Best deals on hybrid cars

Best deals on hybrid cars Car buyers have been turning away from hybrids since gas prices dropped last year. To bring them back to showrooms, automakers have rolled out some of the biggest incentives in the industry on hybrids and electric cars.  On top of that, several hybrid models, including the Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima hybrids, are due to be redesigned soon. Those models facing imminent replacement have even bigger discounts. (The Toyota Prius, which has become a poster child for hybrids, is also scheduled for a redesign in 2016, but the new model has not been revealed.) Here are the top deals on hybrids for April. All the cars listed below are 2015 models and ranked in order of potential savings. Specific pricing details on these and other trim variations are available on the model pages, along with complete road tests, reliability, owner cost, and other key information. Consumer Reports Build & Buy Car Buying Service When buying a car, in addition to research and reviews, Consumer Reports offers subscribers access to the Build & Buy Car Buying Service at no additional cost. Through this service, a nationwide network of 10,000 participating dealers provide upfront pricing information and a certificate to receive guaranteed savings off MSRP (in most states). The pricing information and guaranteed savings includes eligible incentives. Consumer Reports subscribers have saved an average of $2,919 off MSRP with the Build & Buy Car Buying Service. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid The Sonata Hybrid is still based on the last-generation Sonata, previously one of our highest-rated family sedans. Although it gets a little bit better fuel economy than its non-hybrid doppelganger, we think the trade-off in drivability, refinement, and braking performance is too high for the Hybrid. This car stumbles and hesitates a lot as it makes the transition from electric to gas power, and sometimes shakes and vibrates. As a result, the Sonata Hybrid scored too low for us to recommend it. For 2016, the Sonata Hybrid will be moved to the new Sonata platform. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4/30/15 $26,825 $25,666 20%+ Ford Fusion Hybrid The Fusion is a delight to drive, whether in hybrid or non-hybrid form. Its supple ride and agile handling rival European sports sedans. All trim levels and powertrains feel solid and upscale, with a well-finished and quiet cabin and comfortable seats. But the rear seat is somewhat snug, and the MyFord Touch interface is an annoyance. Most Fusions get either a 1.5- or 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder matched with a six-speed automatic. The hybrid system is quiet and unobtrusive, and it boosts mileage to an impressive 39-mpg overall. Reliability has been average or better for all versions. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Ford Fusion SE Hybrid 7/6/15 $27,715 $26,236 10%+ Kia Optima Hybrid Kia’s version of the previous-generation Hyundai Sonata also comes in hybrid, regular, and turbo forms. It is a good car but falls a bit short of its cousin in ride comfort, braking, and fuel economy. It handles well, but the ride is borderline stiff and road noise is noticeable. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder performs well. The Optima Hybrid uses the same powertrain as in the Sonata Hybrid, which we found unpredictable and jerky when we tested it. The hybrid version of the Optima improves fuel economy slightly, but the difference isn’t that impressive. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear seat is low. The styling detracts from rear visibility and access. Reliability has been average. A redesigned Optima goes on sale this fall. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Kia Optima EX Hybrid 5/4/15 $32,975 $30,938 10%+ Ford C-Max Based on the Focus compact car, the five-passenger C-Max hybrid is a clever, quiet, spacious, and practical hatchback. It rides well and handles with agility. Regenerative braking helps with fuel economy but makes the brake pedal feel touchy. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor deliver adequate acceleration and seamless transitions between gas and electric power, and the C-Max can run in electric mode up to about 40 mph. To conserve fuel, the engine shuts down when coasting. We measured an excellent 37 mpg overall. Reliability, however, is far below average. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 7/6/15 $24,995 $23,897 10%+ Toyota Avalon Hybrid The redesign that brought the hybrid powerplant to the Avalon also brought harshness to the formerly excellent, pillowy-soft ride. Toyota claims it will address suspension tuning with the 2016 model. Handling is sharp and secure, and the hybrid’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder, teamed with an electric motor, has plenty of power and returns a standout 36 mpg overall. Upscale materials and finish details give the spacious cabin a lush, luxurious ambience, but the controls are somewhat complicated. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring 5/4/15 $38,625 $36,001 5%+ Chevrolet Volt An electric car with a backup engine to extend its typical 35-mile electric range, the Volt is quiet and responsive, with a taut ride. Its four-seat capacity limits practicality, the rear seat is cramped, and visibility is poor. Once the lithium-ion battery is depleted, the 1.4-liter engine acts as a generator to extend the range by 315 miles. We averaged the equivalent of 99 mpg in electric mode and 32 mpg—on premium—when it switched over to gasoline. Recharging takes four hours using a 240-volt supply and 10 hours with 120 volts. For 2015, the battery storage capacity is increased from 16- to 17.1-kWh, probably leading to more electric-only miles. Reliability has been average. Volt buyers also get a $7,500 tax rebate to make the price even more competitive. A redesign for 2016 promises increased electric range and an improved control layout. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Chevrolet Volt Plug-in Hybrid 4/30/15 $35,170 $34,483 5%+ Toyota Camry Hybrid For 2015, the Camry got new styling, plusher interior materials, better controls, and slightly improved ride and handling. The interior is also a little quieter. But that’s not the big story. As incremental as these changes were, they came on top of a solid performing car with a smooth suspension, responsive handling, and a comfortable roomy interior. Throw in a smooth 38 mpg hybrid powertrain, along with first-rate reliability, and the Camry is hard to beat.   Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 5/4/15 $30,805 $29,372 5%+ Toyota Prius V This Prius wagon offers a very roomy rear seat and a generous cargo area. It’s about the size of the Mazda5 but seats just five. Despite its extra weight and a less aerodynamic shape over the conventional Prius, the V still got an excellent 41-mpg overall in our tests. The electric motor and gasoline engine have to work fairly hard, especially when the car is loaded with people or cargo. Rear visibility is better than in the standard Prius. The 2015 model has been updated with a larger 4.1-inch dash-top screen for trip computer functions, as well as improved crash test performance. It now scores a Good in the small-overlap crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Older models scored a Poor, which prevented us from recommending them.   Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Toyota Prius V Three 5/4/15 $28,885 $27,886 5%+ Toyota Prius C This smaller, less expensive alternative to the regular Prius feels more like a subcompact than a sophisticated hybrid. It has a harsh ride, noisy engine and cabin, and slow acceleration. The interior looks and feels cheap, the driving position and rear seats are cramped, and there’s little cargo space. However, its 37 mpg is the best city fuel economy of any car we’ve tested, and its 43 mpg overall is just 1 mpg less than the regular Prius. A number of exterior styling updates for 2015 come with improved performance in the IIHS small-overlap crash test. Reliability is well above average, but we can’t recommend the Prius C because it scored too low in our testing.  Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice Potential savings off MSRP Toyota Prius C Three 5/4/15 $22,590 $21,831 5%+ 2015 Autos Spotlight Visit the 2015 Autos Spotlight special section for our 2015 Top Picks, Car Brand Report Cards, best and worst new cars, best and worst used cars, used-car reliability, new-car Ratings and road tests, and much more. Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.

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