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How to save fuel and reduce air pollution by choosing the energy-efficient hybrid that's right for you.
The one consumer decision most people make which impacts the greatest on the environment is the choice of car we drive.
Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and affordable option. After years of ‘on the road’ development, gas-electric hybrid cars have become a practical choice for consumers. The Toyota Prius, the most successful mass-market hybrid and the best-selling hybrid car, is now in its sixteenth year on the US market. Most automakers today are now following suit, with hybrid versions of popular models in planning stages or now in production.
A hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive.
There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car, a gasoline engine and an electric motor work together to move the car forward, while in a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor.
Hybrid Cars Also Gain Efficiency From:
- Smaller and more efficient engines.
- Regenerative braking: The electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
- Periodic engine shut off: When a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
- Advanced aerodynamics: To reduce drag
- Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires: Narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
- Lightweight materials: Increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.
Hybrid cars cost more than their non-hybrid counterparts, but due to steady gains in technology, the hybrid price premium is coming down. New affordable hybrid sedans, and improved versions of existing hybrids, are expected to at least double hybrid market share in just five years, from about 2.5 percent in 2010 to 5 percent or higher today.
A more recent development in hybrid technology is “plug-in” hybrid cars. These models offer the same benefits as hybrid cars, with the added benefit of being able to be plugged in to home electric outlets for recharging when the car is not in use. This extends the range for the”electric-only” driving mode, leading to increased mileage and fuel savings.
The hybrid cars listed here, and shown below on this page, are now available in North America. (The list is not
Hybrid Cars in the News
- 15 Nov 2017: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid named 2018 Green Car Reports best hybrid car to buy
- 14 Nov 2017: Good night, sweet Ford CMax and Energi Hybrid
- 14 Nov 2017: Audi ready to bring hybrid cars to India
- 14 Nov 2017: First drive: Porsche Panamera 4-E hybrid
- 13 Nov 2017: 2018 Acura RLX boasts big price cut for top hybrid
- 12 Nov 2017: Best deals on hybrid, electric fuel efficient cars for November 2017
- 10 Nov 2017: Toyota Prius Prime review: the best deal in a Toyota hybrid
- 27 Jun 2017: Will Toyota’s 2018 Camry Hybrid rise back to the head of its class?
- 23 Jun 2017: Trump’s deregulation targets hybrid car noise mandate
- 13 Jun 2017: High GST rates on hybrid cars may force Toyota to hit brakes on India plans
2017 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid
- 4 door/5 seat compact crossover
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Mileage (city/highway): 34/31 mpg, 33 combined
- Range per fillup: max. 492.9 mi.
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $27,910
Features
- 4.2-inch TFT information screen in the gauge cluster
- 7″ touch screen
- All-around View Monitor
- 70 cubic ft. of cargo space
- Safety Sense suite of technologies
- Audio and
cruise controls on steering wheel - Rear-view camera
- Bluetooth enabled
- Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
- Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone
Specifications
- 194-hp, 2.5 liter 4 cylinder, 112 hp @ 5,700 rpm (194 system horsepower), 206 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
- 105 kW electric motor, generates 194 total system hp and 206 lb-ft of system torque
- Front-wheel drive; Electronic On-Demand AWD
- Battery: 245 V nickel-hydride
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15.9 gallons (50 liters) / Regular Unleaded
- P225/65R17 tires; Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- 17″ x 6.5″ aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials
2017 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
- 4 door/5 seat sedan
- Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
- Mileage (city/highway): 49 / 43
- Range per fillup (city/highway): 637 / 559
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $27,875
Features
- Chevrolet MyLink Radio with 7″ diagonal color touch-screen
- Apple CarPlay available; Android Auto compatibility
- Push-button
start and passive entry - Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery system
- Available: Satellite linked navigation w/ voice recognition
- Active grille shutters, LED Daytime Running Lamps
- 10 airbags
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- LATCH system for child safety seats
- StabiliTrak with brake assist, includes Traction Control
Specifications
- Ecotec 1.8-liter hybrid-optimized direct-injected engine, paired with a Voltec two-motor electric drive unit
- Combined maximum 182 hp with 277 lb-ft of torque
- 1.5-kilowatt hour lithium ion battery
- Rack-mounted electric rack-and-pinion power steering
- Brakes: four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC) and brake pre-fill
- Tires: P225/55 R17 on 17-inch aero-style aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 4 door/5 seat sedan
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Mileage (mpg): 39 city/ 45 hwy
