With so many different models to choose from, including manufacturers developing hybrid SUVs, crossovers, hybrid sedans, hyrbrid trucks, there are so many choices for all consumers on the market today. So, when looking for the best 2011 hybrid vehicles on the market, where should a consumer turn for the best pricing, most reliable vehicles, newest models, and obviously, best fuel efficiency ratings. So, here is a list of the top 2011 hybrid vehicles which have been introduced, and which most consumers have been flocking to buy on the market this year.

First is the 2011 Toyota Prius. Toyota has always had fuel efficient vehicles, but the Prius really pushes the boundaries. The Prius is a compact sedan, with a base sticker price of $23,810. The vehicle gets a combined 49.6 MPG, which trumps above competitors, and has made the Prius one of the most widely sold hybrids in the US, and overseas, for about five years now. For 15,000 miles drive, it only takes 302 gallons of gas to fuel. Consumers can expect to save many trips to the gas station, and feel free to drive, no matter what the distance they have to travel. With great safety features, excellent interior and exterior add-ons, and a manufacturer which is trusted around the world, the Prius is a great buy for all consumers.

Another great 2011 model is the 2011 Lexus CT 200h hybrid. This compact luxury sedan comes in at a base sticker price of $29,995 due to the luxurious features, and the Lexus name. The vehicle gets a combined 41.6 MPG, which is excellent fuel mileage for Lexus. The vehicle will burn approximately 361 gallons for 15,000 miles drive. With the luxurious name and prestige which the Lexus name brings, this is a great way to save on fuel, and still have luxury.

The next model is the 2011 Honda Insight. The manufacturer has recently been gaining ground in 2011, due to so many new hybrid models being introduced, across the entire Honda family; from sedans to larger vehicles. The Insight is a compact sedan, and comes is at a base price of only $18,950, which is extremely low priced for hybrids on the market. The Insight also gets 41.6 MPG combined, and 361 gallons, to fuel 15,000 miles. The vehicle has recently been coming up in sales, due to the low sticker price, and the great gas mileage.

Honda Civic Hybrid

A couple other notable contendors are the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid which gets 41.3 MPG combined, and the 2011 Chevrolet Volt getting 37.1 MPG combined. No matter which hybrid you choose, consumers can get ready to drive, and skip the gas pump alot more often.

The Ford Escape joins the family of the hybrids between the Honda and the Toyota. The initial Ford Hybrid model used the Prius technology by amalgamating a high performing gasoline engine with two electric motors. The gasoline engine is 2.3 liter 4, that has been designed in a manner in which is can operate the Atkinson cycle. The particular specifics of this cycle can become somehow complex, but usually it will consume less air- fuel blend as compared to when it is running in the modern Otto cycle which is common with a large majority of the gas engines. As much as it is more efficient which adds on to the economy of fuel, it produces less power since it inhales a less amount of fuel and air.

The power actually declines from a level of 153 to that of 133 horsepower and the torque reduces from 152 up to 129 pound feet. The advantage of having the two electric motors in place is that one drives the wheels as the other starts up the engine hence spreading out the ratios of the transmission. This greatly improves on the fuel consumption levels while driving in the city. The two electric motors will also allow the Prius and the Escape to use electric power only which is an advantage as no other Honda can be driven in this mode. Just to add on, the double motor scenario is increasingly efficient at getting energy due to the fact that one of the motors has a direct connection to the wheels.

These electric motors are usually powered by a battery pack of 330 volts and can be found below the cars floor load. The battery can be charged using two approaches which are regenerative through the gas engine.
One major difference between the escape ad the initial Honda hybrid is that it does not come with specific purpose hybrid kind of tricks. The tires of the escapade are not low rolling like the former.

Once the key is turned on in the ignition, the electric motor is started that consequently starts up the gas engine. It produces a cranking sound and then goes silent with the assumption that the rest will be attributed to the surrounding temperature. The charge of the battery is sufficient enough with the climate control being positioned appropriately. The electric motor is capable of providing sufficient power to drive in the urban traffic under extreme conditions of light throttle. Usually, the engine of the gas will get into life at between ten and twenty mph which greatly assists in propulsion. It goes ahead to close down at approximately thirty mph as the car slows down.

From within, the discrepancies between the gas powered escape and the hybrid are very small. The temperature gauge of the engine is replaced by an assist and charge kind of meter. Once the engine of the gas closes down, the difference between the gas powered escapes and the 4Wd hybrid can hardly be noticed.

