When Honda gave the 11th-generation Civic Hatchback a refresh late last year, among the changes were the addition of a hybrid option to the lineup. There was already a lot to like about Honda's compact, which eschews lamentable trends like an over-reliance on touchscreens for good old-fashioned physical controls. Now, a big efficiency boost makes it even more attractive.

The new powertrain is available in the $29,950 Sport Hybrid and the $32,950 Sport Touring Hybrid (the trim we tested). With an output of 200 hp (150 kW) and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm), it's both more powerful and torquier than the 1.5 L turbo previously found in the top trim Civics. And it uses a heck of a lot less fuel in the process.

The Civic uses a hybrid powertrain with two electric motors working with the 2.0 L, four-cylinder engine. One works as a generator to charge the 1 kWh traction battery from the engine under most conditions. The battery then powers the 181 hp (135 kW) traction motor, which is what mostly drives the front wheels, although like most other series hybrids of this nature, it operates as a parallel hybrid with the 141 hp (105 kW) gasoline engine directly driving the front wheels at highway cruising speeds, as that is actually more efficient. (For some reason, this supposed lack of engineering purity seems to really upset some people, who I am sure will let us know why in the comments.)

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• As demand for EVs cooled, hybrid cars took off in 2024.
• Companies that placed early bets on hybrids reaped the rewards.
• Hybrids will likely play a big role in the electric transition.

Hybrid cars had a huge comeback in 2024.

These cars, which use a mix of battery-electric and gas power, emerged as the winner in a year when demand for EVs hit a plateau.

A new group of green-car shoppers flooded the market in 2024, and unlike their wealthy early adopter counterparts, these new consumers are much more practical. The compromise of a hybrid appeals to these shoppers, who tend to be both environmentally conscious and budget-conscious.

This shift toward hybrids was great news for companies like Toyota, which remained steadfast in the hybrid market as others fled to focus on pure EVs. Meanwhile, other companies were left scrambling last year as their expensive plans to phase out gas-powered cars hit a roadblock.

Here's how 2024 became the year of the hybrid car.

1. Shoppers cooled on EVs

In 2024, demand for electric cars pulled back as wealthy early adopters fled the segment.

What automotive executives and industry watchers initially identified as price sensitivity turned out to be a bigger problem for EVs. A different breed of car shoppers started flocking to dealer lots, and they were more drawn to the compromise of a hybrid.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk once blamed the popularity of hybrid cars for the company's poor sales performance in the first half of the year.

Read more about how automakers were forced to rethink their EV plans.

2. Hybrids weren't immune to rising prices

Affordability became a key issue for car shoppers last year as higher interest rates kept shoppers on a budget. Hybrids were often considered a more affordable option, but that rule didn't always hold true.

Massive demand for a specific type of hybrid car, the plug-in hybrid, sent prices of these already expensive models soaring.

Read more about how everyone wanted a plug-in hybrid, and how that demand sent prices soaring.

3. EV demand took a hit

Greater numbers of average customers were in the market for electric cars last year, and these shoppers weren't as easily swayed as the wealthy early adopters who drove the segment's early growth.

Car companies weren't prepared for this stark drop-off in demand and were stuck slashing prices on their big, expensive EVs while they quickly pivoted to offering more hybrids.

Read more about how automakers over-estimated EV demand.

4. Hybrid bets paid off

Sales of hybrid cars took off in the first quarter of last year, benefiting companies like Toyota and Ford. Both of these big-name brands have a wide range of hybrid options, including the more expensive plug-in variety.

The Ford F-150 and Toyota RAV4 were the two most popular cars of 2024. Both saw huge sales increases last year due to interest in their hybrid models, executives have said.

"Hybrids are just rockin'," Toyota Motor North America Sales Chief David Christ said in March.

Read more about how Toyota was right about hybrid cars all along. And how Ford's secret weapon in the fight against Tesla has been hybrids.

