Hybrid cars combine internal combustion engines with electric motors for enhancing gas mileage or for increasing power through use of fused-propulsion system. Honda and Toyota are some of the most significant major players in hybrid space, but just about every other automobile manufacturing company is working on hybrid model. We have picked some of the best hybrid cars based on good performance and excellent gas mileage. There are so many advantages of having hybrid cars today. In fact, these kinds of vehicles should become a platform of mechanical engineering in the future. Being economical and clean in fuel consumption, the hybrid cars are some of the greatest inventions automotive technology. We are fed up of having to breathe air full of harmful chemical content coming out of vehicles each day.
The dirty polluted air not only endangers humans’ lungs, but also contributes to birth failure to some certain extent. These factors show how dangerous gases produced by these cars are. Hybrids have now become a need of all vehicle users all over the world for the sake of non polluted air for next generation. Before you decide to buy one of the suitable vehicles, it is quite important to consider some factors of which Best Hybrid Cars offer the best deal. It isn’t easy being green, but numerous automobile manufacturers are trying to lessen the pain. The current hybrid cars in the market satisfy conflicting wants of would-be environmentalists and inner auto-enthusiasts of American drivers. This list of top rated hybrids shows that conscience and quality can coexist.
Still boasting the winning formula of comfortable ride, voluptuous interior, meager appetite for fuel and plethora of features, Toyota Prius takes the lead with 19% of vote. The relatively sporty and handsomely styled Ford Fusion takes 2nd with 12%, while the snagging 3rd is new Chevrolet Volt.
Toyota Prius
As with plenty of vehicles of Toyota, the Prius has become the standard bearer in its class. While many automobile manufacturing companies have yet to even develop the gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, Toyota is already in its 3rd generation of Prius, a four-door hybrid that has become a hit with consumers due to its relatively uncompromised acceleration and driving characteristics, reasonable price and stellar fuel economy. The Toyota Prius exists as partial solution to the problem of automobile of tailpipe emissions. Like other hybrids, it comes with special powerplant, which fuses gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine with electric motor, along with plenty of other sophisticated features that enables the Prius to provide lower emissions and higher fuel economy than standard cars.
Because of its relatively long sales history and popularity, the company’s original hybrid car is a strong contender for those who are in the market looking for a hybrid car. The reputation for durability and reliability of Toyota is holding true for Prius. The Toyota Prius was fully redesigned in the year 2010 and remains a four-door hatchback with comfortable seating for five passengers. The hybrid powertrain of Prius comprises of 1.8-liter gasoline engine, which is good for churning out 98 horsepower with 105 pound feet of torque, which is used in conjunction with special planetary gearset and two electric motors that functions as CVT (continuously variable transmission). Total system power is 134 horsepower.
Under complete acceleration, both power sources combine together for providing maximum power. However, under lighter load situations like stop and go traffic, it alternates between two. The regenerative braking system converts energy normally lost as heat into electricity for charging its battery pack. The present powerplant is slightly more robust on highway as compared to its predecessor. It is quite fuel-efficient, with estimated fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon in combined driving.
Other changes for Toyota Prius include more sculpted take on iconic hybrid shape established by previous model. The cabin inside gets more radical overhaul, with more traditional center control stack as compared to previous model. The hybrid system display resides high on dashboard next to digital speedometer, while climate and stereo controls are laid out in conventional manner with physical buttons instead of touchscreen.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Till recently, Detroit had less than convincing offerings when it came to hybrid sedans. The Ford Fusion Hybrid changes the state of affairs, and does so decisively. Offering 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway of fuel economy, it outdoes Toyota Camry Hybrid (providing 33 mpg city and 34 mpg highway), Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata hybrid cars.
But Fusion Hybrid offers unusually lively experience behind the wheel. Those who are in the market looking for hybrid powered saloon car, the Ford should definitely be in the top priority of your list. Its combination of superior fuel economy and solid driving dynamics makes it a must-drive in this rapidly increasing class.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is as its name implies, the company’s midsize family saloon car, however with gasoline-electric powerplant. The inline four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine combines with nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack and electric motor for generating 191 horsepower. The engine is mated to continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is designed and engineered to send power to the front wheels. The estimated fuel economy for Ford Fusion Hybrid is 39 miles per gallon in combined driving and has the capability under low load conditions for propelling itself to nearly 50 miles per hour under all-electric mode.
