With gasoline prices burning a hole in the average consumer’s wallet and greenhouse gas emissions at an all-time high, car manufacturers have gotten truly innovative in their pursuit to create affordable, energy-efficient, and sleek cars for a new age. That’s where the gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle comes in. The trend is making sweeping advances globally, and there are currently over 3 million electric and hybrid cars on the road all across the world.
One of the great things about America is that we get to vote with our dollars. Purchasing an American-made hybrid will not only help the environment AND boost the US economy, but it will also encourage US manufacturers to put more hybrid vehicles on the assembly line. In fact, Jeep, General Motors, and Ford all have plans to develop new models and increase hybrid production in the coming years.
So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to save some coin and maybe even save the planet in the process?
This handy hybrid vehicle guide is here to convince you. Here’s what you’ll get:
A brief explanation of how hybrid cars work and how to get the most out of yours
A list of the awesome advantages of having a hybrid car
Details on 10 of the best hybrid cars on the market and how you can save on them
A hybrid vehicle is any automobile that uses two sources of energy to make the car go. For this article, we’re talking about gas-electric hybrid vehicles. These cars contain both a small regular internal-combustion engine and fuel tank and as many as two or even three sophisticated electric motors that draw on rechargeable batteries to make the car run.
These cars are intelligently designed to conserve energy as much as possible. As such, they have several features that make them especially fuel-efficient and clean vehicles:
No idling. The gasoline engine shuts down when the car comes to a stop, which means you’re not wasting gasoline and creating emissions while you’re stuck at a red light.
Electric motor generator. The electric motor can double as a generator, meaning it can convert energy from the gasoline engine and from the car’s momentum into electricity that can be used to recharge the batteries.
Regenerative braking. When you come to a stop in a hybrid car, regenerative brakes capture the momentum from the wheels turning and convert it into electrical energy either to be used immediately or stored in the batteries.
There are loads of advantages to owning a hybrid car including:
For example, a Toyota Prius will get you 54 miles per gallon in the city, where the similarly priced and sized regular Toyota Camry only gets 24 miles per gallon.
Because these cars burn significantly less fuel and because many of them sometimes operate in electric-only mode, the CO2 emissions from these cars can be as little as half the total emissions from a regular vehicle.
A 2010 government incentive program offers a tax credit on hybrid vehicle purchases from $2,500 up to $7,500 depending on the vehicle’s battery size.
Unlike many conventional automobiles, some hybrids get even better gas mileage in the city than they do on the highways. If you’re a city dweller, a hybrid car is a great choice, and of course, they’re incredibly efficient on highways and country roads as well.
Because you’re putting less stress on your gasoline engine, the car is likely to require less maintenance than your average gas-powered vehicle.
Of course, as with any car, it’s important to know how to operate it right to get the most out of your vehicle and save the most money. Here’s a few ways that you can make sure you’re squeezing all that energy-efficient goodness out of your hybrid car (or the one you buy after reading this article, because we’re sure you’ll be convinced):
Give yourself plenty of time to come to a stop. If you brake quickly, your vehicle won’t be able to get the most out of the regenerative braking function. So take it easy and come to a nice, slow stop at each red light.
On the other hand, step on the gas when you start moving the car again. It might seem counterintuitive, but you use a lot less gas to accelerate than you do to cruise. So you want to use gas to accelerate and save the electric energy for cruising by accelerating up to speed quickly.
Take advantage of economy settings. Most hybrid vehicles come with a special economy mode designed to save you even more gas and energy. Check out your user manual to see how yours works and how best to make use of it.
Consider a plug-in model. Plug-in hybrids take a bit more work since you need to charge them regularly, but their mileage is miles above the regular gas-electric hybrid models.
Now that we’ve shown you all the incredible benefits of owning a hybrid car, it’s time to rev up and get ready to ride with these top 10 affordable hybrid vehicles:
The Ford C-MAX Hybrid is a spacious, affordable hatchback that gets great mileage.
