
The 2015 Toyota Prius continues its reign as the highest-selling hybrid and the most fuel-efficient car without a plug on sale in the U.S.
The rival Ford C-Max has now had its gas mileage ratings reduced twice, from an original 47 mpg to 40 mpg today; while it's more comfortable, luxurious, and powerful, its sales have not held up.
The Prius consistently returns 45 to 50 mpg in real-world use for most drivers, and the only non-Prius hybrid we think may come close to that is the Honda Accord Hybrid, which is in somewhat limited supply.
It's hard to distinguish the hybrid Accord from a regular one, and of course it's a four-door sedan rather than a five-door hatchback, but its real-world mileage was impressive on road tests.
Prius Liftback shoppers may want to consider the roomier Prius V wagon if more space for people and stuff is needed; it's rated at 42 mpg combined.
Smaller but more luxurious, and definitely more fun to drive, is the Lexus CT 200h compact hybrid hatchback.
Finally, if your miles are mostly on the highway, check out Volkswagen's TDI diesels--either the brand-new 2015 Golf hatchback or the lightly revised Jetta four-door compact sedan.
Both are more engaging to drive, and their highway fuel economy may match that of the Prius.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2015 Toyota Prius is still the most fuel-efficient gasoline car on the market, at 50 mpg; its iconic hatchback shape offers a spacious interior that can seat five, though the handling is nothing to write home about. |
With their stylish interiors and perky driving feel, the 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi are somewhat sportier alternatives to the Toyota Prius lineup. |
The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta has a nicer interior, more fuel-efficient engines, and should be safer, while retaining its huge interior and trunk, plus the response and roadholding that make it fun to drive. |
The 2014 Honda Insight is one of the better-handling small hybrids, but it faces tough competitors who beat it on gas mileage, interior space, and features. |
The 2014 Toyota Prius V combines a spacious interior with excellent real-world gas mileage but it can feel underpowered when heavily loaded. |
MSRP From | ||||
$24,200 | $24,170 | $16,215 | $18,725 | $26,750 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
51 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy | 40 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy | 41 MPG City / 44 MPG Hwy | 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Mid-Size Cars | Large Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Mid-Size Station Wagon |
Style Name | ||||
5-Door HB Two (SE) | 5-Door HB SE | 4-Door Manual 2.0L Base | 5-Door CVT | 5-Door Wagon Two (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Hatchback | Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback | Wagon |
Transmission | ||||
CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2015 Toyota Prius vs. 2015 Ford C-Max | 2015 Toyota Prius vs. 2015 Volkswagen Jetta | 2015 Toyota Prius vs. 2014 Honda Insight | 2015 Toyota Prius vs. 2014 Toyota Prius V |