With the 2013 hybrids starting to turn up, now is as good a time as any to talk about the best hybrid cars of 2012. With summer gas price creep in effect and those mid-summer sales around the corner that usually include some of the best new cars for sale on the market today it might be time to do your homework early. Or if you find yourself getting pinched at the pump already, pulling the trigger sooner while dealer inventory is still loaded isn't a bad idea either.
Top 10 Hybrid Gas Mileage Numbers
Toyota Prius c
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda Insight
Toyota Prius V
Lexus CT200h
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Kia Optima Hybrid
Honda CR-Z
53 city / 46 highway
51 city / 48 highway
44 city / 44 highway
41 city / 44 highway
44 city / 40 highway
43 city / 40 highway
40 city / 38 highway
41 city / 36 highway
35 city / 40 highway
31 city / 37 highway
$18950 starting MSRP
$23015 starting MSRP
$24200 starting MSRP
$18500 starting MSRP
$26550 starting MSRP
$29120 starting MSRP
$27500 starting MSRP
$28775 starting MSRP
$25700 starting MSRP
$19695 starting MSRP
In case it wasn't already apparent, Toyota owns the hybrid world. While most of their models are all variants of the Prius family their diversity cannot be overlooked when one is in the market for a hybrid. Gas Mileage for Toyota hybrids is also all near the top as well as offering multiple cars over 40 MPG they offer the second cheapest hybrid available in the Prius c as well as one of the largest for its mileage with the Prius V.
In fact compare hybrid cars to just new cars under 20k. The Toyota Prius c cost $18,950 and gets 53 city / 46 highway. The Honda Insight cost slightly less at $18,500 but only gets 41 city / 44 highway a surprising total 12 less MPG in the city. And the Honda CR-Z cost more then both at $19,695 but gets the lowest MPG on our top ten at 31 city / 37 highway. If you're shopping a for a high mileage commuter car under 20k there is only one clear winner.
Of course if you need a larger size there are other models for a bit more money that get similar gas mileage. While the American version of the Prius V still only seats five unlike its European counterpart which can seat seven, all that extra interior space is still available making it one of the best new cars for sale if you need to take a long road trip. Even better news it still gets over 40 MPG in both city and highway driving. As you can see there are plenty of reasons to find your local Toyota dealer with the Toyota dealer locator tool.
Competition Among Mid-sized Hybrid Sedans
While Toyota has the top end of the Hybrid market on lock-down, competition is still strong in the mid-sized segment with Kia, Ford, and Honda all offering strong competition to Toyota. And more competition is expected to come when more 2013 Hybrids get released as more automakers look to cash in on rising fuel prices and higher mileage standards. And expect more competition to come from alternative fuel vehicles as ranges increase and purchase prices drop. But for now? The crown still firmly rest upon Toyota's head.