HYBRID
Acura
Sales of Acuras have yet to meet 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).
The American automaker offers consumers the C-MAX hybrid ($27,465), 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.
The next-generation Accord Hybrid, based on the 2018 Accord, is not yet on the market as of this writing. Not so for the Clarity plug-in hybrid, which has now been introduced by Honda; the company will follow this up with the third-generation 2019 Insight compact car and its projected 4.7L/100 km fuel consumption rating. This time around, its look may finally be greeted positively!
Hyundai
The 2018 model-year Sonata hybrid (pricing to be confirmed) gets a few visual and technical updates, but net output remains 193 hp; in electric mode the car can maintain a cruising speed of up to 120 km/h. We’re told its total range on a full tank extends beyond 1,000 km. The big news from Hyundai, though, is the arrival of the new IONIQ hybrid ($24,299), which is more affordable and more fuel-efficient (4.1L/100 km) than the celebrated Toyota Prius. It generates 139 horses in all and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The Q50 Hybrid luxury compact sedan ($58,390) uses a V6, produces 302 hp and consumes around 8.0L/100 km. Meanwhile, unfortunately for families looking for a three-row hybrid people mover, the QX60 mid-size crossover hybrid is no longer offered in Canada.
The 192-hp Optima Hybrid ($29,995) consumes only 5.6L/100 km on average. If this family sedan isn’t for you and you prefer a crossover, there’s the new Niro ($24,995). Its powertrain produces 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, matching the Hyundai IONIQ, but it uses only 4.7L/100 km, has a higher ground clearance and offers ample luggage space (635 litres). For 2018, a Niro plug-in hybrid version is joining the lineup.
Lexus
Unsurprisingly, Toyota’s luxury-car division has a strong presence in the hybrid vehicle market, offering no fewer than six different models, including two midsize sedans in the ES 300h ($47,050) and GS 450h ($77,300), the LS 500h full-size sedan ($134,050), the LC 500h grand touring coupe ($118,600) and two different utility models, the NX 300h ($55,300) and RX 450h ($70,900). The latter model will also be offered in a new three-row configuration (pricing TBA). With so many models available it’s impossible for us to go into any detail here, but the links will lead to more detailed information on each. Take note as well that the CT 200h hatchback has been dropped from the Lexus lineup.
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 ($22,090), the compact Prius ($27,480) and the larger Prius v wagon ($29,675). 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 next-generation Camry Hybrid midsize sedan ($31,490), which now generates 212 hp and uses around 4.9L/100 km. Toyota also offers two utility models: the RAV4 Hybrid ($34,790, 7.3L/100 km) and its bigger sibling, the Highlander Hybrid ($50,950, 8.3L/100 km). They are among the few gasoline-electric SUV models currently available in this price range, 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!
Interested in a hybrid car? Do not hesitate to consult our inventory of used hybrid vehicles.