10 Hybrid Vehicles That Are Surprisingly Fast

Hybrids are currently swarming the market in just about every segment, and it makes sense why. They can run on the same infrastructure that has powered ICE vehicles for ages while saving you tons of money on fuel. Another added bonus is that some of them use their electric power to become insanely quick.

While not everyone is on board with the trend, hybrid vehicles have become this generation’s sleeper cars. There are plenty of options out there that look downright dull but are equipped with enough power to leave sports cars behind them. They achieve this all while being infinitely more efficient than their gas-only counterparts.

We’ve found ten hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles across different segments that are much quicker than you’d expect. These vehicles are traditionally a little dull but feature zero to 60 times that are beyond impressive. We also detail what helps them stand out in their respective segments.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed. Models are ranked based on their zero to 60 times, with the quickest at number one.

10

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

0-60 MPH: 6.6 Seconds

While Mitsubishi’s position in North America is a little bit perilous at the moment, the Outlander still remains a pretty good option in the compact SUV segment. The 2025 model is the only compact crossover this year to offer three rows of seats. It also features a surprisingly upscale interior, especially if you opt for one of the more expensive trims.

Performance Specifications

The Outlander PHEV may look fairly simple, but its plug-in hybrid powertrain offers a surprising amount of grunt. Put your foot down, and you’ll find that the hybrid version of Mitsubishi’s SUV is much quicker than its gas-only sibling. Unfortunately, that is where the excitement ends, as the Outlander is otherwise a pretty dull vehicle to drive.

Pros

• Refined interior
• Great ride quality
• One of the best warranty packages out there

Cons

• Very boring behind the wheel
• Third row is very cramped
• Fuel efficiency does not excite

9

2025 Honda Civic Hybrid

0-60 MPH: 6.2 Seconds

The Honda Civic is a car that people will suggest if you’re looking for something cheap and reliable. Usually, performance is reserved for the Civic Si or the Type R. However, with a new hybrid powertrain on the table for the 2025 model year, the base Civic will surprise you with how quick it can be, adding to the already exceptional value of this little car.

Performance Specifications

One of the best things about the Civic is how enjoyable it is to drive. That’s why the Civic Si is such an appealing option. However, the Civic Hybrid comes with a big bump in power over the regular gas-powered model, making it a pretty solid alternative. In fact, the Civic Hybrid is actually a little bit quicker off the line than the Si.

Pros

• Fantastic exterior styling
• More spacious than you’d think
• Excellent value for money

Cons

• Hybrid models are much more expensive than gas ones
• Dashboard is a little bit busy
• Base infotainment system is underwhelming

8

2025 Mazda CX-90 Hybrid

0-60 MPH: 5.9 Seconds

Mazda has been pushing more towards the upscale market by the day. The pinnacle that they’ve reached so far is the three-row CX-90, which replaces the now discontinued CX-9. With brilliant curb appeal and a fantastically laid-out cabin, top trims can easily take on SUVs from more premium brands at a fraction of the cost.

Performance Specifications

The CX-90 is a plug-in hybrid, and can get up to 25 miles of all-electric range. More important, however, is the boost in power it gets from its electric motors. Despite looking somewhat like a boat, the CX-90 has plenty of hustle when you need it to. It also certainly delivers on the athleticism that Mazda is known for, handling corners much better than its size might suggest.

Pros

• Genuinely plush interior
• Playful exhaust note
• Handles like a pro

Cons

• Infotainment system is overly complicated
• Third row isn’t super spacious
• Confusing shifter and climate control knobs

7

2025 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

0-60 MPH: 5.6 Seconds

Toyota has gone all in on hybrid power, with most of the vehicles in its current lineup offering you the choice of electrical assistance. This includes their pickup trucks, with the full-size Tundra getting their i-Force MAX powertrain. People may be dubious about the loss of the V-8, but Toyota’s large truck is just as capable and powerful as it has ever been.

Performance Specifications

The Tundra can tow up to 11,450 pounds and 1,680 pounds in the bed, but what will impress you most is how quickly it can get up to speed. Full torque is available at 2,400 RPM, meaning that the second you put your foot flat this big truck is going to fly. The hybrid model is 0.4 seconds quicker than the gas-only model and can even travel on electric power alone at low speeds.

Pros

• Very torque-heavy powertrain
• Fantastic infotainment system
• Rides impressively well on tarmac

Cons

6

2025 Toyota Sequoia

0-60 MPH: 5.6 Seconds

The Sequoia shares its platform with the Tundra. However, where the hybrid i-Force MAX powertrain is optional in the Tundra, it is standard in Toyota’s full-size SUV. The Sequoia features a cavernous interior, with tons of space in all three rows. In any form, this behemoth can handle most tasks you’d throw at it all while carrying the whole family around too.

Performance Specifications

The Sequoia delivers almost identical performance to the Tundra pickup truck. This SUV is just as massive too, and you would never be able to tell that it runs from zero to 60 so quickly. Thanks to its hybrid system, it also beats many of its direct competitors when it comes to fuel efficiency.

