Whether you're looking to reduce your environmental impact or to lessen the burden on your wallet, there are plenty of compelling reasons to choose a hybrid over a traditional gasoline-powered car. These three models represent the future of the automotive industry — where hybrids are no longer dull, unattractive, or exclusively for the eco-conscious. In this article, we'll examine each vehicle, weighing their strengths and weaknesses, to determine which offers the best balance. Let's find out more about the Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD ($33,511.50, built in Japan), the Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid ($39,348, built in Canada) and the Toyota Prius Limited AWD ($47,161.50, built in Japan).
Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid was introduced as a 2020 model, continuing Corolla's legacy of reliable, affordable transportation. Now in its twelfth generation, the model has evolved with a more dynamic design, particularly up front. The hybrid variant is only available as a sedan and is the most affordable option in Toyota's lineup with AWD. Inside, it's spacious for its price, though rear legroom is tight for adults. With a cargo capacity of 371 L (13.1 cu. ft.), it's practical, and the rear seats can fold down for extra space. You can quickly fix car seats thanks to the handy ISOFIX ports and rear anchors. As for the technology aspect, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid isn't missing much for an entry-level model. It has a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, automatic climate control, heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and it comes standard with many features. The touchscreen is small, but you get used to it; you can also step up to the 10.5-inch display and the JBL audio system in the XSE trim.
Driving-wise, The Corolla Hybrid is powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine and a small Lithium-Ion battery that delivers 134 hp. It features an electronically-controlled continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) and offers an impressive fuel economy of up to 4.7L/100km (50 mpg) combined on the base FWD version; our fuel consumption with the SE AWD trim hovered around 5.7l/100 km (41.3 mpg) overall. Even though it is the slowest vehicle of the three, the car feels zippy, passing cars quickly on the street. Of course, you won't win many races, but the power is plentiful for daily use. The e-AWD (electronic all-wheel drive) sends some power to the rear wheels when needed, helping reduce the spinning of the front tire. Overall, it is a good entry-level sedan; the Toyota Corolla remains recommendable, as it's been the case for over 50 years now, thanks to its affordable price and remarkable reliability and durability.
Toyota Prius Limited AWD
The Toyota Prius, launched in 1997, revolutionized the automotive industry. For 25 years, it faced criticism for its bland design, sluggish performance, and lack of driving excitement. However, as competition grew, the company knew it had to make the Prius stand out even within Toyota. The fifth generation marks a bold departure, featuring sharp boomerang-shaped headlights, a sleeker grille, and a blacked-out trunk, especially striking in Maximum Yellow. While retaining its unique identity, some quirks have been toned down, like relocating the gauge cluster from the center to directly in front of the driver. However, shorter drivers may struggle with visibility due to limited steering wheel adjustability. Front passengers enjoy ample space inside, but the rear seats are cramped due to the teardrop shape. The headroom is decent, though taller passengers may find legroom tight if the front seats are pushed back. Installing child seats is easy, thanks to accessible ISOFIX ports and trunk anchors, but the high floor limits trunk capacity. Toyota claims 575 L (20.3 cu. ft.), but the space is more horizontal than vertical.
Tech-wise, the Prius boasts a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker JBL audio system, a vertical wireless charging pad, and multiple USB-C ports. It has the largest screen among its peers, is responsive, and retains physical climate controls—a welcome feature in an era of touchscreen overload.
Under the hood, the Prius features a new Series Parallel Hybrid System with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, eCVT, and electric motors, delivering 196 hp—a 62% increase over the previous generation. It accelerates to 100 kph in 7.2 seconds, a significant improvement. The standard eAWD system optimizes power delivery for efficiency and traction. Steering and handling are now enjoyable, with weighted, responsive controls, stiffer suspension to reduce body roll and firmer brakes. While not a race car, the Prius proves Toyota can build desirable, efficient vehicles, averaging as low as 4.3L/100km (54.7 mpg). After a week, we averaged 5.6L/100km and, for the first time, drove the Prius with a smile.
Honda Civic Sport Touring Hybrid
The Honda Civic, a true icon in the global automotive industry, needs no introduction, having sold over 28 million units worldwide. We've already explored the eleventh generation in detail in previous articles (linked here and here), so we'll focus on the differences with the Hybrid version. For the 2025 model year, the compact sedan received a facelift, featuring an updated front fascia, refreshed headlights, and new wheels, while the modern interior remains unchanged. The most significant change is the revival of the Civic Hybrid, which had been absent for several years. The Insight and Clarity models had shoes too big to fill and could never truly replicate its success.
The Honda Civic Hybrid is powered by a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine, which is coupled to two electric motors and an eCVT, which combine for a total output of 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, the highest numbers of all three competitors. The vehicle only puts the power down to the front wheels and sprints faster than the sportier Civic Si to 100 kph, clocking in at 6.3 seconds! The lack of AWD is not a problem for the popular compact. Cruising around the city, the powertrain is smooth and linear while maximizing the use of the electric motor to provide better fuel economy; of course, driving on the highway is still a breeze. The brakes are not squishy, and the suspension is firm enough for a pleasant daily ride. The steering is quick and provides enough feedback while not being too assisted, and handling is also improved to make the car feel tight in corners. Finally, we finished the week at 4.9L/100km combined (48 mpg), nearly matching the official figure.
Conclusion
The three vehicles mentioned above, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid, are all great models, each with its strengths. The Corolla is the cheapest way to buy a new hybrid vehicle in 2025. The Prius has better styling, the largest infotainment display, and the most features of all three. Finally, the Civic is the most fun to drive. It doesn't feature an awkward gauge cluster while offering a better driving experience and a reasonable price tag; they are the main reason we opt for the Honda Civic Hybrid for the proverbial gold medal. Its downside is the lack of all-wheel drive compared to its competitors and that the hybrid powertrain is reserved for the highest trims (Sport and Sport Touring). With the Prius finishing second and the Corolla in third position, these are three excellent choices in the hybrid world.
Disclaimer: Toyota and Honda have lent us these vehicles as press vehicles for one week. We have no affiliation with Toyota and Honda Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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