10 Hybrids And PHEVs That Feel Like A Mercedes But Cost Like A Toyota

Hybrid cars are experiencing a surge in demand across the United States, while traditional luxury car sales are facing an unexpected decline. The rise in popularity of gasoline-electric hybridization has sparked a

growing interest in hybrid vehicles
, prompting brands to invest more capital in the segment.

Mercedes-Benz has been making a dedicated push towards gasoline-electric hybridization in a bid to

slow its full electrification strategy down
to a more realistic pace. Despite this, the brand is still struggling to refine its pricing, resulting in its cheapest non-MHEV hybrid, the GLE 350e 4Matic, starting at an incredibly high $64,350, despite not featuring a very comprehensive list of standard features.

Thankfully, if you are looking to spend your money on a brand-new HEV that matches the German brand’s refinement and standard equipment levels, there are plenty of options for you to consider that won’t cost more than what you would spend on your average Toyota. As you can expect, there are a lot of Toyota-based products that we feature on this list, but there are some alternatives that will pleasantly surprise you.

10

Lexus UX Hybrid – $37,715

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100

J.D. Power gives the Lexus UX range an 81/100 overall score, including an 85/100 quality and reliability and 72/100 driving experience rating. Pricing starts at $37,715 for the entry-level front-wheel-drive model, which includes dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and Washi interior trimmings as standard. The Lexus UX 250h features a naturally aspirated MA20-FXS 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine producing 143 horsepower and 133 pound-feet. A permanent magnet motor in the eCVT helps increase the power to 181 horsepower.

Performance Specifications

The electric motor, producing 107 horsepower, offers limited EV capabilities at low speeds due to the compact 1.4 kWh nickel-hydride battery. Despite the F-Sport package, the

Lexus UX 250h
is not a performance model. This is clear from its 0-60 MPH time of 8.4 seconds for the front-wheel drive and 8.2 seconds for the all-wheel drive. However, some tests show the front-wheel drive model only achieves 60 MPH from a standstill in 8.6 seconds. Both drivetrains have a top speed of 112 MPH.

Pros

• Impressive fuel consumption returns
• Dependable drivetrain
• Urban-friendly proportions

Cons

• Unintuitive controls
• Cramped interior
• Poor rear-seat access and comfort

9

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – $37,800

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 79/100

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid makes a very strong first impression with a noticeably high 82/100 overall score from J.D. Power, including 79/100 for quality and reliability, 90/100 for the driving experience, and 91/100 for resale. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s pricing kicks off at $37,800 for the base SEL front-wheel-drive. Specifying all-wheel-drive increases the price by $1,800. Key standard features include H-Tex seat upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Performance Specifications

The new

Santa Fe Hybrid
maintains the previous model’s turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and single electric motor configuration, but with an increased 227-horsepower output, available with a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system. The EPA indicates that the model will return a 34 to 36 MPG result, depending on which drivetrain you opt for. Hyundai will be introducing a PHEV derivative sometime this year, which benefits from an increased 268-horsepower output.

Pros

• Impressive acceleration speeds
• Spacious interior setting
• Plush ride

Cons

• Certain fussy controls
• Stiff brake pedal
• Cumbersome touchscreen

8

Mazda CX-70 – $40,445

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: N/A

The

Mazda CX-70
is a slightly larger midsize SUV option available with MHEV and PHEV drivetrain options. It’s another model that J.D. Power has not reviewed, but has already developed a reputation for being a very upmarket HEV option. The former features Mazda’s proprietary turbocharged 3.3-liter straight-six connected to an eight-speed automatic that incorporates a 48-volt mild-hybrid starter motor. The base derivative produces 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 7.1-second 0-60 MPH time and a limited 130 MPH top speed. The S generates 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet, which will get you from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds. According to the EPA’s estimates, both models will cover 462 miles on a single tank and return a combined 25 MPG fuel consumption. You’ll also get to tow as much as 5,000 pounds.

2025 Mazda CX-70 Performance Specifications

The PHEV model retains Toyota’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter system, but instead incorporates a more prominent electric drive system that increases the system output to 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. You can expect this to cover 0-60 MPH in 5.9 seconds, but you have to make do with a lower 3,500-pound towing capacity. The EPA estimates that the

PHEV CX-70
will cover a total of 490 miles on a single tank of gas. The 17.8 kWh battery pack covers it for an additional 26 miles. You can expect this to return 25 MPG when operating on gas, while the combined system consumption estimate comes in at 56 MPGe or 58 kWh per 100 miles.

Pros

• Attractive fuel consumption returns
• Good ease of access to the cabins
• High-quality interior touches

Cons

• Fussy controls
• Limited outward visibility
• Loud road noise

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7

Toyota Crown – $41,440

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 81/100

The Toyota Crown enjoys a relatively high 82/100 overall score from J.D. Power, which constitutes an 81/100 quality and reliability, 82/100 driving experience, and 86/100 resale scores. Pricing for the entry-level XLE starts at $41,440, which includes leather seat upholstery, front heated, ventilated, and electrically adjustable seats, and a dual 12.3-inch combination digital instrument cluster and infotainment system configuration.

Performance Specifications

The

base Crown Hybrid trim
features a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that drive all four wheels. The system generates a combined 236 horsepower to the wheels via a direct-drive eCVT unit. The EPA estimates this high-riding sedan will return 41 MPG on the combined cycle and cover 594 miles on a single tank. Opting for the flagship Platinum model gets you access to the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid configuration, producing a combined 340 horsepower.

