Auto Club Puts Hybrids Through 'Real World' Tests

(LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2008) -- As gasoline prices reach record highs this spring and consumers are looking to use less gasoline, more are considering a hybrid vehicle purchase. To assist them in making a decision, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center has conducted an analysis of representative hybrid vehicles on the market.

 

To provide useful information to families searching for a new car, Automotive Research Center technicians tested the four hybrid vehicles - two sedans and two SUVs - at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, putting them through "real world" paces to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle both for drivability and family use.

"Increasingly, we get asked about the viability of hybrid vehicles," said Steve Mazor, manager of the research center. "Most people know about the high fuel economy, but don't know if the vehicles will work well for their everyday needs. We believe the tests we conducted can help them to determine that."

 

Technicians tested the Ford Escape, Honda Civic, Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Prius on a 0-10 scale, ten being highest or best. Tests included emissions score, braking, crashworthiness, visibility, slalom handling, ride quality, fuel economy, interior noise, acceleration, ease of entry and exit, interior size, turning circle and luggage capacity.

All four vehicles scored very high on low emissions and three scored very well on fuel economy. However, the Lexus SUV earned a 2.66 for fuel economy. While it gets good fuel economy for an SUV this size and doesn't compromise on performance, it provided an EPA urban 27 MPG compared to the Prius which gets an EPA urban 48. It also received a low score, 2.24, on the slalom test due to its higher profile.

 

The Prius and Civic scored high on fuel economy but lower on acceleration. In fact, the Civic earned a 0.0 on the acceleration test because it was the slowest "green" vehicle ever tested by the Auto Club.

 

"Even with both powerplants going full tilt, acceleration is minimal, making passing a 'white knuckle' and noisy ride," noted Mazor.

 

The Prius and Civic also had low scores for luggage capacity. "These scores tell us that the Prius and Civic will make fine commuter cars, but may not be useful for a family of four with luggage or groceries," Mazor said.

 

The Ford Escape showed itself as a good overall achiever - It scored above 5.0 in ten of the 13 categories, including visibility, ride quality, braking and fuel economy. Mazor added, "If you want a compact SUV, but value being 'green,' the Escape Hybrid (and similar sister Mazda and Mercury vehicles) can meet your needs."

 

The Auto Club report includes more detailed scoring information. The following is a summary of vehicle strengths and weaknesses: