By Thomas Bey.

Between Toyota increasing Prius production to satisfy demand and Detroit hoping to cash in with greener updates
of current models, more hybrids are hitting the streets -- which makes sense, considering summer gas prices are forecast
to climb to infinity and beyond. Of course, there are valid reasons for hybrid ownership beyond great mileage.
For one, emissions are improved. Plus the support for this technology enables automakers to advance hybrid programs
at more affordable prices.

Before we all get carried away with this bi-powered love fest, let’s have a reality check.
Full-sized hybrid SUVs are now available. Premium brands like Mercedes and Porsche are on deck and stepping up to bat,
while Lexus is already on base. Some of these seem out of sync with the whole hybrid philosophy, like supersizing your triple
cheeseburger meal and trying to offset it with a diet soda. Let’s look at some 2008-model gas/electric hybrids and try to
separate the real deals from the wannabes, based partially on combined EPA gas mileage and partially on the overall package.

Here we present to you the worst to best hybrids on the market today.

Number 10
Lexus LS 600h L
Mileage: 20 city/22 highway

Have you ever had a conversation that begins with potential but quickly has you wondering if there’s a point?
Then you’ll understand why this Q-ship brings up the rear. Taking one step forward and two steps back, the LS 600h L
employs a hybridized version of the division’s 5.0-liter V8. This translates to negligible EPA fuel economy differences:
The 600 musters 20 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, versus the 460’s respective 16 mpg and 24 mpg.
So not only does the $104,000 LS 600h L achieve worse mileage on the highway, it also commands a $32,000 premium
over the $72,000 LS 460 L. The company once known for the relentless pursuit of perfection now seems to be in hopeless
pursuit of a point with the LS 600h L.

Number 9
GMC Yukon Hybrid
Mileage (2WD): 21 city/22 highway

On the one hand, it makes sense to improve the dismal mileage of big SUVs. On the other hand, the improved efficiency levels
of the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe hybrids aren’t exceptional. In two-wheel drive form, EPA city gas mileage bumps from
14 mpg to 21 mpg; on the open road, it creeps from 20 mpg to 22 mpg. On all-wheel drives, city ratings go from 14 mpg to 20 mpg,
and highway figures from 19 mpg to the same 20 mpg. Steps in the right direction, yes, but considering how the apparent majority of
them haul a single person at a time, you have to wonder how many Yukons and Tahoes are owned by the environmentally conscious
in the first place. Maybe the oversized “HYBRID” lettering on the lower flanks serves as a veneer of self-righteousness and/or sends
a smug message to others.

Number 8
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Mileage: 27 city/25 highway

Toyota already had a decent vehicle in its Highlander crossover before the 2008 freshening, and the hybrid option makes a good
thing better for city dwellers. EPA city mileage takes a credible jump from an unimpressive 17 mpg to an impressive 27 mpg.
As with most hybrids, highway figures are less affected, going from 23 mpg to 25 mpg. So why is the Highlander ranked so low?
The hybrid option is only available in all-wheel drive. Not everyone wants or needs that extra capability and expense; a hybrid
two-wheel drive would likely achieve even more impressive mileage for less dough.
Overall, the hybrid Highlander is an improvement on a good thing, but its potential has yet to be realized.

Number 7
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Mileage: 24 city/32 highway

As you’ve already seen, hybrids can command a big premium over their conventional counterparts -- not so with the
Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura Green Line. It only costs about $1,500 more to get the hybrid Malibu and about $2,400 for the Aura,
Under the hoods of both, GM’s “mild-hybrid” system is mated to the trusty 2.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder, giving acceptable
(if virtually unchanged) mileage. This strikes some as the equivalent to being content with just a little foreplay, but maybe the
General is onto something. Presuming Malibu and Aura buyers are skittish about overly spacey technology and design, these
hybrids could be the baby steps that lead to more mainstream acceptance.      

