During the energy transition, it is sometimes difficult to know which engine to turn to when buying a new car. One category stands out for the moment: hybrid cars.

Combining a petrol engine with limited polluting emissions with a more or less light hybridization represents a relevant alternative. How do hybrid cars work? What are the best hybrid cars in 2022? We help you sort it out in this article.

The ten best hybrid cars in 2022

Among the ten best hybrid cars available in 2022, you can find mild-hybrid, hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions.

These models are becoming increasingly popular because they have replaced almost all diesel engines at most car manufacturers.

Fiat 500 1.0 70 hp Hybrid

The little Italian still has the wind in its sails. If it does not shine with its performance, it is the city's queen with its 70-horsepower hybrid engine.

Easy and pleasant to drive, it appealed to a mainly female clientele, who appreciated elegant cars. Hybridization makes it possible to reduce polluting emissions while remaining accessible at a reasonable price.

Toyota Yaris 116h Hybrid

It's hard to talk about the best hybrid cars without mentioning the brand that brought this technology to its launch. Toyota, with its Prius, was the pioneer brand in 1997 by marketing a consumer version of a hybrid sedan. Today, its city car, produced in France, also benefits from it. The Yaris offers a powerful engine with 116 horsepower while remaining remarkably sober.

Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet Allgrip Hybrid

Better known in France for its motorcycles than cars, Suzuki also offers hybrid engines on its vehicles.

The latest generation Suzuki Vitara benefits from a 1.4 hybrid petrol engine to provide an interesting compromise between a reasonable purchase price and an exceptionally efficient engine.

Renault Captur E-Tech 145

The diamond brand launched its E-Tech engine line a few years ago. It includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid petrol engines.

The simple hybrid version of the Captur makes it possible to obtain an economical vehicle while remaining reasonably accessible.

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost mHEV

Ford's small crossover is offered with a micro-hybridization consisting of the 1.0 EcoBoost petrol unit and an alternator-starter to relieve the latter on start-up.

The fuel economy is measured but very present compared to a basic thermal version. The Puma is energetic in use and more virtuous.

Peugeot 308 Hybrid 180 e-EAT8

The new 308, available in sedan or SW version, is available in a hybrid version with 180 or 225 horsepower. This engine, already known within the Stellantis group, is particularly efficient.

It offers a good range in purely electric mode and high-level performance in hybrid mode, coupling the petrol engine to the electric motor. With an admittedly heavyweight for a compact, the 180-horsepower version is more than sufficient for the 308.

DS DS7 Crossback E-Tense 225

The luxury brand of Stellantis also benefits from this plug-in hybrid engine.

With this comfortable SUV with a refined and elegant look, the brand is establishing itself in the high-end SUV market in Europe. The E-Tense 225 version, with its all-wheel drive, offers good performance and a comfortable range in 100% electric mode.

Renault Megane E-Tech plug-in hybrid 160

The Renault Mégane 4 offers a rechargeable hybrid engine developing 160 horsepower.

Available in sedan or station wagon under the name Estate, the E-Tech engine offers dynamic pick-up in hybrid mode. The battery of the E-Tech system ensures a good autonomy of several tens of kilometres.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 225 e-EAT8

Peugeot's SUV is trendy and had to have a plug-in hybrid version worthy of interest.

With this 225-horsepower version, the 3008 benefits from all-wheel drive and more than respectable performance. Its 7-seater big brother, the 5008, is also available in a plug-in hybrid version.

Kia Xceed 1.6 GDi Plug-in Hybrid 141hp

Kia is a discreet brand in France, but the models offered are attractive in more ways than one.

Between a dynamic line, a good quality finish and efficient engines, Kias are also offered at attractive prices. The Xceed is available in a relevant plug-in hybrid version with an output of 141 horsepower.

How does a hybrid car work?

Today, there are three hybridization systems on heat engines. Depending on your budget, the type of car you are looking for and your use, one of these three technologies should meet your needs.

Different hybrid cars

Mild-hybrids: the starter-alternator to the rescue of consumption (PHEV)

 It is the most straightforward and most recent hybridization on the market. The petrol engine is supported by an alternator-starter, facilitating the starting phases. It is not an electric motor, strictly speaking, but a clever mix between the traditional alternator to recharge the battery and the starter to start the engine at start-up. It slightly reduces polluting emissions and fuel consumption.

The simple hybrid: the compromise (HEV)

 This system has been known for more than 25 years with the marketing of the Toyota Prius. A small electric motor relieves the gasoline engine using a small battery of a few kWh. It can move the car forward tens of meters without needing the heat engine. It significantly reduces fuel consumption in the city. This system recharges itself thanks to the energy produced during the braking or deceleration phases. It is efficient enough that many taxi drivers have adopted this engine instead of traditional diesel engines for many years.

The rechargeable hybrid: a natural solution for the future? (PHEV)

 It is the most efficient system for mixed use of the vehicle. It allows operation in all-electric mode for several tens of kilometres without needing a combustion engine. Some models can travel at more than 130 km/h or have a range of more than 100 km, depending on use. Its two main flaws are its high purchase price and significant weight. It is perfect for those who want to take advantage of a particularly economical 100% electric mode, with home charging and a combustion engine's autonomy when needed. It must be recharged on a terminal or an electrical outlet to take full advantage.