Hybrid cars are pretty much in the news and demand in the modern times, especially when people are becoming more aware of the effect that pollution caused by the cars is affecting the environment. The number of hybrid cars that are available in the market is still very less, so we have chosen three vehicles which belong to the same price range and are manufactured by world renowned manufacturers, in order to compare them and let you know which is the real value for money.
The cars that we will be considering in this segment include the Chevrolet Volt, the Toyota Prius and the Nissan Leaf – the latest generations. Here is a detailed comparison between the three cars based on certain parameters including styling, performance, quality, green value and price.
Styling
The 2016 Toyota Prius is the 4th generation of the Prius lineup and, like its predecessors, it doesn’t disappoint whatsoever, with considerably better interiors and a baffling rear end. Though, the car fails in styling when compared to the Volt and the Leaf, as the Volt features a sleek and angular look that supports conventional interiors, whereas the unconventional shape and interiors make the Leaf more distinctive.
Performance
The clear winner in this comparison is the Volt, as when compared to the Leaf and the Prius it has more power, is faster, quieter, and comes with a better electric range and gas mileage. As for the Prius, it has the same rough handling that we get in a regular car, without the power associated with it, and, finally, the performance of the Leaf ends at just providing class-leading electric range, other than that the overall feel of the car is like an electric appliance.
Quality
When it comes to quality, all the three cars are on equal footing, each having distinctive selling points. The Prius features a much better interior when compared to its predecessors though the headroom that you will get at the rear might be a bit tight. The selling point of the Leaf is that the cabin is quite capacious and the cargo bay is very useful, as for the Volt, the interiors are conventional yet eye-catching and the car is capable of carrying four adults, with a fifth seat that can be used for emergency situations.
Green Value
This comparison will go to the Leaf, as with an emission-free system that is powered entirely by grid electricity, it will definitely get the top rating. As for the Volt, it comes with a rated electric range of 53 miles, and 42 mpg combined when running on gasoline. The Prius stands at 52 or 56 mpg combined along with an electric range of a mile that too at pretty slow speeds, like when you are parking the car in a parking lot.
Price
The MSRP of the Volt is at $33,170, the Prius is at $24,200 and the Leaf is at $29,010. Do note that all these MSRP are without extra government grants.
The Verdict
The Volt definitely stands out from its competitors. We are aware that it costs more but, performance-wise and mileage-wise, this hybrid car definitely takes away the victory in this comparison.
The Nissan Leaf is a good option for those who are looking for an all-electric car at this price point, that has a sufficient electric range. As for the Toyota Prius, it may be the most popular car, but the handling, inadequate electric range and overall mileage, makes it rate less in our comparison. However, with a price tag that is more affordable by $9000 when compared to the Chevrolet Volt, this car may be a preference for the budget conscious.