The handsome interior offers high quality materials with plenty of standard features such as rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry security code pad, MyKey system that limits top speed and audio volume, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power front seats. You will also find Sync electronics interface that includes Bluetooth, iPod control and voice commands, along with six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, steering wheel controls and CD/MP3 player. Optional features include premium audio system, rearview camera, navigation system with Sirius Travel Link and sunroof.
Chevrolet Volt
The Chevrolet Volt symbolizes voyage into uncharted waters for both General Motors and automobile manufacturing companies in general. The so-called plug-in hybrid, front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Volt is a four-seater, four-door hatchback, which is powered mainly by electric motor that churns out 149 horsepower. The motor is combined with two power sources, which include four cylinder internal combustion engine and sophisticated lithium-ion battery pack. According to the company, the former is good for up to 35 miles, while latter can extend its range by 340 miles.
Time will tell whether shoppers can swallow the $40,000-plus price tag of Chevy Volt, though current government incentives knock that down by about $7,000. There are plenty of other green oriented cars, from standard hybrids to Japanese automaker’s all-electric Nissan Leaf to upcoming plug-in Prius of Toyota. The Chevrolet Volt was launched for 2011 model year, as a plug-in hybrid that uses two electric motors; the first rated at 149 horsepower with 273 pound feet of torque, while the second at 72 horsepower, which can offer propulsion or act as motor through gasoline powertrain. The lithium-ion 16kW-hour battery pack supplies electrical power to generators till its charge is about 60 percent depleted. The 1.4-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine of Volt runs on gasoline and comes to life for maintaining battery’s state of charge, providing mechanical propulsion assistance. The specialized planetary transmission is designed to send power to the front wheels.
Standard features on Volt include full complement of airbags, fixed glass sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, stability control, split folding rear seatback, OnStar automatic climate control, voice activated navigation system, Bose six-speaker sound system and Bluetooth. Heated front seats and leather upholstery are optional. The owner of the Chevrolet Volt can monitor vehicle’s status and set charging times via online Web portal or mobile phone application.
The cabin inside Volt gets distinctive dashboard layout, which is a part of spaceship, part iPod and pretty darn cool. You will also find high-tech gauge readout behind steering column with swoopy center stack, which looks like oversized high end electronic device. The rearseat is quite spacious and can accommodate two adults, however it lacks middle seat. The cargo capacity is limited because of its rakish roof line and hefty battery pack, though rear seatbacks do fold down.
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the top pick for those who are in the market looking for an entry level luxury hybrid sedan. But Ford Fusion Hybrid makes a lot of sense, too. It offers competitive price; class-leading fuel economy; above average handling; spacious and deluxe cabin and useful Sync system. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a hybrid sedan that offers comfortable seating capacity for five passengers. It is available in one single well appointed trim level that comes standard with foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, auto-dimming driver side heated mirrors, auto dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated power front seats with memory functions, leather upholstery, nine-speaker surround sound audio system with satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and six-CD changer and Sync multimedia integration system.
The lustily called Rapid Spec 201A package gets blind spot warning system, 14-speaker surround-sound audio system, hard drive based voice activated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link and digital music storage including real time weather and traffic information and rearview camera. The Rapid Spec 202A package comes with all the features and equipments of 201A package plus adaptive headlights, sunroof, chrome clad wheels and rain sensing wipers.
Lexus RX 450h
Like the successful RX 400h predecessor, the Lexus RX 450h hybrid crossover sport utility vehicle allows hedonist with environmental conscience to have it both ways. It has plenty of power for pressing passengers back into their plush seats and also offers impressive fuel mileage and earth-friendly Super Ultralow Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating. This Lexus hybrid sport utility vehicle can be equipped with either front or four wheel drive system. The 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine fuses with electric motors for producing 300 horsepower. Like other Toyota and Lexus dual-mode hybrids, it can run on battery power solely during light acceleration, while the V6 gas engine shuts off at low speeds when not needed.
The 3.5 liter gasoline V6 engine and battery pack driven electric motors and generators of Lexus RX 450h yield impressive total output of 295 horsepower. The engine is mated to specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT) with either front- or all-wheel drive. Standard luxury features include multi-adjustable power front seats, alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, nine-speaker stereo and power tilt-telescoping steering wheel. Options include blind spot detection system, power liftgate, heated and cooled front seats, leather upholstery, rear DVD entertainment system, backup camera and navigation system. Standard safety features include front-side, front, dual front knee and side curtain airbags, rollover sensor and stability and traction control.