The 4Wd hybrid Ford escapade retails for $ 32, 450. This car is comparable to a V model which justifies the cost. It has beautiful navigation kind of leather seats and additional airbags. This car is definitely worth the buy.

Pros for the Honda Pilot include an ample and versatile cargo bay, four-wheel drive, outstanding in most crash tests, smooth ride, and generally reliable. The vehicle is known for its spaciousness, with the option to fold down the second and/or third row of extra seats for even more storage room. The luggage capacity is 18 cubic feet with a max cargo capacity of 87 cubic feet. All passengers will enjoy the cup holders in all three rows. Its rugged, blocky look is also popular feature for many buyers.

Its price is very competitive at a base MSRP of $28,045 to $40,395. The closest rival in this price range is the 2010 Toyota Highlander with a base MSRP of $25,855 to $34,670. New features for this model include a backseat DVD player on the Touring team and optional navigation on the EX_L trim. Otherwise this model is very similar to the 2010 Pilot.

Cons for the Honda Pilot include marginal roll over roof strength, long braking distances, poor agility with generally sluggish acceleration, an instrument panel with an excessive number of buttons, and hard plastics in the cabin. Some reviewser feel that the acceleration and brake issues are enough to send them looking elsewhere. Similar vehicles in this price range with better ratings in these areas include the Ford Flex, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota Highlander.

The Honda Pilot earns its title as the best 3rd row SUV with the highest scores in all of its crash tests, which include front, side and rear. It got a 4 out of 5 star rating for rollover avoidance in its government tests. However, as stated in the cons, it does still have weaker rollover roof strength, earning it a “Marginal” rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It did earn a “Good” rating from the Institute for both frontal-offset and side-impact crashes.

The fuel economy is the same as it was for the 2010 model with 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined with the front-wheel drive. It loses 1 mpg across the board with the four-wheel drive. The Pilot has a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. Drivers have the option to shut down half of the cylinders to boost the fuel economy. The Pilot has a five-speed automatic transmission.

The standard safety equipment includes front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and stability control. It also has standard antilock brakes. However, as expected with its long braking distances, they aren’t ideal for panic stops, with 149 feet required for a complete stop from 60 mph. This is 20 feet longer than most of its competitors.

The Pilot is offered in four trim levels, LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring, all of which are available with front- or all-wheel drive. It comes with a basic 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.

The Honda Insight was first released in 1999 and is considered one of the most affordable hybrid cars available. The Insight was given the highest EPA rating for fuel economy that is currently available on the market, 70 miles per gallon. The Insight is a hybrid electric car as it runs on both gasoline and electricity. The 2011 model is currently selling at about $21,000USD. While the Insight has great gas mileage this is not the fastest hybrid vehicle available. Though Car and Driver magazine did prefer this hybrid for its fun to drive characteristics.

Honda has also produced two other hybrid vehicles: The Honda Civic and the Honda Accord. The Civic was the first hybrid vehicle to achieve Partial Zero Emission status. This five passenger car managed 50 miles per gallon and has a starting price of just under $24,000USD. The Honda Accord is considered one of the best performance hybrids available and is the second best selling hybrid car in the United States. This Civic is about $2,000 more than its gas counterpart and was estimated that it would take about five years to recover any costs.

The Toyota Camry hybrid stays under $30,000 with a base price of $26,500USD. This is a gas/electric vehicle that was introduced to buyers in 2006. Unlike other affordable hybrid cars the Camry Hybrid uses electric powered brakes, steering and air conditioning. The car can run as a gas-only vehicle, electric only vehicle or both. The dash provides information about power distribution and contains a fuel economy readout. Toyota has been trying to change to look of the hybrid so it can easily be differentiated form the gas only Camry. Gas mileage is only about 30 to 35 miles per gallon, quite a bit lower than other hybrids.

The first hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius is also an affordable vehicle with a price range of $22,000 to $28,000USD. This car gets excellent gas mileage with 51 miles per gallon city driving and 48 miles per gallon highway driving. Some fun features include voice activated navigation and traffic reports with the navigation system. One complaint is the lightness of the vehicle which can make driving in wintery or windy conditions very difficult.

The Ford Fusion hybrid has a base price of $28,000USD and if any extras are included then the car exceeds what may be considered affordable. It has an automatic transmission and typically gets 700 miles to a tank of gas. This is a popular hybrid vehicle that was awarded best in Show when it debuted in 2010. This was Motor trend’s Car of the year and considered one of the top 10 cars of 21010 by Car and Driver magazine. This vehicle created a new benchmark for hybrid cars. It linked the hybrid power train with a fun car that has excellent performance. It has quickly become the hybrid car to own, and is poised to edge the Prius and Insight out of the top spots.

