Hybrid Cars

Since fuel economy is of keen interest to most hybrid-car buyers, we've included EPA mileage estimates for each model as a comparative measure of economy. The EPA has overhauled how it calculates fuel economy due to challenges from the Automobile Association of America (AAA) and other consumer groups. The AAA claimed that EPA estimates didn't accurately reflect what a consumer can expect from regular driving. This challenge resulted in a new method of calculation for the 2008 model year. The EPA website offers calculators to compare old and new mileage and a converter from the old system to the new. In addition, real-world estimates that have been submitted by owners are available for some models. All this means that EPA fuel estimates are now much closer to what owners will actually experience on the road.

Available tax credits and special privileges, such as car pool lane access for a car with a driver only, have traditionally been a part of the hybrid buying decision, as legislation designed to encourage cleaner technologies was enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. For a full explanation of tax credits and to check availability, see the "New Energy Tax Credits for Hybrids" page at the EPA website. The rules are complicated and the credits for each car are different depending on how many models have been sold. To generalize, you'll get a bigger credit for hybrid cars that haven't been on the market very long, and little or no credit for models that have sold more units.

Best smaller hybrid cars

If fuel economy is your top priority, the Toyota Prius (*est. $21,100) is highest rated, purely by virtue of its 48 mpg estimate in city driving (45 mpg on the highway). Prius owners report mixed driving results of between 31 to 61 mpg, so the EPA estimates are in line with user reports. It also produces very low amounts of exhaust emissions and is considered at the top of the list of environmentally friendly vehicles. Compared to the average new car, pollution is cut by almost 90%, according to calculations by Toyota. It meets California SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) and PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) standards.

Power is provided by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive System, which consists of an electric motor assisted by a gasoline engine. The electric motor is used to power the vehicle at low speeds and to help with acceleration at higher speeds. The gasoline engine does not operate at all when the vehicle is stopped or is being driven at lower, city-driving speeds, but it kicks in as the primary power source at highway speeds.

Design-wise, the 2008 Toyota Prius remains mostly unchanged from the previous model year. One noted change is the addition of a stripped "Standard" Toyota Prius package (*est. $21,100) lowering the base MSRP. Two additional trim levels are offered.

The Toyota Prius is considered a compact hybrid car and has decent cargo space and room for four adults. Edmunds.com likes the utility of the hatchback and praises the Prius' excellent build quality. Various option packages include goodies such as an alarm system, GPS navigation package, vehicle skid-control system, special lights and more. The Toyota Prius comes with standard four-wheel antilock brakes and traction control. Government crash-test scores are very good to excellent for front, side and rear impact (the Camry's ratings are just a bit better).

The Toyota Prius has a unique, recognizable design, a modern interior and hatchback; testers like the fact that the Prius doesn't look like every other car on the road. But the exterior look is polarizing; some like the only-a-Prius look, but others don’t. On the road, the Prius takes some knocks for acceleration; ConsumerGuide's road testers rank the Prius below the class average (compared to other midsize cars) when it comes to handling and pick-up.

The competing Honda Civic Hybrid (*est. $22,600) is built on the standard Civic platform. Although other Civics are available as coupes or hatchbacks, the hybrid Civic is only available as a four-door sedan. The Civic lineup was redesigned for 2006, when the Civic won Motor Trend's Car of the Year award. The Civic Hybrid was included in the award. Fuel economy numbers for the Civic Hybrid are 40 mpg in city driving and 45 on the highway, according to 2008 EPA estimates, not far from the Prius. Owners report they are getting between 36 and 56 mpg in mixed driving. These figures are about 30 percent better than gas-powered Civic sedans, and it meets the EPA's Partial Zero Emissions standard.

Honda's hybrid system differs from Toyota's. Whereas Toyota's system is an electric motor assisted by a gasoline engine, Honda uses a gasoline engine assisted by an electric motor when extra power is needed. The Civic's gasoline engine displaces only 1.3 liters, producing 93 horsepower. The electric assist motor is rated at 20 horsepower. Total combined output is 110 horsepower. Honda's hybrid system is called "Integrated Motor Assist" or IMA for short.

The Civic's IMA allows the Civic to be powered by electric power alone under certain driving conditions, such as low speed cruising. However, the Civic Hybrid just about universally fails to impress reviewers with its performance. At Inside Line, testers found the Civic Hybrid in the 13-second range in zero-to-60 speed tests, with a best time of 12.4 seconds, described by editors as "dismal." The Toyota Prius consistently scored in the 11-second range. Reviewers at CNet declare the Civic's acceleration "decidedly underwhelming."

The Honda Civic Hybrid comes standard with front airbags, side-mounted airbags for front-seat passengers and side curtain airbags for both front seat and rear seat passengers from side impacts. It also has standard active head restraints in the two front seats. These devices help to minimize whiplash injuries that occur due to rear impacts. Anti-lock brakes are also standard. The Civic Hybrid car scores well in crash tests, earning praise in reviews. In 2008, the Honda Civic Hybrid scored five stars for both the driver and passenger in frontal impacts in government tests, four stars for the front passengers and five stars for rear passengers in side impact testing.

Automotive.com credits the Civic with being among the most refined cars in its class, with generous interior space and comfortable seating for four adults. However, the Civic Hybrid has less trunk space than the non-hybrid Civic due to battery storage. Also because of the position of the battery, the rear seats do not fold down. Experts find lots to like about the Honda Civic Hybrid. Honda Civics are a proven entity with traditionally high resale value, good fuel economy and low maintenance costs, adding to the Civic Hybrid's long-term appeal. And if you want a sedan instead of a hatchback, but don't want to accept the fuel economy hit that comes with a larger hybrid sedan, the Civic Hybrid is your only option.

In reviews that compare the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid, the Prius usually gets the nod. Reviews say the Toyota Prius is more comfortable and more fun to drive than the Civic. Several reviewers point out that the Civic doesn't tout its hybrid status with unique styling, while the hybrid Prius is more distinctive.

In reviews, most experts quite don't like the Honda Civic's hybrid technology as much as the system in the Toyota Prius. Although the Honda Civic Hybrid does get better fuel economy than the standard Civic, it's criticized for being slow and underpowered. Although the Civic Hybrid's tested zero-to-sixty time of 12.4 seconds does not compare favorably to the Prius (which can accelerate to sixty miles per hour in 10.3 seconds), experts do say that it drives well on the highway at speeds where it gets the best gas mileage.

Since the Honda Civic Hybrid is a 4-door sedan, with a trunk compromised by storage of the hybrid car's battery pack, cargo capacity is another point where the Civic Hybrid does not compare favorably to the Prius. Trunk capacity of the Civic Hybrid is about 10.4 cubic feet -- short of the 16.1-cubic-foot cargo area of the hatchback Prius. The Toyota Prius also has over four inches more legroom in the backseat area than the Honda Civic Hybrid.

Midsize hybrid sedans

While critics are divided on the Prius vs. Civic Hybrid issue, there isn't nearly as much contention when it comes to midsized hybrid cars. The Toyota Camry Hybrid (*est. $25,350) pretty clearly outclasses the competition, including the Nissan Altima Hybrid (*est. $25,170) , the Saturn Aura Green Line (*est. $23,640) and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (*est. $23,640) .

The Camry Hybrid uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, a system similar to that used in other Toyota hybrid cars. This particular system uses a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower, resulting in better acceleration than you'll get with a compact hybrid car.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid comes with an impressive list of standard features, including remote keyless entry and remote starting; further options include a power moonroof, leather interior, heated front seats and a navigation system. Safety features include front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for both front and rear seats, a driver's knee airbag, a tire pressure monitoring system and antilock brakes (ABS). Also standard is a system that electronically controls braking force, the electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) system. Crash-test scores are excellent.

Fuel economy for the Camry Hybrid using the new EPA test standards adopted for 2008 are 33 mpg/city, 34 mpg/highway, or 34 combined, so that tradeoff for more power and a more conventional ride is gas mileage.

Reviewers all seem to like the Camry Hybrid, although they do not necessarily like everything about it. At Edmunds.com they call the Camry Hybrid the most balanced hybrid yet. CNet calls it "spectacular," although they spend more time talking about the Bluetooth phone interface and premium audio system than they do about the hybrid aspects of the Camry. CNet claims that Camry "splutters and judders" as it switches between gas and electric power sources. Inside Line reviewers were more kind, claiming that the Camry Hybrid has the most seamless transition between electric motor and gasoline engine that they have tested. Inside Line reviewers also revealed that their test driver described the Camry Hybrid as feeling like an "an ice cream truck" when testing it at the track. Inside Line also claims that trunk space is very limited and that the Camry Hybrid has a hard time with steep climbs uphill.

