With the price of gas still hovering above $3.50 per gallon — and with $4-per-gallon prices still fresh in drivers' minds — it may be time to invest in a hybrid.
The gas/electric hybrid system has developed quite a bit in just the past few years, to the point that several major car brands have introduced 2013 editions.
And while each vehicle has its own equipment and trim options, all share impressive fuel efficiency numbers — with many above 35 mpg, and couple above 40.
Here's a list of hybrids — in the compact, midsize, and luxury sedan categories — for sale around Rhode Island.
Click the blue links for more information — and check out the AOL Autos Hybrid page for more vehicles.
1. 2013 Toyota Prius c, $24,104
This year's iteration of the Prius is the smallest produced by the Japanese maker, though it's got some features of larger compacts — four doors and a hatchback, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and curtain head airbags, among others.
The "c" version [which stands for "city"] seats five and boasts 53/46 mpg numbers from its 1.5L inline four gasoline engine coupled with a 60 hp electric motor, according to cars.com
For sale at: Colonial Toyota, Smithfield
2. 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid, $25,150
Already one of the most popular compacts, the Civic recently got the hybrid treatment, with a 1.5L 4-cyl producing 90 hp paired with an electric motor for an estimated 44 mpg on both city streets and highways.
For sale at: Saccucci Honda, Middletown
3. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE, $26,617
VW adds the spunk of a turbo to the Jetta hybrid's inline 4 to produce 150 hp and an estimated 0-60 time of under 9 seconds. The addition of a lithium-ion battery pack and 7-speed transmission give the Jetta hybrid an impressive 45 mpg fuel efficiency rating, according to Volkswagen.
For sale at: Scott Volkswagen, East Providence
4. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 4-door Sedan Eco, $26,710
Holding the next step up in the size category is Chevy's recently redesigned Malibu, which uses an electric motor along with GM's 2.4-L Ecotec 4-cyl. gas engine. The larger size hampers overall fuel efficiency, though, with the EPA estimating 27/35 mpg for city/highway driving.
For sale at: Paul Masse Chevrolet South, Wakefield
5. 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE, $27,085
The Blue Oval's hybrid offering promises 188 hp from its 2.0L 4-cyl. gas engine and electric motor while achieving 41 mpg — slightly ahead of last year's Fusion Hybrid. Options include Bluetooth connectivity, park assist, and regenerative braking, which recharges the battery when the brakes are applied.
For sale at: Tasca Automotive Group, Cranston
If money were no object...
2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Base - $46,720
The all-new MKZ is Lincoln's answer to the luxury-vs.-efficiency debate when it comes to hybrids — why give up comfort [and size] for extra fuel mileage?
Starting with a 141-hp version of its 2.0L inline 4-cyl., Lincoln adds a 47-hp electric motor that helps the MKZ reach 45 mpg, the best in its class.
But it's the bells and whistles that really set the Lincoln apart — customizable 10.1-in. console screen for the driver, 8-in. climate/navigation center screen, airbags everywhere, and a panoramic retractable roof. Propped on the largest wheelbase of the group — 112 in., compared to 100 for the Prius — the MKZ is basically a stealth hybrid luxury sedan.
For sale at: Tasca Automotive Group, Cranston