Hybrid power in cars gaining popularity

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Every now and then, a single word comes along that foretells the future.

The famous line of advice to young Benjamin in The Graduate (1967) - "plastics" - was certainly poignant, and went down in cinema history as predicting the future.

Today, a single word found on automobiles gives a window to the future: "hybrid."

Sure, hybrids certainly aren't new, but as the overall buying public curtails its appetite for pure EVs, the auto industry is responding with broader offerings of hybrid power.

Subaru's gaining traction in that regard, adding hybrid models to much of its lineup, including the new 2026 Crosstrek, often its most popular model playing in the popular category of small SUV, for a starting price of $35,415.

And no brand knows hybrids better than Toyota. Among its broad offerings there, the 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid. Again, an entry in a popular category of vehicle, powered by an increasingly popular hybrid system. The new Corolla Cross Hybrid starts at $34,480.

The payoff is better fuel economy without any real driver involvement. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is rated at 42 mpg combined, beating the non-hybrid version of the same model by 12 mpg.

For the Subaru Crosstrek, hybrid power pays off, too, in that regard, garnering 36 mpg combined. The equivalent non-hybrid Crosstrek is rated at 29.

Choosing hybrid power could really reduce the average driver's annual fuel bill.

When hybrids first came along years ago, they were typically economy cars, favored by environmentalists and those who wanted to reduce their fuel bills. But today, there are all kinds of hybrid models.

As an example, Mercedes-Benz has been aiming for more climate friendliness lately, and its AMG sub-brand is known for its hopped-up performance cars. For 2026 the AMG E-Class wagon is back, but this time, with a turbo engine combined with plug-in hybrid power.

Having your cake and eating it too when it comes to driving fun. Up to 604 horsepower, yet the quick wagon is rated at 56 MPGe, miles per gallon equivalent, thanks to the fact that it's a PHEV.

Mercedes' hot new wagon might be thrifty with fuel if you charge the battery every time it runs down, but it's a pricey ride to begin with. Base MSRP is $94,500, but options can take it into six-figure territory.

Need to carry the whole gang? Last year, Kia added a hybrid option to its roomy Carnival minivan, which helps it achieve a combined EPA fuel economy number of 33 mpg.

The non-hybrid is rated at 21, so obviously a big difference. For a family that uses a vehicle like this for both local duty and road trips, the annual fuel savings can be significant. Base price for the Kia Carnival Hybrid is $42,235.

If hitting the dirt is your thing, Jeep is bringing back the Cherokee after a brief hiatus, this time with a gas-hybrid system as the only powertrain option. Pricing will be announced closer to when it reaches dealerships in early 2026.

So if you want to drive a little leaner and greener, keep looking for that hybrid badge. A word gaining popularity in the coming year, and beyond.