Car Prices Blogs - Car Price Comparison Archive

Nissan’s Summer Savin’ Days is Here!

August 6th, 2012

Trying to figure out how you can drive a brand new car without spending a lot of cash? Check out Nissan’s Summer Savin’ Days and learn how you can beat the summer heat inside your brand new Nissan!

New Nissan vehicles offer sporty performance and a comfortable ride. They also have economical engines that will help you save gas, and they are equipped with generous levels of equipment for the price.

2013 Nissan Altima

  • Lease starts at $219 per month for 24 months with $2,400 due at signing on the new Nissan Altima.
  • 0.0% APR financing for up to 36 months on remaining models of the outgoing 2012 Altima.

The 2013 Nissan Altima was completely redesigned to give you more: more power, more fuel economy, more comfort, and more style. The new Nissan Altima manages to remain sporty without giving up passenger comfort and cabin refinement.

Nissan Maxima

  • Lease starts at $279 per month for 39 months with less than $3,000 due at signing on the new Maxima.
  • 0.0% APR for up to 60 months.
  • Get up to $4,000 bonus cash on the Nissan Maxima.

Nissan says that the Maxima is a sports car in disguise. We say that the Nissan Maxima is still one of the best choices for a midsize sports sedan.

Nissan Rogue

  • Lease starts at $209 per month for 39 months with around $3,000 due at signing on the new Nissan Rogue.
  • 0.0% APR for up to 36 months.
  • Get up to $3,000 cash back on the new Nissan Rogue.

Small crossovers are a dime a dozen. In a highly competitive lineup of new crossovers, it is hard to stand out from the rest. While the Nissan Rogue has a fairly conservative design theme, consumers love the way that the Rogue glides over potholes and harsh roads.

Nissan Murano

  • Lease starts at $279 per month for 39 months with around $3,000 due at signing on the new Nissan Murano.
  • 0.0% APR for up to 60 months.
  • Get up to $2,500 cash back on the new Nissan Murano.

Want to travel in comfort and style? Then the new Nissan Murano is worth a look. The good thing about the Murano is that it behaves like a sports sedan. This is a luxury crossover that is meant to be driven hard.

Nissan Leaf

  • Lease starts at $289 per month for 39 months with $3,000 due at signing on the all-electric Nissan Leaf.
  • Get up to $1,000 home charger allowance on the new Nissan Leaf.

While engineers and car builders are still in the process of designing a car that can run on other means of clean alternative fuels, the Nissan Leaf is proof that it can successfully live alongside other mainstream cars when it comes to comfort and safety.

All offers are good until 9/4/2012. Check out offers from all Nissan dealers in your zip code and find out how Nissan’s Summer Savin’ Days will help you to bring home the new car that you have always wanted.

Auto Price Comparison: Ford Edge versus Nissan Murano

July 16th, 2012

Ford is now offering an all-wheel drive option even for the base SE model of the 2013 Ford Edge. This will add some much needed all-weather capability to the new Edge, making it more adept even for winter driving. In the meantime, front-wheel drive remains an option.

The availability of all-wheel drive on the base model trim now makes the Ford Edge a better competitor to the sporty Nissan Murano. you might not see it from the design, as the Murano is still slippery in shape, but behind the wheel, the Murano is very pleasant to drive. It is one of those midsize SUVs that you can throw around with complete confidence. The steering is pretty accurate, and the ride is stiff enough to allow sharp cornering at high speed.

Both the new Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano can only seat five people. They are also in the same price range. If you are choosing between the Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano, then this auto review might be able to help.

2013 Ford Edge

Similar to other new Ford vehicles, the European sense of refinement can be felt outright even when you are puttering at low speeds. The cabin is handsomely-executed and is made from better materials all around. The ride is also complacent, quiet, and smooth. The 2013 Ford Edge offers five seats and acceptable levels of cargo space. Also standard is the 3.5-liter V6 with 285hp and 19/25 MPG. The Ford Edge starts at a base price of $27,525.

The Ecoboost engine is also an option. This 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mill may look lackluster on paper, but it actually produces more torque than the standard V6. It also returns an impressive 21/30 MPG. Standard equipment includes cruise control, air-conditioning, a trip computer, and 17-inch wheels.

2012 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano was one of the first crossover vehicles to be offered in the USA. Back then, it was sleekly styled compared to other similar vehicles. But the new model is still aerodynamic and slippery in shape, like the Murano glass that originated from the Italian town of the same name.

The 2012 Nissan Murano looks luxurious, but the best thing about it is the sporty handling. Nissan managed to inject some much-needed athleticism to the Murano. It also comes with a smooth 3.5-liter V6 with 260hp. Fuel economy is rated at 18/24 when equipped with standard front-wheel drive.

The Nissan Murano starts at a higher base price: $29,960. Standard equipment includes dual-zone air conditioning, keyless entry and ignition, rear privacy glass, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Conclusion

You better accept the fact that you are only getting 5 seats, but the Ford Edge is better suited for small or medium-sized families who want more comfort and standard features for the price. The Nissan Murano is best for single individuals or family-oriented car buyers who still cherish a sporty driving experience.

2013 Nissan Altima versus 2013 Ford Fusion Car Price Review

July 2nd, 2012

The Nissan Altima is one of the bestselling midsize sedans in America. Alternatively, the Ford Fusion was also one of the most popular cars for 2012, and the new 2013 Fusion is reputed to be even better in all aspects of design, engineering, and performance.

The 2013 Nissan Altima is also highly anticipated because it is interesting to see where Nissan will go next with their bread-and-butter model. Here is a simple car price review of the 2013 Nissan Altima and the 2013 Ford Fusion.

