Check out our list of some of the best hybrid vehicles out now and coming soon.
Last week we brought you our list of some of the the most fuel-efficient
(non-hybrid) cars money can buy. This week we’re back to give you a
look at some of the best hybrid cars out now and coming soon. Whether
you’re looking for a traditional hybrid like the Toyota Prius, or have
the money (not oil) to burn on a luxury laden model like the Infiniti M
Hybrid, there is something here for everyone.
Small/Compact:
Toyota Prius C
Being the baby of the family can be both a curse and a blessing,
thankfully the Prius C handles the expectations placed on its shoulders
by its bigger, and older, siblings the Prius Liftback (standard Prius)
and Prius V. While Toyota claims the “c” stands for city, it may as well
stand for cheap as well because the Prius C is the most cost effective
hybrid model today with an MSRP of less than $19,000. And considering
its 53 mpg in the city, 46 mpg on the highway, and 50 mpg combined, the
Prius C is one of the most attractive hybrids on the market.
Toyota Prius (Liftback)
What can’t we say about the Prius? Now in its third generation and
enjoying a 12 year spell at the summit of hybrid vehicles, the Prius is
without question the most popular hybrid on the market, selling 1.2
million units in U.S since its introduction back in 2000 . On top of
sporting a spacious cabin with a comfortable ride, the Prius possesses
the uncanny ability to forgo even modest amounts of fuel and carries an
EPA rating of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg on the highway, with a combined 50
mpg.
Honda Insight
Generally speaking, being first to market gives you an edge over the
competition, but unfortunately the Insight has bucked that trend. And
although it has long-lived in the shadow of the successful Prius (and
its ever growing Prius family) the Insight provides a nice alternative
to Toyota’s troupe, even if its redesign bears a striking resemblance to
its Japanese rival. Nevertheless fuel economy is the name of the game
here and the Insight proves its chops with 41 mpg city, 44 mpg highway,
and 42 combined making it one of the more attractive 5-door hatchback
hybrids on the market.
Mid Size:
Ford Fusion Hybrid
While the Ford Fusion Hybrid has proven itself a perennial petrol sipper
since its introduction in 2009, it’s the upcoming redesigned 2013
Fusion that has our engines rumbling. Showcasing a truly impressive
physique, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid will differentiate itself from its
predecessor by swapping out its previous nickel-metal hydride batteries
for lighter, energy efficient lithium-ion batteries instead. The result
is a dashing hybrid that is estimated to achieve 47 mpg in the city and
44 mpg on the highway. In addition, the new Fusion will come packed with
some truly impressive features such as driver assistance technologies
and a dynamic lane keeping system, adaptive cruise control, an
integrated blind spot information system, among others. We imagine
Ford’s latest version of MyFord Touch will also slither its way into the
Fusion as well.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Stylistically speaking the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a real eye catcher
and vividly characterizes Hyundai’s relatively new “wind swept” design
language sweeping across many of its models. Nevertheless it’s not all
style and no substance for the Korean automaker. On top of pleasing
aesthetics, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delivers excellent fuel economy,
netting 35 city, 40 highway, and a combined 37 mpg all on its lithium
polymer battery pack, and still manages to sneak in at an equally
attractive price point of $25,795.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
For those willing to forgo flair for function, the Toyota Camry Hybrid
is perhaps the best option. While not a particularly stylish set of
wheels the Camry Hybrid makes up for its lack of character by offering
up workmanlike fuel economy. The standard Camry has been one of the most
popular vehicles in the American automaker for years now, and it seems
customers are not opposed to throwing down an extra $3,000 for a hybrid
model. Especially when that hybrid model can deliver 44 mpg in the city,
44 on the highway, and 44 combined. In a segment that is generally all
about those numbers preceding “mpg,” the Camry is truly one to be
reckoned with.
Luxury:
Lexus CT 200h
Saving the planet is not a cheap endeavor — not if that endeavor
involves buying a more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicle. As
automakers quickly realized the willingness of the masses to spend green
to go green, the not-so-long march to a premium branded hybrid was
inevitable. Enter the Lexus CT200h. This stylish little entry-level
premium hatchback signals the Japanese automaker’s continued effort to
evolve and offer its hybrid drivetrain system in more than just its
Toyota-badged vehicles. The CT200h stands out not only for its excellent
fuel economy – which is estimated at 43 mpg city, 40 highway, and 42
combined – but for its dynamic handling, sporty ride, and compelling
price point just south of $30,000.
Infiniti M Hybrid
While the luxury hybrid segment is still somewhat in its infancy, a
moderate amount of choices exist for those willing to travel down this
path. One such vehicle is the Infiniti M35h. Pairing a 3.5-liter V6 with
an electric motor, the M hybrid is admittedly more fun than frugal, but
despite its greater thirst for fuel the M does so with impressive
efficiency, carrying an estimated 27 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway,
and 29 combined.
SUV:
Ford Escape Hybrid
It’s obvious that the majority of the hybrid scene is comprised of
compacts and subcompacts of various ilks, but despite that reality there
are those out there that require more heft and utility from their
eco-minded vehicle. Enter the Ford Escape Hybrid. This fuel efficient
crossover not only boasts some impressive numbers for its segment, try
34 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 32 combined, but also
boasts a spacious tech-laden cabin and spirited road manners. The Escape
hybrid may be getting a redesign for 2013, but the current crop on
offer will provide a competent alternative to the diminutive hybrids
frolicking about.
Toyota Prius V
Completing our Prii trifecta is the Prius V. While technically not an
SUV, we’re lumping the largest member of the Prius family in this
category simply because we can; it’s our list. Regardless of
classification, those needing some added flexibility with their
fuel-efficiency will surely appreciate the V, which according to Toyota
stands for “versatility” and not some misguided nod to what’s perhaps
the worst Rocky film of all time. But we digress, and because it’s
numbers we’re interested in the Prius V delivers with its EPA estimated
44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined rating. Add to that
ample cargo space which sits at 34.3 cubic feet and balloons to 67.3
cubic feet with the rear seats down, and the Prius V encroaches on
SUV-like utility.
Top Luxury/Performance pick:
Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
Admittedly this entry in our list is more about style, performance, and
luxury than saving our wonderful Mother Earth. Chances are, if you’re up
on the automotive totem pole so much so that you hardly bat an eye at
the Panamera S Hybrid’s near $100,000 asking price we can’t imagine
paying three, four, or even five dollars for a gallon of gas will cause
you to lose much sleep at night, but the fact that Porsche has even
delivered this vehicle is cause for praise. Sure upcoming legislation
might have forced the company’s hand, but nevertheless in the Panamera S
Hybrid we have a vehicle that few would consider turning down, even for
more fuel efficient alternatives. Coincidently, Porsche’s hybrid
doesn’t do too terribly in that department, delivering an EPA-estimated
22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Not bad considering
its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and electric motor produced 375 hp
and 427 lb-ft of torque. Not bad at all.
