- Decide what kind of hybrid vehicle you want in terms of economy, performance and utility. Economical cars have high miles-per-gallon numbers, performance cars get fast 0 to 60 mph times and utility vehicles carry more people and heavier loads.
- Compare cars with different hybrid technologies. A mild hybrid may simply turn the gasoline engine off when the car stops or coasts, then quickly restart it. Other hybrids have electric motors large enough to assist the engine, but the car doesn't run on electricity alone. A full hybrid switches back and forth between gasoline and electric, depending on conditions.
- Different car types have dissimilar accessories, load capabilities and prices. To make the best judgment, compare hybrid vehicles with others in the same general class, such as compact commuter cars, luxury SUVs and pickup trucks.