2016 Toyota Prius vs. Its Competition

John Voelcker

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.