2014 Civic Hybrid. Image courtesy of: http://www.honda.comWhen it comes to fuel efficiency, both on the highway and in city driving, it's hard to beat the mileage numbers offered by hybrid models. That's certainly true when it comes to buying a car from Honda, where hybrids are offered in both traditional and EV variants that can save buyers a significant sum of money over the course of vehicle ownership. Thanks to increasing demand for hybrid vehicles in virtually all segments, today, Honda offers an extensive selection of fuel-efficient offerings for customers seeking sporty sedans, compact models, and even larger sedans. The comparison between these models can help prospective buyers figure out which one will work best for their own needs.Vehicle Type: A Look at the Classification of Honda's Numerous Hybrid CarsThe 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comAs with virtually all car manufacturers, Honda's cars come in a range of sizes that extend up to midsized for families and down to compact and subcompact for younger buyers or those without children. Thankfully, the popular car manufacturer has allowed buyers to gain the value and fuel cost savings of hybrid technology at all levels.CompactAt the subcompact level, the Honda Insight is certainly the way to go. The Insight was originally sold as a two door subcompact, but in recent years Honda has retooled its design and begun selling the car as a five door hatchback. This makes the car particularly attractive to younger buyers, many of whom appreciate the efficiency of smaller cars, along with the greater cargo capacity of a hatchback design. Honda's subcompact Fit EV, though not available for sale in the domestic market, is another promising competitor in future model years.Compact SedanThe Honda Civic fits the bill nicely. The car is typically sold as a four door sedan without the added hatchback elements, and is among the most popular cars currently sold in the United State. The hybrid edition of this popular compact sedan comes with the same design, and many of the same features as its non-hybrid counterparts. Its sportier tuning makes it more practical for those who like more power behind the wheel. That's especially true in comparison to the less powerful Insight. The sporty CR-Z may also be an option in this segment, designed specifically for the right combination of great torque and impressive fuel economy in the modern era.Larger SedanGrowing families often love the style of the Civic but not its size, and that's where the Accord Hybrid comes in. This hybrid, midsize sedan is perfect for smaller families and those who are expecting to grow over the course of their vehicle ownership. The sedan offers superior legroom in the front and back, even more upgraded features than the Civic's hybrid option, and more cargo space for everything from groceries to sports gear and beyond. Best of all, the hybrid design keeps the Accord's signature curbside appeal.Engine Designs: Hybrids Rule, But EVs are Coming 'Fast and Furious'The 141-hp 2.0-liter Earth Dreams engine with the 55-hp lithium-ion battery pack. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comCurrently, the vast number of hybrid Honda vehicles sold to consumers use the tried and true method of engine operation. In lieu of plug-in power, these cars offer a gas powered engine backed up by a battery powered motor. The motor receives power from braking and other vehicle activities, and powers the car in low power situations until the battery pack requires charging. This is the type of engine found in the CR-Z, Civic, Insight, and traditional hybrid variant of the Honda Accord.Increasingly, however, Honda and other automakers are shifting to a plug-in hybrid. These cars take their cues from EVs, or electric vehicles. Instead of using the electric motor for backup, these cars use it as their primary source of horsepower. The car is plugged in at home during the overnight, and driven on the electric motor until the gasoline powered engine kicks in. International buyers can opt for a version of the Fit with this engine, while domestic buyers can find this technology in the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Electric Hybrid trim level. Though an emerging technology, the superior efficiency and long term fuel savings of plug-in hybrid models will likely see these features spread to other Honda models in the near future.Fuel Economy Ratings Are Impressive for Today's BuyersThe fuel door - the most underused feature on the Insight. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comHybrid cars are almost always purchased for their elevated fuel efficiency ratings, and that's certainly going to be the main draw for all of Honda's current hybrid and plug-in models. At the high end of the spectrum, buyers who choose the plug-in Honda Accord hybrid will enjoy upwards of a 100 miles per gallon equivalent. Known as MPGe, this measurement takes into account the combined cost of both electric and gasoline based driving.More traditional hybrids don't offer numbers nearly as impressive, but they still far outpace gas powered cars and non-hybrid models. Buyers of the Honda Insight can expect 41 mpg in the city and up to 44 miles per gallon on the highway. Civic Hybrid buyers can expect even better numbers, with 44 miles in the city and 47 on the highway. The sport CR-Z Hybrid delivers 36 miles per gallon in the city and 39 on the highway, for a combined fuel economy rating of 37 miles per gallon.Prices are Competitive for Efficiency Minded Sedan Buyers2014 Civic Hybrid. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comOne of the most interesting sedans in Honda's current lineup is its Honda Accord plug-in model. The vehicle is currently priced at $37,980, mostly because its emerging technologies have not yet met mass production scale. The Accord hybrid is also available as a non-plug-in model, which starts around $29,155. The budget friendly Civic lowers that number further, to just about $27,335. Those looking for great value, on a strict budget might consider a Honda CR-Z or Insight. The CR-Z comes in at just $19,995 for the hybrid edition and the budget priced Insight will cost consumers an even lower sum of $18,725.A New Commitment to Efficiency, But the Same Honda Sedans and Featureshe Intuitive Gauge Cluster on the Accord Plug-In. Image courtesy of http://www.honda.comThough Honda's commitment to hybrid and plug-in designs represents a new era in engine design, it should be noted that the cars featuring hybrid technology remain consistent with their brand's long term commitments. The Accord is still the Accord, with refined passenger experiences and excellent interior space for families. The Civic remains a sporty compact for younger buyers, while the Insight and CR-Z remain the budget leaders for those who want the right combination of low up front cost and excellent on-road performance or efficiency. All four vehicles are a great buy, but each targets a slightly different audience. It's perhaps the smartest way to do business, as new buyers value low fuel costs above all else.
