Averaging 55 mpg is this model’s modus operandi. The Hyundai Ioniq is a tale of three models, namely hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric variants. All three are front-wheel-drive compact hatchbacks with room for five. Introduced in 2017, the 2020 model features several changes, including new front and rear bumpers, a … Read more
The 2020 Sonata Hybrid sedan is all new and more efficient than ever. Just months after releasing an all-new Sonata sedan, Hyundai follows with a gas-electric version, best known as the Sonata Hybrid. Visually, this adaptation is closely related to the standard model, but it is the hybrid drivetrain that … Read more
Stepping out with Toyota’s three-row crossover utility vehicle. For 2020, the Highlander is all-new, launching this midsize model’s fourth generation. This three-row crossover utility vehicle seats eight or seven and is available in gas and hybrid configurations. It’s the family vehicle of choice for anyone looking for an excellent blend … Read more
The Lexus RX is a midsize, luxury SUV and the only model in its segment with an available full-hybrid drivetrain. For just over two decades, the RX has set the pace in the luxury sphere, delivering cutting-edge styling, efficiency, opulence, and value. For 2020, the Lexus RX 350 features a … Read more
Big wheels and red-wrapped brake caliper covers on the Explorer ST. The Ford Explorer is one of the early names that sparked the modern sport utility vehicle revolution, a 1991 model year replacement for the Bronco II. Since its inception, it’s been a proven seller, a midsize SUV that’s now … Read more
Limousines take us there in style, whether to the airport, a wedding venue, or chaperoning us to a sad graveside farewell. These days, what we call a limousine is just as likely to be a large utility vehicle as it is a full-size sedan. The trend to SUVs continues unabated, … Read more
The Escape was Ford’s first hybrid, introduced in 2005 and built through 2012. When the third-generation Ford Escape rolled out in 2013, no hybrid option was offered. But beginning with the release of the 2020 Escape this fall, two hybrid variants will join a pair of gas models to comprise … Read more
Hybrid electric vehicles play an important role in delivering fuel-efficient and emissions-lowering transportation. Toyota is a leader in this field as it supplies more than a dozen such models across its Toyota and Lexus brands. But hybrids aren’t enjoying the consumer attraction needed to keep these vehicles a part of … Read more
A Corolla Hybrid for your consideration. The Prius launched Toyota into the hybrid sphere, a market it has controlled for more than two decades. And no wonder: the Prius has long delivered the best combination of fuel efficiency, passenger-carrying capacity, and utility of any competing model. Quite easily, the Prius … Read more
Ever since its 1999 model year introduction, the Lexus RX has played a significant role in the luxury utility vehicle segment. In fact, it was a groundbreaking vehicle, as it brought the first luxury crossover SUV to the market. Since then, the RX has evolved significantly, as Lexus increased its … Read more
In a world of utility vehicles, Lexus is well represented. From the small UX to the compact NX, and from the popular RX to the big GX and LX models, Lexus has something for everyone. You’ll even find hybrid options with the first three choices, each of which delivers outstanding … Read more
The only plug-in hybrid minivan. The once dominate minivan segment continues to shrink as consumers embrace crossovers. In reality, the two segments are closely related as minivans rival three-row midsize SUVs in size. The difference is, of course, in exterior utility — crossovers offer available all-wheel drive, while all minivans … Read more
The Ioniq Hybrid lowers your fuel costs remarkably. The automotive landscape is in constant flux, with crossovers the current rage and small cars seemingly forgotten. Manufacturers such as Ford and Fiat Chrysler are running away from cars, placing their bets on SUVs and pickup trucks. Hyundai offers its own line … Read more
Many miles and smiles with Kia’s Optima Hybrid sedan. Hybrid sales peaked in 2013 and have fallen steadily since. Low fuel prices are a significant contributor, falling below $2 per gallon at times with those low prices covering large swathes of America. Another reason is the advent of modern electric … Read more
Hyundai’s Ioniq line of electrified vehicles is here. The Prius has long been synonymous with “hybrid” ever since Toyota launched this model two decades ago. Since then, various manufacturers have attempted to replicate Toyota’s success, but nearly every new model has failed to make a dent in Toyota’s dominance. But … Read more
