In 2012, fuel economy has taken a greater priority in almost all segments of market. Hybrids are becoming more and more common, and their ability to provide fewer trips to the gas-pump regardless of driving conditions has made them a popular choice with consumers.

What’s new for Hybrids?

Long-time Hybrid advocate, Toyota, has updated its Prius-line of hybrid vehicles. The subcompact 2012 Toyota Prius c can get 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway for an average 50 mpg, and at $18,950 is one of the lowest priced hybrids on the market. The 2012 Toyota Prius v is a bigger vehicle than the standard Prius, and offers superb fuel economy of 44/40 mpg for a family go-getter.

Those aren’t the only hybrid additions to Toyota’s lineup either, with the all-new 2012 Camry bringing with it a new Hybrid model that gets an impressive 43/39 mpg rating.

Also on the road in 2012 is the all-new Honda Civic, with its own hybrid version. Continuing to use the brand’s less complex Integrated Motor Assist system, now mated to a high-tech lithium ion battery pack, the Civic Hybrid gets 44 mpg in both the city and on the highway.

What’s Coming?

Coming for the 2013 model year will be the Acura ILX Hybrid. While the ILX is a whole new model, the Hybrid is the version that’s likely to get the most amount of attention. Using a setup similar to the Civic Hybrid, the Acura ILX is expected to get 35 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Because this is an Acura, the ILX is outfitted generously with luxury amenities.

Other newcomers to the Hybrid segment are the 2013 Ford Fusion and 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The second generation Fusion features a brand new look that Ford is pushing across their range of sedans. If the looks don’t move you, then maybe the numbers will. Ford says the new Fusion Hybrid is ready to get 47 mpg in the city and 44 on the highway. That would put the Fusion above its Toyota and Hyundai competition. For buyers looking for touch more luxury, the Lincoln MKZ sacrifices a bit of fuel economy for a comfier drive.

Another pair of new luxury hybrids arrive from Lexus. The 2013 Lexus GS450h and 2013 Lexus ES300h are a complementary pair of vehicles from Toyota’s luxury division. First the GS450h has a sporty rear-wheel drive persona that’s aided by the extra juice of the hybrid power-train. The all-new GS450h achieves 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which isn’t best-in-class, but the car does manage to make the sprint to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is quite fast for any luxury car.

In comparison, the Lexus ES300h is much more luxury driven. Using a powertrian similar to that in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus expects the ES to get a combined 39 mpg, and has a technology-laden interior, with the new Lexus Enform infotainment system. Lexus is also updating their luxury crossover hybrid, the 2013 Lexus RX450h, with the company’s new grill and infotainment system.

General Motors has let loose a few vehicles with its eAssist mild hybrid technology, like the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist and 2012 Buick Regal eAssist. The eAssist technology uses electric power help the gas engine and has a fuel-saving engine start-stop feature. Mild hybrids like these are a bit cheaper, but are still effective at saving gas.

Finally, Volkswagen has announced the 2013 Jetta Hybrid, which will be an environmentally friendly alternative to its diesel offering. Volkswagen has mentioned that it aims to achieve 45 mpg which makes it even more efficient than the Jetta TDI, which gets 34 mpg combined, and 42 mpg on the highway.