TODAYs gas-electric hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, are among the most fuel efficient and greenest cars among vehicles relying on internal combustion power. All-electric cars are cleaner and require no fuel, but hybrids still sell better having no “range anxiety,” as well as costing comparably less, and with ability to refuel at the gas pump.
Honda’s 2017 Accord Hybrid
Honda’s 2017 Accord Hybrid may be the most effective midsized fuel-sipping sedan going.
Based around an unusual full hybrid powertrain with no actual transmission – but a virtual continuously variable tranny instead – its 48 mpg combined rating is very close to Toyota Prius territory in a handsomely styled, spacious, and much-more powerful package.
Oddly, the Accord Hybrid was introduced in 2015 with better EPA mpg than any competitor only to see Honda withdraw it from contention in 2016, revise it to make it even better, and re-release it in present 2017 form. It was based on the limited-market and now also discontinued 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid, and shared its superbly efficient powertrain albeit with smaller battery.
Toyota Camry
Toyota knows the Camry’s strengths and weaknesses; it knows competition is becoming more intense, and the extensively revised 2015 model is its answer.
Officially, it’s being called a mid-cycle refresh, as only three years ago the Camry was overhauled inside, out, and under the hood. This time around the model line, including the hybrid we drove, got nearly a total makeover, but they left engines essentially untouched.
One of the Camry line’s strengths is it’s been America’s best-selling car for a dozen years. One of it’s weaknesses is some people have found it about as exciting as oatmeal – it hits the spot, satisfies the need, but there are tastier alternatives.
Toyota Aqua Prius C
Toyota’s Prius c has established itself solidly as the third-best-selling hybrid being the lowest price Prius, and the highest mpg car “without a plug” sold in America.
The subcompact c is a full hybrid and one of four Prius “family” members, the others being the regular “Liftback,” the wagon-like Prius V, and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
If you are wondering about the nomenclature, the lower case “c” stands for city, which Toyota says is its ideal habitat, but this is essentially just a small hatch with decent utility that’s usable anywhere such a car would make sense.