5. Hybrids proved that they were here to stay

While the first wave of early adopters only lasted a few years for EV sellers, this more practical shopper is here to stay — at least for now.

Studies last year showed plenty of interest in pure electric vehicles, but many average consumers will require hybrids as a stepping stone as issues like charging infrastructure and affordability continue to exist.

While companies remain steadfast in their commitment to all-electric futures, several are making hybrids a bigger part of that transition.

Read more about how a hybrid-car comeback is in the making — and it could be great news for your wallet.

• Nissan and Honda confirmed Monday that they're in merger talks.
• Nissan's lack of hybrids has affected the success of popular models like the Rogue.
• Honda has seen big sales increases for popular models with hybrid offerings.

A tie-up between Nissan and Honda could solve one big problem for Nissan: a lack of hybrids.

That's what dealers who spoke with Business Insider said last week amid reports that the Japanese automakers are in talks to create a new global auto goliath. Now, this week, the automakers have confirmed the chatter — saying they're indeed in official merger talks. Mitsubishi Motors also is involved in the talks, the Monday statement from the companies said.

Nissan is one of few car manufacturers in the US without a hybrid or plug-in hybrid offering, despite taking an early lead in EV sales with the Leaf in 2010.

Green car shoppers have turned away from EVs in favor of hybrid models this year, leaving Nissan with unpopular and unprofitable battery-powered offerings in the Leaf and Ariya SUV.

Nissan dealers have dealt with slumping sales all year, particularly for the brand's top seller, the Rogue. Once a segment leader, sales of the Rogue fell 10% through the first nine months of the year compared to the same period last year, according to company data.

And dealers say they're losing customers to Honda and Toyota, which have hybrid versions of their CR-V and RAV4 SUVs.

One dealer with both Nissan and Honda stores says it's "painfully obvious" that Nissan is losing customers to brands with more hybrids. The dealer didn't want to be identified, but Business Insider confirmed his identity.

He said it has become common for a Nissan shopper to migrate to the Honda store after they realize there aren't any hybrids.

Following disappointing sales results in the first quarter, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida acknowledged the hybrid blind spot, saying during an earnings press conference that until last year, Nissan wasn't able to predict the rapid rise in demand for hybrids. The company has said it is shifting efforts toward hybrid offerings, but dealers and automotive industry experts say that change could take years.

Meanwhile, Honda is riding the hybrid wave this year as customers gravitate toward the hybrid versions of the CR-V SUV and Civic sedan. Just this month, Honda said it has plans to double its global hybrid sales to 1.3 million vehicles by 2030, as it aims to create a "bridge" to EV adoption.

Dealer skepticism over another auto merger

Still, some dealers are wary of yet another global auto merger.

Adam Lee, a dealer in Maine with several major brands, including Nissan, Honda, and Chrylser, said he's grown cynical about promised "synergies" after experiencing several different mergers as a Chrysler dealer.

"Show me a merger where the synergies actually existed, and I'll show you something that doesn't exist," Lee said. "I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, but I tend to be cynical about anything like this."

Chyrsler-owner Stellantis is in the middle of a tough transition right now, as the CEO who led the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA stepped down suddenly at the start of the month. Before that, Chrysler lived through a messy marriage with Germany's Daimler in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Lee said Nissan could probably use some help with hybrids and other plug-in models but argued: "You don't necessarily need to merge to do that."

• The Toyota Camry midsize sedan has been the best-selling passenger car in the US for over 20 years.
• I recently drove a 2025 Camry with all-wheel drive in its range-topping XSE trim.
• I was impressed by the Camry's efficient hybrid powertrain, comfortable ride, and great cabin.

The Toyota Camry has been America's best-selling passenger car for the past 22 years.

This year, Toyota introduced the updated ninth-generation Camry with fresh looks, upgraded tech, and a new hybrid-only drivetrain.

I recently reviewed an all-wheel-drive 2025 Toyota Camry XSE with an as-tested price of $43,194. I was impressed by the new Camry's smooth standard hybrid powertrain, fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, updated tech, and well-designed cabin.