The cabin inside offers real wood accents with reclining and sliding split rear seat for optimizing passenger comfort. With second row in use, the cargo capacity is 40 cubic feet and can be doubled when all seats folded flat.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in two different trim levels. The base model comes reasonably well equipped, while Limited gets luxuries including leather interior, upgraded sound system and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Limited can also be equipped with Bluetooth, navigation system, rearseat entertainment and satellite radio. Both Limited and standard variants offer air conditioning for second and third row passengers and dual-zone climate control as option.
Powering the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine combined with electric motor and generators for total of 280 horsepower. The power is transferred to pavement through continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and the estimated fuel economy is 28 mpg city and 28 mpg in highway driving. It comes with three energy-conserving modes for ensuring maximum efficiency. Acceleration and Normal modes place targets on power meter, a hybrid equivalent of tachometer showing where peak fuel economy resides in power band. The EV mode enables electric only propulsion for lower speeds and limited distances.
Lexus HS 250h
The Lexus HS 250h is available in two trim levels, including base and range topping Premium. Both are motivated by hybrid powerplant, which combines 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors for fused output of 187 horsepower. The combination drives front wheels through specialized continuously variable automatic transmission. The entry-level HS 250h comes standard with sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth, 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio, iPod/USB audio interface and six-disc CD changer and dual-zone automatic climate control. The top of the line Premium model gets rain sensing wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, auto dimming outside mirrors, upgraded leather upholstery and genuine wood trim.
The options list includes adaptive LED headlights, headup display, front and rear parking camera system, premium audio system, hard drive based navigation system, which also offers real time traffic conditions, weather forecasts, stock prices and sports scores. In performance testing, we have generally been impressed by Lexus HS 250h; both handling and acceleration are superior as compared to other hybrids.
Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid remains one of the most fuel efficient sport utility vehicles in the market. The two wheel drive Escape Hybrid should be able to deliver 30 miles per gallon of fuel economy in real-world highway and city driving. The powerplant comprise of four-cylinder 2.5-liter gasoline engine, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and pair of electric motors. The transmission basically works like standard automatic transmission.
Under complete acceleration, both power sources work together for providing maximum power. The Ford Escape Hybrid is faster as compared to standard four-cylinder Escape. Two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models are offered. The Escape Hybrid is available in two trim levels: base and Limited. The base comes standard with full power accessories, 16 inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver seat, stability control, Sync system, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and antilock brakes. Stepping up to Escape Hybrid Limited gets rear parking assist, sunroof, heated front seats and mirrors, multicolor ambient lighting and leather upholstery.
Honda CR-Z
The Honda CR-Z was originally launched for 2011 model year and is available in three trim levels: EX, EX with navigation and base. The base model gets automatic climate control, alloy wheels, cruise control, audio system with USB/auxiliary audio jacks and full power accessories. Moving up to EX features foglights, xenon headlights, Bluetooth, premium audio system and heated side mirrors. The voice activated navigation system is optional on EX. Other options are performance tires, satellite radio and 17-inch wheels.
The Honda CR-Z is powered by a hybrid system comprising of 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor, which is fed by nickel metal hydride battery pack with combined output of 128 pound feet of torque and 122 horsepower. The engine is paired with six-speed manual transmission as standard and continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters as optional. The rated fuel economy of CR-Z is 34 mpg for manual transmission in city, highway and combined driving.
Highlights for Honda CR-Z include quick steering, nimble size, sporty looks and customizable driving modes. One of the most notable drawbacks of CR-Z is the lack of rearseat. The maximum cargo capacity behind rear seats is 25 cubic feet. The cabin inside is uniquely designed, however with liberal use of hard plastics that provides the interior an entry-level feel.
Honda Insight
The Honda Insight is a four-door hybrid hatchback that offers comfortable seating capacity for five passengers and is offered in base, LX and up-level EX trim. Standard equipments for base trim level includes antilock brakes, 15-inch steel wheels, automatic climate control, two-speaker sound system and stability control. The LX includes four speakers for sound system, iPod/USB audio interface and cruise control. The EX is equipped with heated mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, six speakers and steering wheel audio controls. The EX can further be equipped with Bluetooth and navigation system.