For 2008, the Camry's MSRP was lowered by $1,000, making it now about $200 more than the top-of-the-line XLE trim package for the gas-powered Camry (though the base-model gas-fueled Camry starts at $19,620). Still, most critics think the Camry is a good value considering its list of standard features, and Camry sedans have a historically high resale and owner satisfaction rating.

Altogether, reviewers rate the Camry Hybrid as the best balance of fuel savings, comfort and value. The Civic Hybrid and Prius will save you more at the pump, but depending on the size of your family and your personal level of compromise, the Camry is a more comfortable car overall.

The Camry and the Nissan Altima Hybrid (*est. $25,170) share the same hybrid system, but overall, reviewers don't like it as much as the Camry Hybrid. In Car and Driver's tests, the Altima was actually a tiny bit quicker than the Camry hybrid, with good braking and handling. Motor Trend's comparison cites its "fun-loving chassis" as a distinct advantage over the Camry, and Edmunds.com editors describe the Altima as "the perfect alternative for those who want their hybrid to feel like a regular car." The reviewer from the Sacramento Bee, however, was disappointed in the "jolts" and "thunks" observed when the Altima's powertrain was switching between electric and gas power. But overall, most reviewers put the two cars about on par when it comes to handling and comfort.

Pricing of options is a downside compared to the Camry. While standard features are fairly similar, Toyota lets you pick and choose options more easily. With the Camry Hybrid, for example, you can add leather upholstery (*est. $1,300), satellite radio (*est. $450) and a navigation system (*est. $2,350) separately. But for the Altima, Nissan bundles such features as part of higher-priced options packages. If you want leather seats, for example, you'll have to buy the $4,400 package that also includes satellite ratio and heated front seats. If you want a navigation system, you have to buy the $6,400 "technology" package, which also includes a rear-view camera and satellite traffic updates.

Fuel economy for the Altima Hybrid is about the same as the Camry: 35 mpg/city, 33 mpg/highway. Car and Driver was not impressed with the real-world fuel economy of the Altima Hybrid, claiming that in their tests they got only 23-24 mpg. Luggage capacity is cut in half from the gas-only version due to the battery pack in the trunk.

The Altima is only available in the eight states that have adopted California emissions standards: California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In contrast to Toyota and Honda's hybrids, the Altima Hybrid qualifies for a $2,350 Federal Tax Credit through all of 2008 (check the IRS website for the latest changes).

The Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid (*est. $23,640) was introduced in model year 2007 and remains essentially unchanged for 2008. Reviewers generally like the Aura, which is built on the same GM Epsilon platform as several other GM offerings, arguably with the best suspension tuning and styling. At AutoWeek, they call the Aura the "best sedan in the brand's history." The hybrid version of the Aura is considered a "mild hybrid" because it cannot run on the battery alone. Instead, it's designed to maximize fuel economy by not burning gas while idle, and the electric motor assists only under certain driving conditions.

However, compared to other hybrid cars, the Aura Green Line's fuel economy isn't that impressive, with EPA estimates of 24 mpg in city driving and about 32 mpg on the highway. When compared to the newly offered 4-cylinder gas Aura XE, which gets 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway, the hybrid savings look "mild" indeed. Although the Green Line costs $1,700 more than the base Aura, it qualifies for a $1,300 federal tax credit through the end of 2008, making the hybrid option fairly inexpensive.

Reviewers say the Aura pretty much drives like regular sedan, but the Camry Hybrid gets much better reviews overall, and gives you a better deal on options. Although Saturn includes satellite radio as a standard feature, there are no options for a navigation system or leather seats, so the Aura Green Line isn't as customizable. Most critics just say that the Aura Green Line isn't innovative in any way; its fuel economy scores don't impress, the features and options are bare-bones and it just doesn't break any new ground. Edmunds.com editors say a full two-mode hybrid system similar to what is currently found in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrid SUVs is rumored to replace the Saturn Aura's current mild-hybrid system in near-future model years. The editors suggest waiting for this development, or considering the base 4-cylinder gas Aura if you want one that's fuel-efficient.

