2013 Hybrids Buyers Guide
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.
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Recent Hybrids Reviews
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2012 Buick Regal eAssist Review
It may not get wildly impressive fuel economy, nor is it sports sedan fast, but the Regal eAssist delivers a unique package and an impressive combination you won’t find anywhere else.
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2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Review
Kia's Optima Hybrid nails the details that make for a fun and sexy, eco-cruiser.
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2012 Toyota Prius vs. 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
Prius leads in fuel economy, but Civic is more mainstream.
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2012 Toyota Prius c Review [Video]
The fourth model in Toyota’s Prius lineup, the sub-compact “c” is made for the city and the young urbanites who call it home.
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2012 Chevrolet Volt Review [Video]
Impressive? Without question. But is the Chevrolet Volt that much better than a hybrid or an electric car; or even a hyper-efficient, and significantly cheaper, gas model?
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2013 Lexus GS350, GS450h Review
After lingering on obscurity for much of its life, Lexus is forging a new path in the mid-luxury segment, straddling the line between efficiency and performance.
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View All Videos Recent Hybrids Videos
Nissan Leaf Brings Electric Cars to SimCity Video
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F1 Pilot Sergio Perez Tests McLaren P1 on Top Gear Test Track Video
Fresh from its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, McLaren has moved from showcasing the new P1′s design, to it’s performance. Shown in the video below, the 908-hp P1 is taken out on the Top Gear test track by McLaren Formula One driver Sergio Perez – a man...
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Subaru Viziv Concept Video, First Look
Subaru is exploring every avenue for fuel efficiency with its new diesel-hybrid Viziv concept. Showcasing the future of Subaru’s powerplants, the Viziv features a 2.0L flat-four diesel engine, that’s mated to a CVT engine, and two electric motors. Also, this...
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2014 Volkswagen XL1 Video, First Look
Could this be Volkswagen’s Prius? A fuel efficient halo car, the XL1 is expected to deliver a whopping 261-mpg thanks to its tiny engine, low weight and slip-stream design. This is a production vehicle, likely to cost around $100,000. With a 1,750 lb curb-weight matched up...
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Kia Provo Concept Video, First Look
Kia showcased a possible rival for the Nissan Juke compact-crossover this week at the Geneva Motor Show, features funky styling, a turbocharged engine and one extra trick up it’s sleeve: a hybrid powertrain. Although just a concept, the two-door Kia Provo will prove to be...
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Recent Hybrids News
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Wyoming Lithium Supply Could Yield 18 Million Tons
Recently, the University of Wyoming’s researchers released data that showed the state’s Rock Springs Uplift could provide up to 18-million tons of lithium. While looking for sites to store carbon dioxide, the researchers came across brines that could yield several...
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Porsche 918 Spyder is a Supercar Beauty [Mega Gallery]
Yesterday, Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder in production form and now we’ve gotten our hands on even more photos of the hybrid supercar. Powered by a mid-mounted, 4.6-liter V8 mated to a pair of electric motors, the 918 Spyder makes 887 hp and accelerates to 62 mph in just...
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Mitsubishi Taking Two MiEV Evolution II Race Cars to Pikes Peak
Mitsubishi has announced that it’ll be competing in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a pair of MiEV Evolution II all-electric prototypes. Like all teams participating, the Japanese automaker is aiming for a first-place finish with its four-wheel...
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10.7 Million Charging Stations Available Globally by 2020: Report
According to a recent study released by IHS Automotive, an estimated 10.7-million charging stations will be available globally by the end of the decade. That’s a tenfold increase to where we are at today, but as sales continue to grow for electric vehicles and plug-in...
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Nissan Leaf Sales Crest 25,000 in US
Almost two and a half years after the Nissan Leaf went on sale, the little electric car can count 25,000 sales in the U.S. “With more than 25,000 LEAFs in the U.S. and 62,000 around the world, we’re seeing the adoption curve for EVs accelerate, and there is tremendous...
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Porsche Adding Hybrid Variants to Entire Model Lineup
Porsche has designed a new hybrid module that will fit into all of its future cars, suggesting that all Porsche models in its lineup will inevitably have a hybrid variant. The module, which combines an electric motor and clutches in one unit will reduce fuel consumption while...
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