10 Hybrid Cars That Nobody Is Talking About

Mar 26, 2024

Forgotten in the passage of time, overshadowed by newer models, these 10 hybrid cars still packed quite the punch.

In the dynamic realm of automotive innovation, hybrid vehicles have undoubtedly assumed a pivotal role, presenting an eco-conscious and sustainable solution to curtail our carbon footprint and embrace a greener future. While renowned automakers such as Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet have rightly earned widespread acclaim for their well-established hybrid models, a discrete collection of hybrid cars has quietly emerged, often residing in the shadows and receiving scant attention. This lack of recognition can often be attributed to subpar marketing efforts that have impacted the global sales of these vehicles.

Nonetheless, this assemblage of lesser-known hybrids encompasses an intriguing array of models. These 10 hybrid vehicles have been forgotten in time, perhaps either due to their discontinuation or the ever-growing saturation of new hybrids entering the market. However, despite not being talked about in today's day, each model in its era packed quite a punch with its performance and features.

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The Cadillac ELR presents a compelling front-wheel-drive powertrain design, integrating a 17.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to propel the electric motor, delivering an all-electric range of 40 miles. The 2016 Cadillac ELR takes around 13 to 18.5 hours to charge completely using a 120V charger and its charging time is heavily dependent on the charging level and temperature outside. As a hybrid, its seamless inclusion of a 1.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine as an auxiliary energy source ensures continuous operation and a noteworthy engine output of 233 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque.

MSRP

$65,995

Engine

1.4-liter DOHC Inline-four cylinder

Drivetrain

FWD

Power Output

233 horsepower

0-60 MPH

6.4 seconds

Inside, the ELR envelops occupants in luxury, showcasing premium materials and Kona brown leather-clad comfortable front seats. In terms of practicality, the Cadillac ELR's coupe configuration restricts storage versatility, with non-folding rear seats limiting cargo capacity to 10.5 cubic-feet. The 2016 Cadillac ELR's interior features are notable, with an impressive gauge cluster housing a reconfigurable eight-inch LCD that provides comprehensive system information.

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid utilizes a distinctive Through-the-Road (TTR) system, facilitated by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission, and a 2WD drivetrain as a standard. Although, the HEMI hybrid comes with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine. As a hybrid SUV, the engine works alongside two electric motors, which produce a power output of 87 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. With its V-6 engine producing 210 horsepower, the 2009 Dodge hybrid SUV offers an outstanding output of 297 horsepower. It features two electric motors that propel the front wheels during acceleration and recuperate energy during braking.

MSRP

$45,340

Engine

3.7-liter V-6 or 5.7-liter V-8

Drivetrain

2WD with 4WD available as option

Power Output

297 horsepower or 376 horsepower

0-60 MPH

7.5 seconds

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid's off-road capabilities are less impressive compared to conventional four-wheel drive systems with a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. Perhaps its hefty weight could be a major contributing factor as it features one 150-pound battery, two electric motors weighing 75 pounds each, and electric plumbing that weighs 40 pounds. Although, Its saving grace is its expansive cargo capacity of 102.4 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded and its seating capacity of seven passengers.

Related: 10 Hybrid SUVs That Are Perfect For Long Road Trips

The Honda Accord V6 Hybrid comes with two engine types, with the 3.0-liter V-6 hybrid engine known to be the larger engine offer, which comes paired with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to form a hybrid powertrain. This front-wheel-drive hybrid offers a five-speed automatic transmission with its larger engine, which delivers a robust 253 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid's motor takes up about three cubic-feet worth of space as the hybrid offers a cargo capacity of 11 cubic feet while the sedan version offers 14 cubic-feet worth of space.