The interior of the Acura hybrid suv is designed for people who love gadgets and buttons. It is comfortable and made of leather. Thought was given when distributing the air conditioning outlets to make sure everyone onboard got his or her share without being cold while the others were warm. The controls on the dashboard are also strategically located so that they are very visible and accessible not only for the driver but for the passenger too. Comfort, accessibility and safety were kept in mind when the interior of this SUV was designed.

On or off the road the vehicle is soft and easy to handle. Although it is not well known for its economy, the power that its V6 engine produces justifies its fuel consumption. The Acura hybrid suv is equipped with standard four wheel drive which makes it a great choice for difficult roads and situations. It has been tested many times over in different types of terrains and the results have been excellent especially in crash tests. The Acura MDX has done especially well in tight turn and compromised tests where the road is bumpy or wet and fast turns and braking are necessary.

Some people say that the dashboard is too complicated and filled with unnecessary gadgets, this is not the general opinion, and the general opinion is that all the accessories are accessible and perfectly visible at a first glance. The first and second seats are comfortable and cozy for adults to ride on but the third is recommended for kids only. Things can get cramped for an adult when the trip is long. All doors are equipped with standard extra protection and shock supports, the second seat is also equipped with latch connectors for kid seats to be safely installed.

The third seat folds down for greater cargo space adding an extra feature to this already great SUV. It has been compared with the Lexus Rx which is in the similar price range and also has a luxurious interior. The Lexus Rx does not have as many gadgets as the Acura hybrid suv but the fact that it has one less seat allows for better gas mileage. The difference in gas mileage is easily justified by Acura owners with the extra space and the powerful engine especially in hilly or mountainous areas. If you are planning on buying an SUV, consider the Acura MDX Hybrid seriously, it is very comfortable, powerful and considered one of the safest SUVs on the market today.

The LX 570 prides itself with a rough and full-bodied look and an overhauled brake system. Equipped with the latest sophisticated technologies combined with deluxe features, this 8 passenger SUV has it all.

Its engine is a 5.7 L V8 that produces 383 HP and 403 lb-ft of torque. It has a new Craw Control feature that is automatically controlled for increased throttle control when maneuvering over rough surfaces and steep slippery slopes. Other standard features include 20-inch wheels, a hard-drive based navigation system that is voice activated, a keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, and a power lift gate.

The Lexus LX 570 has a fuel capacity of 12 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and comes with 6 automatic gears. Its towing capacity is 8,500 lbs.

Infiniti 2011 QX56

This luxury 8 passenger SUV offers versatility and proves to be a family vehicle that helps with safety and practicality. It has a refined, sleek, and spacious interior sheathed in wood and leather. It comes in two models with either a rear-wheel drive system or an all-wheel drive system, which distributes the torque evenly.

It boasts of a tri-zone entertainment system, Bose premium sound system, Infiniti hard-drive navigation system, blind spot warning system, safety shield, and lane departure prevention. Other standard features include top-view camera system, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a power lift gate, xenon headlights, and climate control for three zones.

The QX56′s 5.6 L V8 engine delivers 400 HP and 413 lb-feet of torque with direct fuel injection. Its fuel capacity is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway while the towing capacity is 8,500 lbs.

Honda 2011 Pilot

The Honda 2011 Pilot is a pleasant, family-friendly vehicle with roomy third row, smooth V6, and smart interior storage features. But other than that, it is merely an average car with its poor braking performance, not-so-remarkable fuel capacity, and slow-moving acceleration.

Nevertheless this affordable 8 passenger SUV offers latch system, advance compatibility engineering, tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brake system, and vehicle stability assist. Other standard features include off road tracking and rear view camera, Bluetooth hands-free, tri-zone automatic climate control with air filtration system, and rear DVD entertainment system.

The Pilot’s engine has a 3.6 L V6 that produces 250 HP with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel economy, on the other hand, is rated at 17mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.

Toyota 2011 Sequoia

The Sequoia is a comfortable and luxurious option for individuals looking for an 8 passenger SUV. It boasts of its user-friendly features, versatility, massive interior with flexible seating, and excellent refinement.

The standard engine of the vehicle is a 4.6 L V8 that creates 310 HP with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 327 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel capacity is 14 mpg in the city while 20 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg combined.

