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From pickup trucks to luxury sedans there is a hybrid waiting for you
Introduction
Introduction
In 2001 there were only 2 hybrids available on the market; today there are over 20. While the fuel savings can be significant, are they worth the often premium price? You'll have to factor in how environmentally responsible you want to be, balanced with how much you're willing to pay for that responsibility. To that end we've tried to provide you with a reasonable Price Premium estimate based on the non-hybrid alternative. We've also provided you a look at available tax where applicable. For up-to-date tax credit information, consult the EPA's website. With that, here's what's currently available for 2009-10 in the realm of hybrid automobiles.
Content by William Sidney
Photos courtesy of Manufacturers
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is a new model this year. It offers better economy than the non-hybrid Escalade, though by only two to three miles per gallon.Base MSRP: $73,135
City/Highway MPG: 19/21 (estimated)
Price Premium: $8,380 over comparable Cadillac Escalade
Tax Credit: $2,200 (2WD)-$1,800 (AWD)
Model Highlights:
Same towing capacity as non-hybrid model
Tons of Cadillac luxury and panache
Continuously variable automatic transmission
2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
While the appearance of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid has remained unchanged for 2009, fuel economy has been bumped up over last year's model. A competent car, the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid represents one of the better midsize sedan hybrid competition to come from Detroit yet.Base MSRP: $26,275
City/Highway MPG: 26/34
Price Premium: $1,325 less than 2009 Malibu LTZ
Tax Credit: $1,550
Model Highlights:
Good fuel economy in a comfortable, un-hybrid-like car
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 164 horsepower
Plenty of traveling room for five passengers
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid has been in the works for a while, but never made it far past the prototype stage. The 2009 package still offers un-truck like fuel economy, but provides incredible towing power, available four-wheel drive, and a distinctly un-truck-like luxury interior.Base MSRP: $41,170
City/Highway MPG: 21/22
Price Premium: $1,805 over comparable Silverado 1500 4x4 4-door
Tax Credit: $2,200
Model Highlights:
Three-ton towing capacity
All-electric mode works at up to 30 miles per hour
6.0-liter engine makes 385 horsepower
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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
With Bluetooth connectivity and power-adjustable pedals now available, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid sees no other updates. While still holding on to the near-luxury suv market, towing capability and Hybrid credentials, the Tahoe still offers little more fuel economy than its non-hybrid sibling.Base MSRP: $51,405
City/Highway MPG: 21/22
Price Premium: $1,100 over comparable premium equipment Chevrolet Tahoe
Tax Credit: $2,200
Model Highlights:
6.0-liter engine makes 332 horsepower
6 mpg increase in city fuel economy over non-hybrid
Available leather interior
2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
The all-new Chrysler Aspen Hybrid SUV crossover claims a 53 percent increase in fuel economy over standard engines by utilizing twin electric motors mated to a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The resulting fuel economy isn't overwhelming, by any means, but again, this is a strong first step for an SUV.Base MSRP: $46,120
City/Highway MPG: 19/20
Price Premium: $8,155 over comparable Chrysler Aspen Limited 4x4
Tax Credit: $2,200
Model Highlights:
Utilizes electric-only mode for low speeds
Car-like fuel economy for a full-size SUV
Comfortable eight-passenger seating with available leather
2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid
The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid is the Dodge sibling of the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, and as such, is mechanically identical, though priced slightly lower. Although this series is new for 2009, count on the line being discontinued soon as consumers seek less expensive, more efficient hybrid SUVs.Base MSRP: $45,340
City/Highway MPG: 19/20
Price Premium: $5,255 over comparable Dodge Durango Limited 4x4
Tax Credit: $2,200
Model Highlights:
Slightly less expensive than Chrysler Aspen variant
Available leather seating
5.7-liter Hemi V8 makes 385 horsepower
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
For 2009, the Ford Escape Hybrid has a more powerful 2.5-liter engine that still returns some of the best fuel economy among small hybrid SUVs. The Ford Escape Hybrid also is one of very few hybrid cars (Toyota Prius being one) which can run solely on electric power.
