Here you will find the latest comparisons for hybrid cars.  Now that there are more choices for consumers, a hybrid car comparision becomes a valueable tool so that you get the best for your needs, your budget and your family.

Hybrid Car Comparison | Compare Hybrid Cars Before You Buy

In today’s world, reducing our cost of gas-powered vehicles has become a major concern and even a major priority for the average family. However, on the positive side, things are starting to build up as the competition increases in the hybrid car market, and this hybrid car comparison will give you some insight as to what to consider before you purchase a hybrid car.

What is a hybrid car you ask? Simply put, a hybrid car is a mix between traditional gasoline engine cars and another source of engery. This mix can be a combination of gas and electric, gas and hydrogen, or gas with some other alternative fuel.

There is an ever increaseing deemand for these cars that are gentle on the environment, and the fact that we have experienced constant gasoline price hikes have created a demand, indeed a vacuum, for more serious development of hybrid vehicles. This only makes it better for the consumers: the more competition, the better the research and development, and ultimately the more competition and choices for the public.

At the writing of this article, there were more than twenty hybrid car models available, and that number is set to increase as newer models are delivered to the market in the upcoming years. Some major car manufacturers have even developed electric cars where the gasoline is the backup system. For example, General Motors (GM) has announced the intruction of the Chevrolet Volt electric car for 2010. (Click here to read more about the new Chevrolet electric car and additional informatio on electric autos ).

Hopefully this article will help your reduce some of the considerations to help you make a better choice for your needs, your budget, and your family.

Hybrid MPG or Fuel Efficiency

Probably the primary reason a family considers a hybrid ar is the hybrid’s fuel efficiency or hybrid mpg. Hybrids are known for their top fule efficiency and low tailpipe emissions. All automobiles (gasoline or hybrid) have a fuel efficiency rating as represented by the number of miles per gallon (MPG) the car can obtian.

The miles per gallon (or here they hybrid mpg) changes depending on variables such as road conditions, wheather, tire inflation and other circumstances. For example, your hybrid mpg in the city is totally different from cruising down a freeway or highway.

Let’s Look At The Hybrid Competition

At his writing, at the top of the most fuel efficient cars for 2010 is the Toyota Prius with a rating Hybrid MPG rating of 48 City/51 Highway according to FuelEconomy.gov. The Honday Civic Hybrid came close with a 45/40 rating, followed by the Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid each with a 34/33 hybrid mpg rating. Honorable mentions should go to the Volkswagen Jetta and volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen, the Mini Cooper, the Mini Clubman, Toyota Yaris and Ford Escap Hybrid.

Emission Ratings, What Are They?

There are two primary emissions rating bodies in the United States. There is the federal government, which regulates emissions through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Second is the California Air Resources Board (CARB) which establishes CARB ratings that tend to be higher standards than the federal standard.

The “emissions” are the pollutants coming out of a car’s tailpipe. Technology advances such as catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation and electronic fuel controls along with hybrid car technology make it possible to reduce pollution to be inline with EPA regulations. According the the federal government, you can use the 0-10 emissions ratings to compare the emissions of one car to another car, even if they are not in the same class of vehicles (i.e., cars to trucks). The higher the number, the better. For example, a truck with a emission score of 8 is cleaner than any car receiving a score of 7.

Under the CARB system, when cars have good emission ratings, they are given a a title of PZEV, meaning Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. This title is nearly always given to hybrid cars because of the mix of electric motors power and gasoline. Other cars may be given even a higher rating called AT-PZEV, which means Advanced Technology PZEV. Yet the highest rating is called SULEV; this stands for the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

Let’s Compare Hybrid Emission Ratings

When it comes to comparing emissions, a hybrid does not necessarily win top honors. For example, the Lexus gets tops with SULEV ratings for alll their hybrid cars. Of course their hybrid mpg is a disappointing 25mpg, if your priority is a clean hybrid, this is a good option. Toyota Prius is a both an SULEV and PZEV, depending on the fuel used (i.e., California it gets the PZEV rating; however, other states with different fule standards and it is rated SULEV). The Toyota Highlander Hybrid also is an SULEV rated car and a nice SUV.

Other “clean cars” are the: 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid, 2009 Honda Civi Hybrid, 2009 Honda Civic GX (CNG), 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Ford 2009 Escape Hybrid.

Power and Acceleration

For many people, the power and acceleration stats may be the deal breaker and the area that gets a very hard look by consumers. There is an unfair opinion that all hybrids are as slow as their local golf carts. That simply is not true. Hybrid cars, by some definitions, use two power sources. When comparing this category, you have to look at the total rating for the combined sources. Some of the power horses (all puns intended) are the Lexus LS 600h L, which clocks in at about 430 hp. That’s huge, and it’s as powerful as some 6-liter V12 engines. It’s acceleration goes from zero to 60mph at an impressive 5 seconds. Another leader in this area is the Lexus 450h. This model comes in at 339 hp, coming from the two sources: the gas engine contribues 208hp while the the electric motor ponys up another 97 hp. It has a zero to sixty time of 5.3 seconds. In third place is the Nissan’s Altima Hybrid, which comes in with a respectable 198hp with acceleration of 9 seconds.

Hybrid Car Prices

Here’s the real consideration: will the hybrid car pay for itself, somehow?
Many states have incentives for driving hybrid cars. For example, in California it may allow you to drive in the commuter lane even if you’re by yourself. Additionally, there are various tax credits or incentives from the federal and local governments for the purchase of a hybrid car.

Taking that into consideration, hybrid cars are at the moment still more expensive than their non-hybrid, gas guzzling counterperts. However, with competition on the rise, and 2010 looking as a banner year for hybrid vehicles, that could change.

For small hybrid cars:

Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $23,650 – $26,850)
Toyota Prius ($22,000 base MSRP)

Family Hybrid Sedans

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid (MSRP $25,555)
Lexus GS450h (MSRP $56,550)
Lexus LS 600h L (MSRP $106,035)
Nisssan Altima Hybrid (MSRP $26,650)
Toyota Camry Hybrid (MSRP $26,150)

Hybrid SUVs

Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hybrids (Tahoe Hybrid MSRP $50,455 – $53,260)
Ford Escap/Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner (Ford Escape Hybrid $20,435 – $27,670)
Saturn Vue Green Line (hybrid) (MSRP $28,160)
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (MSRP $34,700 – $41,020)

Lexus RX 400h — Based on the 2010 Lexus RX redesign, there was no RX 400h for the 2009 model year. We’ll have to see the upcoming 2010 models, which come out in mid-late 2009.

In summary, there are many variables that go into the decision to purchase a hybrid car. Hopefully this hybrid car comparison wil help you narrow your choice to one that suits you best. Happy Clean, Green driving!