But first some stats on the Toyota Camry Hybrid. For starters, it's a "dual-mode" hybrid utilizing the same Toyota-branded Hybrid Synergy Drive found in the Toyota Prius. The trim level of the Camry Hybrid is relatively up-featured, including LED taillights, a DVD-based navigational system and most of the features found on the top-of-the-line Camry XLE. Though the Camry was originally advertised with a higher mileage, new EPA standards bring the over-reaching hybrid down to a city and highway rating in the low-to-mid 30 mpg range. Despite the lower rating, the Camry Hybrid is still the sales king for those who want a hybrid, aren't concerned about highway mileage, and want something that looks more normal than a Prius. However, there are alternatives to the super number one best automaker from the land of the rising sun.
City: 33 mpg
Highway: 34 mpg
Combined: 34 mpg
MSRP: $26,150

2009 Honda Civic GX CNG

The Honda Civic GX CNG is an interesting study in alternative fuel sources, their advantages and what-the-hell T. Boone Pickens is talking about. The GX looks just like any other Honda Civic, but runs on compressed natural gas typically added from a home fueling station. This Civic is inferior to the Camry in terms of city or combined mileage, but slightly bests the Toyota sedan on the highway. The Civic GX also has a lower cost of ownership (it needs minimal services), has a significantly smaller carbon footprint and costs about the same. The technology is still in development, though, so less than 1,000 vehicles are typically produced each year.
City: 24 mpg
Highway: 36 mpg
Combined: 28 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $25,090

2009 Kia Rio (Auto)

The Kia is among the smallest, cheapest new cars for sale in the United States, coming in at more than half the price of the Toyota Camry Hybrid and more than 1,000 pounds lighter. Powered by a 110-horsepower fourbanger tied to a CVT transmission, the little Kia is slightly better than the Camry on the highway, though much worse in the city. While much cheaper, the Rio offers few of the features and almost none of the prestige, comfort, desirability or practicality of the Camry. Even with limited availability for Toyota, the 2008 Rio only bested the Camry Hybrid's sales by 134 cars.
City: 26 mpg
Highway: 35 mpg
Combined: 30 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $12,145

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Coupe XFE

Essentially a 2009 Chevy Cobalt with a few light tweaks, the Cobalt XFE is modified ever so slightly to improve fuel economy — and prove that an American car can make the grade without a hybrid drive. Adjustments are mostly under the hood where the engineers tweaked the intake and exhaust valve lift duration, swapped the transmission gear ratios for lower operating revs, and put on some low-rolling-resistance tires. The result may only be 1 mpg over the previous year, but that's a step in the right direction. Like the other cars that take the lighter approach, the biggest gains are found at highway speeds.
City: 25 mpg
Highway: 37 mpg
Combined: 30 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $15,225

2009 Mini Cooper (Manual)

Fans of the Mini Cooper have always been able to boast about all the fun they have driving their itsy-bitsy British bimmer — so much fun that they forget to mention that it gets stellar gas mileage. Though not as useful as a Camry as a family vehicle, the Mini is at least a few hundred times more fun and gets a combined mileage just 2 mpg short of the big hybrid. There are no tricks here. The Mini is just a well-engineered, sufficiently-powered small car offered with a sixth gear.
City: 28 mpg
Highway: 37 mpg
Combined: 32 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $19,200

2009 Toyota Yaris (Manual)

All of the 2009 Yaris models equipped with the manual transmission get the same EPA mileage, so you're not necessarily stuck with a little three-door hatch if that's your route towards mileage. The five-door S hatch comes equipped with rear-window wipers, fog lights, MP3/CD player w/ iPod interface and other nice features, though you'll have to tack on $3,000 to the base price. Though it can't quite compete with the Camry in city driving, this tiny Toyota does better on the highway and is close on the combined cycle.
City: 29 mpg
Highway: 36
Combined: 32 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $12,205

2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

We found the 2008 Mariner Hybrid to be a fairly decent ride with only a few flaws, many of which were addressed with the 2009 refresh. The Mariner Hybrid, and it's twin brother Escape Hybrid, is most similar to the Camry in that it offers power, luxury and good gas mileage in a single package — an SUV package at that. Though slightly off the Camry's total, this is one of the few vehicles that bests the Toyota in the city.
City: 34 mpg
Highway: 31 mpg
Combined: 32 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: City
MSRP: $29,750

2009 Volkswagen Jetta & Jetta SportWagen TDI (Manual)

Both the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and its wagon sibling the SportWagen are within the Camry's price range and offer the utility, relative luxury and foreign car appeal of the Toyota. Unlike the Camry, the Jettas are both eligible for a tax credit. In the ongoing diesel-versus-hybrid debate the TDI twins step up with a comparable combined cycle and a substantially higher highway experience, a reflection of the efficiency and power of the diesel engine. And there's no risk of running short because of battery supplies.
City: 30 mpg
Highway: 41 mpg
Combined: 34 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $21,990/$23,590

