HYBRID
Acura
Sales of Acuras have not met the company’s expectations, but that’s not for lack of offering consumers options when it comes to green vehicles. You can choose between the RLX large sedan ($65,490), which delivers 377 hp and an 8.7L/100 km combined city/highway fuel consumption rating, the MDX Sport Hybrid midsize SUV ($69,990, 321 hp, 10.7L/100 km combined rating) and the 573-hp NSX supercar ($189,900, and you probably don’t care what it consumes).
Ford
The American automaker offers consumers the C-MAX ($27,328), a compact hatchback with a large 694-litre trunk, along with the Fusion Hybrid ($28,888), a quiet and comfortable sedan. Their fuel consumption ratings are 5.9L and 5.6L/100 km, respectively.
Honda
The new 212-hp Accord Hybrid ($31,300) uses on average 5.0L/100 km, which is very impressive for this type of sedan. Take note that the plug-in hybrid version is no longer available; it will be replaced toward the end of 2017 by the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid.
Hyundai
The Sonata Hybrid ($29,649) delivers up to 193 hp and features an electric mode that allows for cruising at up to 120 km/h. Also, take a serious look at the all-new IONIQ Hybrid ($24,299), more affordable and more fuel-efficient (4.1L/100 km) than the Toyota Prius. Its 139-hp engine is supported by 195 lb-ft of torque.
INFINITI
The Q50 Hybrid compact sedan ($56,400) and the QX60 Hybrid midsize crossover ($58,390) allow the automaker to offer different types of consumers a highly fuel-efficient, sporty luxury vehicle. The first houses a V6, generates 360 hp and uses around 8.0L/100 km. Though larger and heavier, the second opts for a 4-cylinder engine that can produce 250 hp in all, which explains its slightly higher fuel consumption rating.
Kia
The 192-hp Optima Hybrid ($29,995) consumes less than 6.2L/100 km on average. If this family sedan isn’t for you and you prefer a crossover, there’s the all-new 2017 Niro ($24,995). The latest Kia addition produces 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, matching the Hyundai IONIQ, but it uses only 4.9L/100 km, has a higher ground clearance and offers ample luggage space (635 litres).
Lexus
Unsurprisingly, Toyota’s luxury-car division has a strong presence in the hybrid vehicle market, offering no fewer than six different models, including the CT 200h compact hatchback ($32,900), two midsize sedans in the ES 300h ($46,400) and GS 450h ($76,400), the LC 500h grand touring coupe ($118,100) and two different utility models, the NX 300h ($54,350) and RX 450h ($70,300). The LS 500h large sedan will soon join the party as well. Don’t hesitate to click on each of the links to get detailed info on each model.
Toyota
The Japanese automaker is equally generous in offering choices under its own banner. There are three different Prius models: the sub-compact Prius c ($21,975), the compact Prius ($27,190) and the larger Prius v wagon ($28,990). Power ranges from 99-136 hp, and average fuel consumption comes in between 4.5-5.8L/100 km. (For its part, the new Prius Prime is included in the Plug-in hybrid section on the next page). Then there’s the 200-hp Camry Hybrid midsize sedan ($29,770), which uses around 6.0L/100 km; the new 2018 model, expected toward the end of this summer, should improve on that number even further. Toyota also offers two utility models: the RAV4 Hybrid ($34,445, 7.3L/100 km) and its bigger sibling, the Highlander Hybrid ($49,985, 8.3L/100 km). They are among the few gasoline-electric SUV models currently available on the market, and their case is further bolstered by the presence of Toyota’s excellent Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
Make sure to check out our Plug-in hybrid and All-electric sections!