- Range per fillup: 619 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $26,000
Features
- Single-zone automatic climate control
- AM/FM/XM/6-CD changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers
- BlueLink communication system for vehicle
protection - Eco Level scoring system displays efficiency status
- 4.2-inch LCD provides hybrid system information
- Back-up camera (Premium model)
- Touch screen navigation with 7″ hi-res screen (option)
- Panoramic sunroof (Premium model)
- Hands-Free Calling
- Theft Deterrent System
Specifications
- 2.0-liter DOHC direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 154 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque
- Electric traction motor rated at 51 horsepower,151 pound-feet torque. Combined 193 horsepower
- 1.62 kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery (lighter than lithium-ion batteries)
- Electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering, regenerative braking and a start-stop system for the gasoline engine
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
- 17″ Eco-Spoke alloy wheels; MacPherson-strut front suspension and multilink rear
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
- 4 door/5 seat sedan
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Mileage (mpg): 39 city/ 46 hwy
- Range per fillup (miles) : 600+
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $25,995
Features
- New front grille design, front LED lights
- Voice-command, touch screen radio control
- Vehicle smart key; auto-dim rear view mirror
- UVO infotainment system
- iPod USB connectivity; Bluetooth
- Automatic engine shut-off, restart
- Hill holder control
- Vehicle stability management system
- Front dam aeroflap reduces wind resistance
- Active eco-system regulates engine management
Specifications
- Theta 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with 40hp 270-volt electric motor
- Front-wheel drive, 192 horsepower; 195 foot-pounds torque
- Clutch packs enable the Optima to operate under electric-only, gasoline-only, or both
- 270V Lithium polymer battery pack
- Aluminum alloy body, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, anti-lock braking system
- LLR Tires: 215/60 R16 16″ Lightweight Alloy; All-Season Radials
2017 Toyota Prius
- 4 door/5 seat sedan w/ liftback
- Transmission: CVT automatic
- Mileage (mpg): 54 city/ 50 hwy
- Range per fillup: 570 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $24,685
Features
- 6.1″ touch screen display w/ USB, Bluetooth, audio streaming
- Traffic reports integrated with DVD-based navigation system
- Voice-activated navigation; “text to speech”
- Four-disc CD changer, MP3 CD support; 8 JBL speakers
- Backup camera, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Monitor
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
- Graphic display of steering wheel button settings
- Intelligent Parking Assist
- Heated/cooled seats: Solar roof option; Remote A/C
Specifications (North American Model)
- 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with hybrid system; Horsepower: 121 (gas-electric combined)
- Hybrid Synergy Drive system with two motor-generators that can power the car solely on electricity
- 0.75-kWh lithium-ion pack, giving it a nominal 11 miles of electric range in EPA testing
- Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
- Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- Wheels:15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
2017 Toyota Prius V
- 4 door/5 seat midsize wagon
- Transmission: CVT automatic
- Mileage (mpg): 43/39
- Range per fillup: 490 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $26,675
Features
- 6.1″ touch screen display w/ USB, Bluetooth (trim level 3+)
- Traffic reports integrated with DVD-based navigation system
- Voice-activated navigation; “text to speech”
- Entune next-generation multi-media system
- Backup camera, adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Monitor
- 4.2-inch TFT info screen between gauges(trim level 3+)
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Graphic display of steering wheel button settings
- Satellite radio; Bluetooth phone interface
- 50% more interior space than standard Prius
Specifications
- 98 hp 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with 80hp electric motor; Horsepower: 134 (gas-electric combined)
- Available in three trim levels, which Toyota dubs Prius V Two, Prius V Three, Prius V Five
- Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
- Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- Wheels:16-in. (with 17″ option) 10-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid
- 4 door/5 passenger MAV (multi activity hybrid)
- Transmission: eCVT automatic
- Mileage (mpg): 42 / 37 city/hwy
- Range per fillup: up to 634 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $24,120
Features
- New gear-selector dial replaces traditional shifter
- 2 12-volt power outlets, 110-volt power point
- SmartGauge instrument cluster with EcoGuide
- 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3-playback, Sirius Satellite Radio
- Sync-equipped for voice-controlled audio
Specifications
- 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine , Permanent magnet AC motor , 195 total system horsepower
- Horsepower (SAE net at rpm): 141 @ 6000 rpm (91 RON) ; Torque: 129 @ 4000 rpm (91 RON)
- 2014+ models feature gearing changes that result in a more efficient transmission drive ratio
- Electric Power-Assisted Steering, All-Wheel Drive. AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™)
