The 12 best cars, 6 hybrid and 6 electric, to buy in 2023

12 best cars: the Tesla Model 3 is an incredible electric car, but it can’t compete with these other electric and hybrid vehicles in terms of value for money.

As battery technology advances and the cost of developing and manufacturing electric vehicles decreases, consumers will have more opportunities to buy one. Tesla and other leading electric vehicle makers have developed “cheaper” electric cars that are now more affordable to the general public. Tesla Model 3 is one example.

The demand for eco-friendly cars has skyrocketed, prompting many auto manufacturers to replace older models with more energy-efficient electric and hybrid versions. We’ve expanded this list to include more options for readers interested in buying their first hybrid or electric car in 2023 but who don’t want to go the Tesla way.

To that end, Tesla designed the Model 3 to compete with the BMW 3-Series in terms of performance, comfort, and technology. Despite this, the Series III outperformed Tesla regarding reliability, prestige, and build quality. This does not reflect poorly on the quality of the Model 3. The Model 3 faces stiff competition as all-electric vehicle development progresses worldwide. To Tesla’s chagrin, several manufacturers had produced cars that surpassed the Model 3 in range, performance, and practicality.

Although the Model 3 remains a solid choice for those in the market for an inexpensive electric vehicle in 2023, other options from reputable manufacturers are more environmentally friendly. They will serve their purposes just as well. Check out these five electric vehicles and hybrids if you want an alternative to the Tesla Model 3.

12-Electric – Kia EV6

Although outwardly different, the EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are excellent 2023 electric vehicles Kia produces. Compared to the Ioniq 5, the EV6’s design is sportier and more sophisticated. Despite being the same car inside, the EV6 and Hyundai share many powertrain options, but the EV6s are superior.

Compared to the Hyundai’s 320 hp and 446 lb-ft, the Kia EV6 GT’s output increases to 577 hp and 564 lb-ft. All of this is packed inside an all-electric hatchback crossover. No one should be surprised by the broad consensus that the EV6 is indeed one of the most refined Korean cars ever made.

11-Electric – Polestar 2

Polestar 2 is the second – and most economical – car the Swedish company produces. It’s built on the Volvo XC40 platform but with a few tweaks to set it apart as a Polestar. The two come in three trim levels: Standard Single, Long Single, and Long Double. The first two versions include a single electric motor on the front axle that generates 230 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.

The higher-end model has an electric motor on each axle, producing 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The base model has a range of about 290 miles, while the mid-tier trim has a range of about 330 miles. The two-engine variant’s content is only 299 miles due to the different engines and more power.

10-Electric – Ford F-150 Lightning

Ford demonstrated its commitment to electric vehicles by introducing an electric version of its best-selling car in 2021. The result was the F-150 Lightning, already one of the most significant electric pickup trucks on the market.

The F-150 Lightning has the same durability, capacity, and productivity as a conventional F-150, but instead of an ICE, it features a twin-engine system rated at up to 580 horsepower.

9-Electric – BMW i3 Sedan

Although the new BMW i3, which now uses the architecture of the 3 Series sedan rather than as a stand-alone electric hatchback, is only available in China, it will no doubt become available globally shortly. The new i3 is currently only available in eDrive35L specification, with a single rear-axle-mounted engine producing 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The single battery available is the 70.3 KWh model with a specified range of 327 miles. The i3 retains most of the internal combustion car’s styling, except the blank grille and aerodynamic wheels. Ideally, we’d hope the i3 drives like a regular 3 Series.

8-Electric – Ford Mustang Mach-E

Despite the nonsensical moniker (chosen solely for marketing reasons), the Mustang Mach-E has proven to be an excellent electric car. The Mach-E is available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and ranges from 250 to 380 miles, depending on the trim level.

The Mustang Mach-E is also available in GT trim, which adds 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque (634 lb-ft in the GT Performance version). The Mach-E took the EV of the Year title on the Tesla Model 3, as it had superior handling and road feel.

7-Electric – Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Ioniq 5 is the first Hyundai vehicle sold under the premium Ioniq sub-brand and the first vehicle built on the Global Electric Modular System (E-GMP). The car has rear or all-wheel drive and three batteries with capacities of 58KWh, 72.6KWh, and 77.4 kWh.

Power ranges from 170 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in base trim to 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet in the ultra-long-range edge. So far, the Ioniq 5 has proven to be an excellent electric car and a formidable competitor to Tesla. It has also won World Car of the Year and World Electric Car of the Year 2022.

6-Hybrid – Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is an excellent car. It has a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated i4 engine that produces 208 horsepower. The specific fuel efficiency of the Camry Hybrid is 52 mpg, which is a 30 per cent improvement over the previous Camry Hybrid model.

The Camry Hybrid has an eCVT gearbox to seamlessly integrate the combustion engine and electric motor. If you think the Camry is cheap, the Lexus ES offers the same car with better looks and a more expensive interior.

5-Hybrid – Volkswagen Golf GTE

The Volkswagen Golf GTE is the plug-in hybrid version of the very popular GTI and GTD. The GTI and GTD have 2.0-litre inline-4 engines (turbo diesel for the GTD), so the GTE gets its power from a 1.4-litre turbocharged i4 and a 13-kWh battery.

The GTE produces the same 241 horsepower as the GTI but more torque, offering excellent fuel economy. The GTE is slightly slower, up to 60 mph, than the GTI, thanks to the extra weight of the batteries. The Golf GTE can also go 37 miles in electric-only mode, making it ideal for city or city use.

4-Hybrid – BMW 330e

The BMW 330e debuted in 2019 and has the same engine as the regular 320i but with an auxiliary electric motor. This results in a power figure of 248 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While it has slightly less power than 330i, it achieves a claimed fuel economy rating of 75 MPGe.

The 3-Series is the best Sedan in its class, and adding the 330e was a vast improvement. Unlike many other hybrids with CVTs, the 330e still has the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the regular 3 Series. In addition to the excellent economy, the 330e can cover about 41 miles in electric-only mode.

3-Hybrid – 2023 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius has been on the list of the ugliest Japanese cars ever since it debuted nearly two decades ago. Not anymore. The new generation Prius appeared a few months ago and shocked everyone with its new sporty design.

Toyota has also made significant performance improvements to the 2023 Toyota Supra, with the top-of-the-line engine bumping up to 220 horsepower. The days of gears calling Prius are dull!

2- Hybrid – Lexus UX

Like the Volvo XC40, the Lexus UX is a style statement. Where the Volvo takes the minimalist approach, the Lexus is all nooks and crannies – yet still looks elegant. The UX is the smallest crossover/SUV in Lexus’ lineup and has garnered much praise for its low centre of gravity and body rigidity.

The UX comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-4 engine that produces 143 horsepower. Fortunately, Lexus has added an electric motor to the mix. Available in the US, the UX250h produced 181 horsepower, going to either the front wheels only or all four via an eCVT transmission.

1-Hybrid-recharged Volvo XC40 T5

Volvo has updated its XC40 range with various hybrid recharge rims – not to be confused with electric ones. All of this is a bit confusing. All hybrid models feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine mated to an electric motor. There are three hybrid versions – T4, T5, and T5 AWD.

The base T4 makes 210 hp, the T5 makes 260 hp, and the T5 AWD tops at 305 hp. The XC40 Recharge is a gorgeous car with a very minimalistic Scandinavian design – in proper Volvo fashion. The XC40 may be a little pricey, but it is worth the money.