Thus, many manufacturers competing in this market. Hybrid minivans are great for families who need a car for daily use. With a more streamlined and appealing appearance with a distinct designs that will let your neighbors know that you possess own a hybrid.

Many car manufacturers are pouring dollars into research and development to make hybrid minivans more affordable to mass consumers and gain a larger market share in the future. Continuous innovation is the name of the game for these manufacturers if they ever want to become competitive in the future.

And now, let us look at the line-up of the top hybrid minivans models for 2009.

2009 Toyota Prius Base Hybrid Minivans

According the success of the Toyota Prius, many expect the 2009 update to be on par with the previous model.  The 2009 Prius hybrid minivans could go on sale at a tune of $22,000, which is a bargain price considering the reported 49 mpg in fuel efficiency.  The 2009 Toyota Prius Base sports a 1.5 liter, 16 valve engine running at 110 horsepower and 5000 rpm.  This hybrid minivan comes with a lot of internal options such as anti-theft and locks, vehicle stability control system, GPS Navigation, premium surround sound from JBL, MP3 player, and Bluetooth.

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda is the only other car manufacturer that offers close to minivan capacity with a hybrid engine.  That model is the 2009 Honda Civic hybrid.  This beauty sports a 1.3L, 8-valve engine running at 110hp at 6000 rpm.  The Civic hybrid model also features automatic transmission.  This Honda model is one of the few cars that can match the fuel efficiency of Toyota hybrid minivans.  At 40 miles per gallon, you can bring the Civic hybrid everywhere without worrying about gas prices.

The 2009 Honda Civic hybrid is available in Magnetic Pearl, Polished White Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Atomic Blue Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl.

Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan

The 2009 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan is a significant upgrade from the Toyota Estima. The 2009 Toyota Sienna is considered the first of the “true minivans” that will enter the US retail market.

The 2.4-liter, four cylinder engines is comparable to hybrid SUV engines like the 2008 Highlander and Lexus SUVs.  The Sienna can also clock up to 270 hp and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 8 seconds.  The four-wheel electric drive system aids the gas engine, while the aerodynamic body design minimizes the drag of the minivan for more fuel efficiency.  In addition, the insulated roof design and humidity-sensing air conditioning system further decreases fuel consumption.  With a fuel efficiency of 40 mpg, this family vehicle is definitely a must-watch for 2009.

Other Hybrid Minivans Models

If you are looking for an alternative for hybrid minivans other than Toyota Prius, your best bet is models such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, 2009 Lexus Hybrid Sedan, or the 2009 Saturn Vue.  None of these cars offer close to the fuel efficiency that the Sienna, Prius, and the Civic offer.

Other notable hybrid models that you should watch out for are the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2009 Ford Escape hybrid, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, and the 2009 Lexus RX 400h.

Hybrid Minivan Buying Guide And Resource

You might read relevant auto magazines or blog articles concerning hybrid minivan models if you are considering a hybrid minivan. It is important that you understand the physics behind these cars, so you have a better grasp before you buying one.

If you want to know more about hybrid minivans, you can visit YahooAuto, HybridCarsTrucksVans.com, or HybridCars.com.

Another articles by Johan Young you may interest in reading: Hybrid Car Costs, 2008 hybrid vehicles, Hybrid Tax Incentives, 2007 Hybrid Vehicles, Electric Car Windows, Fisker Karma Car, Hybrid Convertible, Chevy Hybrid Truck, Hybrid Minivan, and Honda Fit Hybrid.

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