Base MSRP: $30,030
City/Highway MPG: 34/31
Price Premium: $6,055 over comparably equipped premium Ford Escape
Tax Credit: $1,500 (2WD) - $975 (4WD)
Model Highlights:
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 177 horsepower with electric motor
Interior crafted from Earth-friendly post-industrial materials
Optional voice-activated navigation system
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid lays claim to one of the most advanced hybrid powertrains available in an American car. The Ford Fusion shares platform architecture with the Mercury Milan.Base MSRP: $27,270
City/Highway MPG: 41/36
Price Premium: $3,295 above comparable 2010 Ford Fusion SEL
Tax Credit: Up to $1,700
Model Highlights:
Electric-only operation at up to 47 mph
17-inch aluminum wheels standard
Dual-zone climate control standard
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid
The GMC-badged sibling to the Chevrolet Silverado shares the same underpinnings, but perhaps a slightly more angular design strategy in the front end. Otherwise, it's the same vehicle.Base MSRP: $39,365
City/Highway MPG: 21/22
Price Premium: $4,705 over comparable GMC Sierra Denali
Tax Credit: $2,200
Model Highlights:
6.0-liter V8 makes 332 horsepower at 5,100 rpm
Leather seating surfaces available
Spacious rear seating room
2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid
The GMC twin of the Chevrolet Tahoe is the luxury-minded side of the family. While fuel economy does not increase appreciably over the standard Yukon, you can give GMC props for the attempt, and as SUVs go, the gas mileage is particularly car-like.Base MSRP: $51,870
City/Highway MPG: 21/22
Price Premium: $1,100 over Yukon Denali Premium
Tax Credit: $2,200
Model Highlights:
Available leather seating surfaces
6.0-liter V8 engine makes 332 horsepower
Plenty of towing ability even with hybrid capability
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid gets a light refresh this model year, including new lights, bumpers and navigation systems. The 2009 model is about the best way to gain entry into the 40-plus mile per gallon club.Base MSRP: $24,220
City/highway MPG: 40/45
Price Premium: $1,540 less than Honda Civic GX
Tax Credit: N/A
Model Highlights:
Available leather seating surfaces
Agile driving quality
Available navigation system
2010 Honda Insight
The all-new 2010 Honda Insight squares its sights right on the Toyota Prius, practically ignoring all other hybrids. Great fuel economy, sporty driving experience, and a tough-to-beat price tag are all indicative of the Honda driving experience.Base MSRP: $19,800
City/highway MPG: 40/43
Price Premium: N/A
Tax Credit: TBD
Model Highlights:
Available navigation system in EX model
1.3-liter i-VTEC engine makes plenty of zippy power
Standard side curtain, driver's and front passenger airbags
2009 Lexus GS Hybrid 450h
The single update to the Lexus GS 450h for 2009 is that the battery array has been redesigned to make more trunk space. Otherwise, this vehicle has little new to offer. With good fuel economy despite its heft, it makes for a very luxuriously green sedan.Base MSRP: $57,225
City/highway MPG: 22/25
Price Premium: $3,080 more than comparable Lexus GS460
Tax Credit: N/A
Model Highlights:
Sumptuously luxurious interior with leather and all the trimmings
3.5-liter V6 hybrid makes combined 340 horsepower
Room for five passengers, who won't ever ask, "Are we there yet?"
2009 Lexus LS Hybrid 600hL
The undisputed luxury hybrid flagship, the Lexus LS Hybrid 600hL makes a none-too-subtle statement about your arrival, and you expect nothing less than a green carpet to await you when you get there. This six-figure hybrid features some monster horsepower to move its 5,050-pound heft.Base MSRP: $106,710
City/highway MPG: 20/22
Price Premium: $28,775 over comparable Lexus LS460L AWD
Tax Credit: N/A
Model Highlights:
Interior absolutely second to none for hybrid luxury
Great gas mileage for a 438-hp car weighing 5,050 pounds
Smooth and quiet ride make you practically forget you're driving a hybrid
2010 Lexus RX 450h
Completely redesigned for 2010, the world's first luxury SUV hybrid gets numerous upgrades, notably a larger engine AND a boost in mileage, additional cargo room, and exterior tweaks that one really needs a 2009 Lexus RX for comparison to notice. Not only is this a more environmentally friendly SUV, but with 10 airbags, Lexus's Pre-Collision system, and adaptive head lamps, it's a safer SUV too.Base MSRP: $42,535
City/highway MPG: 32/28
Price Premium: $4,735 over comparable Lexus RX 350
Tax Credit: N/A
Model Highlights:
295 horsepower, 3.5 liter V6
Optional heads-up display
New user-interface for navigation
2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
For 2009, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid gets the same, more powerful 2.5-liter engine as its sibling SUV, the Ford Escape, and still returns some of the best fuel economy among small hybrid SUVs. The Mazda Tribute Hybrid also can run on only electric power.Base MSRP: $28,845
City/highway MPG: 34/31
Price Premium: $6,000 over comparable premium package Mazda Tribute
Tax Credit: $1,500 (2WD) - $975 (4WD)
Model Highlights:
177 horsepower with electric motor
Well-designed interior from Earth-friendly post-industrial materials
Optional voice-activated navigation system
2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
For 2009, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid gets the same more powerful 2.5-liter engine as its sibling SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. The Mercury Mariner is essentially the same vehicle, but carries a slight price premium over the Ford.Base MSRP: $30,475
City/highway MPG: 34/31
Price Premium: $6,055 over comparable premium Mercury Mariner
Tax Credit: $1,500 (2WD) - $975 (4WD)
Model Highlights:
177 horsepower with electric motor
Well-designed interior from Earth-friendly post-industrial materials.