- Brakes: Power Front/Rear Disc, with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and Regenerative Braking System
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 13.5 gallons / Regular Unleaded
- Tires: P225/50VR17 all-season BSW tires, 17″ aluminum alloy wheels, Tire pressure monitoring system
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid
- 4 door/5 passenger midsize sedan
- Transmission: eCVT automatic
- Mileage (mpg): 43 / 41 city/hwy
- Range per fillup: up to 700 in-town miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $26,675
Features
- Dual-zone automatic temperature control
- 2 12-volt power outlets, 110-volt power point
- SmartGauge instrument cluster with EcoGuide
- 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3-playback, Sirius Satellite Radio
- 8.0-inch touchscreen runs the Sync 3 audio, phone, navigation
- SecuriCode keyless entry pad, SecuriLock anti-theft
- Rear view camera; available Active Park Assist
- BLIS Blind Spot Information System
- Fold-down fold-flat front passenger seat
- EasyFuel capless refuel filler system
Specifications
- 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder,118-horsepower AC electric motor
- Horsepower (SAE net at rpm): 141 hp at 6,000 rpm; Torque: 136 @ 4500
- Lithium-ion battery pack
- Electric Power-Assisted Steering, All-Wheel Drive
- 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; AdvanceTrac (ESC) w/brake activated traction control
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.5 gallons / Regular Unleaded
- Tires: P225/50VR17 all-season BSW tires, 17″ 15-spoke aluminum wheels, Tire pressure monitoring system
2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
- 4 door/5 passenger midsize sedan
- Transmission: CVT automatic
- Mileage (mpg): 42 city/ / 38 hwy
- Range per fillup: 585 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $26,790
Features
- 8-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar
- 4.2-inch TFT multi information display
- EV button for driving short distances on electric
- Tire-pressure monitor system
- Entune Audio Plus entertainment system
- Choice of LE, SE and XLE trims
- Plasmacluster TM ionizer cabin air purifier
- “ECO” button limits HVAC energy consumption
- Wireless smartphone charging system
- GPS navigation unit (optional)
Specifications
- Twin cam, 2.5L inline four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine, which generates 156 hp at 5700rpm
- Horsepower: 200 net (gas-electric combined)
- Compact nickel-metal hydride battery pack allows for 13.1 cu. ft. trunk space
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force
- Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
- Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- Tires: LRR Michelin 17″ All-Season Radials; Wheels: 17″aluminum alloy
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivan
- 4 door/7 passenger minivan
- Transmission: eFlite electrically variable transmission
- Mileage (mpg): 32 city/ / hwy; 84 MPGe in electric-only mode
- Range per fillup: 566 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $34,495 after tax credits
Features
- Offered in two trim levels, Premium and Platinum
- iPad-compatible storage drawer
- USB ports for charging devices, HDMI connectivity
- Forward-collision, lane-departure warning and mitigation
- Uconnect Theater system with twin 10″ seatback touchscreens
- 360-degree camera view
- Hands-free operation of sliding doors and liftgate
- Automatic parallel and perpendicular parking
- Onboard vacuum cleaner
- 2-hour recharge time with 240-volt Level 2 charger
Specifications
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to a twin-electric-motor setup
- Total system output: 260 horsepower, 262 pound-feet of torque
- 16-kWh Lithium-ion battery pack; comes with a 110-volt charging cord for plug-in charging
- eFlite EVT technology key to efficiency, employs dual-motor/one-way clutch strategy
- The tachometer has been replaced by a charge indicator; full-digital gauge cluster available as option
- Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- 17- or 18-inch wheels designed for improved aerodynamics; optional 20-inch wheels
2017 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid
- 4 door/5 seat luxury SUV
- Transmission: 2-speed CVT w/OD and auto-manual
- Mileage (mpg): 32city/28hwy
- Range per fillup: 450 – 530 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $53,035
Features
- Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
- Lexus 9-speaker sound system, 6-disk CD
- Push-button start; Power tilt and slide moon roof
- Transceiver to operate garage doors, lights
- Part-time all-wheel drive (AWD); adaptive cruise control
- Smartphone-integrated GPS navigation system
- XM Nav, Traffic, Weather; standard Bluetooth
- Lexus Memory System for mirrors, seat, wheel
- Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning with steering assist
Specifications
- 3.5-liter V6 engine w/ Atkinson Cycle valve timing; front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motors
- Available in FWD and AWD versions; Horsepower: 308 total system horsepower
- Exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time
- Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded 87 octane
- Brakes: Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with regenerative function
- Wheels/Tires: 19-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
- 4 door/5 seat midsize luxury sedan
- Transmission: CVT push-button automatic
- Mileage (mpg): 41city/ 39hwy
- Range per fillup: 630 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $35,170
