U.S. News & World Report expanded its categories for the 2026 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars awards and recognized 19 winners, Hyundai and Kia leading the industry.

It announced the awards on Earth Day, a standing tradition, it said, because hybrid and electric vehicles are “about sustainability and a cleaner world.” But the timing couldn’t be more relevant this year with high gas prices driving interest in alternative-fuel vehicles.

The media company explained that it was able to break out its existing categories by size, thanks to the wider selection of hybrids and electric vehicles on the market today.

Its list now includes subcompact, compact and midsize hybrid SUVs and multiple size categories of EVs and luxury models, as well as its first "best hybrid minivan" class.

“This year’s awards categories were expanded to better suit a broader set of buyers’ needs, and the winners stand out as leaders in sustainability, sophistication and value,” said U.S. News Senior Editor of Autos Tony Markovich.

South Korean Brands

Hyundai and Kia stood out this year, each brand winning three awards.

Hyundai’s Tucson Hybrid and Ioniq 5 are returning winners but were separated into the best compact hybrid SUV and best compact electric SUV categories, respectively. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 earned the midsize electric SUV award, another new breakout category this year.

Kia’s Sportage Plug-In Hybrid earned its second win as best compact plug-in hybrid SUV, and the Kia Niro claimed best subcompact hybrid SUV for the fifth time. The new best midsize hybrid SUV category went to the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid.

The inaugural best hybrid minivan title went to the Toyota Sienna, which scored high on interior and fuel economy, according to U.S. News.

Judging Criteria

To determine the winners, it evaluated 138 luxury and affordable hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars, SUVs and trucks. It took into account “gas mileage and range data from the Environmental Protection Agency, pricing information and the consensus opinion of the automotive press.”

View the full list here: U.S. News Announces the 2026 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars