Tired of Boring Hybrid SUVs? These 10 Hybrid Cars Offer AWD and Are More Fun

Yahoo

19 hours ago

As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, hybrids are becoming a bigger part of the mainstream car market. That means that gas-electric powertrains are no longer relegated to boring, efficiency-minded segments. A hybrid SUV may seem like a natural choice if you seek a hybrid with all-wheel drive, but we here at R&T think that cars are more fun than crossovers. Fortunately, there are both budget-priced and higher-end performance hybrid sedans, coupes, wagons, and hatchbacks that are available with AWD. Several of these vehicles also pack a big power punch to go along with their reduced emissions. Listed in no particular order, these are our favorite non-SUV hybrid models that can be had with all-wheel drive in 2025.
More Car Rankings: Hybrids with the Best MPG | Best Hybrid SUVs | Most Fun-to-Drive Hybrids | Fastest HybridsA list about hybrids wouldn't be complete without mention of the venerable Toyota Prius. While the car comes standard with front-wheel drive across the lineup, Toyota does offer an all-wheel-drive option that uses an extra electric motor on the rear axle. Working with the 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine up front, total powertrain output is rated at 196 hp. It'll deliver up to 53 mpg city and 54 mpg highway as well.
The Prius' AWD System Is More Hybrid Supercar Than Economy CarThe BMW M5 finding its way onto a list about all-wheel-drive hybrids would've seemed like sacrilege even just five years ago. Regardless of that, the new M5 is nothing to sneeze at. A familiar 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine provides 577 hp and 553 lb-ft on its own, but works with a single electric motor to provide a total output of 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. A 14.8-kWh battery pack feeds the system, providing around 25 miles of EV range. While the sedan is great, we'd have to go for the wagon, which brings up to 58 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. You can also disable the front axle in either version of the car, giving it drifting capability and providing the best of both worlds. The only real caveat is the rather portly curb weight.
Tested: 2025 BMW M5 TouringThe entire Camry lineup has gone hybrid for the 2025 model year, with Toyota offering two different powertrains to choose from. The entry-level models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that combine for 225 horsepower. If you want all-wheel drive, you'll need to step up to the more potent setup, which adds a third electric motor. Total output is 232 horsepower.
Tested: 2025 Toyota Camry XSEIt may not have the V-8 engine of its predecessor, but the C63 S E Performance is not one to discount. A turbocharged inline-four works together with a rear-mounted electric motor to provide the AMG with 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. That makes it significantly more powerful than its Cadillac or BMW rivals in the segment, though it does come with the penalty of weight. The all-electric mode isn't entirely useful either, achieving only around 6 miles of range from the the 4.8-kWh battery pack.
It Could Soon Switch to Inline-Six PowerAfter a brief hiatus, the Mercedes-AMG E53 has returned as the mid-level sedan offering from Affalterbach. Like the C63, the E53 has adopted a hybrid powertrain across the model line, consisting of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a single electric motor. Total output is rated at 604 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, which sure don't sound like "junior AMG" figures. Thanks to a relatively large 21.2-kWh battery, the sedan can even go nearly 45 miles on pure electric range. Work both parts of the powertrain together and you'll turn 59 MPGe as well.
There's Even a Wagon Version Coming to the U.S.The Crown is the largest sedan that Toyota makes, as it serves as replacement for the Avalon. You would be forgiven for thinking that this raised four-door is a Lexus product, though, especially given its nice interior appointments. Every Crown comes as standard as a hybrid, with most trims utilizing a 236-hp all-wheel-drive powertrain. Opt for the range-topping Platinum trim, however, and you'll receive a turbocharged engine, which helps boost output up to 340 horsepower. The Platinum also ditches the lower trim's CVT for a proper automatic gearbox, which makes for a more enjoyable driving experience all around.
More Info on the CrownThe Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid makes up for its mouthful of a name by delivering truly impressive performance. Up front sits a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which works in tandem with a single electric motor to provide up to 771 horsepower. Thanks to the rapid-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission, the large sedan can rip off a ludicrously quick 0-60 mph sprint of just 2.8 seconds. You can drive the plug-in hybrid Turbo S in full electric mode, too with about 30 miles of EV range provided by the 21.8-kWh battery pack.
The Turbo S E-Hybrid Is a 202-MPH SedanThere is a reason that the Mercedes-Benz S-class has dominated the full-size luxury sedan segment for decades. The S580e might not be the most exciting version of the S-Class, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to love here. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a single electric motor, which combine to produce 510 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That sort of power allows the large sedan to hit 60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a large car capable of driving nearly 50 miles on pure electric power. The luxurious appointments certainly don't hurt, nor does the standard air-spring suspension setup.
The AMG S63 Performance Version Is Also Now a HybridThe BMW 7-series may have rather polarizing styling, but it is hard to argue against the amount of luxury on offer. Optional cashmere upholstery, a 36-speaker audio system, and a 31-inch theater screen with 8K resolution are just a few highlights. For those looking to travel a bit more efficiently, BMW offers the plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive model, which is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a electric motor. Total output is an impressive 483 horsepower. Other 7-series models do feature a 48-volt hybrid setup, but they don't come with the added benefit of the 750e hybrid's electric-only range.
There's Also an Electric Version Called the i7There is a reason that the Bentley Continental continues to make appearances at our annual Performance Car of the Year tests. The luxury coupe shares its bones with the Porsche Panamera these days, and packs a similar twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. Output in the Speed is a healthy 771 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers around 40 miles of pure electric range, allowing you to really lean into those luxury trappings. When you do put your foot down, however, the Bentley is happy to rip off a 0-60 mph sprint of just 2.8 seconds.
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