hyundai, you are going to want the highest trim.
Final Thoughts
The exteriors of these cars are not significantly different. I like the Civic’s styling the best, but this would be a non-factor. These cars are also all available in the same colors, although each has a set of colors that cost an additional ~$500: Elantra (white), Corolla (red, light blue), Civic (white, blue, grey).
I have not sat in any of these cars’ interiors, which is the most significant factor. I like the Elantra’s setup the best, and the Corolla’s the least.
If your budget is under $25k, the Corolla Hybrid LE is an obvious choice. If you want to spend more than $30k, consider the Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid.
