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Top 6 Fastest hybrids on sale now

carversation submitted on 6/18/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 7:59:52 PM

26 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.carversation.com

When you think of hybrid you think of a car that is extremely slow and economical.

Well times have changed, a new generation of sporty hybrids is in the works and ought to give the segment an image makeover after coming to the market soon. But for the speedy drivers in need of a fast hybrid you don’t have to wait until the sporty hybrids come out: Some models already on sale get better-than-average gas mileage without being slowpokes.

Top 6 Fastest hybrids on sale now:

6. Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (tie)
Starting price: $49,590
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
Miles per gallon: 21/22mpg

6. GMC Yukon Hybrid (tie)
Starting price: $50,045
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
Miles per gallon: 21/22mpg

5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Starting price: $34,200
0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds
Miles per gallon: 27/25mpg

4. Lexus RX 400h
Starting price: $41,580
0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
Miles per gallon: 27/24mpg

3. Nissan Altima Hybrid
Starting price: $25,170
0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
Miles per gallon: 35/33mpg

2. Lexus LS 600h L
Starting price: $104,900
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Miles per gallon: 20/22mpg

1. Lexus GS 450h
Starting price: $55,800
0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Miles per gallon: 22/25mpg

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User Comments

enthusiastx11

with the exception of the altima, all of these cars make a mockery of what "hybrid" stands for.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 10:41:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Brembo

I agree.

— Brembo (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 10:43:09 AM | | Votes: -4   

GS450h

I don't know how the EPA got 22/25mpg for GS450h. I am getting an average of 27.2mpg (24mpg lowest and 33.2mpg highest) in mixed hwy and city driving without driving like a grandpa.

— GS450h (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 11:05:28 AM | | Votes: 11   

hao420

Bravo,70% are import Japenese product,that prove american r build crap..

— hao420 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 12:03:41 PM | | Votes: -1   

Caraficionado

I'd give the Yukon some credit based on the fact that it is a different car: A huge SUV that does decent milage given its size and weight

— Caraficionado (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 1:20:10 PM | | Votes: -4   

autopro

Lexus hybrids were designed to give v-8 performance with 6cyl mileage.Compare their mileage to v-8 from bmw X5 volvoxc90 w\v-8 and ML430 it kills them on mileage.

— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 1:35:44 PM | | Votes: 8   

JRobUSC

autopro, let's examine that statement. Yes, the RX400h gets better gas mileage than an X5 4.8i, MB ML/GL550, etc. However, those V8 SUVs are also over a second quicker than that RX400h 0-60. So it's not "V8 performance, V6 fuel economy". If the times listed above are accurate, even the X5 3.0i is as quick, and the X5 xDrive35d coming out at the end of the year is not only faster than the RX but also gets similar fuel economy (lower city, likely higher highway) despite the X5 being larger and heavier.

As for the cars, the GS450h is no quicker than a 535i, only got 1mpg better in testing (Edmunds.com's Inside Line), and has half the trunk. It also costs $8-10k more than its own GS350 sibling, which was just as fast, handled better, and has a normal size trunk.

As of right now the only hybrid I'd consider owning is an SUV, because they're the only ones you don't lose 1/2 the trunk on in the process and going from 15-16mpg to 20-21mpg is a pretty big jump. I just don't think it's worth the $8-10k premium Lexus charges for the hybrid ($33k in the case of the LS600h) over the gas versions. I'd rather get a diesel and save $5-7k off the hybrid. The fuel might cost 15% more, but the car gets 15% better economy than the hybrid anyway so that's a wash, and you don't lose half the trunk (and you can get folding rear seats, etc.). If/when they come out with a hybrid that doesn't sacrifice every other semblance of usefullness, sign me up. If/when they come out with a diesel hybrid, definitely sign me up. Till one of those happens, no thanks.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 7:37:37 PM | | Votes: 1   

Agent63

You call American crap when Toyota and GM are working together. Makes you wonder who's really building them Toyota's.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 1:49:46 AM | | Votes: 1   

AMiodynski

"Hybrid" STANDS for two or more "ways" of making the vehicle move. And because there is a gasoline engine AND battery's with electric motors, it is a Hybrid. Hybrid in no way shape or form stands for XXX MPG !!!

— AMiodynski (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 10:48:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

BMWPMH

I have an e90 325i sedan with a manual transmission. I am averaging 29mpg per tank. Thats combined city and Highway driving. I think that some people are giving up thousands of dollars to get a few mpg, and dont realize how long it will take for them to actually recover the cost premium they paid for their hybrid luxury vehicle. Seems silly to me. Personally can wait for BMW to come out with the new diesel 335d and X5 diesel.

— BMWPMH (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 11:22:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

M35MT

All the vehicles above have by far more interior space than your 325i.

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 12:23:29 PM | | Votes: 5   

autopro

I get 29 mpg on my 303 hp gs350 so I guess that kills your 325i with the hook in it.

— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 1:29:01 PM | | Votes: 5   

t_bone

There's nothing "wrong" with 29 MPG, and I get nearly that on my e46 330i, but at the same time I DO like hybrid technology and wish the Germans would get to it quicker, ideally with a diesel hybrid.

— t_bone (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 5:47:58 PM | | Votes: 4   

Randry

Altima Hybrid is a good deal that doesnt have the awareness it deserves... $2350 tax credit and more stylish and fun to drive than the Toyotas. Easy to get upper 30s - 40MPG out of it too.

— Randry (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 12:05:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

iamthehighway

i tend to agree mr. randry. i find the altima hybrid fun to drive with great pickup and impressive performance for a hybrid. getting mpgs in the upper 30's is more attainable than most hybrid shoppers give it credit for. sounds like we agree.

— iamthehighway (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 12:41:10 PM | | Votes: 1   

hao420

Yup,agreed

— hao420 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 3:38:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

mmeecc

What? Environmental Commitment? Yeah!! Like they're doing it for that!!! It's all about profits you moron!

The japanese are one of the earth's greatest rapists. They eat endangered species of animals to the brink of extinction without any regard or respect whatsoever. No efforts to replenish, etc.... Their pollution record is far from stellar, all they do is buy pollution credits from other countries to counter their own shortcomings. Get a clue.....

— mmeecc (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 2:15:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

JUGNU

i think they forgot to include Camry Hybrid. it sure will be faster than the cars placed above Altima atleast.

and GS450h is awesome.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 2:36:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Star

It's cold and dark in here(this thread), there is talk about hybrids and MichaelTaylor has positive boost. This must be the gate that leads to hell!!!

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 5:42:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Star

Homer007,

never got even close, but I would not be surprised to set a record considering that the number of idiots here far exceeds the number of intelligent posters. I know that the high quality comments I make almost force the idiots and cowards to deboost me. Thanks for playing.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 7:00:52 PM | | Votes: 1   

StickShiftCamry

THE Altima uses the Hybrid technology from Toyota.

— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 6:06:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Agent63

Did Toyota borrow Honda's hybrid technology? We can't ignore the fact Honda was the first to implement the Hybrid into their lineup first.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2008 8:20:07 PM | | Votes: 1   

huu76

carficiandado,
The Yukon and LS600hL probably weigh the same.

jrrob,
The GS450h comes fully loaded, so the $8000 price jump over a GS isn't as bad as it seems.
The GSh is a bit faster and gets better mileage (esp in the city). The true test is wrap your lips around the tailpipe, turn the engines on and inhale, see which car kills you first.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=121047/pageId=124629

Star,
You're definitely part of that majority.

Every year that goes by just shows how further and further behind the Germans in denial are falling.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/19/2008 9:17:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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