Driving a hybrid car is a great way to help the environment and save money on gas. There are now many vehicles to choose from and shopping for one can be tedious if you don't know what to look for. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular hybrid sedans in the market today, namely the 2011 Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid, and try to make that job a little easier for you.
The Toyota Prius has become almost synonymous with hybrids -- so much so that it is difficult to even think of a hybrid without the Prius being the first thing that jumps into your mind. It is also hard to think about fuel efficiency without thinking of the Prius; after all, its combined fuel economy of 50 mpg is yet to be overtaken by any other hybrid sedan on the market today including the Ford Fusion Hybrid. And its status as the best selling hybrid in the world and the most fuel efficient hybrid in North America remains well intact. In comparison, the Ford Fusion Hybrid has an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of 39 mpg - a respectable figure but no match for the Prius. As such, if fuel economy is what's most important to you, I would definitely recommend the Prius over the Ford Fusion Hybrid or any other hybrid for that matter.
But aside from fuel economy, what are some other areas you should keep in mind? For starters, the Prius's unique and futuristic styling is not for everyone. There are some who love it but others hate it. With the Ford Fusion Hybrid, however, you gain the benefits of a stylish, conventional sedan combined with the practicality of a hybrid. Apart from the hybrid badge on the vehicle, you really can't distinguish it from a regular Fusion. It also outperforms its Prius counterpart when it comes to performance. The Fusion Hybrid comes with a more powerful 2.5 L, 156 horsepower engine compared to the Prius's 1.8 L, 134 horsepower engine. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds whereas the Prius takes 9.2 seconds. Moreover, the fact that it can travel at 47 mph on electric power alone is quite impressive. Reports also suggest that the Fusion Hybrid offers a smoother and more comfortable ride than the Prius - sudden turns and lane changes can be a bit tricky with the Prius.
In terms of features and options, both vehicles fare quite well. The Ford Fusion Hybrid's instrument panel is intuitive and well liked by drivers. An innovative "green motivator" featuring a vine that gains or loses leaves depending on fuel efficient driving habits is a really nice touch. On the other hand, the Prius's dashboard has been criticized for not being arranged in the most intuitive way and does take some getting used to. The Prius is probably more high tech than its counterpart and offers many advanced features that one can opt in for including an Advanced Guidance Parking System, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision System. Lastly, the Prius's starting base price of $21,995 is well below the Fusion Hybrid's $28,100. Of course, the final price will depend on the trim and options you opt in for.
We hope you enjoyed our comparison of the 2011 Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid and hope it helps you in your car shopping. No matter which vehicle you pick, kudos to you for considering a hybrid. Happy hunting and have a safe and enjoyable driving experience!
About the Author
For more information on both the 2011 Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid, be sure to check out our Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Prius review sites. Log on now for all the latest news, specs, reviews, photos, pricing information, and even a free insurance quote!
No comments:
Post a Comment