So you want to purchase a hybrid vehicle! For those who like to save some money at the pump and want to minimize their carbon footprint on the environment, these fuel-efficient automobiles are tailor-made for you. However, you’re also the kind of person who likes the feel of a car with some guts; something that gets you from Point A to Point B without leaving you feeling like you’re driving a souped-up golf cart. Are we speaking your language? If so, we’ve eliminated the guesswork for you by compiling our list of some of the top used hybrid vehicles available with the best horseys under the hood.
2014 Toyota Prius
- Toyota’s Prius model has long dominated the hybrid vehicle segment, as it was one of the first hybrid vehicles to be mass produced. Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a pair of electric motors, the Prius will by no means make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, but its 134 horsepower offers just enough ‘umph’.
- For the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better compact or midsized vehicle that will get you 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the freeway. In fact, the Prius is only topped by its more diminutive relative, the Prius C.
- The Prius offers impressive cargo volume with 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which would allow you to fit as many as five bags of golf clubs.
- The 2014 Toyota Prius remains the quintessential hybrid car and a solid all-around choice, though other, newer hybrids are more enjoyable to drive. (Edmunds)
2013 Chevrolet Volt
- For those less concerned about fuel-economy and more interested in horsepower, the Chevy Volt is a fine choice, as it’s primarily powered by an electric motor that churns out 149 horsepower allowing it to accelerate to just over nine seconds when punched from 0 to 60. (Nearly a full second faster than the Prius.)
- With more under the hood when measured against a competitor such as the Prius, the Volt is considerably less economical by comparison, offering 35 mpg/city and 40 mpg/hwy.
- The Volt comes with excellent crash test scores, scoring an overall rating of five stars (the highest possible) in government crash tests.
- The 2013 Chevy Volt provides the best all-electric range of any plug-in hybrid, plus gasoline-fueled peace of mind that all-electric competitors can’t match. But it’s pricey for what you get. (Edmunds)
2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid
- Utilizing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 156 horsepower, the Fusion Hybrid jumps up to 191 horsepower when coupled with its electric motor, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 8.7 seconds – quick for its class.
- Getting 41 mpg city/36 mpg hwy, the Fusion Hybrid is a great option for individuals who log the majority of their miles traversing around town.
- Equipped with abundant high-tech features, a spacious interior and an engaging, comfortable ride, the Fusion Hybrid provides an impressive sense of luxury for a modestly priced midsize sedan.
- The well-rounded 2012 Ford Fusion is one of the top used car options for a midsize family sedan, according to Edmunds.
2013 Lexus CT 200h
- With an engine similarly constructed to that of the Prius, it’s no wonder that the Lexus CT 200h possesses identical juice, generating 134 horsepower to the front-wheel drive system.
- What it may lack in relative quickness, the CT 200h makes up for in fuel economy, boasting 43 mpg city and 40 mpg hwy, making it the most fuel-efficient hybrid with luxury billing.
- The CT 200h’s “driver-friendly” cabin makes it perhaps the most ergonomically designed vehicle in its segment.
- The 2013 Lexus CT 200h stands out in the premium compact segment thanks to its high fuel economy, sporty handling and attractive price. (Edmunds)
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Predominantly powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine generating 166 horsepower, the Sonata Hybrid resides along the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to hybrids with vigor. When coupled with its electric motor, the Sonata Hybrid tops out at 206 horsepower. Its 0 to 60 split is identical to that of the Fusion Hybrid.
- The Sonata Hybrid’s impressive powertrain is curbed some by the vehicle’s comparative disadvantage in fuel economy with competitors in its class. The EPA estimates the Sonata Hybrid’s fuel economy to be around 34 mpg city/39 mpg hwy.
- Though the Sonata Hybrid has received some demerits due to a somewhat clumsy breaking system, the standard safety features on the vehicle rate rather highly, garnering a five-star rating for overall crash protection in government safety tests.
- The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid seemingly has all the right stuff, but quirky driving dynamics keep it from being a top contender among fuel-efficient hybrid-powered family sedans. (Edmunds)