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Nissan is still technically selling the Altima Hybrid, a car that is a direct competitor with the Camry, but sales have lagged far behind nearly all of its competitors. Why? It may have something to do with battery supply, but it also may have something to do with the reason why people are choosing the regular Camry over the regular Altima: age. The Altima, though refreshed, is a rather tired design that lacks the same appeal and luxury of the Toyota. It trumps the better-selling green sedan in the city, but no one seems to care.
City: 35 mpg
Highway: 33 mpg
Combined: 34 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: City
MSRP: $26,650

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

It should come as no surprise that the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid, currently the third-best selling hybrid car behind the Camry, bests the Camry in all areas of fuel economy by a large margin. It's smaller. It's lighter. The Prius is more of a competitor to this hybrid than the Camry, though Toyota has done a good job of making their larger hybrid price competitive with the Civic sedan.
City: 40
Highway: 45
Combined: 42 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: City, Highway, Combined
MSRP: $23,550

2009 Toyota Prius

The king. The reigning champ. The green boss. You can't touch the Prius and neither can the Camry Hybrid — at least not in mileage. Though all of these buyers are likely eco-minded, some hybrid huggers just don't like the Prius, don't want a hatchback or maybe just think the larger hybrid sedan is a perfect foil.
City: 48 mpg
Highway: 45 mpg
Combined: 46 mpg
Advantage: City, Highway, Combined
MSRP: $22,000

[Hybrid Sales Data: HybridCars.com. Fuel Economy Data: FuelEconomy.gov]

2009 Honda Civic Lineup Receives New Exterior Styling; Available Technology Features Now Include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB Audio Interface
New LX-S and VP sedans expand variety
08/19/2008 - TORRANCE, Calif. -

The Honda Civic is enhanced inside and out for 2009 with new exterior styling, colors and available tech-friendly features like Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a USB Audio Interface 1. An exclusively-equipped Civic LX-S Sedan debuts with alloy wheels and sportier interior styling. A new Civic DX Value Package (DX-VP) Sedan builds on the Civic DX Sedan's standard features by adding air conditioning and an audio system.

"The Civic lineup uniquely embraces traditional gasoline, hybrid, high performance and natural gas technologies like no other vehicle in the world," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The exterior styling enhancements and newly-available features help strengthen Civic's position as one of the best-selling vehicles in a market that's embracing small cars more than ever."

All 2009 Civic sedan and coupe models boast redesigned exterior styling features, including a new front bumper cover and grille design and new headlight and taillight color combinations, featuring clear turn indicator lenses with amber bulbs. New alloy wheel designs are introduced on the Civic EX, Civic EX-L and Civic Si models, along with the addition of fog lamps for the Civic Si model.

Interior enhancements come by way of technology-friendly additions. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® is added to Navigation-equipped models and a USB Audio Interface added to Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models. The Civic Hybrid gains the option of leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats and side mirrors. Additionally, new cloth materials and patterns on seats, door linings and armrests (when equipped) have been updated to further enhance the interior's look and feel.

New for 2009, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as electronic stability control, is now standard on the Civic EX-L and Civic Hybrid, in addition to the Civic Si. The entire line-up maintains a standard array of safety technologies including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

Four engine and four transmission choices range from a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic DX, DX-VP, LX, EX and EX-L), with either a 5-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic Si) with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The Civic GX is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the Civic's 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine - and is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Both Civic Hybrid and Civic GX are classified as Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (AT-PZEV) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Civic GX is classified by the EPA as an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV).

Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and refined handling performance with its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player, and a digital audio-card reader that can play MP3 and Windows Media®3 Audio (WMA) files from CompactFlash®4 cards (via a PC card adapter). The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. New for 2009, the system includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.

Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on Civic LX and above trim levels and allow for portable music device playback through the audio system. The Civic LX Coupe has a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player (four speakers for the LX sedan). All audio systems are capable of playing MP3 and WMA formatted CDs. Standard Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. Audio displays include CD/MP3 text readout, and all coupes (except for the DX) plus the Civic Si Sedan provide a customizable welcome screen (exclusively on models without the available navigation system).

Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe (1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)

Providing Civic buyers with two new sedan options, the 2009 line-up presents the all-new Civic DX-VP and Civic LX-S. The Civic DX-VP Sedan adds air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system and an auxiliary input jack, in addition to the standard 140-horsepower 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), power windows, 15-inch steel wheels with covers and P195/65R15 tires.

Standard features on the Civic LX include air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, a 4-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled), auxiliary audio input jack, center console with sliding armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up and down driver's power window, and a folding rear seat.

In addition to the well-equipped Civic LX features, the Civic LX-S Sedan upgrades to alloy wheels, exclusive sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear deck spoiler and a chrome exhaust finisher.

The Civic EX Sedan and Coupe include newly-designed alloy wheels, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, a one-touch power moonroof, ambient console lighting, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation, which also includes XM Satellite Radio5. The Civic EX-L also comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior, heated seats and heated door mirrors to the Civic EX list of features. The Civic EX and EX-L Coupe exclusively feature a 7-speaker with subwoofer AM/FM audio system with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled). All Civic sedans receive a sporty three-spoke steering wheel for 2009, along with a rear chrome garnish bar above the license plate.

