Category: hybrid vehicles

  • 2017 Toyota Prius Prime – Drive Report

    The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid may just be a perfect car for Chicago residents. Well, not only Chicago but for residents of any large, crowded, densely populated city. With a pure-EV battery operation of up to 25 miles, the Prius Prime will easily let you criss-cross a city to run your Saturday errands…

  • 2017 Kia Niro – Drive Report

    The Kia Niro is all-new. It’s new to the market having made its global debut at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. The Niro is hybrid-powered and EPA-rated at 50mpg. Looking more like a hatchback than an SUV, the Niro is a pretty-near-perfect urban transporter. In addition to the low fuel consumption it has a compact…

  • 2017 Nissan Rogue – Drive Report

    Nissan has given a fresh styling touch to the Rogue for 2017. Along with its V-Motion grille, new headlights and some other exterior changes the inside gets some refinement too. There’s a full line of driver-assistance safety features that every new vehicle buyer should be considering today. A new Rogue Hybrid now provides a more…

  • 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid – Drive Report

    The Accord Hybrid is back for 2017 with an all-new two motor hybrid system combined with a 2.0-L gas engine putting out 212 total system horsepower. This good looking, traditional 5-passenger sedan will save you bucks on gasoline. It drives quite sporty and is also comfortable and quiet on the inside. Read my thought on…

  • 2016/2017 BMW X5 xDrive 40e

    This BMW ultimate driving machine will travel for up to 14 miles on battery power alone. And yet, tromp on the throttle and it can go from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. BMW’s crossover SUV hybrid, the X5 xDrive 40e is one of the many players in the luxury SUV segment. Adding the…

  • 2017 Volvo XC90 – Drive Review

    Volvo’s entry in the luxury SUV segment, the XC90, has received more awards for its excellence than any other SUV this century. The 2017 Volvo XC90 is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, has a choice of three powertrains including a hybrid and can carry up to seven. Prices start in the mid-$40K range and…

  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – First Drive

    The world’s first and only hybrid minivan is here from Chrysler. With seamless and automatic power coming from two electric motors and a 3.6-L V6, the 7-passenger 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid may just eliminate stops at the gas station. Or, at least make them very infrequent. Expected to deliver an 84* MPGe rating , the…

  • 2017 Lexus ES 300h – Driving on “E”

    “E” for electric.  That’s where the Lexus ES 300h gets a good part of its motive force. With a system total of 200 HP, the combination of a 2.5-L gasoline engine and a high output electric motor moves this hybrid-powered entry-luxury 5-passenger sedan nicely down the road. 40 mpg is easy to come by and…

  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica – Drive and Review

    The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan has made a big splash. Chrysler has upped the game in the minivan segment with this new entry that replaces the Town & Country. It’s loaded with many comfort and convenience features as well as a nice assortment of driver-assistance safety technology. Along with the 3.6-L V6 powered line…

  • 2016 BMW 330e – Drive & Review

    It’s not a boring hybrid. BMW’s new-for-2016 330e plug-in hybrid kicks out 248 total system horsepower and will scoot to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. And yet it can give you 14 miles of pure electric driving and also cruise up to 75mph just on battery power. It’s bit pricier than the other 3-series sedans…