Popular Ford F-150 pickup truck spawns a pursuit variant. The Ford Motor Company has added yet another vehicle to its police pursuit vehicle arsenal. The 2018 Ford F-150 Police Responder joins existing sedan, hybrid sedan, and utility vehicle models to give law enforcement a new tool for their consideration. The … Read more
On the road with Kia’s newest model. The Kia Niro is a dedicated hybrid model, the first of its kind for this Korean brand. Yes, the Kia Optima Hybrid is the brand’s first hybrid electric vehicle, but it is a variant of a gas model. Not so with the Niro. … Read more
Not a Prius fighter…or is it? Some may say the Hyundai Ioniq is this Korean manufacturer’s answer to the Toyota Prius. Hyundai insists otherwise, citing its own effort to deliver the most affordable and efficient cars the world over. Maybe there is a touch of irony here, but what’s important … Read more
Fourth-generation Prius includes a new plug-in Prius Prime model. How many Prius models are there? Four, including the all-new Prius Prime — a plug-in electric vehicle based on the standard Prius theme. The Prius Prime isn’t the first Prius plug-in hybrid, but it does reflect the presence of Toyota’s latest … Read more
Limited initial availability for the competitively priced Rogue Hybrid. Pay just $26,240 for the 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid? That’s only $2,420 more than the starting price for the standard Rogue model. Perhaps more important, the Rogue Hybrid costs $2,790 less than the RAV4 Hybrid, the best-selling compact SUV. Talk about … Read more
An entry-level hybrid with a fun-to-drive F Sport option. Sitting lower and coming in slightly shorter than the Toyota Prius, the Lexus CT200h (CT) is the smallest hybrid model for Toyota’s luxury brand. Now in its seventh year, the CT will soon follow the Prius and receive an update of … Read more
Toyota’s popular Prius is all-new, more efficient, and offers improved handling. Needing no introduction, the Toyota Prius is the world’s best-selling hybrid electric vehicle, with nearly 6 million units sold since it was introduced in 1997. The US market didn’t receive the first-generation Prius until late 1999, but American consumers … Read more
This week, one of my fleet vehicles is none other than a 2016 Toyota Prius Four. Unlike the other vehicles I typically test, this one is being reviewed as part of a Toyota Triangle campaign from Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC. Along with nine other drivers, we’re showing off the Prius … Read more
A modest price premium makes hybrid ownership a solid value proposition. The Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV in its own right and one of the first models in the segment, having launched in 1996. Now in its fourth generation, the RAV4 has long lacked a hybrid variant, until … Read more
Pillow-soft comfort meets hybrid efficiency. Hybrid electric vehicles are a tough sell. But especially so when gasoline prices are low. Manufacturers such as Toyota have invested billions of dollars in the technology and aren’t about to walk away. At some point fuel prices are likely to rebound, raising demand with … Read more
The Lexus brand is a hybrid leader, dominating the luxury segment and with plans to expand its offerings. Luxury manufacturers typically supplement their gasoline-powered models with diesels. Lexus does offer diesels in some markets, but it relies on hybrids exclusively in North America to provide efficient models for its fleet. … Read more
Audi launches “e-tron,” its nascent line of hybrid electric vehicles. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron name is a mouthful. Once you get beyond the lengthy moniker for this unusual plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), calling it “e-tron” or “A3 e-tron” seems entirely appropriate. The “e-tron” designation is an Audi registered … Read more
Lower fuel prices are making it difficult for consumers to justify investing in a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid market is taking a beating as gas prices continue to fall, dropping well below $2 per gallon in most areas. Fickle consumers that we are, our eyes are now on the … Read more
Lexus has introduced to the world an all-new RX series, the latest rendition of its popular two-row, midsize SUV. The new model, available in gasoline and gasoline-electric hybrid configurations, follows other Lexus vehicles by adopting a more masculine visage. Its all part of a plan to demonstrate a more assertive … Read more
The design for the 2016 Lexus RX is certainly provocative, but it isn’t really surprising. After all, when Lexus slotted the all-new for 2015 NX beneath it, the smaller and deeply chiseled crossover strongly suggested that its larger and segment leading RX kin would get a similar makeover. Even so, … Read more