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FeedWhat’s the Alternative?
The options are many—even with Toyota out of the mix.
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The super-popular Toyota Prius and Smart ForTwo are the obvious choices when it comes to reducing your pain at the pump. But let’s focus instead on some other great alternatives to conventional gas-guzzlers.
Nissan Altima Hybrid
The gasoline-powered Altima is one of the most fun mid-size sedans to drive that’s not named BMW, Audi or Lexus—and none of its zippy performance is compromised in the fuel-thrifty hybrid version. No patience to wait in line for a Prius or Camry hybrid? No worries. Nissan has licensed Toyota’s dependable Hybrid Synergy Drive technology until its ready to launch its own system (announced for 2010 and rumored to include a luxury Infiniti G35 sedan).
And so, for now, it’s Toyota technology under the hood, with features the Prius doesn’t have—like a push-button start and a rear-view camera. The navigation system’s colorful real-time energy-flow display is hypnotic. Get your fill of monitoring the switch from gas to electric and back again as you drive around an empty high school parking lot some weekend afternoon, then forget about it when you’re in rush-hour traffic.
The Altima is a certified AT-PZEV (advanced technology partial zero emissions vehicle), so tailpipe emissions are 90 percent cleaner than those of the average gas-powered car. That qualifies you for a tax credit, the calculations for which are too complicated to figure out unless you’re a CPA or a car salesman. Leather seats, a roomy interior, and bright, easy-to-read gauges make this hybrid a winning choice. Get it in red to match the LED lighting around the gauges.
MSRP: $26,650
Alternative choice: Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
If you need a seven-seater and do most of your driving at stop-and-go speeds, the world’s first large luxury hybrid SUV is definitely worth considering (the Lexus R330h SUV has just two seat rows). While the gas-powered Escalade gets only 12 mpg city, the hybrid version does nearly twice as well. An EPA fuel economy rating of 20/21 mpg city/highway makes it comparable to a smaller vehicle with a smaller engine.
The Escalade Hybrid incorporates two revolutionary technologies that work together to save fuel. One is a two-mode electric system based on the one in use in hundreds of GM transit buses across North America. It allows the vehicle to operate with electric power only, engine power only, or in combination (for acceleration). Another system enables the hunky Vortec V8 engine to operate on just four of its cylinders to save fuel. The other four kick in for passing, towing or climbing a steep mountain road.
This model is offered as a total package, including nearly all available luxury and technical features, at $3,600 over a comparably equipped gasoline-only Escalade. The two extra-cost options are four-wheel drive and power running boards.
MSRP: $71,685
Alternative choice: Mercury Mariner Hybrid
