Cars from Hyundai and Volvo claimed five of the top 10 spots on U.S. News & World Report's ranking of the best electric and hybrid vehicles for 2024, while Tesla is shut out.
Testers with the publication evaluated nearly 100 EVs and hybrids, scoring them based on price, driving range, performance and other factors. The best EVs offer a mix of power, speed and fast-charging capabilities, said John Vincent, senior editor for vehicle testing.
"Today there's an electric vehicle for almost every segment of the market," he told CBS MoneyWatch. "Electric cars are our future. They're going to come faster than some people think, and they really solve a lot of problems."
For now, however, many motorists remain unconvinced, with concerns about range, charging speeds and reliability. Although a record 1.2 million EVs were sold in the U.S. last year, according to Cox Automotive data, that amounted to just under 8% of the automobile market. EVs have more problems and are generally less reliable than gas-powered cars, according to a 2023 study from Consumer Reports.
Here are U.S. News' top 10 electric and hybrid vehicles for 2024.
Top Pick for Luxury Electric Car: Lucid Air
With a starting price of $69,076, the Lucid Air stands out as the luxury sedan with the longest driving range among all electric vehicles. A recent assessment by U.S. News highlighted its impressive features, earning it the title of a better Tesla Model S than the Tesla Model S itself. According to Vincent, "It's incredibly fast, it's incredibly efficient, and can drive 500 miles on a single charge."
Top Pick for Luxury Electric SUV: Volvo XC40 Recharge
For those in search of a luxury electric SUV, the Volvo XC40 Recharge emerges as the top choice. Priced at $52,450, this vehicle excels in safety with features like lane-departure warning and traffic-sign recognition. It boasts a range of 293 miles on a single charge, making it a compelling option in the electric SUV market.
Top Pick for Electric SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Featuring advanced safety technologies such as forward automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 secures its position as the best electric SUV. Starting at $41,800, this vehicle offers a driving range of 220 miles on a single charge, catering to both safety-conscious and eco-friendly drivers.
Top Pick for Electric Car: Hyundai Ioniq 6
For those in the market for an electric car, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 shines as a top contender. This spacious sedan, with seating for five, delivers a smooth ride according to U.S. News. The standard base model starts at $37,500, while the higher-end Limited model is priced at $53,650, offering a blend of affordability and luxury in the electric car segment.
Top Pick for Electric Truck: Ford F-150 Lightning
As the electric version of Ford's renowned F-150 pickup truck, the Ford F-150 Lightning stands out with one of the most spacious cabins in its class. According to U.S. News, the base model can tow 5,000 pounds, while the upgraded version can handle up to 7,700 pounds, making it a versatile and powerful choice for those in need of an electric truck.
"Transitioning from the traditional gas-powered F-150 to the F-150 Lightning may not result in a significant difference in performance," commented an automotive expert.
Top choice for luxury plug-in hybrid: Volvo S60 Recharge
Renowned for its swift battery charging capabilities, the Volvo S60 stands out in the market. It boasts the ability to fully charge in approximately nine hours using a 120-volt power outlet and around four hours with a 240-volt outlet. The S60 is available in five different models, with prices ranging from $51,950 to $58,550.
Top pick for plug-in hybrid: Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Drivers praise the Kia Sportage Plug-In for its smooth ride on uneven roads and its quick acceleration, going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 7 seconds, as reported by experts. This vehicle is offered in two models — the X-Line, starting at $39,490, or the X-Line Prestige, starting at $43,990.
Best choice for hybrid vehicle: Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is equipped with a wide array of advanced driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, as highlighted by experts. It is available in five models, with prices ranging from $28,855 to $34,295.
Top Picks in the Hybrid SUV Category
When it comes to hybrid SUVs, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid stands out for its spacious interior and towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. With four different models to choose from, prices range between $32,575 and $39,715.
Leading the Luxury Hybrid Segment
For those seeking luxury in a hybrid vehicle, the Lexus NX Hybrid is a top choice. Boasting leather upholstery, a large touch screen, and a head-up display, this vehicle offers both style and functionality. The Lexus NX comes in five models, with prices ranging from $43,465 to $60,005.