The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (*est. $23,640) is based on the same chassis as the Saturn Aura, and shares the same mild-hybrid engine. Fuel economy scores are identical. Chevy has devoted itself to minimizing noise, vibration and harshness, and Inside Line reviewer Daniel Pund says they have been successful. He criticizes the steering as not "natural-feeling," however. The Malibu lineup was redesigned for the 2008 model year, and while reviews have been favorable for the gas-powered 2008 Malibu, some critics say the hybrid version has a steeper hill to climb in terms of outclassing the competition since its fuel economy scores don't compare very well to those of other hybrid cars.

We found the most thorough review so far for the new hybrid Malibu at Edmunds.com, where editors are fans of the gas version. But editors say the hybrid Malibu doesn't handle as well, and it isn't as quick as the Camry Hybrid and Altima Hybrid. Like the Aura, the Malibu comes in one trim level with a short list of available options.

Hybrid luxury cars

Two hybrid sedans are available under the luxury Lexus moniker, the Lexus GS 450h (*est. $54,900) and the super fancy Lexus LS 600h (*est. $104,715) . As you can tell from the price, these two hybrid sedans sit in a class by themselves and really don't compete on the same level as the Camry Hybrid. Rather, the two Lexus hybrid cars are aimed at those who might also be shopping for a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes Benz luxury sedan but also want to do their bit for the environment.

The 2008 Lexus GS 450h Hybrid comes with a 340-horsepower V6 gas/electric engine which reviewers say compares to the performance you'd get from a V8 all-gas engine but with a 30% fuel savings. On paper, fuel economy isn't too impressive -- about 22 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway -- but if you compare these figures to the 15 to 18 mpg you'd likely get from a comparable V8 engine, the numbers have more impact. The performance of the hybrid 450h compares well to the other models in the GS series of sports sedans (you can read more about the non-hybrid Lexus GS cars in our report on luxury sedans ).

The Lexus GS 450h is fast, capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and includes a slew of standard features not found on other hybrid cars, from standard leather heated and ventilated seats to rain-sensing windshield wipers, a navigation system, satellite radio and a 14-speaker sound system. The suspension can be set to a "sport" setting, and includes an optional active stabilizer system to reduce body roll for hard cornering. At Edmunds.com they claim that the GS 450h is a "nice blend of sport sedan performance and touring sedan comfort." Trunk space is criticized -- a common complaint for all hybrid cars.

Interior fit and finish are deemed excellent, and although the Lexus GS 450h is widely praised, a few experts find it to drive stiffly, with too much tire noise. Long-term reliability and resale value is expected to be excellent. Right now, the hybrid Lexus GS is in a class by itself; its only real competitor is the even more expensive Lexus LS 600h (*est. $104,715) .

The Lexus LS 600h includes a 438-hp V8 engine. Rather than trying to compare it to other hybrid cars, most reviews compare it to other luxury sedans in the $100,000 price range. Like the Lexus GS 450h, however, this sedan really has no competitor since it's the only car in its class to offer a hybrid engine (20 mpg/city, 22 mpg/highway according to the EPA). As a true luxury vehicle, the LS 600h comes loaded with leather seating, a Mark massage chair and mobile office in the backseat. Not to mention a navigation system, Lexus' Advanced Precollision System (APCS) with pedestrian recognition, a driver monitor (you get a Levinson sound system, and even an option called the "Executive Class Seating Package" with a warning light, buzzer and brakes applied if you're not facing forward and a collision is imminent) and LED headlamps.

Motor Trend reviewer Ron Kiino includes a helpful sidebar that describes the LS 600h L's full electric mode. Certain parameters must apply – the hybrid system must be at a certain temperature, the engine warmed up, the battery charged to a certain level, and you have to be traveling at less than 25 mph – but under these conditions the LS 600 L offers full electric power, allowing it to glide silently, if slowly, along.

Important Considerations: Hybrid cars

The following is what the experts say you should know when choosing a hybrid vehicle. To decide which hybrid car is right for you, or whether you should buy a hybrid car at all, consider the following:

• You pay a premium for hybrid technology that may or may not pay off. Depending on your driving habits, it may take a long time to pay back this price premium with fuel savings. At Consumer Reports (as well as in other reviews), editors say you'll probably just barely recoup the extra cost of a hybrid in five or six years.