Pros

• Good fuel consumption returns
• Good ease of access to the cabin
• Spacious cargo area

Cons

• Inconvenient trunk release
• Sunroof doesn’t open
• Obscure exterior styling

6

Toyota Crown Signia – $43,790

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: N/A

The Toyota Crown Signia has not been reviewed by J.D. Power, which is why we are putting it at the very top of this list. We’re option to include it, because many reviews highlight how premium this model feels, despite its very competitive $43,790 starting price tag. Key standard features on the base XLE derivative include leather seat upholstery, front seat heating and ventilation, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Performance Specifications

The

Crown Signia
features the brand’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with a pair of permanent-magnet synchronous motors that drive all four wheels with a 240-horsepower output at 6,000 RPM. Toyota doesn’t declare a combined torque output, but we know that the engine produces 163 pound-feet, while the motors twist out 89 pound-feet at the front and 199 pound-feet at the rear. Toyota claims that this will cover a 0-60 MPH sprint in 7.1 seconds before reaching a 125 MPH top speed limit. The Signia runs on Toyota’s standard hybrid drivetrain, meaning it employs a direct-drive eCVT as opposed to a conventional transmission system.

Pros

• High interior quality level
• Attractive exterior design
• Efficient drivetrain

Cons

• Noisy at higher revs
• Limited rear visibility
• Smaller than it looks

5

Toyota Grand Highlander – $44,210

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 76/100

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is one of the very few new vehicle options that’s available with

two different hybrid powertrains
. The hybrid range starts with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder and dual-permanent-magnet derivative, but you can also choose the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder variation.

Performance Specifications

J.D. Power issues the

Grand Highlander
range with an 80/100 overall score, which includes 76/100 for quality and reliability, 79/100 for driving experience, and 91/100 for resale. The base LE starts at $44,210. Overall interior quality is impressive, but you’ll find this derivative a bit sparse when it comes to standard features, as it includes fabric seat upholstery and a basic six-speaker audio system as standard. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and you get to benefit from key features, including triple-zone climate control and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard.

Pros

• Great fuel economy
• Comfortable suspension
• Accommodating ease of access to the cabin

Cons

• Lacks handling prowess
• Fussy infotainment system
• Not as well-rounded as its rivals

4

Lexus ES Hybrid – $44,615

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 86/100

The Lexus ES is a stellar premium midsize sedan package, resulting in an 82/100 J.D. Power overall score, consisting of 88/100 for quality and reliability, 73/100 for driving experience, and 74/100 for resale. Pricing starts at $44,615 for the base 300h, which includes electrically adjustable and heated front seats, perforated NuLuxe upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.

Performance Specifications

The

ES Hybrid
also features a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, generating a combined 215 horsepower. According to the EPA, you can expect to enjoy a 581-mile range on a full tank and a very preferable 44 MPG on the combined cycle.

Pros

• Best-in-class fuel economy
• Amazing ride comfort
• Silent cabin and ride

Cons

• Controls can be a bit confusing
• Rear bench space is limited
• Styling is looking a bit dated

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3

Lexus NX Hybrid – $46,600

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 83/100

The Lexus NX Hybrid earns an 82/100 overall score from J.D. Power, joined by an 80/100 quality and reliability, 79/100 driving experience, and 84/100 resale score. Lexus kicks pricing off at $46,600 for the base derivative, which comes standard with dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, and Stippled Black interior fitments.

Performance Specifications

The NX Hybrid features the brand’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which

produces a combined 240 horsepower
to all four wheels using a direct drive eCVT. The EPA suggests you’ll get to cover 566 miles on a single tank while enjoying a 39 MPG consumption estimate on the combined cycle. The PHEV model features the same ICE with an additional electric motor and larger battery pack, increasing the combined output to 304 horsepower.

Pros

• Good interior fit and finish
• Attractive fuel consumption results
• Dynamic exterior styling

Cons

• Electronic door releases are a pain
• Limited exterior visibility
• Annoying gear selector

2

Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid – $51,890

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 69/100

The Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid is one of the more expensive models on this list, with its $51,890 starting price, but this is still quite a bit less than what you would pay for a Mercedes-Benz equivalent. J.D. Power issues the entire Nautilus range with a 75/100 consumer rating and 69/100 quality and reliability score. Key interior features include smoken woven aluminum trimmings, Lincoln’s soft touch seats, and front heated seats.

Performance Specifications

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid is a relatively new product to the Ford-owned luxury brand, which features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a combined 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via a direct-drive eCVT. This results in a claimed 6.9-second 0-60 MPH time and 126 MPH top speed figures.

The EPA estimates that this upmarket hybrid crossover will return a 30 MPG fuel consumption figure on its combined cycle, but it is yet to release how many miles it’ll cover on a single tank and charge from the 0.6 kWh battery pack. It’s also capable of towing up to 1,750 pounds worth of cargo.

Pros

• Great fuel consumption returns
• Silent cabin insulation
• Spacious rear bench

Cons

• Cumbersome handling
• Confusing vehicle controls
• Awkward driving position

2:51

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1

Lexus RX Hybrid – $52,775

J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score: 85/100

The Lexus RX benefits from an 85/100 overall score from J.D. Power, which includes an 85/100 quality and reliability, 82/100 driving experience, and 84/100 resale score. The base 350h starts at $52,775 and features NuLuxe seat upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and Black Cascade interior trimmings.

Performance Specifications

The

RX 350h Hybrid
features the Toyota Group’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and one permanent-magnet motor. This generates a combined 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet to all four wheels using a direct-drive eCVT. You can expect the most efficient model to cover 619 miles on a single tank and return a 36 MPG consumption rating on the combined cycle.

Pros

• Attractive fuel economy returns
• High quality cabin finishes
• Spacious rear seat

Cons

• Limited rear visibility
• Some confusing controls
• Powertrain lacks refinement