The Best at What Hybrids Do Best
Gas prices are continually going up and there doesn’t seem to be an end to it. Because of this automakers started to develop cars that are able to be powered not only by gasoline, but also take advantage of advanced technology that is offered from highly developed fuel cells and electric motors that offer the ability to operate the vehicle. These fuel cells and electric motors help to save gasoline by not using any when the alternative operating system is in use. In addition to adding this form of technology, many of the engines that have been added to the hybrid vehicles offer their own outstanding fuel efficiency numbers when compared with other vehicles. Here is a list of the ten most fuel efficient hybrids for anyone to begin their shopping in an effort to save gas and spend less at the pump.
Starting with a Plug-in based car shows this list is going to have some very wicked fuel efficiency numbers attached to it. The base model of the Toyota Prius Plug-in is powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine that offers a meager 98 horsepower. This engine ins matched with a two-speed continuously variable transmission and is offered with overdrive, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an integrated navigations system, airbags including a driver’s knee airbag, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 15-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control and driveline traction control. The fuel efficiency of the Prius to start off this list comes in at 51 city/49 hwy mpg.
Surprisingly an SUV breaks into this list in the form of a RAV4. The base model of the RAV4 EV features a 154 horsepower electric engine that is paired with a one-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an integrated navigation system, airbags, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control and driveline traction control. The fuel efficiency for this electrically powered SUV comes in at a massive 78 city/74 hwy mpg.
#8 2014 smart fortwo electric drive
These smart cars have become more popular and can be spotted almost anywhere with their distinct tiny size and almost cartoon-like shape. The electric fortwo is powered by a 74 horsepower electric engine mated to a one-speed automatic transmission. This little car offers overdrive, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, airbags that include driver and passenger knee airbags, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 15-inch aluminum wheels, driveline traction control, electronic stability control and power mirrors. The fuel mileage that comes into the eight spot in the fortwo is 122 city/93 hwy mpg.
As a sharp and really attractive sedan the Volt is powered by a 149 horsepower electric engine that is partners with a one-speed automatic transmission to get this great looking hybrid moving. This car is equipped with overdrive, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, airbags including driver and passenger knee airbags, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, driveline traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. The Volt enters this list at a fuel efficiency of 101 city/93 hwy mpg for owners to enjoy.
Designed by Tesla, the Model S is a gorgeous sports car that is all electric powered and really turns heads when it drives by. The powertrain in the Model S comes in at #6 offering a fuel efficiency of 94 city/97 hwy mpg in this awesome luxury sports car.
A very popular model across its lineup is the Ford Focus and with this one being a 2014 model the availability of this car is quickly dwindling to make room for the next model year. The Focus Electric is powered by a 143 horsepower electric motor that is mated to a one-speed automatic transmission. This car is equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an integrated navigation system, airbags that include a driver knee airbag, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control and traction control. The fuel efficiency of the Focus comes in at 110 city/99 hwy mpg.
Quickly becoming one of the most popular hybrid cars the LEAF is sharp and stylish with a very aggressive stance. The LEAF S model is powered by a 107 horsepower electric engine that is paired with a one-speed automatic transmission. This car offers four-wheel anti-lock brakes, airbags, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels, traction control, electronic stability control and power mirrors. The LEAF slides into the #4 spot with a fuel efficiency of 126 city/101 hwy mpg.
Another 2014 model that will soon be gone from dealer inventories, the Fit EV is a sharp and stylish highly efficient model. The base model of the Fit EV is powered by a 123 horsepower electric engine that is married up with a one-speed automatic transmission. The Fit offers four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an integrated navigation system, airbags, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 15-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control and driveline traction control. The Fit takes the third spot with a 132 city/105 hwy mpg of fuel efficiency.
A very stylish little car from FIAT the 500e looks great and allows owners to travel a long way before a recharge is needed. The 500e Battery Electric model is powered by a 111 horsepower engine that is matched up with a one-speed automatic transmission. This car is equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an integrated navigation system, airbags including a driver knee airbag, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 15-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control and driveline traction control. The FIAT 500e takes the runner up position with a fuel efficiency of 122 city/108 hwy mpg.
With the long run from the Toyota Prius as the leader of hybrid vehicles, it’s amazing to see a Chevrolet take the title as the most fuel efficient hybrid, but the Spark EV has done just that. The Spark EV 1LT model is powered by a 130 horsepower electric engine that is matched with a one-speed automatic transmission. This winner of the hybrids comes equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, airbags including a driver and passenger knee airbag, an airbag occupancy sensor, automatic air conditioning, 15-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. The fuel efficiency that takes home the top honors comes in the amount of 128 city/109 hwy to let owners drive a long way without a recharge.
Searching for the best hybrid vehicle can sometimes be a difficult task. By starting with this list anyone who is looking to drive a hybrid vehicle as their daily commuter or for errands around town will be sure to find a great car that meets their needs somewhere in this awesome list of hybrid vehicles.
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