Optional voice-activated navigation system
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
Like it's sibling, the Ford Fusion hybrid, the 2010 Mercury Milan benefits from advanced hybrid technology that makes one of the most cost-efficient hybrids available. The Mercury Milan hybrid is positioned as an "upscale" vehicle, and as such, carries a slightly higher price tag than the Ford Fusion.Base MSRP: $27,500
City/highway MPG: 41/36
Price Premium: $5,000 more than comparable 2009 Mercury Milan V6
Tax Credit: Up to $1,700
Model Highlights:
2.5-liter Atkinson I-4 hybrid engine
Sync voice-activated communications and entertainment system
Optional rear camera display
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Nissan's green machine gets no changes for 2009, but it's one of the more impressive sedan hybrids available. Priced only slightly higher than a comparable non-hybrid Altima, the hybrid model offers a tax credit that nearly offsets the increased price.Base MSRP: $27,345
City/highway MPG: 35/33
Price Premium: $2,730 more than Nissan Altima 3.5 SL
Tax Credit: $2,350
Model Highlights:
700-mile vehicle range
Nicely thought-out interior with available leather seating surfaces
Utilizes a Toyota hybrid system under license
2009 Saturn AURA Hybrid
Saturn left well enough alone with its hybrid AURA sedan, and while it could be better as a full hybrid, this "mild hybrid" instead uses an electric motor which allows the engine to shut off at idle.Base MSRP: $26,685
City/highway MPG: 26/34
Price Premium: $1,480 over comparable Saturn Aura XR
Tax Credit: $1,550
Model Highlights:
Attractive European styling based on Opel brand
Standard stability control system
2.4-liter engine makes 164 horsepower and 159 foot-pound of torque
2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid
For 2009, Saturn's Vue hybrid is actually two models, the Vue Hybrid, and the Vue 2 Mode. The 2 Mode is the more advanced model, likely to replace the original Saturn Vue as it offers nearly 100 more horsepower with only a marginal drop in highway fuel economy and a 2 mpg increase in city fuel economy. Base price of the 2 Mode is slightly higher at $32,000.Base MSRP: $28,625
City/highway MPG: 27/25
Price Premium: $600 more than comparable 2009 Saturn VUE Red Line 4wd
Tax Credit: $1,550
Model Highlights:
Plenty of room for five passengers plus luggage
3.6-liter V6 engine makes 262 horsepower and 250 foot-pound of torque
Can run on electric power only
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota's Camry hybrid soldiers on for 2009 unchanged, offering high fuel economy for a larger sedan, plus all the roomy comfort you've come to expect in a Camry.Base MSRP: $26,870
City/Highway MPG: 33/34
Price Premium: $575 more than comparable 2009 Toyota Camry XLE
Tax Credit: N/A
Model Highlights:
Phenomenal Toyota resale value
2.4-liter inline four engine makes 187 horsepower and 138 foot-pound of torque
2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander hybrid goes unchanged for 2009, carrying over its gas/electric powertrain. Four wheel drive is standard equipment in the Highlander hybrid.Base MSRP: $35,445
City/Highway MPG: 27/25
Price Premium: $4,000 more than comparable Toyota Highlander Limited 4wd
Tax Credit: N/A
Model Highlights:
Airbags include front and side driver and passenger, driver knee, front, middle, and rear curtains.94 cubic feet total interior cargo room with seating for up to seven passengers3.3-liter V6 makes 270 horsepower and 247 foot-pound of torquePage 25
2010 Toyota Prius
The one that started it all is all new for 2009. The third-generation Toyota Prius still looks like a Prius, though new features will include a revised instrument panel, pre-collision system, solar roof and LED headlamps and a sizeBase MSRP: $21,000
City/Highway MPG: 50-plus miles per gallon reported
Price Premium: N/A
Tax Credit: N/A
Model Highlights:
Larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine
New multi-informational display monitors fuel and energy consumption