Four Fabulous Hybrids

Green Living reviews four hybrids on the road right now

2005 Toyota Prius
Fuel economy: city, 4 L/100 km; highway, 4.2 L/100 km.
$30,300

The Toyota Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid, and possibly the best known. Stylish, practical and the talk of the town, its unique shape means it draws a lot of attention.

At first, it's a bit intimidating. When you look at the key chain, there is a palm-sized, rectangular box attached to it but no traditional key. There's no ignition or gearshift, just buttons and a joystick on the dashboard.

After a few minutes, I figure it out: slide the little box into a slot, depress the foot brake, push the ignition button. Then listen. Nothing—no engine noise, no vibration, no exhaust smoke. Mother Nature grins. Move the joystick to D and I'm off, but there's still only a serenely calm silence inside the car, an escape from the bustle of busy Toronto streets. At a stop sign, I think I've stalled the car, it's so quiet, but hitting the gas pedal causes the Prius to accelerate quickly.

The Prius can run as a full-electric or full-gasoline engine or half and half, depending on the road conditions and the power demands from the driver. Through the city, the car uses the electric engine; on the highway, the gas engine kicks in.

This five-door hatchback has plenty of leg room, passenger room and trunk space for all my shopping sprees. It's perfect for singles, students or small families. The car is pretty peppy and handles well. too.

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
Fuel economy: city, 7.9 L/100 km; highway, 5.9 L/100 km.
$36,990

The Honda Accord Hybrid is another gas-electric car that boasts low emissions and fuel savings without sacrificing power or performance. From the outside, there are only a few subtle differences to distinguish the hybrid from its gas-powered sibling, the popular Honda Accord EX-V6 sedan: the hybrid's tires are a bit wider, there's a small rear spoiler and a tiny hybrid badge on the trunk to mark this latest, and fastest, addition to the Accord family.

No wonder the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada awarded the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid an award for Best New Technology. The Accord Hybrid has the fuel efficiency of the smaller, four-cylinder Honda Civic, and you don't need to fill up too often—the Honda Hybrid can travel exactly 1,038 kilometres on a full tank of gas!

This hybrid has responsive acceleration and handles extremely well—much better, in fact, than my own gas-powered Accord. Inside, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual temperature controls and a six-disc CD player are standard features. Trunk space is reduced slightly to make room for the nickel metal hydride battery, which is stored behind the rear seat. Cool, powerful and practical, the Accord hybrid deserves a close look.

2005 Lexus RX 400h
Fuel economy: city, 7.5 L/100 km; highway, 8.1 L/100 km.
$62,200 and up

If you need more room for kids or pets, and you're tired of paying for that gas-guzzling SUV, Lexus has some relief in sight. It has just unveiled the world's first luxury hybrid SUV, the Lexus RX 400h. It's spacious, comfortable and stylish, perfect for large families and long drives. And it's loaded with lavish features, such as plush leather seats, dual temperature controls and a premium stereo system.

This all-wheel-drive SUV comes with tons of safety features, too, including an anti-rollover system, anti-lock brakes, and traction- and stability-control systems. Also impressive is the fact that you'll be spending about the same on gas as a conventional compact sedan. The RX 400h is also certified by the California Air Resources Board as a Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle, the cleanest emission standard a gasoline vehicle can meet.

2005 Ford Escape Hybrid
Fuel economy:
4x2: city, 6.6 L/100 km; highway, 7 L/100 km (manual transmission);
4x4: city, 7.1 L/100 km; highway, 7.5 L/100 km.
$33,195 for the 4x2; $35,925 for the 4x4.

Not wanting to miss out on the hybrid party, Ford has brought North American automakers into the new millennium. The Ford Escape is the first hybrid to offer four-wheel drive, which makes it tough enough for Canadian terrain and Canadian winters. Adventurers who need to haul skis, snowboards or mountain bikes will love it.

There's plenty of room inside, and split-folding rear seats add extra cargo space. It comes with air conditioning, a CD player and every other feature available on a conventional SUV—except for the enviro-guilt.