The base front-wheel-drive version starts at $28,400, while my range-topping Camry test car started at $36,125. I found 17 key features that help the car stand out and keep its spot on top of the sales leaderboard:

Aggressive styling

The new Camry's styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, continuing Toyota's decision toward more angular and aggressive lines in recent iterations of the sedan.

The Camry's overall look, led by its distinctive hammerhead front end, is a far cry from the anonymous design that plagued earlier generations of the model.

Hybrid drivetrain

All Camrys now come standard with the Japanese automaker's tried and tested hybrid system under the hood. The power unit consists of a 184 horsepower, 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a 134 horsepower electric traction motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

The total system output is 225 horsepower sent to the front wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

All-wheel-drive models like my test car have a 40-horsepower electric motor mounted to the rear axle, which boosts total output to 232 horsepower.

Great fuel economy

My all-wheel-drive Camry XSE test car boasted EPA fuel economy figures of 44 mpg city, 43 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined.

I managed to get within a couple of mpg of the EPA's combined fuel economy estimates, which is pretty impressive for a 3,700-lbs sedan that was driven quite aggressively.

If you value fuel economy above all else, consider the base front-wheel-drive Camry LE, which is rated for a Prius-esque 51mpg in combined driving.

A quiet ride

Despite the athletic styling and firmer performance-tuned suspension of the XSE trim, the Camry is far from sporty.

The Camry's ride is quiet and compliant.

Thanks to its electric motors, the 232-horsepower hybrid system delivers smooth and spirited acceleration off the line.

Even under hard acceleration, the hybrid system remains up to the task with more than enough juice for on-ramps and highway passing.

The four-cylinder does emit a mild drone in protest when you gun the throttle, but it's not intrusive enough to detract from the driving experience.

According to Motor Trend, the hybrid 2025 Camry with all-wheel drive can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.8 seconds.

Thoughtfully designed cabin

The Camry interior is traditional Toyota. It's well-designed, with impeccable ergonomics and plenty of storage and charging options. A good mix of physical and touch controls makes on-the-fly use a piece of cake.

Material and build quality are both excellent, with plenty of soft-touch materials strategically placed in high-contact areas.

Advanced driver cockpit

In front of the driver is a heated leather steering wheel with paddle shifters and a configurable 12.3-digital gauge cluster that's only available on the XLE and XSE trims. My test car also came with the optional 10-inch color head-up display.

Large infotainment screen

The Camry comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, but my test car had the optional 12.3-inch unit. The Camry's infotainment system is well-organized and fairly intuitive to use.

Apple CarPlay

All trim levels come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Panoramic roof

XLE and XSE trim Camrys can be optioned with a large panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with sunlight.

360-degree camera system

The Camry comes standard with a backup camera. However, XLE and XSE trims can be optioned with Toyota's Panoramic View Monitor camera system.

Drive modes

The Camry offers drivers the choice of Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Normal is the standard drive mode, while Sport mode offers peppier acceleration. Eco mode maximizes fuel economy by heightening the regenerative braking system to harness additional energy while dulling the throttle response to prevent aggressive acceleration.

There's also an EV mode that allows the Camry to operate for brief periods using only its electric motors at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.

Premium audio system

XLE and XSE trim Camrys can be optioned with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system that sounds great. The Camry comes standard with a six-speaker system.

Comfortable front seats.

The Camry XSE's leather-trimmed, eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable and supportive, and they were also heated and ventilated.

Roomy rear cabin

The Camry's rear seats boast a stout 38 inches of legroom and 37.6 inches of headroom. Rear seat passengers also have the benefit of dedicated air vents and USB charging sockets.

Flexible storage

Behind the rear seats is a decently sized 15.1 cubic foot trunk that can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. A spare tire is under the cargo floor.

Standard safety tech

The Camry comes standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver assistance tech, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and proactive driving assist.

