Best Family Hybrid Cars for 2025
These are the best family hybrid cars ranked by iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle’s reliability and NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings, along with key family-friendly features.
The best family hybrid car is the Toyota Prius (hatchback) with an iSeeCars’ Family Car Score of 9.4 out of 10. Family Car Score factors in both the reliability (based on iSeeCars’ proprietary analysis of a vehicle’s longevity) and safety (based on NHTSA and IIHS ratings) of each vehicle. In addition, iSeeCars considers the family friendly features each vehicle has across safety, storage and towing, comfort, and connectivity to rank the best family vehicles. The second best family hybrid car is the Toyota Camry Hybrid with a Family Car Score of 9.4. Ranked third is the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid with a rating of 8.9.
Families seeking high safety scores and high fuel economy should consider the hybrid models on this list. All of these car utilize a hybrid powertrain consisting of both a gas engine and an electric motor. By combining these two forms of power, a hybrid vehicle improves fuel efficiency compared to a non-hybrid version of a similar car. Buyers will see the better fuel economy ratings and longer driving range if they compare specs between a hybrid and gasoline vehicle.
To achieve even higher fuel economy ratings, a plug-in hybrid offers a larger battery pack and between 20 and 60 miles of pure electric range before the internal combustion engine fires up. These hybrid variants have to be plugged in regularly to charge the larger battery, but when fully charged they operate much like an electric car, meaning no fuel use or exhaust emission. Plug-in hybrids cost less than a fully electric car, and because they have an engine they can keep driving even when the battery pack is empty — meaning none of the range anxiety associated with electric vehicles.
New car hybrid shoppers needing a roomy third-row or more second-row legroom should read our best hybrid SUVs list. The crossovers and SUVs on that list also feature a hybrid system, allowing them to offer practicality and the all-weather confidence of all-wheel-drive (AWD), plus with fuel efficiency ratings SUV buyers may not expect. The top-ranked models also include family-friendly standard features, like large touchscreens with intuitive infotainment systems and on-board wifi to keep family members entertained during long road trips.
Popular hybrid SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have been joined in recent years by the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX90, and Volkswagen Tiguan as the automotive industry expands its hybrid offerings. Luxury SUVs like the BMW X5, Lexus NX, and Mercedes-Benz GLC are also available for family shoppers seeking upscale styling and a premium nameplate paired with enhanced fuel efficiency.
Families seeking high safety scores and high fuel economy should consider the hybrid models on this list. All of these car utilize a hybrid powertrain consisting of both a gas engine and an electric motor. By combining these two forms of power, a hybrid vehicle improves fuel efficiency compared to a non-hybrid version of a similar car. Buyers will see the better fuel economy ratings and longer driving range if they compare specs between a hybrid and gasoline vehicle.
To achieve even higher fuel economy ratings, a plug-in hybrid offers a larger battery pack and between 20 and 60 miles of pure electric range before the internal combustion engine fires up. These hybrid variants have to be plugged in regularly to charge the larger battery, but when fully charged they operate much like an electric car, meaning no fuel use or exhaust emission. Plug-in hybrids cost less than a fully electric car, and because they have an engine they can keep driving even when the battery pack is empty — meaning none of the range anxiety associated with electric vehicles.
New car hybrid shoppers needing a roomy third-row or more second-row legroom should read our best hybrid SUVs list. The crossovers and SUVs on that list also feature a hybrid system, allowing them to offer practicality and the all-weather confidence of all-wheel-drive (AWD), plus with fuel efficiency ratings SUV buyers may not expect. The top-ranked models also include family-friendly standard features, like large touchscreens with intuitive infotainment systems and on-board wifi to keep family members entertained during long road trips.
Popular hybrid SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have been joined in recent years by the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX90, and Volkswagen Tiguan as the automotive industry expands its hybrid offerings. Luxury SUVs like the BMW X5, Lexus NX, and Mercedes-Benz GLC are also available for family shoppers seeking upscale styling and a premium nameplate paired with enhanced fuel efficiency.
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Family Car Score
9.4
/ 10
- Starting MSRP: $27,950
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.9
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.6
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
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Family Car Score
9.4
/ 10
- Starting MSRP: $28,855
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.9
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.2
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
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Family Car Score
8.9
/ 10
- Starting MSRP: $30,800
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.9
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.7
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
-
Family Car Score
8.7
/ 10
- Starting MSRP: $32,895
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.4
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.2
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
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Family Car Score
7.8
/ 10
- Starting MSRP: $32,975
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
5.7
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.6
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
-
Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $37,685
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
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Value Retention
8.0
/ 10
-
Safety
9.0
/ 10
-
Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $50,765
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.4
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
-
Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $41,440
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.8
/ 10
-
Safety
8.0
/ 10
-
Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $26,250
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
8.1
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
-
Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $23,500
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
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Value Retention
8.4
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Ford Fusion (hybrid)
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $29,540
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.2
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.6
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Kia Optima Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $29,310
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.9
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.6
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Toyota Prius c
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $21,530
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
8.7
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.8
/ 10
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Safety
8.0
/ 10
Toyota Avalon Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $37,850
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.8
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.7
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Ford Fusion Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $28,000
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
7.6
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.4
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Ford Fusion Energi
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $35,730
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.1
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.3
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Chevrolet Malibu (hybrid)
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $28,220
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.1
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.5
/ 10
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Safety
9.5
/ 10
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $49,000
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
6.1
/ 10
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Value Retention
7.5
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Hyundai IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $26,800
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
7.2
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.0
/ 10
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Safety
Not Available
Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $23,600
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
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Reliability
5.9
/ 10
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Value Retention
8.0
/ 10
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Safety
Not Available
Honda Insight
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $25,760
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
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Value Retention
8.4
/ 10
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Safety
10
/ 10
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $33,400
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.8
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
Hyundai SONATA Plug-in Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $33,400
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.7
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $36,090
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
Coming soon
-
Value Retention
7.6
/ 10
-
Safety
Not Available
Chevrolet Volt
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Family Car Score
Not Available
- Starting MSRP: $33,520
iSEECARS SCORE
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
See how we rank these cars
-
Reliability
8.0
/ 10
-
Value Retention
7.5
/ 10
-
Safety
10
/ 10
Related Rankings
How We Rank These Cars
The Best Family Cars rank vehicles by iSeeCars' analysis of each vehicle’s reliability and NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings, along with key family-friendly features.
The best family vehicle is specific to one or more trim levels for a given vehicle model, and has the highest combined reliability and safety score as well as the most important family-friendly features. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.
Separately, the overall iSeeCars Score shown for each vehicle is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).