The 7 Fastest Hybrid Vehicles for 2010

Going green doesn't mean giving up an exhilarating drive. While some hybrids have been stereotyped as slow and steady, automakers know that some people are willing to compromise a few miles per gallon in exchange for a little pep under the hood. If you want a sporty ride that still gets decent gas mileage, then check out these seven fastest hybrid vehicles for 2010:

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid (0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds)

The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid nets 198 horsepower from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) offers steady acceleration from standstill to highway speed. While a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds isn't exactly warp speed, it still beats its nearest vehicle competitor – the 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid – by more than one full second.

Throw in a friendlier price tag than most hybrid sedans on this list (MSRP starts below $27,000), and the 2010 Altima Hybrid is a great compromise between speed, fuel efficiency and affordability. Fuel efficiency is estimated at 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds)

When it comes to affordable hybrid SUVs, the 2010 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is the fastest option on the market (along with the twin GMC Yukon Hybrid). A 6.0-liter V-8 engine teems with 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft. of torque. Despite its large size, the 2010 Tahoe Hybrid sprints to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. When less power is needed, the Tahoe shuts down four of the eight cylinders to conserve energy. Fuel efficiency comes in at 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway (slightly less for all-wheel drive models). Base MSRP comes in just over $50,000.

2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid (0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds)

The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid comes with the same engine as the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. Though mechanically identical, the 2010 Yukon Hybrid adds a few additional safety and convenience features. These features add a few dollar signs to the base price ($51,000). If you want a speedy hybrid that seats up to eight passengers, then the Yukon Hybrid and Tahoe Hybrid are both admirable choices.

2010 Lexus LS 600h (0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds)

The four fastest hybrids for 2010 come from luxury automakers. The 2010 Lexus LS 600h returns with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that combines with two electric motors to create 438 horsepower. The vehicle is designed to offer V12-like performance in a hybrid package. Lexus comes close in achieving this – the 2010 Lexus LS hybrid is about one second slower than its nearest gas-only competitors (BMW 760Li and Mercedes-Benz S600). If you want a super luxury sedan that earns more than 20 mpg, the LS 600h is your best bet. Base MSRP is about $106,000.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 (0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds)

With a total of 480 horsepower and 575 lb-ft. of torque, the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is the most powerful hybrid for the year. However, a hefty SUV frame slows the auto down a bit. The central engine comes in the form of a 4.4-liter V-8. A seven-speed dual-mode transmission and all-wheel drive add to the energy of the inaugural BMW X6 hybrid. Though the EPA has yet to test the vehicle's fuel efficiency, estimates put combined fuel efficiency at 18 mpg. The 2010 hybrid X6 goes on sale at the end of 2009.

2010 Lexus GS 450h (0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds)

The 2010 Lexus GS 450h shaves a few milliseconds off the speed of its larger, more opulent 600h brother. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine mates to a single electric motor to make 340 horsepower. Acceleration is on par with gas-only luxury competitors. The 2010 GS 450h is classified as a "mild hybrid," and earns 22 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The premium to own a hybrid version of the Lexus GS is substantial – base MSRP starts around $56,000.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 (0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds)

BMW seems intent on giving Lexus a run for its money when it comes to 2010 sport-tuned luxury hybrids. The BMW 7-Series hybrid is a new edition to the German automaker's stable, and musters an estimated 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. These heady numbers pour from a V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. If you want the fastest 2010 hybrid, you'll have to wait until they roll onto dealership lots in the Spring. Fuel efficiency should be about 15 percent better than the BMW 750i, which rounds up to 20 mpg combined.