Intellichoice - New EPA ratings shouldn't deter hybrid buyers

Hybrids still on Best of 2007 List

Sure, hybrid vehicles are less fuel efficient than the old EPA ratings, but so are most conventional vehicles. As a result, Intellichoice.com claims that the new EPA fuel economy ratings should not be used to reduce the appeal of hybrid vehicles.

“The EPA’s new gas mileage ratings update a 24-year-old model for measuring fuel economy and have been anticipated for some time,” said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. “We strongly support the new ratings, which will help consumers by estimating miles-per-gallon based on real-world driving conditions. The bottom line is that hybrids still provide the highest fuel economy when measured against respective vehicles in their class. According to the EPA, on average, there will be a 10 percent decrease on most vehicles.”

Both the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid were picked by Intellichoice as Best of 2007 for new cars under $23,000 and SUVs under $28,000 respectively. The Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Civic hybrid also scored well.