While you won’t see turbo in the name, the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid scoots down the road with a combination of internal combustion, forced air induction and an electric motor with its juice provided by a battery.
Now in its sophomore year, the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid continues to be available in three trim levels.
To help you make a wise decision for yourself, I have narrowed down the choices by comparing diesel and hybrid powertrains. These two options do not require you to make a major lifestyle change.
The Highlander Hybrid was completely redesigned for 2014. Toyota did a good job in softening the edges and making the Highlander more contemporary and in line with the fierce competition in the midsize SUV market.
The 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid has freshened styling, technology upgrades and mechanical improvements to make it worth adding to the list of good-looking five-passenger cars.
Do you have a need to sit up to five adults and like the thought of getting 40+ miles per gallon while doing so? If so, the 2014.5 Toyota Camry Hybrid, whether it is the LE, SE or XLE versions, you will be doing so in comfort, with respectable performance and a high level of safety and reliability.
Designed in California and built in Kentucky, the 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Premium is a near-luxury car bumping real close to the luxury car category.
Diesel and hybrid owners have very different reasons for owning each vehicle. After my back-to-back drives, I will suggest that anyone considering a Jetta hybrid for its environmental statement also add the diesel to your shopping list.
The hybrid gets better fuel economy, rides smoother, is quieter and fun to drive, especially when the Boost mode kicks-in. But the diesel engines of 2013 burn clean, are smoke-free, get very good fuel economy and offer a torque/acceleration experience found on more expensive cars.
So which to buy? You will have to run the numbers of an approximate $2,000 base price premium for the hybrid against the number of miles you drive and of course, your personal needs. If you drive mostly in the city or with significant freeway stop-and-go traffic, then making the hybrid investment may well be worth your while. If you do mostly open freeway driving, then the diesel will deliver mpg in the high 40 range, which is oh so great.
If you believe performance, luxury and fuel economy is an oxymoron, then you haven’t driven Infiniti’s 2013 M35h. The h is for hybrid… and horsepower. And it may be the first of many Infiniti hybrids.
In a step back towards its roots, Acura, Honda’s luxury division, is once again offering a less-is-more entry luxury compact car. Slotted below the TSX, the 2013 Acura ILX is somewhat reminiscent of the 1986-2001 Integra, but outfitted with more luxury. This time around Honda’s entry-level car will come with some environmental credentials and therefore deserves a review in Clean Fleet Report.