When I started getting into the world of hybrids, MHEVs stood out. MHEVs or Mild hybrids are cars with a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor but cannot propel on electric power mode exclusively. The e-motor is used to help the engine to turn off whenever the car is on transit, braking, or stopped, yet restart quickly. I will list the MHEVs in the market today in this article.
Upon braking, the motor reverses the energy, providing a regenerative effect and recharging the car’s battery.
This is especially effective in the urban setting. For instance, when driving in a traffic jam, there is a lot of starting and stopping, the hybrid car can handle the pressure well.
This means the mild hybrid systems are economically friendly with significant fuel saving costs.
In fact, the hybrid improves fuel efficiency since it’s not using gas at certain times. Apart from powering the engine, the systems are in charge of other electrical systems like stereos, lights, climate controls, and even some safety features.
The mild hybrids sell at a lower price since its overall productions is not as sophisticated as a full hybrid or a plug-in. Although they are not as powerful as their evolved siblings the full hybrid, they are cost friendly and will save you a great deal.
In the spirit of saving the environment, Plug-in hybrids have an electric motor that is powered by lithium batteries. This means it can run a few miles purely on electric power before switching to a gasoline engine.
Although plug-in hybrids have smaller gas engines compared to the normal hybrids, its efficiency is impressive. Generally, their larger more powerful batteries enable them to be independent, just like the fully electric car.
Plug-in can also be charged using a household 120-volt wall socket or 220-volt commercial unit for faster charging. This is the type of car that gives you the privilege to charge up in your own garage or place of employment.
Depending on your personal needs, you can choose to purchase a mild hybrid or a plug-in. The good news is, mild hybrids are cheaper with fewer complications. If you are looking for an efficient car compared to performance, mild hybrids are best suited for you.
Click here for an introduction to mild hybrids.
2019 Models of MHEVs
| No | Make | Model | MPG |
| 1 | Hyundai | Ioniq | 55-58 |
| 2 | Toyota | Prius | 50-56 |
| 3 | Honda | Insights | 48-52 |
| 4 | Toyota | Camry | 46-52 |
| 5 | Kia | Niro | 43-50 |
| 6 | Honda | Accord | 48 |
| 7 | Chevrolet | Malibu | 46 |
| 8 | Lexus | ES 300h | 44 |
| 9 | Toyota | Avalon | 43-44 |
| 10 | Ford | Fusion | 42 |
| 11 | Hyundai | Sonata | 41-42 |
| 12 | Kia | Optima | 41 |
| 13 | Lexus | LC 500h | 30 |
| 14 | Buick | Lacrosse | 29 |
| 15 | Acura | RLX | 28 |
| 16 | Lexus | LS 500h | 26-28 |
| 17 | Mercedes Benz | CLS | 26 |
| 18 | Mercedes Benz | E53 | 23 |
| 19 | Audi | A8 | 22 |
Hyundai Ioniq
EPA combined 55-58mpg
The Ioniq looks and feels like a typical hatchback with a traditional automatic transmission. It delivers clean shifts instead of the usual drag many hybrids variable automatic transmission use. The humming internal combustion engine is still an issue though it’s a general hybrid problem it’s not a deal-breaker.
Toyota Prius (C and V)
EPA combined 50-56mpg
Toyota Prius hybrid cars are popular models with good ratings. Since it entered the industry in the early 2000s, it was well received and its performance is okay. The 2019 versions come with all-wheel drive instead of the usual front drive only. This is a good improvement for the brand.
You can read about Prius transmission here.
Should I Buy a New or Used Prius?
Honda insights
EPA combined 48-52mpg
The Honda insights hybrid is an improved representation of the model’s third generation with Civic characteristics and a hybrid drivetrain. This means the car is comfortable, fresh aesthetics and feels modern.
Toyota Camry
EPA combined 46-52mpg
The 2019 Toyota Camry hybrid is a revised sedan with competent performance. It’s roomy, comfortable with impressive efficiency. Camry hybrid has the strongest traits compared to other Camry models and offers a pleasant smoothness and faultless efficiency. It is an impressive hybrid.
KIA Niro
EPA combined 43-50 mpg
The Niro 2019 enters the market as a crossover with comfort, elevated driving position, larger cargo space and fair prices. The hybrid is perfectly packaged with fuel efficiency and it’s rarely practical. The only downside is that it does not come as an all-wheel drive but rather the conventional front-wheel drive
Honda Accord
EPA combined 48 mpg
Honda Accord has been a highly favored hybrid sedan. Its attention comes due to its graceful handling, acceleration, generally quiet at cruising speeds, spacious interiors and reasonable prices. The hybrid is fun to drive with remarkable performance bordering almost sporty.
Chevrolet Malibu
EPA combined 46 mpg
The midsized hybrid sedan 2019 has an attractive exterior, practical cabin and continuously variable automatic transmission with a manual shifting mode.
Lexus ES 300h
EPA combined 44 mpg
Lexus ES 300h borrows most of its features from the Toyota Avalon. However, it’s a powerful figure with an elegant composure of a luxury car and its fuel efficient. The Lexus’ performance is outstanding, silent engine, modern roomy cabins and all new exterior design.
Toyota Avalon
EPA combined 43-44 mpg
The Avalon hybrid has a confident exterior with somehow a stiff edge to its appearance. Surprisingly, it has a confident handling, smooth ride, well-trimmed cabins and chiseled styling. As much as it’s not a sports car, it sure drives like one. Plus it has a standard lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Ford Fusion
EPA combined 42 mpg
Ford fusion hybrid 2019 comes with few notable changes from the previous versions. However, it adopts some safety features from the new ford pilot360 including the automated emergency braking systems, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. Its beautiful features are attractive but do not compensate for the fact that its efficiency is not as impressive as its competitors.
Hyundai Sonata
EPA combined 41-42 mpg
Sonata isn’t exactly an efficient hybrid from the start and the 2019 version is no different. It has a low price range, with practical cabins, workable interiors but nothing extravagant. In its category, Hyundai lags behind on performance and it’s rather disappointing. For someone on a budget, it’s a good choice but if you’re looking for efficiency, it might not be the one for you.
KIA Optima
EPA combined 41 mpg
Kia Optima hybrid 2019 has few upgrades including standard safety features such as automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning. Driving this car feels comfortable, stable and conveniently silent. Compared to other hybrids, it still needs some improvements, but in general, it’s a good car.
Lexus LC 500h
EPA combined 30 mpg
The superior Lexus LC comes with a V-8 powered engine that is especially rare for a hybrid. The Lexus stands out with a complex setup and unique features. Its interiors are just as lovely as the exteriors with an impressive performance. The hybrid actually gets better with mileage; it is one of its kind.
Buick lacrosse e-assist
EPA combined 29mpg
Unfortunately, the Buick Lacrosse hybrid is the last production of this model. The lacrosse brand will not be producing more cars both hybrid and gas engine due to a limitation by the General Motors’ regulations. This is your last opportunity to enjoy an American classic as they will go extinct.
Accura RLX
EPA combined 28 mpg
Accura RLX prioritizes performance over efficiency. With its V-6 engine and three electric motors, the hybrid has some athletics moves with better mileage. If you’re looking for a sporty sedan with luxurious components, look no further.
Lexus LS 500h
EPA combined 26- 28 mpg
As usual, Lexus produces luxurious sedans and the LS are no different. Its efficiency is top notch, featuring a V-6 engine paired with two electric motors. There is also a continuously variable automatic transmission with divided 2 motors into a 4-speed automatic transmission. It does not come with a standard all-wheel drive option but still beats its rival the Toyota on power delivery.
Mercedes Benz CLS class
EPA combined 26mpg
Mercedes Benz CLS is a typical mild hybrid car with a luxurious edge to its features. It consists of a simpler hybrid setup that boosts low speeds while the motor acts a generator when the vehicle is slowing down. The hybrid retains its magnificent exteriors and beautiful interiors in this 2019 version. Plus it gets the upgraded 48-volt battery pack as a bonus.
Mercedes Benz E53 AMG
EPA combined 23-24mpg
Mercedes Benz E53 sedans, Cabriolet, the coupe has similar components to the Audi MHEV setup, with the electric motor added to help generate electricity to power the engine. This system improves performance more than efficiency through the electric motors which are responsible for the starting and stopping of the engine.
Audi A8 3.0T
EPA combined 22mpg
Audi A8 consists of a motor/ generator connected to between the engine and the transmission through an accessory drive belt and an upgraded 48-volt electrical system. The motor is mainly for restarting the car after the engine has stopped saving fuel in urban traffics, delivering torque to the engine at low speeds.
Conclusion
EVs are the future of the automobile world. It’s a slow transition into the fully electric world and people are slowly accepting the idea, thus the need for mild hybrids, full hybrids
In the meantime, mild hybrids have been well received in the market and there is a possible future for them.
Although they are not as efficient as their evolved siblings, their performance sparks an interest for anyone willing to explore the EV world. You get to save up on fuel, costs and construct a smoother path into the electric world one step at a time.
To learn about difference between PHEV and MHEV, head here
I have created a PDF with a comprehensive list of all PHEVs and MHEV with 2020 models. Send me a message from our Contact Us page, and I will email it to you.