Pros

• Impressive towing capacity
• TRD equipment makes it an off-road machine
• More efficient than most full-size SUVs

Cons

• Third row is less spacious than in its competitors
• Same story when it comes to cargo space
• Feels like a boat from behind the wheel

5

2025 Toytoa RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

0-60 MPH: 5.4 Seconds

The compact crossover segment was essentially built on the back of the RAV4. It ditched gimmicks and complexities and Toyota delivered a genuinely practical vehicle that was cheap to buy and run. The plug-in hybrid, previously known as the RAV4 Prime, may be a little more expensive, but it continues to deliver on the core ideology behind the crossover.

Performance Specifications

When it comes to performance, the RAV4 has historically had a somewhat meek reputation. However, the range-topping plug-in hybrid model features much more power than you’d expect. Floor it, and you’re guaranteed to take people by surprise. It also features an 18.1-kWh battery pack that can deliver up to 42 miles of electric-only range.

Pros

• Super impressive fuel economy
• Loads of interior storage
• Fantastic electric range

Cons

• Not exciting to drive
• When on gas-power, the engine can sound coarse
• Very simple interior

4

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

0-60 MPH: 5.3 Seconds

Jeep is known for building SUVs that can conquer any kind of terrain. However, in recent times, they’ve attempted to move slightly more upscale, building vehicles that are as comfortable as they are capable. The Grand Cherokee is a perfect example of this approach, and the 4xe adds a potent plug-in hybrid powertrain to the mix.

Performance Specifications

Where most automakers create plug-in hybrids to improve economy and deliver electric-only range, there are more and more cases where the electric system is all about power. The 4xe uses its torque-happy powertrain to absolutely rocket to 60 miles per hour from a standstill. Most notably, it is 0.3 seconds quicker than the now discontinued V-8 model.

Pros

• Tons of power
• 26 miles of electric range
• Proper off-road capability

Cons

• Lurches at low speeds
• Pretty pricey
• Not that much more efficient than the gas-only model

3

2025 Toyota Crown Platinum

0-60 MPH: 5.1 Seconds

Toyota generally leaves luxury to Lexus, focusing more on practical mainstream offerings. However, the Crown crosses the boundary a little bit. This upscale sedan is a hybrid-only model and features an incredibly plush ride and a cabin that you’d usually find in a much more premium brand. In Platinum trim, it also gets a pretty powerful powertrain too.

Performance Specifications

The regular Crown is no slouch, making the zero to 60 run in 7.1 seconds, but the Platinum just turns things up to the extreme. The Crown’s identity is definitely cloaked in luxury, with a plush ride and a strangely raised suspension, but the more powerful model turns it into something that is genuinely exciting to get behind the wheel of. The Platinum model even comes with an adaptive suspension to sharpen things up.

Pros

• A plush as any Lexus
• Impressive efficiency
• Loaded with standard features

Cons

• Exterior styling is confusing
• JBL sound system is dissapointing
• Missing badge prestige

2

2025 Volvo XC60 PHEV

0-60 MPH: 4.2 Seconds

Volvo has built their brand on a platform of upscale sensibility. Generally, their demographic is people who seek comfort and safety without any of the flashiness that some other premium brands opt for. If you passed the compact XC60 on the street, that is certainly the impression it would give you. However, the plug-in hybrid model has a few tricks up its sleeve.

Performance Specifications

Volvo pairs a turbocharged four-banger with an electric motor to produce an insane amount of power in the PHEV XC60. While the Volvo features a plush ride and instills you with confidence, it never feels particularly sporty. Despite this, it still has the ability to leave Toyota GR Supras, Audi S4s, and Mustang GTs in its rearview mirror.

Pros

• Fantastic standard all-wheel drive system
• Elegant inside and out
• Most desirable features are standard

Cons

• Ride is a bit too firm sometimes
• Costs a pretty penny
• Ever so slightly outdated

1

2025 Volvo S60 PHEV

0-60 MPH: 4.1 Seconds

The S60 often gets overlooked in its segment, up against some big names in the form of the BMW 3-Series, the Audi A5, and the Genesis G70. However, we think there are still plenty of reasons to opt for the Swedish sedan. Once again, Volvo opts for a quieter luxury than some of its competitors, letting its sleek styling, great tech, and comfortable cabin do the talking.

Performance Specifications

Under the hood, you’ll find the same powertrain as the XC60 PHEV. However, thanks to its smaller and lighter frame, the S60 is even quicker to 60 miles per hour. Beyond acceleration, the S60 isn’t a particularly sporty sedan, with soft tuning across the board, but it still has enough grunt to feel exceptionally quick.

Pros

• Fantastic design inside and out
• Front seats are absurdly comfortable
• Understated elegance

Cons

• Not particularly energetic in the corners
• Interior space is lower than some rivals
• Seating position is particularly low