2021's Best New EVs and Hybrids Car

Although the electric revolution has not yet arrived with the fervor expected by futurists worldwide, we are nonetheless seeing some pretty significant improvements in range, performance, and style with each new electric vehicle. It's a hopeful sign of things to come, and one that provides buyers with a plethora of options. All of the best EVs offer sufficient range to be used as a daily driver while also incorporating features and technology that were unheard of just a few years ago. It's a novel niche in the automobile business, and the list below highlights our top recommendations for the best hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric vehicles available in 2021.

Those interested in the top electric and hybrid vehicles available in 2020 can refer to last year's list.

Hyundai Kona Electric

To compete with the expanding number of electric vehicles on the market, Hyundai has replaced the gasoline engine in the Kona SUV with an electric motor and battery pack, resulting in the 2021 Kona Electric. The transition resulted in an enticing electric vehicle with an engaging driving attitude, snappy performance, and an all-electric range of up to 258 miles. While the styling variations include a new grille and wheels, the Kona Electric's distinctive appearance continue to turn heads in the same way as the conventional version does. While rival EVs such as the Chevrolet Bolt, Tesla Model 3, and Kia Niro EV all provide comparable capabilities, the Hyundai's starting price and unmatched warranty make it one of the segment's wiser buys.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV

While the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV is not as exciting as the Hyundai Kona Electric or as seductive as the Tesla Model 3, its smooth ride, spacious cabin, and popular standard amenities make it a tempting option for mainstream-brand customers. The Chevy has an EPA-estimated driving range of 259 miles, which is rather impressive, and its fast-charging technology lets it to replace its range by up to 100 miles in 30 minutes. While the Bolt's look is borderline goofy and its interior quality falls short of premium at a starting price around $40,000 (before federal tax credits), its electric motor delivers 266 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, resulting in quick acceleration. Additionally, we enjoy its one-pedal driving and easy-to-use hand brake.

Honda Insight

The Honda Insight hybrid is a high-mileage vehicle that looks and drives mostly like a normal compact sedan. It shares numerous components with the iconic Honda Civic sedan and offers a similar driving experience and spacious, functional interior. The important distinction is the Insight's combination of a gasoline engine and electric motors, which provide power in an unconventional manner for efficiency. While the hybrid system operates seamlessly in normal driving, it can become noisy at times when accelerating rapidly. However, the Insight's low price premium over the Civic and excellent fuel economy make it a wise purchase.

Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla maintains the Corolla's legacy of being an affordable, safe, and well-equipped compact car. The little Toyota is available in four-door hatchback or sedan body styles. Both body designs are powered by a pair of dependable four-cylinder engines, and a hybrid powertrain is also available. The Corolla is available with a manual transmission and a sport-tuned suspension for those who value driving involvement. It is, nevertheless, less exciting than the majority of its rivals, such as the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. While the hatchback has a small back seat, it shares many of the sedan's desired features and a beautiful interior appearance. The 2021 Corolla is not the most thrilling little vehicle on the market, but it is a practical and elegant option.

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai is gaining a reputation for radical design, and the company's tiny car, the 2021 Elantra, is the first to get a makeover. The new Elantra features an aggressive outward design and a premium interior, both of which are meant to deflect attention away from the segment's heavyweights—the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra. Hyundai's regular engine is a 147-horsepower four-cylinder, but the company also sells a 201-horsepower turbocharged N Line variant and a hybrid powertrain. Numerous driver-assistance systems are included as standard, with even more advanced technology available as an option.

Hyundai Ioniq

The Hyundai Ioniq 2021 is neither spectacular nor intriguing. Rather than that, the compact hatchback provides efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Additionally, the Ioniq looks like a normal automobile, in contrast to extroverted—some would say strange-looking—alternatives such as the Toyota Prius. While the Toyota hybrid is famed for its fuel efficiency, the hybrid Hyundai actually boasts higher EPA fuel economy ratings, particularly on the interstate (up to 59 mpg versus 53 for the Prius). However, the Ioniq's plug-in hybrid version is less efficient than the Prius Prime's plug-in hybrid version. Along with an attractive interior and a competitive lineup of driver assistance and infotainment systems, the 2021 Ioniq does an excellent job of conserving gasoline while transporting people. Simply do not expect it to set off any alarms.