Number 6
Saturn Vue Green Line
Mileage: 25 city/32 highway

Saturn really seems to be taking a shine to this whole hybrid thing. Beyond the aforementioned Aura, there are ambitious plans
for the Vue crossover. A more efficient dual-mode hybrid should hit the road by the end of 2008, and rumored for 2010, a plug-in
model. That would seriously spike gas mileage without compromising overall driveability. However, that’s still over the horizon;
what about the current Vue Green Line? Its mild-hybrid setup still produces noticeably better mileage than the regular Ecotec four
and is a solid segment player, though you’d better not pine for much off-roading. In a switcheroo play out of the Toyota Highlander’s
playbook, you can only have a Vue Green Line in front-wheel drive.

Number 5
Ford Escape Hybrid
Mileage (2WD): 34 city/30 highway 

Together with the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute variants, the Ford Escape Hybrid is the best interpretation yet of a
sensible hybrid/SUV compromise. And for those who absolutely must have all-wheel drive to storm the suburbs, you can get it
without a severe EPA mileage penalty -- estimated at 29 mpg in the city and 27 mpg outside of town. With a fresh design for 2008,
the cute-ute looks are gone and dimensions are useful but short of excessive. Its greenness extends into the cabin, with the industry’s
first application of 100% recycled materials for seating surfaces. Considering this comes from the company that force-fed us
Excursions in the decade’s first half, the Escape Hybrid could be called the Ford Atonement.

Number 4
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Mileage: 33 city/34 highway

Not everyone is gaga for the Toyota Prius, and that’s OK. That’s why there’s the sensible-shoes Camry Hybrid.
Thrilling? Hardly, but such is this car’s nature. Like the gas-only models, the hybrid goes about its business in the well-established
Camry way; it’s admirable, if not quite exceptional. Realizing buyers might want more than just great mileage for their US$25,350,
Toyota has packed this hybrid with impressive standard equipment and downright indulgent options readily available.
Collectively, it serves as a reminder that hybrid ownership can mean both luxury and anonymity.     

Number 3
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Mileage: 35 city/33 highway

With a little help from Toyota and their Hybrid Synergy Drive, Nissan makes a strong entry into the field with the Altima Hybrid.
Sure, others top the Altima in certain aspects, but there simply isn’t another midsize hybrid sedan that matches this car’s blend of
style, performance, mileage, and price. On the latter note, not everyone will dig the approximate US$5,000 upfront premium over the
base gas-only model, but over half that chunk can be negated later with the tax credit. Besides, until there’s a sports car or even a
blatant sports sedan available in gas/electric configuration, the Nissan Altima Hybrid stands the best chance of satisfying driving
enthusiasts who want to behave a bit greener. 

Number 2
Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
Mileage: 40 city/45 highway

There’s a $7,000-plus divide between the $15,010 base Civic sedan and the $22,600 Civic Hybrid, but if it’s any consolation,
that’s still less than the $24,590 Civic GX NGV natural-gas burning model. Anyway, most compare the Civic Hybrid against other
hybrids, not other Civics; and on that note, it’s tough to beat. Mileage is nearly at the top of the heap, build quality is on par with
expectations of the brand and driving characteristics are impressive for a small car. Compared to the similarly priced Toyota Prius,
it comes down to a simple choice: If you’re willing to trade a few miles per gallon for an Earth-based design and a more rewarding behind-the-wheel experience, you won’t regret picking the Civic. 

Number 1
Toyota Prius
Mileage: 48 city/45 highway

Even as vitriolic comments and e-mails are drafted in response to comments on the Prius’ design, let’s just say its funky styling
has become endearing. And there’s just no way of getting around it: The Prius is still the standard among hybrids because it does
nearly everything right. Gas mileage is class-leading. Passenger and cargo room is commendable.

Performance is… well… Did we mention the great mileage? This is all yours for a base price of US$21,100, and that includes the
intangible broadcasting of your environmental awareness at no extra cost. That also means the occasional Hummer-driving
douchebag will terrorize you -- but if martyrdom were easy, we’d all be doing it.