Civic Si Sedan and Coupe (2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)

The Civic Si Sedan and Coupe serve as the performance cornerstone for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC 2.0 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. A helical-type, limited-slip differential enhances traction in high-performance driving situations. The Civic Si sport suspension adds firm spring, damper and stabilizer bar tuning along with exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires. Exclusive exterior features include a rear wing spoiler (low profile on the sedan) and Si emblems. The sports-oriented interior adds firmly-bolstered, performance-oriented seats with red fabric stitching and synthetic suede trim. Standard fog lights and a restyled alloy wheel design are new for 2009.

Civic Hybrid (1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with IMA)

The Civic Hybrid with advanced IMA hybrid technology achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 40/45 miles per gallon and is updated for 2009 with the addition of Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the availability of leather-trimmed interior which includes heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated side mirrors. The Civic Hybrid is certified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) as Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard equipment. The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations. Power for the Civic Hybrid is provided by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 15 kilowatt electric motor, producing a combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and combined 123 lb-ft. of torque @ 1000-2500 rpm.

Civic GX (1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, dedicated natural gas vehicle)

The ultra-clean Civic GX produces near zero emissions, enables owners to become eligible for a $4,000 federal tax credit and can refuel with an available, first-of-its-kind "Phill" home refueling appliance by FuelMaker Corporation (available through qualifying Honda dealers in California). The 2009 Civic GX is the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger car available to retail customers in the United States and achieves an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/36 miles per gasoline-gallon equivalent 6. Currently, natural gas is approximately 35 percent less expensive than gasoline when purchased at a refueling station, and can be more than 50 percent cheaper than gasoline when supplied by a Phill home refueling appliance. The Civic GX is the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards. The Civic GX is available to consumers at qualified Honda dealers in the states of California and New York and is also available to fleet customers nationwide from qualified Honda dealers. An updated NGV logo is added for the new model year with a prominent display on the rear doors.

Manufacturing

The majority of Civics are produced and assembled in the United States and Canada using domestic and globally sourced parts. Civic Coupe and Civic Si models are solely produced and assembled at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. Civic Sedan models for the U.S. are primarily produced and assembled at the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in East Liberty, Ohio. Civic Sedans are also produced and assembled at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario. Some Civic Sedans and all Civic Hybrid models are produced and assembled in the Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuka, Japan, manufacturing facility. In fall 2008, Honda's new manufacturing plant in Greensburg, Indiana, will begin Civic production and will have an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

1 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.

2 Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

3 Windows Media® Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

4 CompactFlash® is a registered trademark of the Compact Flash Association.

5 Required XM® Radio monthly subscription sold separately after 90 day trial period. Other fees and taxes may apply after initial trial period, including a one-time activation fee. Subscription fee is consumer only. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscriptions subject to Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com. XM service only available in the 48 contiguous United States. The XM name is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

6 Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Experian claims 47% of hybrid buyers choose another car from the same manufacturer, as opposed to 35% of buyers overall. Sounds like good news, but for whom? While the report may seem like a boost for Honda and Toyota — and it no doubt is — there's also a silver lining for GM and Ford. While the General doesn't have the best name recognition on its hybrid lineup, it does have two new hybrid trucks in the market starting second quarter of next year, which potentially could allow them to capitalize on the trend — especially considering over 30% of pickup buyers buy another pickup. That compares to only 25% of hybrid buyers. Similarly, the Ford Escape Hybrid has a following of its own among green-conscious buyers needing more space, arguably leading to the potential for halo sales of additional Ford products — including other SUVs of the non-hybrid variety.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Maybe it's not all roses, but there's an opportunity for domestic manufacturers to build a few more sales off hybrid pickup and SUV purchases. Of course, they'll both need to sell more than the token few hundred (in GMs case) or the token few thousand (in the case of Ford). [Detroit News]

We caught Honda testing a prototype for a facelifted Civic Hybrid in the California desert. The revamped Civic gets a new front bumper, with a three-intake design in place of the current model's single central intake. A redesigned, more angular grille-opening surrounds the Civic's familiar chrome bar containing the Honda "H." It also appears that the headlights' internals have been ever so slightly restyled. Although the changes to the Civic Hybrid's nose are quite subtle, the overall effect is significantly more sporty than today's model, which looks a bit soft by comparison.

This Civic's rear will also see some very minor changes to the tail-lights, and a new trim piece protrudes between the rear lamps. The rest of the Hybrid's rear-end appears unchanged.

If you're looking to get the most bang for your hybrid buck, it's best to avoid the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry hybrid—the tax credit on the latter two have already been reduced to zero. There's a good number of eligible hybrids, but at the rate people are snatching up these vehicles, don't expect the full tax credit to last. [LA Times]

(Image via XKCD)