Top 10 Hybrids For 2008

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

What we think
This is the perfect car for those who like the familiarity of the Civic, but want the additional gas mileage. It's a car with lots of features and is a breeze to drive, but acceleration and power are lacking compared to other hybrids.

At a glance
MSRP: $22,600
Engine and Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, 1.3-liter, inline 4 with 110 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.
MPG: 40 City / 45 Hwy

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

What we think
The best fuel economy of all the hybrid SUVs out there. The Escape hybrid is functional, easy to drive and has standard 100% recycled seats. It also comes with optional four-wheel drive.

At a glance
MSRP: $26,505 - $28,255
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.3-liter DOHC 4-cylinder gas engine with 133 horsepower and 124 lb-ft of torque, front- and all-wheel drive.
MPG: 34 City / 30 Hwy (FWD), 29 City / 27 Hwy (4WD)

2008 Lexus GS 450h

What we think
You'll get luxury and power with this hybrid, but at almost half the price of the LS 600h. Though, power is expensive and limits the fuel economy severely.

At a glance
MSRP: $54,900
Engine and Drivetrain: 3.6-liter, V6 engine, 340 horsepower with rear-wheel drive and 267 lb-ft of torque.
MPG: 22 City / 25 Hwy

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

What we think
Toyota's only hybrid SUV stands up against others in its class, getting better gas mileage than the Chevy Tahoe - not to mention it's a fraction of the price - and having one more row of seats than the Ford Escape.

At a glance
MSRP: $33,700
Engine and Drivetrain: 3.5-liter DOHC, V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Front- or four-wheel drive.
MPG: 27 City / 25 Hwy

2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid

What we think
It's only available in eight states due to emissions regulations, but this car is a great family sedan. It gets terrific gas mileage and the drive is more responsive than some of the small hybrids out there.

At a glance
MSRP: $25,170
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.5-liter, inline 4 engine with a total of 158 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive.
MPG: 35 City / 33 Hwy

2008 Lexus RX 400h

What we think
The ultimate luxury hybrid crossover on the market right now. The price reflects the hybrid status and Lexus name. Plush leather seats, a luxurious interior and a smooth ride make this vehicle a great choice for a high-end hybrid with kid-friendly capabilities.

At a glance
MSRP: $41,280
Engine and Drivetrain: 3.3-liter, V6 with 268 horsepower and 212 lb-ft of torque from the gas engine. Comes in front- and all-wheel drive.
MPG: 26 City / 24 Hwy / 25 combined (AWD), 27 City / 24 Hwy / 25 combined (FWD)

2008 Toyota Prius

What we think
The quintessential hybrid. It's great in the city and its gas mileage surpasses all other hybrids. However, you don't get a whole lot of power with this hybrid, and a lack of comfort features like a telescoping steering wheel might make you want to look elsewhere.

At a glance
MSRP: $20,950 - $23,220
Engine and Drivetrain: 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with a total 110 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque, front-wheel drive.
MPG: 48 City / 45 Hwy / 46 combined

2008 Saturn VUE Green Line

What we think
A good-looking crossover, with a streamlined, compact look. It's priced slightly under the Ford Escape, but you'll also be stopping at the pump more often.

At a glance
MSRP: $24,170
Engine and Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive. 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder gas engine with 172 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque.
MPG: 25 City / 32 Hwy

2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

What we think
This car gets great gas mileage. With it, you get a hybrid version of a car that's well known and has a reputation of being consistent. The drive is surprisingly powerful and the interior is spacious.

At a glance
MSRP: $25,200
Engine and Drivetrain: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.
MPG: 33 City / 34 Hwy / 34 combined

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

What we think
If you need an SUV with towing capabilities, but don't want to get only 8 MPG, this is the one for you. Using the GM 2-mode hybrid system, this SUV makes a hybrid 4-wheel drive SUV with three rows of seats a reality. You're paying for that technology though; the Tahoe hybrid doesn't come cheap.

At a glance
MSRP: $49,590 - $52,395
Engine and Drivetrain: 6.0-liter, V-8 engine with 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque, front-wheel and four-wheel drive.
MPG: 21 City / 22 Hwy (2WD), 20 City / 20 Hwy (4WD)