List of Hybrid Vehicles
Toyota's Prius is probably the most recognizable hybrid car available as of August 2009. However, in the years since the Prius gained prominence, several other car companies began to produce hybrid vehicles. Many of these vehicles are simply hybrid versions of already-popular models, providing a sense of familiarity to car buyers looking toward the hybrid market. Although many of the hybrids currently being manufactured are smaller cars, there are options available to those who prefer the size and power of a sport utility vehicle or pickup truck.
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Hatchback Sedans
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The Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius, two of the smaller hybrids currently being produced, are also two of the most fuel efficient hybrids available. The Prius is currently listed with the highest combined fuel efficiency, 50 miles per gallon, while the Insight has a combined rating of 41 miles per gallon. Both vehicles offer seating for five and a rear cargo area.
Sedans
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The Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Toyota Camry hybrids have the same features of their non-hybrid counterparts while offering increased fuel economy. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, which are essentially the same car, have a combined fuel efficiency rating of 39 miles per gallon compared to 33 for the Toyota Camry. The Ford and Mercury hybrids also offer SmartGauge, an electronic dashboard which coaches drivers to be more fuel efficient.
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Compact Sport Utility Vehicles
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Perhaps the most fuel efficient hybrid sport utility vehicles are the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute Hybrids, though they are smaller and underpowered. The Ford Escape and its two re-badged clones earn a combined fuel economy rating of 32 miles per gallon.
Full-Sized Sport Utility Vehicles
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Consumers have many options with full-sized hybrid sport utility vehicles, though these are some of the least efficient hybrid vehicles available. GM offers the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, which both earn 21 miles per gallon and have the ability to tow three tons. Toyota's Highlander Hybrid earns a combined rating of 26 miles per gallon and offers seating for up to seven. In luxury sport utility vehicles, consumers can choose among the Lexus RX 450h (28 mpg), Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (20 mpg) and Mercedes ML 450 Hybrid (22 mpg).
Trucks
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There are only two hybrid trucks being manufactured in the United States: the Chevy Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid. The trucks are almost identical and offer a combined fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon. They do not sacrifice much in terms of power with the ability to tow roughly three tons.
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