Everyone knows that cars have a bad effect on the ecological situation of the planet. Exhaust gases, consumption of petroleum products – all these factors negatively affects the health of nature. Therefore, many automakers are trying to produce the most environmentally friendly hybrid cars. They produce much less carbon dioxide emissions than conventional cars with an internal combustion engine.
Currently, hybrids show impressive performance. 14cars has prepared the rating of the best hybrid cars which will be a great solution both for a city, and for driving in off-road conditions.
Chevrolet Volt Hybrid
Chevrolet Volt Hybrid is a front-drive four-seat hatchback. The main advantage of this model is that its electric motors, with the capacity of 149 hps are enough to drive about 60 km around the city, without fuel consumption and with the preservation of car’s dynamic characteristics. However, the significant disadvantage of the Chevrolet Volt is its high price.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
This car has a well thought out sport form and spacious interior. The hybrid Ford Fusion has a four-cylinder 2.5-liter hybrid motor. This is a good option for an electric car with a hybrid engine in case you want to get an affordable car, and in the future, save fuel. It can be called a mid-size sedan for the whole family.
Ford Fusion Hybrid is supplemented by an electric power steering, multi-link suspension with a stabilizer bar. Management of the hybrid is stable. Thanks to the suspension, the impacts are muffled, and the movement of the car is easily controlled by the driver.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
This model gives not only good fuel economy, but also has a high level of safety and environment-friendly technologies. The car features an attractive design, engine capacity of 2.5 liters and great performance. The interior is decorated with high-quality materials that provide comfort and coziness. Toyota Camry accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h just in 7.4 seconds, which is an excellent result for a hybrid car. The official fuel consumption of the car is 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers on a highway and 4.6 liters in the mixed cycle.
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid
The hybrid unit includes a 2.4-liter diesel engine producing 215 hps and a powerful electric motor, which is enough to travel for about 50 km. It’s important that the car has the function of the all-wheel drive: when the key is pressed on the control panel in the cabin, the electronics synchronizes the action of the motor and the electric motor for simultaneous rotation of the wheels.
Toyota Prius
This model is known as an effective hybrid car at an affordable price, so it’s in high demand. The hybrid is equipped with a 1.8-liter petrol engine with the capacity of 98 hps. Together with a pair of electric motors, the power reaches 134 hps. In the city, the car consumes about 8 liters of fuel, and on a highway – 5.5 liters.
The principle of the car’s operation stipulates a high level of automation of control. The on-board computer adjusts the parameters of the engine independently, ensuring the optimal battery charge.
In addition, Toyota Prius is the cheapest hybrid among the models presented in this rating.
Honda Insight III
This is a front-drive hybrid sedan, which combines a premium design, modern technical solutions and rich equipment. In motion, this car is driven by a 1.5-liter petrol engine, as well as two electric motors. The total power is 153 hp. It should be noted that one motor closely interacts with the ICE and plays the role of a generator, and the second one rotates the wheels at low speeds. At high speeds, a gasoline engine begins to work. Thus, a significant part of the time the car rides by using the electric motor.
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
The car is manufactured according to a new platform. In the future, the company plans to produce many hybrid and electric cars on this basis. The new Hyundai features a 1.6-liter engine with the total power of 141 hps. There are two modes of operation – Sport and Eco. The car needs 10.8 seconds to reach the speed of 100 km/h. This is the most economical hybrid car. The maximum speed of the model is 185 km per hour, and the fuel consumption is approximately 3.4 liters/100 km. The car has the most balanced suspension, tuned steering and practically noiseless interior.
Kia Niro
It’s a compact Korean crossover, which will be an ideal car for a city. The exterior of the car is quite successful: the designers have thoroughly created each detail of Niro. The car looks tidy and sporty. The uniqueness of the interior of this model can be seen in the instrument panel, which consists of two displays, showing modes of movement, various tips about the car status. Kia Niro has a 4-cylinder engine with the capacity of 1.6 liters, which, together with an electric motor, produces 146 hps.
The car has an economical motor with a reduced fuel consumption of 4 liters with an active electric motor, regardless of the route. The electric motor is charged at road descents or during braking.
Today, hybrid cars are represented by a large list of models from world famous manufacturers. These cars are more economical compared to conventional cars with an internal combustion engine. Also, they are more environmentally-friendly. The hybrids have good safety systems and comfortable design. Due to different characteristics, everyone can choose a suitable model of the car according to the specific needs.