Honda Accord

There are still few excellent family sedans available in the declining segment, but one stands out for its superb driving characteristics, practical interior, and value: the 2021 Honda Accord. We are so taken with the Accord that it has become a near-permanent fixture on our annual 10Best list, which it will return to in 2021. Buyers can pick between two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, as well as a fuel-efficient hybrid variant. Regardless of the engine that powers the Accord, its handling is smooth, which makes navigating twisty roads and lengthy interstate journeys a joy. The Accord's big trunk makes grocery shopping a breeze, and the back seat is roomy enough for two adults on extended road trips. Additionally, the spacious cabin accommodates many kid seats for growing families.

Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata 2021 is an excellent example of how to garner attention while driving a family sedan. Exaggerated proportions, a large grille, and a bizarre design cue with a spear of brilliant trim that runs along the front fenders and into the headlights form what designers refer to as a "lighting signature" The Sonata's interior is a stylish, beautiful environment brimming with luxury features and ample passenger space. While the Sonata is not a sporty or engaging vehicle to drive, it does offer a variety of economical engine options, including a hybrid that earns better government fuel economy ratings than the Toyota Camry hybrid. Nonetheless, the Hyundai is more about value than numbers, owing to its reasonable price and excellent level of standard equipment.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has evolved from a wonderful family sedan to an unassuming four-door sedan and is now reclaiming its former glory. That is correct. The Toyota has re-established itself as a truly desirable option in a category that is contracting but remains highly competitive. If not for the Honda Accord's 10Best dynasty, the Camry would be much more appealing. Nonetheless, ascribe the vehicle's widespread appeal to its various powerplant palette. There is an efficient four-cylinder engine, a more frugal hybrid engine, and a robust V-6 engine. The TRD variant is the finest way to experience the latter, as it exemplifies Toyota's rediscovered fun factor. Those who just like a sleek and comfortable family car loaded with popular features will adore the 2021 Camry as well.

Honda CR-V

If you're looking for a compact SUV with exceptional versatility, the 2021 Honda CR-V excels at nearly everything. The two-row Honda has a beautiful and spacious cabin that is complemented by ample storage space, making it ideal for pack rats and road trips. While neither of its four-cylinder engines—one turbocharged and one hybrid—is very speedy, both achieve impressive fuel economy. The CR-V is less enjoyable to drive than the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan, but it offers a comfortable ride and never seems out of control. Additionally, it includes a slew of active-safety features and a variety of popular technology. These attributes, along with a refined design, elevate the 2021 CR-V to the ranks of the best compact SUVs for small families.

Toyota RAV4 

With full-electric and hybrid powertrains gaining traction in the automotive industry, it's unsurprising that hybrid-car specialist Toyota provides a RAV4 Hybrid and a plug-in hybrid RAV4 named the Prime. The Japanese manufacturer has taken the lessons gained from the Prius hybrid and applied them to its foray into the significantly more fashionable compact SUV segment. Based on the nonhybrid RAV4 (reviewed separately), the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime offer comparable usability and features with much improved fuel efficiency and, in the case of the Prime, a decent electric-only range. While these electrified Toyotas are not unique in the segment—hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mitsubishi Outlander are also available—they are well-equipped to fight for your hard-earned money.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is a fusion of past and future, inspired by the automaker's iconic pony car and powered entirely by electricity. While the all-electric crossover has a name and some familiar styling cues with the Mustang, it is entirely unrelated. With two battery sizes and rear- or all-wheel drive, Ford claims the Mach-E has a range of up to 305 miles. Its five-passenger cabin is equipped with cutting-edge technologies and multimedia options, as well as some unusual freight and storage solutions. While purists may consider an electric Mustang crossover to be sacrilegious, Ford anticipates the name and design to be adopted.