Price: Starting at $24,120
MPG: 42 MPG city/38 MPG highway
Specs: 2.0L iVCT Atkinson-cycle I-4 Engine, 188 HP
Best-in-class horsepower and capable of going up to 85 mph in all-electric mode, best-in-class passenger volume with seating for five, class exclusive hands-free foot activated liftgate, and class exclusive second row in-floor storage compartments
EcoSelect mode which allows the vehicle to function more efficiently, plus the EcoGuide which offers real-time information on your efficiency patterns
Available FordPass app helps you find and reserve parking, compare gas prices, and schedule maintenance
Safety features: Active Park Assist, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Rear View Camera
Qualified military personnel, first responders, and college students can receive a $500 discount on the purchase of a new vehicle. People with disabilities can get $1,000 towards upgrading their vehicle to make it accessible. Ford regularly holds sales events for customers where you can get low APR financing, cash back rebates, and more. Find those events here.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid shows that the best fusion is the one between gas and electric power.
Price: Starting at $25,930
MPG: 43 MPG city/41 MPG highway
Specs: 2.0L iVCT Atkinson-cycle I-4 Engine
Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
60-40 rear folding seating
SmartGuage with EcoGuide provides real-time information on fuel efficiency, has a Brake Coach to help you save energy, and has a custom screen setting to show you just the information you want to see
Safety features: Advance Trac with Stability Control to help on slippery or curvy roads, rear view camera, Personal Safety System to adjust deployment of airbags
Qualified military personnel, first responders, and college students can receive a $500 discount on the purchase of a new vehicle. People with disabilities can get $1,000 towards upgrading their vehicle to make it accessible. Ford regularly holds sales events for customers where you can get low APR financing, cash back rebates, and more. Find those events here.
Another classic gone hybrid, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid is a sleek and efficient way to get way you want to go:
Price: $27,920 MSRP
MPG: 49 MGP city/43 MPG highway
Specs: 1.5 L four-cylinder engine, 160 HP
Driver Efficiency gauge which offers feedback on your driving habits and how they affect your fuel economy
Teen Driver setting gives parents a report card on how their new driver is doing
Smartphone compatible with Iphone and Android with 4G LTE Wi-Fi available for up to seven devices
Safety features: Lane Departure Assistance, Rear Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front/Rear Parking Assist, Forward Automatic Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking
Chevy offers discount programs for teachers, college students, grad students, recent graduates, and military personnel. Current competitive owners and lessees can earn up to $4,500 cash allowance when you purchase select 2018 models.
The Buick LaCrosse 1SV, a large-size sedan, comes with Buick’s eAssist hybrid engine, offering a modern take on an elegant classic.
Price: Starting at $29,565 MSRP
MPG: 25 MGP city/35 MPG highway
Specs: 2.5 L four-cylinder engine, 194 HP
QuietTuning technology offers noise cancelling technology for a quiet ride
Large heated, ventilated, and massaging seats
Smartphone compatible with Iphone and Android with Wi-Fi hotspot available with built-in navigation system
Safety features: Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Safety Alert Seat that pulses when hazard approaches either side of the car, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, OnStar
Special discounted prices and cash back deals are available at Buick for military personnel, educators, college students, grad students, and recent college grads. You can also get discounted prices if you’re an employee of GM, a GM supplier, or a GM dealership. Check their discount programs page for special throughout the year like their current March Madness sale offering 16% off MSRP on select vehicles.
The Ford Fusion Energi SE is the plug-in hybrid model of the Ford Fusion - it gets ridiculously good mileage!
Price: Starting at $31,400
MPG: 104 MPGe city/91 MPGe highway
Specs: 2.0L iVCT Atkinson-cycle I-4 Engine and Electric Motor
Heated front seat and 6-way power seating
Premium Audio System with Sirius XM and SYNC voice-activated technology
SmartGuage with EcoGuide provides real-time information on fuel efficiency, has a Brake Coach to help you save energy, and has a screen that displays a plant that grows as your driving efficiency improves
Safety features: Advance Trac with Stability Control to help on slippery or curvy roads, Rear View Camera, Personal Safety System to adjust deployment of airbags, SOS Post-Crash Alert
Again, qualified military personnel, first responders, and college students can receive a $500 discount on the purchase of a new vehicle. People with disabilities can get $1,000 towards upgrading their vehicle to make it accessible. Ford regularly holds sales events for customers where you can get low APR financing, cash back rebates, and more. Find those events here.
