Pursuit of the perfect blend: The best hybrid cars of 2012

Check out our list of some of the best hybrid vehicles out now and coming soon.

Last week we brought you our list of some of the the most fuel-efficient (non-hybrid) cars money can buy. This week we’re back to give you a look at some of the best hybrid cars out now and coming soon. Whether you’re looking for a traditional hybrid like the Toyota Prius, or have the money (not oil) to burn on a luxury laden model like the Infiniti M Hybrid, there is something here for everyone. 

Small/Compact:

Toyota Prius C

Being the baby of the family can be both a curse and a blessing, thankfully the Prius C handles the expectations placed on its shoulders by its bigger, and older, siblings the Prius Liftback (standard Prius) and Prius V. While Toyota claims the “c” stands for city, it may as well stand for cheap as well because the Prius C is the most cost effective hybrid model today with an MSRP of less than $19,000. And considering its 53 mpg in the city, 46 mpg on the highway, and 50 mpg combined, the Prius C is one of the most attractive hybrids on the market.

Toyota Prius (Liftback)

What can’t we say about the Prius? Now in its third generation and enjoying a 12 year spell at the summit of hybrid vehicles, the Prius is without question the most popular hybrid on the market, selling  1.2 million units in U.S  since its introduction back  in 2000 . On top of sporting a spacious cabin with a comfortable ride, the Prius possesses the uncanny ability to forgo even modest amounts of fuel and carries an EPA rating of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg on the highway, with a combined 50 mpg.

Honda Insight

Generally speaking, being first to market gives you an edge over the competition, but unfortunately the Insight has bucked that trend. And although it has long-lived in the shadow of the successful Prius (and its ever growing Prius family) the Insight provides a nice alternative to Toyota’s troupe, even if its redesign bears a striking resemblance to its Japanese rival. Nevertheless fuel economy is the name of the game here and the Insight proves its chops with 41 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 42 combined making it one of the more attractive 5-door hatchback hybrids on the market.

Mid Size:

Ford Fusion Hybrid

While the Ford Fusion Hybrid has proven itself a perennial petrol sipper since its introduction in 2009, it’s the upcoming redesigned 2013 Fusion that has our engines rumbling. Showcasing a truly impressive physique, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid will differentiate itself from its predecessor by swapping out its previous nickel-metal hydride batteries for lighter, energy efficient lithium-ion batteries instead. The result is a dashing hybrid that is estimated to achieve 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. In addition, the new Fusion will come packed with some truly impressive features such as driver assistance technologies and a dynamic lane keeping system, adaptive cruise control, an integrated blind spot information system, among others. We imagine Ford’s latest version of MyFord Touch will also slither its way into the Fusion as well.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Stylistically speaking the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a real eye catcher and vividly characterizes Hyundai’s relatively new “wind swept” design language sweeping across many of its models. Nevertheless it’s not all style and no substance for the Korean automaker. On top of pleasing aesthetics, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delivers excellent fuel economy, netting 35 city, 40 highway, and a combined 37 mpg all on its lithium polymer battery pack, and still manages to sneak in at an equally attractive price point of $25,795.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

For those willing to forgo flair for function, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is perhaps the best option. While not a particularly stylish set of wheels the Camry Hybrid makes up for its lack of character by offering up workmanlike fuel economy. The standard Camry has been one of the most popular vehicles in the American automaker for years now, and it seems customers are not opposed to throwing down an extra $3,000 for a hybrid model. Especially when that hybrid model can deliver 44 mpg in the city, 44 on the highway, and 44 combined. In a segment that is generally all about those numbers preceding “mpg,” the Camry is truly one to be reckoned with.

Luxury:

Lexus CT 200h

Saving the planet is not a cheap endeavor — not if that endeavor involves buying a more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicle. As automakers quickly realized the willingness of the masses to spend green to go green, the not-so-long march to a premium branded hybrid was inevitable. Enter the Lexus CT200h. This stylish little entry-level premium hatchback signals the Japanese automaker’s continued effort to evolve and offer its hybrid drivetrain system in more than just its Toyota-badged vehicles. The CT200h stands out not only for its excellent fuel economy – which is estimated at 43 mpg city, 40 highway, and 42 combined – but for its dynamic handling, sporty ride, and compelling price point just south of $30,000.

Infiniti M Hybrid

While the luxury hybrid segment is still somewhat in its infancy, a moderate amount of choices exist for those willing to travel down this path. One such vehicle is the Infiniti M35h. Pairing a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor, the M hybrid is admittedly more fun than frugal, but despite its greater thirst for fuel the M does so with impressive efficiency, carrying an estimated 27 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway, and 29 combined.

SUV:

Ford Escape Hybrid

It’s obvious that the majority of the hybrid scene is comprised of compacts and subcompacts of various ilks, but despite that reality there are those out there that require more heft and utility from their eco-minded vehicle. Enter the Ford Escape Hybrid. This fuel efficient crossover not only boasts some impressive numbers for its segment, try 34 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 32 combined, but also boasts a spacious tech-laden cabin and spirited road manners. The Escape hybrid may be getting a redesign for 2013, but the current crop on offer will provide a competent alternative to the diminutive hybrids frolicking about.

Toyota Prius V

Completing our Prii trifecta is the Prius V. While technically not an SUV, we’re lumping the largest member of the Prius family in this category simply because we can; it’s our list. Regardless of classification, those needing some added flexibility with their fuel-efficiency will surely appreciate the V, which according to Toyota stands for “versatility” and not some misguided nod to what’s perhaps the worst Rocky film of all time. But we digress, and because it’s numbers we’re interested in the Prius V delivers with its EPA estimated 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined rating. Add to that ample cargo space which sits at 34.3 cubic feet and balloons to 67.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down, and the Prius V encroaches on SUV-like utility.

Top Luxury/Performance pick:

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Admittedly this entry in our list is more about style, performance, and luxury than saving our wonderful Mother Earth. Chances are, if you’re up on the automotive totem pole so much so that you hardly bat an eye at the Panamera S Hybrid’s near $100,000 asking price we can’t imagine paying three, four, or even five dollars for a gallon of gas will cause you to lose much sleep at night, but the fact that Porsche has even delivered this vehicle is cause for praise. Sure upcoming legislation might have forced the company’s hand, but nevertheless in the Panamera S Hybrid we have a vehicle that few would consider turning down, even for more fuel efficient alternatives. Coincidently, Porsche’s hybrid doesn’t do too terribly in that department, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Not bad considering its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and electric motor produced 375 hp and 427 lb-ft of torque. Not bad at all.

Mixed reviews for Hybrid cars

Sales locally are slower than national trends

Sales of hybrid cars showed a significant increase across the United States during the first six months of 2012.

According to sales information compiled by HybridCars.com and the Michigan-based market research firm Baum and Associates, U.S. hybrid car sales increased 63.5 percent during the first six months of 2012.

Local car dealers have seen mixed results in sales of hybrids, which are vehicles that use two or more distinct power sources to propel the vehicle.

"Our best selling car is the Hyundai Sonata. For a while we couldn't get rid of them and now we can't keep them in stock," said Tim Edmundson, sales manager at Dean Patterson Chevrolet Cadillac Mazda Hyundai, Altoona. "We've seen about a 100 percent increase over last year."

Edmundson said he has sold about 50 more Sonatas so far this year compared to last year.

Joel Confer Toyota in State College has been selling a lot of the Toyota Prius C and V models both introduced in 2012, said sales manager Alan Hall.

The C is a compact version of the original Prius, while the V is a wagon-like vehicle with a more spacious interior.

"We are selling all of the C and V models we can get. Sales are great. That is the positive side of the gas price increases, but they are selling either way (whether price goes up or down)," Hall said. "I think the economy is starting to stabilize regardless of what the news says. We are up in total volume (new vehicle sales) over last year by about 40 percent."

Hybrid sales also are up at Fiore Toyota, Hollidaysburg.

"Our hybrid sales since November 2011 are up 47 percent. We have sold 77 hybrids since then. The increase is due to the inconsistency of fuel prices and people are realizing that hybrids are OK now," said Jack Williams, sales consultant. "We have never had to replace a battery in a hybrid since we started selling them in 2004."

The same is true at Dix Honda in State College.

"We saw an increase from January to April but nothing like 63 percent. It was more like 15 to 20 percent. From the end of April until now it has leveled off and is not climbing. The price of gas had stabilized," said Jeff Stevenson, general manager.

On the other hand, Blair Honda in Altoona has not seen a significant increase in hybrid sales.

"The vast majority of our products get respectable gas mileage. Our Honda Civic products get 39 to 40 miles per gallon. When you can get that kind of mileage it may not be worth the difference to pay the extra price for a hybrid," sad Eric Noll, sales manager.

Hybrids cost more because you are paying for the advanced technology. For example, Williams said a Toyota Camry hybrid costs about $2,000 more than a regular model.

Some dealers said hybrids are not that popular in this area.

"They are mostly made for stop-and-go traffic, city-type driving," said Barry Golding, sales manager at State College Ford Lincoln.

Bob Bradley, sales manager at Courtesy Ford Kia in Altoona, said hybrids are better suited for the metro areas.

"People are finding out they don't get much better gas mileage around here because of the hills and terrain. Hybrids don't do as well in freezing weather, because when it is cold the batteries do not produce as much power," Bradley said. "There are people who ask us about them but once they see how much more they cost, they go with the gas model."

Dealers are not sure what to expect for the remainder of the year.

"All bets are off because of the price of gasoline. If the price of gas goes higher, people have to take another look at the numbers to see if it would benefit them to purchase a hybrid," Noll said. "If gas continues to rise, hybrids and diesels likely will take off in popularity."

Air hybrid vehicles could halve fuel consumption in future

Air hybrid vehicles could halve fuel consumption in future
Researchers in Sweden are exploring air hybrid automobiles as possible alternatives to electric hybrid cars, claiming they could halve fuel consumption by using the energy generated from vehicle brakes.
The new system saves the energy in the form of compressed air, which can then provide extra power to the engine when the car is started.
While electric cars and electric hybrid cars already make use of brake energy to power a generator that charges the batteries, Per Tunestal, a Lund University researcher, said that his ‘air hybrids’ would be much cheaper to manufacture.
“The technology is fully realistic. I was recently contacted by a vehicle manufacturer in India which wanted to start making air hybrids,” said Tunestal.
The technology is particularly suitable for jerky and slow driving, such as buses in urban traffic.
Simulations have shown it can cut buses' fuel consumption in urban areas by up to 60%.
The researchers also calculated that 48% of the brake energy, which is compressed and saved in a small air tank connected to the engine, could be reused later.
They said the engine would take up much less space than an electric hybrid engine, and would work with petrol, natural gas and diesel.
The Lund researchers have worked with the Swedish company Cargine, which supplies valve control systems.
Ford initially hit upon the idea of air hybrids in the 1990s, but the American car company quickly shelved the plans because it lacked the necessary technology to move forward with the project.
“This is the first time anyone has done experiments in an actual engine. The research so far has only been theoretical. In addition, we have used data that means we get credible driving cycle results, for example data from the driving patterns of buses in New York,” said doctoral student Sasa Trajkovic.
The next step is to progress from a single cylinder to a complete, multi-cylinder engine, moving the design closer to a real vehicle.
Air hybrid vehicles could halve fuel consumption in future