MSRP

$31,090

Engine

3.0-liter V-6 hybrid

Drivetrain

FWD

Power Output

253 horsepower

0-60 MPH

6.5 seconds

This hybrid vehicle by Honda, like most others in Honda's lineup, achieved a good range of efficiency of 28 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. It has a total range of 410.4 miles in the city courtesy of its 17.1-gallon fuel tank. Employing regenerative braking and surplus engine power, the 2007 Accord V-6 Hybrid operated as a conventional hybrid without plug-in capabilities. Honda Accord V6 Hybrid offers safety features, assuring a secure ride. However, despite its merits, intense competition from the non-hybrid Accord led to its discontinuation after the 2007 model year.

The Infiniti M35h Hybrid was an esteemed luxury hybrid sedan introduced by Infiniti - Nissan's prestigious luxury division. It featured a sophisticated hybrid powertrain that seamlessly combined a potent 3.5L V6 hybrid engine with an electric motor, culminating in an impressive total output of 360 horsepower. Its refined seven-speed shiftable automatic transmission efficiently harnessed this power, propelling the rear wheels to deliver outstanding performance and an adequate combined fuel efficiency of an EPA-estimated 29 MPG.

MSRP

$54,750

Engine

3.5-liter V-6 hybrid

Drivetrain

RWD

Power Output

360 horsepower

0-60 MPH

9.6 seconds

The Infiniti M35h Hybrid comes with a 17.8-gallon fuel tank and a 376 Volt lithium-ion battery pack, which allowed the M35h Infiniti hybrid to travel up to 12 miles on its battery. Inside, the M35h Hybrid exuded luxury, boasting a meticulously crafted interior adorned with premium materials and cutting-edge technology, such as Infiniti's InTouch infotainment system and Bose stereo system. While the model has been discontinued, its indelible impact endures as it inspires and drives further advancements in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies within the esteemed Infiniti lineup.

Related: 10 Hybrid SUVs That Are Perfect For City Driving

The Lexus HS 250h - a compact luxury hybrid sedan was an eco-conscious and fuel-efficient addition to Lexus' esteemed vehicle lineup. It featured a sophisticated hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.4-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine working in harmony with an electric motor employing the Atkinson cycle, culminating in an impressive combined system output of approximately 187 horsepower. Effortlessly distributing power, a seamlessly integrated continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmitted propulsive force to the front wheels of the HS 250h hybrid.

MSRP

$37,030

Engine

2.4-liter inline-four

Drivetrain

FWD

Power Output

187 horsepower

0-60 MPH

8.4 seconds

With a combined EPA estimated efficiency of 35 MPG, the total range of the 2010 hybrid model came up to an extensive 507 miles. Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to luxury, the HS 250h exhibited an opulent interior adorned with exquisite materials and cutting-edge technology. While production ceased after its 2012 model year due to moderate sales, the HS 250h's profound impact on blending upscale comfort with eco-efficiency continues to galvanize Lexus' relentless pursuit of innovation in hybrid and environmentally-conscious automotive offerings.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid epitomized luxury and innovation as a midsize SUV, boasting a sophisticated hybrid powertrain harmoniously blending a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine with two integrated electric motors. With a versatile two-mode hybrid system and an electric single-speed continuously variable transmission (ECVT), the vehicle seamlessly transitioned between electric-only, gasoline-only, or combined driving modes, yielding an impressive output of 335 horsepower. It features a 288V NiMH battery, ingeniously placed beneath the rear seat, complemented by a regenerative braking system for energy recovery.

MSRP

$55,790

Engine

3.5-liter V-6

Drivetrain

AWD

Power Output

335 horsepower

0-60 MPH

7.8 seconds

Evidencing Mercedes-Benz's unwavering commitment to sustainability, this SUV featured a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system with an adequate combined efficiency of 22 MPG. The 2010 ML450 Hybrid offered a plethora of advanced features mentioned below, encompassing stability control, active front head restraints, comprehensive airbag protection, a PRE-SAFE system, ATTENTION ASSIST, and DISTRONIC PLUS, ensuring utmost security for occupants. With this formidable combination of luxury, eco-friendliness, and cutting-edge safety, the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid firmly reinforced the brand's standing as a leader in luxurious and sustainable automotive solutions.