This may be the priciest car on the list, but the Chevrolet Volt is an incredibly sleek and powerful plug-in hybrid vehicle. Plus, with the federal tax credit available you could definitely be looking at something a little more affordable.
Price: Starting at $34,095 MSRP
Specs: Voltec electric drive system with 1.5L range extender gas engine
MPG: 53 miles electric-only range, 42 MPG combined city/highway
Regen on-demand system helps you slow down without using the brakes so you can convert more energy to electric while braking
Energy screens offer real-time information on gas and electricity use
Goes from zero to 60 in 8.4 seconds
Smartphone compatible with Iphone and Android with 4G LTE Wi-Fi available for up to seven devices; Teen Drive mode available
Safety features: Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert System with Forward Automatic Braking
Again, Chevy offers several discount programs for teachers, college students, grad students, recent graduates, and military personnel. Current competitive owners and lessees can earn up to $4,500 cash allowance when you purchase select 2018 models. And, be sure to check out that federal tax credit up to $7,500.
This Lincoln MKZ luxury sedan runs on the pricey side, but the features and function make it all worthwhile.
Price: Starting at $35,605 MSRP
MPG: 41 MGP city/38 MPG highway
Specs: 2.5 L four-cylinder engine, 194 HP
Retractable Panoramic Glass Roof
SYNC voice-activated technology, Lincoln Audio System with Sirius XM radio, Media bin with SD card reader, 2 USB ports, and audio input jack
10-way heated seats with driver seat memory
Safety features: SecuriCode keyless entry, Emergency Brake Assist, Personal Safety System, SOS Post-Crash Alert System, Electric Power-Assisted Steering, Reverse Sensing System
Lincoln occasionally offers flash 24-hour deals where you can receive a $100 gift card just for test driving a vehicle. Get a three-month free trial of Sirius XM radio when you purchase a certified pre-owned Lincoln. Check here for other incentives and offers throughout the year.
Wait, a hybrid minivan?! Yep. Chrysler turned their classic minivan into the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
Price: Starting at $39,995 MSRP
MPG: 84 MPGe
Specs: Gas/Electric V-6 3.6 L/220 with 33 mile electric drive range
Uconnect voice-activated commands with theater for kids, Sirius XM Radio with 20 speaker premium surround sound system and 7-inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display
Class exclusive second and third row Stow N Go storage and seating with heated and ventilated front row seats
Hands-free Power Sliding Doors and Liftgates and Tri-Pane Panoramic Power Sun Roof
Safety features: 360 Surround View Camera, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning, Parking Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Path Detection
Employees of Affiliate Rewards Companies (Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, FIAT, Alpha Romeo) can receive a 1% discount off MSRP as well as regular special offers. Chrysler Group offers a reimbursement, of up to $1000 to subsidize the cost of making your vehicle accessible. Military personnel and veterans can get a $500 cash bonus. Find their other special offers and incentives here.
If you’re looking to save the environment, but don’t want to compromise on luxury and cutting-edge technology, this Cadillac CT6 Plug-In is definitely for you.
Price: Starting at $67,595 MSRP after tax rebate
MPG: 62 MPGe/31 miles electric driving range
Specs: Turbo Gas 4 Cyl. / Battery Propulsion
Head Up Display projects crucial information including speed on your windshield so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road, and Night Vision gives you an infrared view of the road ahead at nighttime
Wireless charger, Apple and Android compatible, optional built-in 4G LTE Wi-fi with OnStar, plus back seats with Blu-Ray compatible screens, wireless headphones, and HDMI/USB ports
Regen on demand stores kinetic energy when you brake, three drive mode settings allow you to choose between efficiency and high-performance acceleration
Safety features: Rear View Mirror Camera, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, Surround Vision, Automatic Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking
Get the BuyPower credit card from Capital One and earn points towards the purchase of a new Cadillac vehicle. GM dealership employees can get a discount on qualified vehicles. Eligible employees of GM supplier companies can get a discount as well.
So, there you have it! These cars are ready to help you move past the days of gasoline and into the energy efficient, environmentally-friendly transportation of the future. Be sure to check back with Dealspotr regularly to find out more about how you can save on cars, vehicle accessories, and so much more.