Features
- SYNC entertainment/communication system
- SmartGauge with EcoDrive LCD instrumentation
- Leather heated power driver and passenger seats
- Satellite radio and dual-zone electronic climate control
- 8 airbags with knee airbags for both driver and passenger
- LED Head and Tail lights, Adaptive Headlamps
- Securilock ignition disable system
- MyKey restricted driving system
- Retractable panoramic roof
- Push button Start and Shift
Specifications
- 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder,118-horsepower AC electric motor
- Combined system rating of 188 horsepower and 129 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Lithium-ion battery pack
- Electric Power-Assisted Steering, All-Wheel Drive
- Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adaptive suspension
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 14 gallons / Regular Unleaded
- Tires: 245/ 45VR18.0, 18″ aluminum wheels, Tire pressure monitoring system
2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
- 4 door/5 seat full-size luxury sedan; three trim levels
- Transmission: CVT automatic
- Mileage (city/hwy): 40/39
- Range per fillup: 580 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $37, 250
Features
- “Optitron” gauge cluster and large center console
- Touch sensitive 7 inch display and pads
- Newly standard backup camera
- Tri-zone automatic climate control with rear controls
- Entune™ Audio Plus with Connected Navigation App
- Smart Key System with Push Button Start
- Power tilt/slide moonroof w/ sunshade
- Low tire pressure warning
- Leather seats, heated front bucket seats
- Xenon headlights with LEDs
Specifications
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor
- Horsepower: 200 net (gas-electric combined)
- Compact nickel-metal hydride battery pack allows for 13.1 cu. ft. trunk space
- Speed-sensing steering, paddle shifters
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (63 liters) / Regular Unleaded
- Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- Tires: 215/55VR17.0 BSW, 17 x 7.0 in. alloy wheels
2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
- 4 door/7 seat SUV – 4 trim levels
- Transmission: 2-speed CVT w/OD
- Mileage (city/hwy): 30 / 28
- Range per fillup: 450 – 550 miles
- 2017 US Base Retail Price: from $36, 270
Features
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
- Entune infotainment system, 8″ touch-screen, USB
- 3.5″ multi-function display w/ backup camera
- 12-speaker JBL audio system; XM radio
- Adaptive cruise control; lane-departure alert; automatic high beams
- Collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Color-keyed heated foldable power outside mirrors
- 4-Wheel Drive with intelligence (4WD-i) (optional)
- HomeLink®5 universal transceiver
- Bluetooth connectivity, navigation
Specifications
- 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor; torque @ rpm: 231 @ 5,800
- Horsepower: 306 total system horsepower
- Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) – rack-and-pinion with power assist
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
- Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution
- Wheels/Tires: 19-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P245/55R19 all-season tires
2016 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
- 4 door/7 seat SUV
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT
- Mileage (city/hwy): 25/28 mpg
- Range per fillup: 490 miles
- 2016 US Base Retail Price: $35,110
Features
- 4 – camera “Around View Monitor”
- Tri-Zone entertainment system with three screens (option)
- Touch screen monitor
- Heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats
- Intelligent Key lets you lock by tapping handle or hatch
- Reclining third-row seats
- 79.8 cu ft cargo space when seats folded down
- Under-floor storage area keeps valuables out of sight
- Navigation system with voice guidance (option)
- Bluetooth hands-free phone
Specifications
- 2.5-liter Inline 4 cylinder motor/15 kW electric motor; torque 243 ft. lbs.
- Horsepower: 250 total system horsepower. 3500 lb. towing capacity
- Intelligent Dual Clutch System efficiently manages power from both the electric motor and the engine.
- Traction Control System, Vehicle Dynamic Control
- Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 19.5 gallons / Regular Unleaded
- Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution
- Wheels/Tires: 18″ x 7.5″ aluminum-alloy wheels; P235/65R18 all-season tires
Hybrid Car Upcoming Trends
- Honda will discontinue the Civic Hybrid. While a new Accord hybrid will debut for 2016, there will be no plug-in version of that vehicle until 2018.
- Volkswagen is discontinuing the Jetta Hybrid, with 2016 being the last model year.
- Nissan is discontinuing the Hybrid version of the Pathfinder for model year 2017.
- Ford will discontinue the C Max Hybrid in 2018
Hybrid Car Links
- Electric Drive Transportation Association: Information about electric vehicles, events, emissions, environmental impacts and more.
- FuelEconomy.gov: Side by side comparisons
Related Pages
- The Top 10 Fuel-efficient Cars of 2010: According to the EPA’s new ranking system for fuel-efficiency.
- Plug-in Cars: The new models of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) currently in development.
- Fuel-Efficient Driving: You can boost the overall fuel-efficiency of your car as much as 30% by simple vehicle maintenance and attention to your style of driving.
- Car Sharing: Get around town in a shared car, and save yourself the costs of car ownership.