Related: 10 Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs In 2023

The Mercury Milan Hybrid, a sophisticated midsize hybrid sedan from Mercury - a division of Ford, made its debut in 2010. It seamlessly integrated a refined 2.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), resulting in a remarkable fuel efficiency with up to 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The thoughtfully designed interior prioritized comfort and practicality, featuring generous legroom of 42.3 inches at the front and exquisitely crafted seats, complemented by upscale amenities and cutting-edge infotainment systems.

MSRP

$28,180

Engine

2.5-liter DOHC Inline four-cylinder engine

Drivetrain

FWD

Power Output

191 horsepower

0-60 MPH

8.5 seconds

The 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid produced an adequate engine output of 191 horsepower and a torque of 166 pound-feet. With its 17-gallon fuel tank and permanent-magnet electric motor assist, the 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid is able to travel 612 miles. Safety was a priority, evidenced by antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, and rear parking sensors. Regrettably, the Milan Hybrid was discontinued after the 2011 model due to the phase-out of the Mercury brand by Ford in 2011.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid came with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a singular electric motor, resulting in a harmonious total output of 198 horsepower and a torque of 199 pound-feet. It featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. At the same time, it offered an adequate fuel efficiency of 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

MSRP

$24,990

Engine

2.5-liter Inline four-cylinder

Drivetrain

FWD

Power Output

198 horsepower

0-60 MPH

7.4 seconds

Regarding safety, it came with standard features, which includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability, and traction control. The vehicle offered optional luxuries such as a sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats, Bluetooth, navigation, and an upgraded stereo, appealing to discerning drivers seeking enhanced comfort and technology. With a spacious and comfortable interior and a trunk capacity of 10.1 cubic feet, the Altima Hybrid emerged as an enticing choice in the realm of premium hybrid sedans.

Related: 10 Gamechanging Hybrid Vehicles That Hit The Market

The Nissan Murano Hybrid was a hybrid midsize SUV that was sold in the US in 2016 and 2017. The Nissan Murano Hybrid came with an impressive hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter Inline four-cylinder engine, delivering an output of 250 horsepower, where 20 horsepower was accounted for by its singular electric motor. Drivers had the option to choose between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations, each offering notable fuel efficiency with 28 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Safety was paramount, as the 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid offered most of the ADAS features you'd find today.

MSRP

$40,950

Engine

2.5-liter Inline four-cylinder

Drivetrain

FWD and AWD

Power Output

250 horsepower

0-60 MPH

7.5 seconds

The interior exuded spaciousness and luxury, adorned with leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, an eight-inch touchscreen, and a wireless charging pad. Embodying elegance and technological prowess, the 2016 Nissan Murano Hybrid emerged as a distinguished choice for discerning drivers seeking a refined hybrid SUV experience.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid embodied a harmonious blend of efficiency and performance, driven by its hybrid powertrain, the 2016 Subaru hybrid produced a power output of 160 horsepower and a torque of 163 pound-feet. Demonstrating its eco-friendly prowess, this model achieved an adequate fuel efficiency of 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Crosstrek hybrid's charging flexibility enabled quick replenishment in as little as two to five hours through various power outlets or charging stations.

MSRP

$25,995

Engine

2.0-liter Flat four-cylinder

Drivetrain

AWD

Power Output

160 horsepower

0-60 MPH

9.0 seconds

The Subaru XV Crosstrek hybrid also offered optional luxuries like a moon roof, Harman Kardon sound system, heated steering wheel, and navigation system. Its interior exuded comfort and convenience with leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Its versatility ad practicality further shone through with its 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 43.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid encapsulated Subaru's commitment to sustainable engineering, safety, and driving pleasure.

As a child Aliza was fascinated with the world of science-fiction, a time where electric vehicles was an entity one could only possess in the future. Since the emergance of EVs the passion for seeking knowledge over this sustainable mode of transportation was planted within her mind. Thus began a love story between her passion for writing, sustainability, and all things electrical.