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Writer's pictureTurbocharged

Five Hybrids That Are Actually Cool

Hybrids are one of the best ways to save on gas and take care of the environment without going fully electric. However, these efficient powertrains are often still connected to the quirky cars that first started the hybrid craze, including the Toyota Prius and first-gen Honda Insight. As more electrified cars come to market, there are a few that stand out, but in a good way.


1. Ferrari 296 GTB




While there are several exciting hybrids out there, the best one has to be the Ferrari. The Italian supercar has a turbocharged V6 paired with an electric motor, which produces a total output of 819 horsepower. A shorter wheelbase compared to other Ferraris makes the 296 more nimble on the road, and four drive modes tune the supercar's performance for different driving preferences. A new exhaust system retains the V6's character, making the 296 GTB sound like anything but a hybrid.


2. Ford Maverick Hybrid




Ford's newest addition to its best-selling truck lineup, the Maverick, is such a hit that the company can't make enough of them. This compact truck offers impressive packaging versatility for an amazing value. Entry level Mavericks pack a standard hybrid powertrain, and it delivers better performance and efficiency than non-hybrid counterparts. The system combines a 2.5 liter inline four with a permanent-magnet electric motor, which earns an EPA rating of 42/33/37 city/highway/combined, respectively. The Maverick Hybrid can handle as much payload as you would want to throw at a small truck, and plentiful storage cubbies abound in the Hybrid's impressive cabin. Ford turned sour materials into sweet ones, with vibrant orange accents made of hard plastic. The two-tone seating resembles denim, which gives it a stylish finish that no other truck can brag about.


3. Lexus LC500h




Much like the rest of the lineup, Lexus' posh two-door coupe offers a hybrid variant. It remains just as potent as the gas-powered offering, while smashing competitors in terms of efficiency. The hybridized V6 replaces the standard LC's V8, and it is accompanied by two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Despite being 150 pounds heavier than the combustion LC, this hybrid returns a 5-second 0-60 time. It also feels quite composed on sharp turns, and steering is robust at higher speeds. The suspension keeps occupants comfortable in the LC's luxurious cabin, soaking up most of the road's imperfections.


4. Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid




The Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid is so good, we'd consider it more powerful than the Panamera Turbo. Hybrids do that sometimes. This Panamera's twin-turbocharged 2.9 liter V6 is used in several other cars from Porsche and Audi, but this powertrain differentiates itself from those S6s and Cayennes with a 134-horsepower electric motor. In all, this sleek four-door makes 552 horsepower, which is just enough to reign supreme over its Panamera Turbo predecessor. However, it massively undercuts the Turbo S's 620 horses. Inside, the simplistic interior feels more relaxing than the high-tech Taycan EV, and occupants will appreciate the E-Hybrid's premium materials. From the driver's seat, this bold yet efficient Panamera is as close to an electric car as a gas Porsche can get, yet it has a character that no EV could ever match.


5. Toyota Tundra Capstone




Toyota's latest Tundra is an amazing truck, and is better than its decade-old predecessor in so many ways. The flagship Capstone trim, though, is something that Ford and GM don't have in their truck lineups. The Tundra Capstone is about as luxurious as a Toyota pickup can get, with premium materials, ambient lighting, acoustic interior glass, a 14-inch infotainment display, a panoramic moonroof, and an endless roster of features. At the heart of Toyota's luxurious truck is the Tundra's new I-Force Max Hybrid Powertrain, which takes a powerful twin-turbo V6 and combines it with an electric motor connected to the 10-speed automatic transmission. However, EPA ratings remain in the 20's, but keep in mind that this is no four-door hatchback.


In your opinion, which hybrid is the coolest?

Images: Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, Porsche, Toyota

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