New-model gas/electric hybrid automobiles continue in strong popularity across the country; some dealerships are having trouble keeping any on the lot or in the showroom for display.
Two I’ve driven recently, both of which recorded excellent fuel mileage, are the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid S all-wheel drive crossover and the ’23 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport front-wheel-drive sedan.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid, which averaged 41.7 miles per gallon, has overall length of 176.1 inches, fitting in size right between the Toyota C-HR at 172.6 inches and the Toyota RAV4 at 180.9. Curb weight for the Corolla Cross Hybrid is 3,296 pounds. Its powertrain is same as that from the new-generation Toyota Prius.
The combination of a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder gas engine and electric motors provides 196 net horsepower and 139 lb.-ft. of torque.
All-wheel drive is standard on the S trim of the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Pricing begins around $29,000 and sticker price for the review model reached $35,000. The Corolla Cross Hybrid is built in Huntsville, Ala.
Toyota’s lineup of gas/electric hybrid vehicles are Corolla, Corolla Cross, Highlander, RAV4 Prime, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna, Venza, Prius and Prius Prime.
The radiant red metallic Honda Accord Sport sits low and is very sleek with long hood and short rear deck with spoiler.
A 90-mile drive into the foothills and back on Sunday evening delivered an average of 47.6 miles per gallon for the Accord, the ultimate for the week. Lowest reading was 39.5 for 60 miles, much of it stop-and-go, earlier in the week.
Front-seat headroom seemed satisfactory for 6-foot-4-inch Ted King, a friend who with wife Shirley joined Jan and me for a ride to Meeker’s in Greeley. Legroom was especially tight, though, in the rear seat.
The Accord Hybrid, built in Marysville, Ohio, carried a sticker price of $35,425, including leather-trimmed seats, 12.3-inch color touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, heated front seats, power moonroof, 19-inch alloy wheels and remote engine start. Honda Sensing offers adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist and traffic-jam assist.