With gas prices markedly increasing over the past decade, consumers have made the conscious decision to opt for more fuel efficient vehicles as a way to combat surging prices at the pump. Now, more than ever, individuals who are in the market to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle have an array of options that allow them to be a bit more choosey when it comes to which hybrid or electric vehicle they own. Some prefer a fuel-efficient vehicle that stands out a bit more in arenas measuring performance [link to Hybrids with Horsepower blog], while for others, space and practicality for the family win out as a desired co-attribute accompanying the economical prowess of hybrids/electrics. Below we take a look at the top options for people who find themselves in the latter group, as we’ve compiled our list of the top five roomiest hybrid/electric vehicles.
2014 Ford C-MAX Hybrid
- In an effort to blend the passenger space of an SUV with the fuel economy of a hybrid vehicle, Ford manufactured the C-MAX Hybrid – a ridiculously fuel-efficient vehicle that gets 47 mpg for both city and freeway driving.
- The C-MAX Hybrid’s stylish and well-made interior blends attractive design with supportive, comfortable seating. The only downside is that when compared to other similar kinds of crossovers, it lacks noticeably in cargo space (24.5 cubic feet available behind the rear seats). Still, when compared to other midsize hybrids, it has much more cargo volume, giving it a leg up for those interested in using the hatchback as an everyday family car.
- With Ford placing an emphasis on space for passengers with the C-MAX Hybrid, the vehicle provides abundant rear-seat comfort and headroom/legroom for riders.
- The 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid is an interesting alternative to compact crossovers, wagons, minivans and hybrids. Its fuel economy and refined driving manners make it especially appealing. (Edmunds)
2013 Chevrolet Volt
- Though it’s a resides in a clear second tier behind the Prius and its prodigious cargo volume for a hybrid or electric vehicle, the Volt very capably seats a family of four and offers 10.6 cubic feet of cargo space; large enough to solidly fit two bags of golf clubs.
- When examining the Volt’s interior, the appearance of modern design and quality materials reveals itself. Per Kelley Blue Book, “With its cool and elegant styling, and even more cool and elegant interior, the 2013 Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid not only makes a statement about your environmental consciousness, it also says something about your good taste and appreciation for style.”
- The Volt comes with excellent crash test scores, scoring an overall rating of five stars (the highest possible) in government crash tests.
- “[The 2013 Chevrolet Volt] has all the conveniences you’d expect in a compact car, plus some you wouldn’t. It’s fast, it rides well, it costs only pennies to run on electric power, and it’s enormously smooth and quiet.”
2014 Toyota Prius
- The Prius offers some of the most impressive cargo volume for its class. With 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space available, the Prius allows you to fit as many as five bags of golf clubs.
- Though the overall quality of the interior materials may lack when compared to other competitors in its class, the Prius still offers a comfortable ride with generous legroom for passengers riding in the backseat.
- 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 2014 Toyota Prius remains the quintessential hybrid car and a solid all-around choice, though other, newer hybrids are more enjoyable to drive. (Edmunds)
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
- When measured against the standard Accord, the Accord Hybrid’s cargo space falls bit a shy of its strictly gas-powered sibling. The 12.7 cubic feet of storage space available is on par with other hybrid sedan competitors, however the Accord Hybrid lacks the kind of depth in the trunk that enable it to standout more amongst its rivals across all fuel types.
- Per Edmunds: “Both front and rear occupants will find plenty of legroom and shoulder room — the sedan’s backseat is arguably best-in-class with its combination of space and comfort. We’re also fond of the clear outward visibility afforded by the Accord’s design.”
- The interior of the Accord Hybrid is outfitted with an “elegant” cockpit design to go along with high quality materials that give the Accord Hybrid a luxurious look and feel.
- “All Accord Hybrid models include luxury features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch center screen, Honda’s LaneWatch blind spot camera and keyless access with a push-button ignition.”
2013 Toyota Prius V
- What’s the difference between the Prius and the Prius V? Six inches in length, three inches in height and 60 percent more cargo capacity. Indeed, the Prius V is essentially a more stretched out version of the Prius, with 34 cubic feet available for storage.
- Given the extension in dimensions, the cabin in the Prius V is also more spacious. The rear seats come with the ability to slide, recline and fold down, allowing for additional space for passengers and increased cargo capability.
- Though this larger version of the Prius is imbued with greater storage capacity, the look and feel of the interior is still saddled with the same types of uninspiring materials found in the Prius. However, the Prius V comes complete with a large two-tiered glovebox and large center console bin.
- With 67.3 cubic feet available with the rear seats down, the Prius V rivals most small crossover SUVs. (Edmunds)
