The choices in the world of hybrids are broader than ever for the 2008 model year. All that’s missing are some of the hyper fuel economy numbers of previous years. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The only real change is in the EPA’s system for tallying fuel economy. After years of being criticized for not reflecting real-world driving (the fuel economy test drives are slower than typical highway traffic, don’t allow the use of air conditioning and have other idiosyncrasies), the numbers were adjusted and most cars and trucks took a hit. Some of the biggest were levied on gasoline-electric hybrids, whose start-stop systems played very well under the old system, but aren’t as effective in high-speed driving. The numbers for hybrids are still good—just not as impressive as before. The difference, of course, is that you may actually be able to achieve the new numbers.

Once you’ve gotten beyond the new fuel economy numbers, you’ll find more choice in hybrids—and more varieties of hybrids—than ever before: 22 models in all (although some of them are variations on the same vehicle and drivetrain). They break down into six vehicles types: compact and midsize cars and 2WD and 4WD large and small sport utilities. But they also are comprised of a variety of different hybrid systems, from mild versions that boost efficiency to full-on systems that allow electric-mode-only driving.

The current benchmark in terms of fuel economy remains the Toyota Prius, a midsize car that is now estimated by the EPA to deliver 48 mpg city/45 mg highway (down from 60 mpg city under the old system). On the other end of the fuel economy scale, some of the hybrids offer gas mileage similar to some smaller or less powerful non-hybrid cars and trucks. The hybrid market is expanding and trying to appeal to a broader base of potential buyers.

Here’s a quick run-down of the 2008 hybrid market:

• Honda Civic Hybrid—a small, stylish compact car with limited electric-only range, but excellent fuel economy. EPA fuel economy estimates are 40 mpg city/45 mpg highway.
• Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid—another compact model, brand new with a mild hybrid system with a base price less than Toyota or Honda. EPA fuel economy estimates are 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
• Nissan Altima Hybrid—a performance-oriented and stylish midsize car that uses the Toyota full hybrid system. EPA fuel economy estimates are 35 mpg city/33 mpg highway.



• Saturn Aura Hybrid—uses a clone of the Malibu system in a different body style. EPA fuel economy estimates are 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
• Toyota Camry Hybrid—a midsize sedan with a full hybrid system but a softer-riding suspension than many competing models. EPA fuel economy estimates are 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway.
• Toyota Prius—the poster car for hybrids with a full hybrid system and the best fuel economy available, in a fairly roomy package. EPA fuel economy estimates are 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway.
• Lexus GS 450h—a luxury performance hybrid that offers V-8 performance from a V-6 engine, augmented by an electric motor. EPA fuel economy estimates are 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
• Lexus LS 600h L—a technology showcase priced at more than $100,000 that boasts V-12 performance and V-6 fuel economy from a hybrid V-8 engine. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/22 mpg highway.



• Ford Escape Hybrid—a balanced mix of fuel economy, power and functional space in a small SUV with a full hybrid system. EPA fuel economy estimates are 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway (2WD); 29 mpg city/27 mpg highway (4WD).
• Lexus RX 400h—a small luxury SUV with the hybrid system providing a fuel economy boost to the V-6 engine. EPA fuel economy estimates are 27 mpg city/24 mpg highway (2WD); 26 mpg city/24 mpg highway (4WD).
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid—a clone of the Ford Escape system in a more luxurious package. EPA fuel economy estimates are 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway (2WD); 29 mpg city/27 mpg highway (4WD).
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid—another clone of the Ford Escape in Mazda trim. EPA fuel economy estimates are 34 mpg city/30 mpg highway (2WD); 29 mpg city/27 mpg highway (4WD).
• Saturn Vue Hybrid—a small SUV with good fuel economy from a relatively inexpensive start-stop hybrid system. EPA fuel economy estimates are 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway (2WD).
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid—a clone of the Lexus RX 400h with similar fuel economy numbers but offered in 4WD only. EPA fuel economy estimates are 27 mpg city/25 mpg highway (4WD).



• Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid—a different hybrid system from the other models, it’s expected to give a fuel economy of 21 City/22 Hwy compared to the non-hybrid V-8 engine, with better city and highway mileage. 2WD/4WD fuel efficiency numbers are not finalized but are expected to fall in the 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway range.
• GMC Yukon Hybrid—a clone of Chevy’s 2-mode hybrid system with expected fuel economy of 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway.

This is a year of choice for people looking for a hybrid. While the entire spectrum of vehicles is not covered (no minivans or pickups), quite a few of the most popular models are represented. Hybrids offer better fuel economy than comparable gasoline-only vehicles, but several are tuned to provide the power expected from a given model, and so sacrifice some potential extra mpg. Even more choices are coming, as can be seen from some of the recent auto show introductions.—Michael Coates