• The cost of replacement of batteries in hybrids is not fully understood. Some day, the battery packs in most hybrids will require replacement. Many hybrid cars are still under warranty.

• The federal government offers tax credits for the purchase of some hybrid cars. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) states that consumers and businesses can earn federal income tax credits for buying or leasing fuel-efficient hybrid-electric vehicles. Tax credits range from $250 to $3,400 and depend on several factors, including how many of the vehicles have been sold. That penalizes hybrid cars that have been on the market longer, so you'll generally get the most in tax savings from models that are new to the market. A table of estimated tax credits is provided at FuelEconomy.gov.

• Tax credits will be phased out once a manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. Toyota has sold enough hybrid vehicles that tax-credit money for Toyota and Lexus brands is depleted. Honda's credits for the Civic Hybrid are being phased out through 2008, from $1,050 (Jan. 1 through June 30, 2008) to $525 (June 30 through Dec 31, 2008). Civic Hybrids purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2009 will no longer be eligible for the tax credit. High-income individuals are not eligible for hybrid-car tax credits. Those persons who pay the alternative minimum federal income tax do not qualify for the tax credit either.

• Fuel economy of hybrids varies from a low of 20 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway for the Lexus LS 600h, to a high of 48 mpg/city, 45 mpg/highway for the Toyota Prius. It should be noted that new methods adopted for 2008 by the EPA have dramatically reduced the estimated mileage for all vehicles, but these new estimates are now more closely matched to real-world performance.

• A full hybrid car uses two different power sources. An electric motor and an internal combustion engine work together to power the vehicle. The engine keeps the batteries charged and assists when more power is needed, such as during quick starts.

• A strategy called regenerative braking is used in hybrid cars to recharge the batteries. Conventional vehicles turn all of the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat. In vehicles with regenerative braking systems, much of the kinetic energy is turned into electrical energy by turning the hybrid car's electric motors backwards to generate electricity, which charges the batteries.

• Mild hybrids such as the Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid do not use an electric motor to power the vehicle. Instead, a special electric starter motor is used to turn the engine until a certain RPM is reached, while also driving the wheels. The engine starts operating on gasoline at a higher speed than normal, saving fuel. The engine is shut down when the vehicle is coasting, braking or stopped. Fuel savings is not nearly as dramatic with mild hybrids as it is with full hybrids.

• You may realize similar fuel economy ratings with a fuel-efficient, pure gasoline 4-cylinder vehicle. For example, in Popular Mechanics' comparison test of a Civic EX against a Civic Hybrid, the EX "gave the Civic Hybrid a run for its money," achieving nearly 35 mpg. Although the hybrid version achieved an average of 41 mpg, the authors were not convinced this made it worth paying a premium for the car.

• Technology is rapidly evolving. Plug-in hybrids are soon to be available, and several reviews report that the Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid is just a "placeholder" for a full, dual-mode hybrid vehicle to come in future years. Many new models and more full hybrids are reported to be in development. Consumers might want to wait to see what is available in the next few years before plunking down cash for a hybrid right now.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Edmunds.com
7	Toyota Camry Hybrid (*est. $25,350)	details
6	Toyota Prius (*est. $21,100)	details
3	Honda Civic Hybrid (*est. $22,600)	details
3	Nissan Altima Hybrid (*est. $25,170)	details
3	Lexus GS 450h (*est. $54,900)	details
2	Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (*est. $23,640)	details
1 each	Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid , Lexus LS 600h

Since hybrid cars fit into a wide range of sizes and classes, it's hard to make apples-to-apples comparisons. Critics still like the Prius hatchback, and it gets the best gas mileage. The Civic comes close in terms of fuel consumption, but the Camry Hybrid sedan is more comfortable and roomy (though it's less efficient). The mild-hybrid Malibu and Aura Green Line aren't as competitive. Some reviewers like the Nissan Altima Hybrid, but its expensive options packages turn off many reviewers who say the Camry is a better value. The two Lexus hybrid sedans are in a class of their own at this point, appealing to a subset of buyers who want a luxury car but also want to display their concern for energy conservation.

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