The Toyota Prius is the highest ranked compact car for good reason. The Prius is a trustworthy hybrid car who’s electric and gas power train collaborate seamlessly with a variable transmission. The electric operation is dominant over the gasoline engine which supplies auxiliary power and therefore has significantly improved fuel economy and lessens the environmental impact. It has a 1.5L four cylinder engine with 76-hp and a 500-volt 50-kilowatt electric motor.
As a plus, the Prius never has to be plugged into a power source, rather an ingenious regenerative braking system is employed which charges the batteries when the brakes are applied. The Prius comes with many optional features including, keyless start up, optional leather seats, an upgraded stereo that features a mini-jack port for connecting portable music players, side-impact and side curtain-type airbags, and a rearview camera. Standard options include: automatic air conditioning, a CD stereo, power windows, locks, and doors, antilock brakes, and traction control.
All these features plus the Hybrid power plant and the incredible fuel economy numbers that go along with it make the Prius a top pick.
