Just a few years ago, the word “hybrid” was simply a four-letter word that had car enthusiasts shaking their collective heads in disapproval. Cars like the earlier generation Toyota Prius hybrid and Honda's original Insight excelled in the powertrain’s primary strength: fuel efficiency. But in terms of driving excitement, well, it was non-existent. And that’s putting it mildly. That’s all slowly changing. Innovators in the alternative-powertrain realm have realized that discerning drivers want their efficiency with no trade-offs whatsoever, and are willing to pay for it.
The sheer number of hybrid and electric cars has ballooned over the last 3 years, from just a handful in the late 2000s to gas-electrics from nearly every automaker today. But a few of these stand out as vehicles committed to equal parts fun and frugality. We've chosen one hybrid, one plug-in hybrid and one electric car, each equipped from the factory ready to carve up some mountain roads or effortlessly cut a path through a sea of Priuses (or, Prii) while still returning big money savings with every fill-up or recharge.
Honda CR-Z
Our Take
Affordable and a Joy to Drive
Honda bills the CR-Z as a “Sport Hybrid”, evidenced by its low-slung stance, sharp styling clearly inspired by the enthusiast-favorite Honda CRX cars of the 1980s, and availability of a true traditional manual transmission. The CR-Z is the still only hybrid available for those who would never own a car without a clutch pedal. While it's still no speed demon, Honda has upped the CR-Z's sport factor for the 2013 model year, with more power and better driving dynamics. The Integrated Motor Assist serial-hybrid platform combines a 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce 130 peak horsepower and 140 lb-ft. of torque. Opt for the continuously variable automatic transmission and you'll find 36 city/39 highway mpg, while 6-speed manual transmission cars see 31 city/38 highway mpg. 2013 also brings the switch from older nickel-metal hydride batteries to a more robust lithium-ion pack.
In a nod to the CR-Z's sport-minded buyer, for 2013 Honda has included an innovative “S+” button on the steering wheel that, when pressed, causes the electric motor to momentarily dump every available pony for extra passing power. Other new features for the revised CR-Z: LED daytime running lamps, a standard rearview camera, and revised interior tech with standard Bluetooth and Pandora Internet Radio. With its tightly sprung suspension and compact dimensions, the CR-Z makes a fine two-seat sport coupe at just under $20,000.
EPA-rated fuel economy: Up to 31 city/38 highway.
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From $19,995 MSRP
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Tesla Model S
Our Take
Packed with Performance and Technology that's Affordable to Operate
The all-electric Tesla Model S was Motor Trend's surprise choice for its 2013 Car of the Year Award, lending instant credibility to the second production model to come from California EV start-up Tesla Motors and its eccentric CEO Elon Musk. As an all-around electric car, the Model S is the first to market with sedan practicality plus enough driving range for short road trips or extended commutes. With the optional 85 kW-hour battery pack, the largest of three available battery choices, the Model S is capable of around 265 miles of combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. As for fuel efficiency, the sleek Tesla is rated at up to 88 city/90 highway/89 combined MPGe.
While there are plenty of solid choices for pure electric cars available, the Model S is the only choice if you want to out-duel a BMW M5 in a stoplight drag race. The top-of-the-line Model S Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and can comfortably cruise in triple-digit speeds when called upon. Pricing has crept up a bit since the Model S first went on sale, now starting at $60,000 for the base car with a 40 kW-hour battery pack and around 100 miles of range. A top-of-the-line Model S Signature Performance, with the 85 kW-hour battery and upgraded powertrain, will run just north of $100,000. With sumptuous Nappa leather-trimmed seating for up to 7 passengers including the stowable rear-facing jump seat, the Model S is a surprisingly practical all-around choice for an EV that just happens to be a great driver's car as well.
EPA-rated fuel economy: Up to 88 city/90 highway.
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Pricing is currently unavailable.
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