2012 Toyota Prius

Once again, experts recommend the 2012 Toyota Prius (Base MSRP: $24,000 to $29,805) more than any other hybrid or electric car. Its winning formula sees only a few minor changes this year: "barely discernible" styling tweaks, Edmunds.com says, plus standard touch-screen electronic controls, iPod controls and Bluetooth phone and audio. Some new options are available, too, including power front seats, a sportier-suspension package and Toyota's Entune system that connects to the Internet via your smartphone for Pandora radio streaming and more.

Fuel economy is the Prius's claim to fame. At 50 mpg overall, it's still the most fuel-efficient car you can buy without going plug-in hybrid or full electric -- although it now ties with the smaller, 50 mpg 2012 Toyota Prius c (Base MSRP: $18,950 to $23,230). The new 2012 Toyota Prius v wagon (Base MSRP: $26,550 to $30,140) gets great reviews, too, as it's basically a regular Prius with a useful wagon body, although gas mileage drops to 42 mpg overall. The regular Prius hatchback is already very practical, reviews say, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. If you want even greater fuel economy, the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (Base MSRP: $32,000 to $39,525) combines a plug-in battery pack and regular hybrid gas engine to get the equivalent of 95 mpg overall, according to the EPA.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

• City: 51 mpg

• Highway: 48 mpg

• Combined: 50 mpg

NHTSA Safety Ratings

• Front Impact: 4 stars

• Side Impact: 5 stars

• Rollover Resistance: 4 stars

• Overall: 5 stars

IIHS Safety Ratings

• Front Offset Impact: Good

• Side Impact: Good

• Rear Impact: Good

• Roof Strength: Good

• Named 2012 Top Safety Pick

For additional details, see our review of the 2010 model

The Toyota Prius has seen no major changes since it was redesigned in 2010. For complete details and to find out more about what experts think of this hybrid car, please see our full report on the 2010 Toyota Prius.