For individuals looking for luxury, this SUV offers a voice activated touch screen DVD navigation system, 3-zone climate control, audio system with Bluetooth and iPod compatibility, rear-seat DVD system, dynamic laser cruise control, and keyless entry. It also provides advance airbag system, 3-point seatbelts, side impact door beams, break assist, and anti-theft system for safety.

Examples of VW Hybrid vehicles include; Volkswagen jetta TDI, Golf TDI, Touareg Hybrid TDI and the latest New Compact Coupe.

VW jetta Hybrid is the vw’s best-selling hybrid suv models in the United States. The Jetta shares all its mechanical parts with the Golf and some of the great features it boasts include: a vast boot, high quality cabin, smooth ride and good seating capacity of 5. The 2.0- liter TFSI 200 sport shares an engine with the Golf GTI, and almost matches it for performance. The Gearboxes are positive and all the controls are well weighted possessing an excellent good grip as concerning the manners to adhesion limits. In fact, with strong brakes and nicely weighted steering, it matches the Golf drivers appeal.

Prices ranges from $15,360-25,000 and the basic warranty covers everything except items that are subject to wear and tear or replacement in the ordinary course of vehicle ownership such as oil, air filters, wiper blades and the brakes. Tires and batteries are often excluded, but usually have their own warranties provided by their own manufacturers.

Another brand of the vw hybrid is the new Touareg hybrid. The Touareg is one of the most impressive examples of hybrid technologies that one can buy. The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg has technical wizards that create an SUV that combines a v8 performance with v6 economy. It has a 3.0-litre gasoline engine that is directly super charged with an electric motor, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Touareg has a seating capacity of 5 and a gas mileage that is approximately as follows; cost to drive 25 miles- $4.5, fuel to drive 25.5 miles- 1.14gal, cost to fill the tank-$93.14, tank size-26.4gal, Annual fuel cost-$2675.

The price for new 2011 Touareg ranges from $44,500-$60, 600 according to the latest reviews, and warranties vary from different dealers for example: mileage limits-3yrs/36,000 miles( whichever comes first), Drive train-5years/60,000 miles, free maintainance-3yrs/36,000 miles, Roadside-3yrs/36,000, Rust-5yrs/100,00 miles and cost included with the purchase.

The Golf TDI is the other model of the vw hybrids. The Golf TDI power train utilizes an electronically controlled turbocharger and a fuel injection system to achieve better fuel economy and performance than the standard gas-powered model. It has a 5 passenger seating capacity and a 2.0litre diesel engine that provides a 140 hp and 236 pound- feet of torque. Fuel economy is 30 city/42 highways with a six speed automatic transmission and 30 city/41 highways with six speeds manual. Prices range from $17,944-$24,904 for new ones and a basic warranty that is dependant on the dealer.

With the base X model starting at $24,260 not only do you get a great price for an SUV, but you also get great quality and features to go along with that low price point. It offers a powerful 4.0 liter, DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, at 261 horsepower, and up to 281 lb-ft torque strenght; so, for power and a smooth ride you will love this car.

It also features a variable intake brake system, 6 speed manual transmission, either a 2-wheel active brake or a 4-wheel active brake model (depending on if you purchase AWD or FWD models), and an engine speed sensitive power steering feature to ensure the safest ride. As far as the gas mileage, the model gets 21 city miles per gallon and 28 highway miles per gallon, which compares with other hybrids on the model today, and exceeds many other competitors.

The exterior offers a sporty look, rugged exterior, which can handle any terrain. It comes with all season tires (and a spare), to be able to handle any road conditions, from snowy weather, to the wettest roads on a rainy day, you can be guaranteed to get a safe ride. It also features step rails for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle easily, a black front bumper which can hide any defects if you damage or scratch it, a rear tire deflector, UV reducing solar glass, and a rear privacy glass which doesn’t let anyone see what you are doing inside.

As far as the interior, the base model features: A/C controls in front and rear seats, digital voltage and air pressure gauges, power windows doors, and locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a power saver battery, a digital clock, three 12-volt power outlets, side nets for luggage and cargo storage, under floor cargo storage area (for when the third row seats are down, and for you to have extra storage space), CD player, and heated front seats. (Optional features include navigation, dvd, and upgrade to leather interiors).

For optimal safety it offers: front, side, and curtain airbags, driver and front-passenger seat side impact airbags, roof mounted air bags, front-seat head restraints, LATCH systems (for children’s safety), and a tire pressure monitoring system. It also comes base with a 36 month, or 36,000 limited warranty, and a 5-year, 60,000 mile limited powertrain coverage.

