Gotta Go Green? Five Top Hybrids

You made your decision: No more gas-powered cars for you! You have decided to go green in your new car buying decision. Bravo!

Hybrid vehicles, which run both on electric and gas motors, are the “greenest” choice when buying a new vehicle. Unfortunately, there are still only a handful of hybrid cars and trucks on the market.

So, which hybrids are best? Toyota Prius is still the No. 1 hybrid car on the market today – and for good reason with its top-notch performance, funky exterior and techy interior. But let’s look beyond the Prius at five top 2009 hybrid models:

2010 Honda Insight: 43 mpg highway/40 mpg city

The 2010 Honda Insight is my favorite new hybrid car because the Insight is so unlike the Toyota Prius. The exterior design of the 2010 Honda Insight looks sleek, much like a sporty, yet sophisticated mix of European and Asian styles. The interior design is even more impressive with its modern styling, luxury comforts and super cool 6.5-inch infotainment screen. Honda also did the right thing by making its 2010 Insight one of the most inexpensive hybrids in America at a base MSRP of just $19,800.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: 21 mpg highway/20 mpg city

Recently, my family road tested the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Yes, it’s big. Yes, it drives like a truck. Yes, it is super luxurious. Yes, it gets GREAT gas mileage. And, it drives like a smooth, yet powerful electric-gas engine dream. My family fell in love with our shiny black road test beauty and all of its luxury appointments. I was surprisingly impressed with the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid when I realized that I’d driven around 40 miles and the gas tank still registered full. The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid definitely takes the guilt out of buying a behemoth SUV. Bravo GM!

2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 34 mpg highway/33 mpg city

Don’t overlook the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid. As one of America’s favorite sedans, the Camry is made even better with its electric-gas engine. Why is Camry so popular? I think the Toyota Camry’s interior is just so perfect with lots of leg room, tons of comfort and a super pleasing dashboard and central console. Recently, Toyota debuted its 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid with a more powerful engine and even more “styling, performance, safety, audio and convenience features.” For those who want the best of Camry’s stylish exterior and interior, plus a “go green” engine, the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid may be the best choice for you.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid: 31 mpg highway/34 mpg city

Unfortunately, there aren’t many choices for green buyers who are seeking a small SUV or CUV. Fortunately, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid fulfills this need for a super fuel efficient five-seat hauler. Now, the Ford Escape may not be the most sexy vehicle on the road, but it is certainly sporty and versatile. The interior doesn’t wow so much either, but again, it has that brash all-American sport feel. The 2009 Ford Escape, however, shines for its all-around versatility, great performance and excellent gas mileage.

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: 22 mpg highway/21 mpg city

Like the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a guilt-free SUV buy. I’ve road tested both GM’s 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid. These hybrid cousins bring a level of sophistication, sporty styling, tons of cargo space, great performance and lots of seating versatility. As for performance, GM’s two-mode V8 gas-electric engine is powerful and smooth with overall excellent driving dynamics. Inside, the 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 Hybrid bring on sporty American design in a very good way.

Still not sure about going green? Still don’t think you can afford a hybrid? You can still save the planet by buying a gas-powered car with ultra low LZEV or PZEV emissions standards like the 2009 Hyundai Elantra.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande