QandAs: Autos

What are the Top Hybrids Gas Mileage?

Answer:
Technology combined with fuel efficiency is the trend

in automobiles, as seen in the number of hybrid vehicles appearing in the marketplace today. Many automobile manufacturers are creating hybrid “sister” versions of popular vehicles to compete in the race for low emissions and fuel economy.

For anyone unfamiliar with a hybrid vehicle, it’s a combination of a conventional gas engine and electric motor that assist the engine in passing, accelerating and climbing hills. It also powers low-speed driving as in city stop-and go-conditions that helps increase fuel efficiency. The electric motor is powered by a regenerative braking system that recharges the batteries by reclaiming energy while driving on conventional gas engine power.

There are several hybrids available, and here’s a sampling of mileage (mpg) estimates and starting prices offered to guide buyers.

Toyota Prius: $21,500; City: 48 mpg; Highway: 46 mpg.

Toyota Camry: $26,150; City: 33 mpg; Highway: 34 mpg.

Toyota Highlander: $34,700; City: 27 mpg; Highway: 25 mpg.

Toyota Yaris (nonhybrid): $11,500; City: 27mpg; Highway: 25 mpg.

Honda Civic: $22,600: City: 40 mpg; Highway: 45 mpg.

Honda Fit (nonhybrid): $13,950; City: 28 mpg; Highway: 34 mpg.

Lexus GS 450h: $55,800; City: 22 mpg; Highway: 25 mpg.

Lexus LS 600hl: $104,900; City: 20 mpg; Highway: 22 mpg.

Lexus RX 400h: $42,080; City: 27 mpg; Highway: 24 mpg.

Ford Escape: $26,640; City: 34 mpg; Highway: 30 mpg.

Mercury Mariner: $29,950; City: 34 mpg; Highway: 31 mpg.

GMC Yukon: $50,945; City: 21 mpg; Highway: 22 mpg.

Hybrids have their pluses and minuses and on the positive side, are cleaner running, more environmentally friendly with less exhaust emissions and typically carry an eight-year warranty on battery packs. They are fuel-efficient for city driving with automatic start and shutoff technology, and owners will find some tax breaks available for clean fuel property.

On the negative side, hybrids depend on conventional gas engines for long commutes or highway trips, losing that in-town fuel-efficiency allowance, and hybrid owners won’t recoup the additional coast of purchasing a hybrid in fuel savings for several years. They also have limited availability, and at times, prospective owners are placed on a buyer’s waiting list. In addition, hybrids are often sold for premium over the window sticker price and cost more than their conventional counterparts.