Which is the Best Hybrid Vehicle

Deciding Which is the Best Hybrid Vehicle

All hybrids provide greater fuel economy and reduced vehicle emissions as compared to traditional gas-only engines. But each hybrid has specific engine and design features that may, or may not, work for your specific needs. For example, some hybrids are compact in size and work best for driving situations with limited numbers of passengers. Other hybrids are designed with larger interior spaces and bigger engines.

Autos are ranked annually by testing panels at major publications, such as Consumer Reports and Motor Trend magazine. Generally, these test panels agree on which cars have the best mileage and which have the features most likely to meet the needs of consumers.

The rankings may change year-to-year as new models are introduced. These changes reflect improvements in fuel economy, engine performance and design dimensions made by hybrid auto makers. Be sure to check the most recent rankings and the most recent details on features, mileage and ratings of each car before making your final decision.

Compact Hybrid Cars

Toyota Prius

The Prius is designed using an electric motor which is assisted at higher speeds by a gasoline engine. Prius is the best-selling gas/electric hybrid car in the world.

Key Features:

• Fuel economy – typically 60 mpg in city driving, the highest mpg of a hybrid in 2007
• Interior space – the interior is roomier than a Honda Civic hybrid
• Cargo space – there is a lot of luggage space

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic operates initially on a gasoline engine which is assisted by an electric motor when extra power is needed.

Key Features:

• Fuel economy – typically 49 mpg in city driving
• High resale value
• Low maintenance costs
• Safety – scores well in crash tests

Negatives:

• Cargo space - limited trunk space due to battery storage
• Interior space - rear seats do not fold down

Mid-sized Hybrid Cars

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry has an electric motor which is assisted by a gasoline motor when extra power is needed.

Key Features:

• Interior space – roomier than the Toyota Prius

Negatives:

• Fuel economy – only about 40 mpg in city driving, as compared to the 60 mpg of the Prius
• Cargo space - limited trunk space
• Power – difficult to make steep uphill climbs

Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid

The Saturn Aura hybrid has an electric motor which works in concert with the gasoline motor.

Key Features:

• Cost – only a few hundred dollars more than a gas-powered Saturn Aura after federal tax credit and GM incentives
• Safety - has done very well in government crash tests

Negatives:

• Fuel Economy – only about 28 mpg in city driving

Hybrid SUVs

Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid

The Saturn Vue hybrid has an electric motor which works with the gasoline motor.

Key Features:

• Cost – only a few hundred dollars more than a gas-powered Saturn Vue after federal tax credit and GM incentives
• Handling – handles like any standard small SUV
• Safety - has done very well in government crash tests
• Towing – can be safely towed behind a motor home

Negatives:

• Fuel Economy – only about 28 mpg in city driving

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander hybrid has an electric motor which is assisted by a gasoline motor when extra power is needed.

Key Features:

• Interior space – seating for seven
• Safety – has done well in government crash tests

Negatives:

• Fuel economy – only about 31 mpg in city driving
• Cost – the premium price makes the Toyota Highlander a poor investment return. It is hard to recoup the added price paid versus the price of non-hybrid versions.