Features like lane change assist and rear cross-traffic braking are available only as part of pricey convenience packages, even on the highest trim.

The original Urus was an SUV that nobody particularly wanted, even if the market was demanding it. With luxury manufacturers tripping over themselves to capitalize on a seemingly limitless demand for taller all-around machines, Lamborghini was a little late to the party.

The resulting SUV has done its job, boosting Lamborghini's sales and making up more than half of the company's volume last year. Even so, the first attempt was just a bit tame. That most aggressive of supercar manufacturers produced an SUV featuring the air of the company's lower, more outrageous performance machines, but it didn't quite deliver the level of prestige that its price demanded.

The Urus Performante changed that, adding enough visual and driving personality to make itself a legitimately exciting machine to drive or to look at. Along the way, though, it lost a bit of the most crucial aspect of an SUV: everyday livability. On paper, the Urus SE is just a plug-in version of the Urus, with a big battery adding some emissions-free range. In reality, it's an SUV with more performance and more flexibility, too. This is the Urus' Goldilocks moment.

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• Remote workers are slightly more likely to have side gigs than in-person or hybrid peers.
• Extra time from remote work may enable more side hustles like consulting or rideshare.
• Some data shows employees who choose where to work are more productive.

Remote workers are more likely to have side gigs than their office-based peers — 34% versus 29% — according to a new LinkedIn Workforce Confidence survey of 8,606 US professionals.

The trend toward additional income streams appears strongest among those with flexible work arrangements. While only a quarter of full-time employees reported having a side gig, the number jumps to 52% for freelancers and 46% for both contractors and self-employed workers.

Side gigs include working as consultants, rideshare drivers, and rental property managers.

Remote workers' higher participation in side hustles could stem from increased time savings from not commuting. GPS data from traffic analytics company INRIX shows supercommuting — or traveling over 75 miles to work — has been on the rise over the last few years. The same trend applies to commutes over 40 miles for the country's 10 largest cities.

The higher rate of side gigs among remote workers, though small, could also stem from some evidence that productivity slows when workers are pushed to return to the office.

LinkedIn cited a May 2024 Great Place to Work survey of 4,400 US employees, which found that workers who could choose where they work were more likely to exceed expectations and have better relationships with their bosses.

However, the data is complicated, as various remote work studies have different conclusions. Stanford economists found 10% lower productivity for fully remote work compared to fully in-person work. Meanwhile, a separate Stanford report found that hybrid work had no effect on productivity or career advancement compared to in-person work.

Dozens of employees with side hustles, particularly those in remote roles, have told Business Insider about their strategies for maximizing their income. Some particularly successful side hustlers said content creation and selling on Etsy were simple ways to grow their income while working full-time.

Some remote workers told BI they drive for Uber or DoorDash while working as accountants or analysts. Dozens of drivers have told BI over the last year that falling earnings and growing competition have made it challenging to make enough, though many value the flexibility to drive during lunch breaks or before or after their full-time jobs.

Both remote and in-person workers previously told BI that real-estate side hustles have been particularly fruitful. Jesse Singh, 29, worked two nursing roles, which he used to fund his real estate company. Once he sold a $2.2 million property, he cut his nursing hours.

Some said they quit their in-person corporate roles for full-time remote positions, which allowed them to better craft their schedules and add in other income streams. Some turned their remote reselling side hustles on sites like eBay into full-time positions.

Natalie Fischer left her corporate job in 2023 to grow her business as a finance content creator and is now bringing in over $150,000 in revenue in 2024. She's diversified her revenue through user-generated content and money workshops, and she's looking to secure speaking engagements.

BI has also reported on dozens of "overemployed" remote workers who secretly work multiple jobs to earn six-figure incomes. Many said they don't feel guilt for working multiple remote positions, even as remote roles become scarcer and harder to get.

Patrick, a millennial in California, previously told BI that because his remote account manager role didn't give him enough work for an eight-hour workday, he took on an additional full-time role and freelance work, bringing his income to nearly $200,000.