After a slow start, consumers are warming to the hybrid message. Prices are coming down, and manufacturers are offering a greater selection of hybrid models and vehicle types. For 2006, a new $25,800 Honda Civic Hybrid makes its debut, and Toyota's $31,280 Prius is further refined.
Also available in Canada are the $33,495 Ford Escape Hybrid, the $62,200 Lexus RX 400h luxury SUV and the $44,205 Toyota Highlander Hybrid midsize SUV. In addition to the Civic Hybrid, Honda offers the Accord V6 Hybrid (2006 price to be announced) and the $26,000 Insight two-seat coupe.
More hybrids are coming from Nissan with its Altima Hybrid due in 2007, and from General Motors with its Saturn VUE Green Line in 2006 and Chevrolet Malibu in 2007. Also due for 2007 are GM's two-mode hybrid system in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, and Toyota's Camry Hybrid that will compete with the Altima and Accord. Furthermore, General Motors, BMW and DaimlerChrysler recently announced a partnership to develop new hybrid technologies for future vehicles.
So there'll be no shortage of choice, and helping with the still premium purchase prices, provincial sales tax rebate programs operating in British Columbia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island offer rebates for Hybrid buyers in those provinces. To help you better appreciate the differences and similarities between conventionally powered vehicles and hybrids, CanadianDriver's long-term press fleet now includes a Honda Civic Hybrid and a Toyota Prius. Over the next four months we'll be tracking their fuel consumption, driving characteristics and everyday practicality.
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Hybrid Long-term Test: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2006 Toyota Prius
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