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For Compact Hybrid Car Shoppers Wanting Space and Comfort
Earlier we had learned about SUVs with the roomiest and most comfortable interiors per a Consumer Reports evaluation of midsized SUVs for car shoppers wanting an SUV with big space… but without the big price.
Today we are finding out that according to a recent Consumer Reports analysis of new cars, there’s good news for compact hybrid car shoppers who are discovering that a lack of size and comfort does not have to become a make-it or break-it issue for potential compact car buyers wanting more from their small sedans beside great fuel economy by going hybrid.
Related article: Consumer Reports Recommends These Midsized Sedans Under $20,000 with the Best Fuel Economy
Hybrids Are Bigger Today
Today with fuel prices being what they are and predicted to get even worse this summer, many new car shoppers are thinking about going Hybrid. According to a recent compact hybrid cars analysis by Consumer Reports it turns out that those recommended hybrids have larger interiors due to newer designs.
“Unlike early hybrids with battery packs that could cut into interior space, most modern hybrids compromise very little, if at all, on room. In fact, there are some compact hybrids that can comfortably fit as much luggage as some compact SUVs, all while boasting an inviting driver’s seat and plenty of rear legroom,” CR automotive analysts state in their new report.
Related article: Toyota Hybrid Owner Experience with an Aftermarket Hybrid Battery
To back up their claim, CR analysts have done the work for you by personally measuring the interiors of vehicles and having test subjects enter and exit both front and rear seats to physically determine how easy or difficult the process is for a variety of body builds.
The result of the measuring and testing is their recommended list of compact cars they found that are roomy, and comfortable and easy enough to go in and out of without any struggle. All the selected vehicles are those without reliability issues and are noted as to whether currently popular safety features come standard or are optional.
That said, here is a summary of the list that includes price range, fuel economy, relative cargo space rating, safety features, and at least one noted consideration before buying the recommended model.
Please note the following safety feature abbreviations used:
• FCW---forward collision warning
• BSW---blind spot warning
• AEB---automatic emergency braking
• LKA---lane Keeping Assistance
• LDW---lane departure warning
Related article: Consumer Reports Best SUVs Under $35,000 That Come Standard with Active Safety Systems
Compact Hybrid Cars with the Roomiest and Most Comfortable Interiors
1. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq
Price Range: $23,600 - $33,250
CR MPG: Overall 52 / City 40 / Hwy 63 mpg
Rated #6 of 8 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 4/5
Safety Features: Standard active safety and driver assistance features include FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection, while BSW and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are available on the higher trims.
Notable Feature: Better tires and an upgraded brake system in 2021 provides improved stopping distances considerably over the 2017 version.
2. 2022 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $25,075 - $33,370
CR MPG: Overall 52 / City 43 / Hwy 59 mpg
Rated #2 of 8 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection are standard; however, BSW isn’t standard on the base trim.
Notable Feature: Con---“…low, sleek design makes it more difficult to get in and out of than previous Priuses.”
3. 2022 Toyota Prius Prime
Price Range: $28,670 - $34,450
CR MPG: Overall 69 / City 56 / Hwy 81 mpg
Rated #3 of 8 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW and AEB (city and highway) are standard.
Notable Feature: Con---"…you’ll have to opt for the top-of-the-line Limited to get BSW and RCTW.”
4. 2022 Kia Niro
Price Range: $24,690 - $44,650
CR MPG: Overall 43 / City 33 / Hwy 52 mpg
Rated #7 of 8 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: Available active safety features include AEB and BSW.
Notable Feature: You might want to wait on this one as “…a second-generation Niro will go on sale later this year as a 2023 model.”
5. 2022 Toyota Corolla
Price Range: $20,425 - $28,710
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg
Rating: #4 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection are standard, but BSW isn’t standard on every trim.
Notable Feature: Con---“…short drivers complained that the driver’s seat was low enough to hinder forward visibility, and tall drivers wanted more telescoping from the steering wheel so they could sit farther from the dash.”
6. 2022 Hyundai Elantra
Price Range: $20,200 - $33,650
CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg
Rating: #3 of 12 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW are standard.
Notable Feature: Seat comfort is so-so unless buyers get the pricier Limited trim.
7. 2022 Honda Insight
Price Range: $25,760 - $29,790
CR MPG: Overall 54 / City 44 / Hwy 62 mpg
Rated #1 of 8 Compact cars
Cargo and Trunk area rating: 3/5
Safety Features: FCW, AEB, and BSW are standard.
Notable Feature: “This is the final year for the Insight, which will be replaced by a new Civic Hybrid for 2023.”
And finally…
For additional articles about Consumer Reports recommended vehicles, here are two pieces related to compact cars and small trucks to consider:
• Consumer Reports Lists What's New in Small Pickup Trucks
• Popular Compact Cars That are Winners and Losers According to Consumer Reports Automotive Experts
COMING UP NEXT: Car Features That Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
Image Source: Unsplash
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