Previously Featured Top Hybrid Cars

Given their exceptional fuel economy ratings, environmentally friendly reputation and special incentives and tax breaks, it’s no wonder that more models of hybrid cars are going on sale each year. While hybrids still use gas to power a conventional engine, they boost their fuel-efficient street cred with electric motors, high-voltage batteries and regenerative braking. The low-emissions automotive market isn’t even focused just on bare-bones small cars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight anymore; it now includes large luxury vehicles such as sedans, crossovers and SUVs. Browse the following ten high-mileage, dual-powered automobiles for great hybrids in each category.

Top 10 Hybrid Cars

Hatchbacks

Lexus CT 200h Sharing much of the same hybrid technology with the Toyota Prius, the Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback elevates eco-friendly driving to the luxury sport level with its smart and sleek design and performance-oriented adjustable drivetrain.

Honda CR-Z As the third hybrid in Honda's lineup, the brand-new CR-Z offers drivers the fun look and feel of a sports coupe in a fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly form.

Toyota Prius This redesigned third-generation hybrid hatchback, equipped with a 1.8-liter gas engine, an electric motor, regenerative braking and a 650-volt NiMH battery, gets a city fuel economy of up to 51 mpg.

Honda Insight While some go faster and some farther on a single tank, few hybrids can claim to be as affordable — or as much fun — as the brand new Honda Insight. Starting at under $20,000, the Insight proves to possess a pleasant mix of fun and frugality.

SUVs

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Porsche is finally throwing its hat into the hybrid ring with the all-new Cayenne Hybrid, a fuel-saving sport ute that doesn't skimp on performance. Delivering a combined 380 horsepower from its supercharged V6 and 288-volt electric motor, this hybrid SUV is both athletic and efficient.

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid As large and luxurious as the regular Escalade, the two-mode hybrid version comes equipped with an efficient V8 engine and a 300-watt battery, which boosts fuel economy to 21 mpg on the highway.

Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid Boasting 32 mpg on the highway, this SUV is a roomy way to travel while saving on gas. Features like traction and stability control, along with six airbags and OnStar make this also a safe way to get around.

Sedans

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid Combining top-of-the-line accoutrements with an efficient yet powerful V6 mild-hybrid, the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is the rare full-size sedan that is both luxurious and eco-friendly.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Ford claims that this commuter sedan can operate at 47 mph in pure electric mode, and that its range in urban settings is more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas. Along with a powerful NiMH battery, this green-minded car features the SmartGauge, a futuristic display panel that shows real-time driving performance data.

Lexus GS 450h Unusual to its class, this quiet-driving luxury sports sedan balances raw performance with a hybrid powertrain, and is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Inside, the GS 450h exhibits a posh leather trim; powered, heated and ventilated front seats; and a ten-speaker premium sound system.

Nissan Altima Hybrid Limited in availability, this attractive hybrid sedan blends performance and comfort with fuel economy. Capable of up to 35 mpg, this low-emission car looks and feels like a conventional sedan, albeit one that rarely needs a refill.

Top 10 Hybrid Cars

Read All Car Reviews

PNW122110

(Updated: 05/10/12 NW)