
The all-new 2016 Toyota Prius retains its title as the most fuel-efficient car sold without a plug, but in an era of $2 gasoline, that may no longer be buyers' top priority.
A host of midsize sedans offer hybrid variants, including the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Toyota's own Camry.
The newest of these is the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, which is expected to receive a 47-mpg combined rating--very close to the 52-mpg base Prius.
On the five-door hatchback hybrid front, the Ford C-Max is now rated at 40 mpg combined, as is the smaller but swankier Lexus CT 200h.
The C-Max is a taller hatchback than the new Prius, and has more power and a nicer interior.
(It also offers a plug-in version, the C-Max Energi.) The CT 200h has less space than the Prius, but more luxury features and a surprisingly enjoyable Sport mode.
Then there's the larger Prius V tall wagon, at 42 mpg, which offers considerably more interior volume for people and cargo.
Finally, the Chevy Volt--also brand-new for 2016--comes in at 42 mpg combined, but can run all-electrically for 53 miles.
It's smoother, quieter, and still nicer inside than the new Prius--but it's also $10,000 pricier.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2016 Toyota Prius has moved much closer to driving like a regular car, while maintaining the highest fuel economy of any car without a plug; that should attract new buyers—if they can overlook the styling. |
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu lineup skips performance models, plush luxury appointments, and all-wheel drive; yet the driving experience, comfortable cabin, and frugal numbers may convince you to trade in that Camry, Accord, or Fusion. |
The new 2016 Chevy Volt improves on its predecessor in every way that counts, and its 53-mile range is unsurpassed among plug-in hybrids—meaning its biggest weak spot is GM’s ability to explain and market it. |
The 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi offer a sportier alternative to the Toyota Prius range that feels premium inside and more capable on the road. |
The 2016 Toyota Prius V is the largest, most practical, and most family-friendly vehicle in the Prius lineup. |
MSRP From | ||||
$24,200 | $21,625 | $33,170 | $24,170 | $26,675 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
54 MPG City / 53 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 46 MPG Hwy | 43 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 40 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas/Electric I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Station Wagons |
Style Name | ||||
5-Door HB Two (SE) | 4-Door Sedan L w/1VL | 5-Door HB LT | 5-Door HB SE | 5-Door Wagon Two (Natl) |
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 | 4 | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback | Hatchback | Wagon |
Transmission | ||||
CVT w/OD | Automatic | Automatic | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2016 Toyota Prius vs. 2016 Chevrolet Malibu | 2016 Toyota Prius vs. 2016 Chevrolet Volt | 2016 Toyota Prius vs. 2016 Ford C-Max | 2016 Toyota Prius vs. 2016 Toyota Prius V |