Whether you are looking for class, safety features, a great looking car, powerful engine, oh yeah, and a great hybrid saving you on gas mileage, the 2011 Nissa X-terra is a great choice for your next Nissan Hybrid SUV to purchase.

The ML450 Hybrid includes a 3.5 liter V6 engine and two electric motors. The V6 delivers up to 275 hp; the total power with contributions from the electric motors is 335 hp. The SUV uses an eight-speed, continuously variable automatic transmission.

The functionality of the engines allows for the vehicle to be driven at low speeds using just the electric power provided by one of the electric motors. The second electric motor will increase the vehicle’s speed. The gas engine starts when more power is needed. The combination of the three engines renders an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in the city, and 24 mpg on the highway.

This seems like an inefficient vehicle for the price tag of $55,750 msrp, but this vehicle uses 50 percent less fuel than its sister vehicle, the ML550, but it produces almost 90 percent of the V8’s power. The electric motors draw their current from a 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery. The Mercedes Benz Hybrid SUV has a unique feature of reclaiming electricity in the braking function to help recharge the battery pack. The ML450 is not alone among the luxury class in using regenerative brakes

The Mercedes Hybrid SUV utilizes the company’s 4Matic all-wheel drive and is rated as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle, meeting the rigid United States EPA emission standards for internal combustion engines.

The exterior design of the Mercedes Hybrid SUV is styled to look like a non-hybrid Mercedes. The hood is bulged a little and there are LED tail lamps unique to this vehicle, but there are not many other details that distinguish this vehicle as a hybrid.

The ML450 is well-equipped with all the features Mrecedes buyers expect including a sunroof, 19-inch wheels, and a number of other features. The hybrid system information display is a feature that is impressive along with the COMMAND electronics interface. A complete vehicle electronics system is also included.

The 2011 model features a high-tech in-vehicle service called .mbrace which replaces the Mercedes Tel Aid security and assistance system. .mbrace provides security and safety features. It lets an authority know if the vehicle is in a collision, or if roadside assistance is needed, it helps locate the vehicle if it is stolen, and provides an emergency calling feature.

The drive of vehicle is not tremendously enjoyable. When all the engines power is brought up the result is an a thrust that is similar to a turbo-diesel. However, it takes the vehicle too much time to reach this mode even when the continuously variable transmission is in sports mode. The transmission responds more like an eight-speed automatic with manumatic shifting. Overall, the drive of the Mercedes Benz M Class Hybrid is like that of the other vehicles in the M Class. Were it not for the hybrid-power display in the COMAND system you might not know that you are driving a hybrid.

The 2011 Mercedes Benz Hybrid SUV has few competitors in its class and is worth considering if you are in the market for hybrid with high power. Its an easy vehicle to drive, fuel efficiency is a question mark for this SUV.

All available options avail a four door, five passenger capacity SUV. This 2011 Isuzu SUV is available with four wheel drive and rear wheel drive. The four wheel drive brakes are not typical drums, but discs instead. They come standard with 17 inch allow wheels and a longer wheelbase. ABS brakes are standard, of course. They come with Intelligent Suspension Control, which as implied varies the shock absorption depending on the need. It is SUV is low to the ground and styled after the look of a work truck. It has enormous tires that are very close to the extreme ends of the car, and a high central design. Both trims have a flat front and back design, no frills or curves.

Isuzu Ascender

Another solid Isuzu SUV is the 2011 Isuzu Ascender. Handling it is like cutting through butter, easy and smooth. The chassis is firm, with contruction of the full body on the frame and an optional rear-wheel drive that does not affect drive-ability on dry pavement. The engine offers a 4.2-liter, 24-valve, inline V6 with 275 hp, delivering a world of torque at 3,600 rpm. This is a REAL sport utility vehicle.

Anti-lock breaks are standard, but front side airbags are not. Curtain side airbags are not available at all and the key-less remote is optional with 2011 models, unlike previous years. This particular model is pretty new to the Isuzu brand, but is made to be much roomier than other similarly priced models. Highly modeled after the Chevy Trailblazer, the Ascender has top of the line luxury trims and options available. It can also torque a mighty 7,200 pounds of weight. That is certainly enough for the average boating or ATV enthusiast.

The Isuzu brand is putting out more viable SUV options on the market for serious buyers. Their models are well designed, practical and drive well. An Isuzu may not be the first thing you think of when you go SUV shopping, but that will change soon enough with the changes they are making to their vehicles. The Ascender is a great alternative to the Trailblazer, both strong and luxurious. The Axiom is practically no frills, but it does everything asked of it and more. They are roomy, dependable and a great addition to the SUV market.