2013 Nissan Altima

Nissan has redesigned the new Altima, and from the looks of it alone, the car looks amazing. It is now sportier with a more aggressive stance, and wheel arches that resemble the aggressive fenders of the Infiniti FX crossover SUV. The Altima also has more room inside the well-crafted interior, but rear headroom is still an issue due to the sloping rear roofline.

The 2013 Nissan Altima starts at around $21,500 for the base model and $30,080 for the top-of-the-line 3.5 SL trim with the larger V6 engine. The Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 182hp and 27/38 MPG. The 3.5-liter V6 achieves 270hp and 22/31 MPG. These are one of the best fuel-economy numbers that you can get in a sporty midsize sedan.

Base models come equipped with full power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless ignition/entry, 4-speaker audio system, and 16-inch wheels while higher trim models receive LED tailights and HID Xenon headlamps, full leather upholstery, and a 9-speaker Bose audio system.

2013 Ford Fusion

Compared to the 2012 model, the new Ford Fusion has a more upscale, dynamic, and sporty design. Gone are the conservative styling cues of the old model. The interior is also all-new and is now made more refined and luxurious than ever before. The 2013 Ford Fusion is also equipped with a variety of high-tech engines that achieve phenomenal power and outstanding fuel economy.

The 2013 Ford Fusion starts at $21,700 for the base model and could go as much as $30,200 for the top-of-the-line Titanium trim. The base engine is the familiar 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 170hp. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is a viable option because it produces 179hp with an EPA rating of 26/37 MPG. The 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine is the one to choose if you are looking for V6 power. This engine produces 237hp and 250 pound-feet of torque.

The 2013 Ford Fusion is coming in Fall of 2012. If you happen to be pondering about a new family sedan, the new Ford Fusion deserves top consideration.

Conclusion

Both vehicles are evenly priced, and both have stunningly gorgeous body designs. Between the two, the 2013 Nissan Altima is sportier with precise steering and firm yet comfortable damping. In the meantime, the Ford Fusion is better suited for long highway cruises because it has a roomier cabin and a supple suspension system. No matter what you choose, it seems that the both the new Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion provides stellar value for money.

Compare new car prices online before you buy and you are sure to get the best deals and the best value for money!

Luxury Sedan Comparison: Audi A7 versus Mercedes CLS

June 18th, 2012

The Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS would have to be two of the most desirable road cars in the market today. Both vehicles are expensive because they are loaded with technology and premium cabin materials for a truly opulent driving experience.

But what sets the Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS apart from other expensive luxury sedans is their body shape: it looks normal when viewed from the front, but the sloping roofline and sleek overall shape resembles that of a sporty two-door coupe.

The Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS both have four proper doors, but they can only seat four people. They cater to a very special niche of buyers who want a sleeker, sportier, and more stylish luxury car. If you can afford it, there is no reason why you shouldn’t look into the Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS.

Audi A7

It is hard to distinguish the A7 from other vehicles in the Audi lineup, particularly the A6. But the A7 is lower and wider than the A6, and it has the elegant sloping roof line that tapers to the back to form a hatch-like trunk, making the car look dynamically correct. Prices for the base model Audi A7 starts at $59,250.

Engine

The Audi A7 is motivated by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 310hp. Power is channeled to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The smaller and lighter engine gives the Audi A7 more agility when driven hard as it can turn abruptly without losing composure. The engine is also fuel efficient as it can return an EPA average of 18/28 MPG.

Safety

The Audi A7 comes standard with traction/stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, front knee airbags, and side curtain airbags.

Mercedes CLS

The Mercedes CLS is based on the Mercedes E-class luxury sedan, but it was given a more attractive shape and steeply sloping roof as well. Think of the Mercedes CLS not as an E-Class Coupe but as a luxury car that has the performance potential and exclusivity of a super car. Prices for the base model CLS550 starts at $71,300.

Engine

The Mercedes CLS comes standard with a 4.7-liter V8 engine with 402hp. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Performance is the highlight of the Mercedes CLS as it can rush from 0 to 60 MPH in an estimated 4.6 seconds compared to the 5.4 seconds of the Audi A7. Fuel economy suffers due to the nature of the high-performance V8 engine, returning an EPA average of 16/24 MPG.

Safety

The Mercedes CLS is equipped with traction and stability control, front side and knee airbags, and full curtain airbags, including the Mercedes emergency telematics system.

Conclusion

From an economical standpoint, the Audi A7 makes better financial sense because it offers the same looks and intent as the Mercedes CLS. The smaller V6 engine might hinder all out performance, but the A7 performs admirably in real world driving situations. The Mercedes CLS is more lavish and more comfortable than the Audi A7. The larger V8 engine is also more powerful and incredibly refined.

If you want stunning looks and impressive performance, choose the Audi A7. If you still prefer traditional luxury with more modern looks, the Mercedes CLS is right for you.

Luxury SUV Comparison: Cadillac Escalade versus Mercedes-Benz GL

June 11th, 2012

Large family SUV’s are here to stay. They may not be the most fuel efficient vehicles you can buy, but when it comes to carrying passengers in maximum comfort and style, it is hard to argue with the capabilities of a full size luxury SUV.

Here is a review of the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes-Benz GL, two of the most recognizable luxury SUV’s. Both vehicles are big, bold, and makes no pretensions when it comes to luxury and space. They are also in the same price range. The Cadillac is made in America, while the other is German in decent (but is assembled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama).

Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is a seven-seat luxury SUV that starts at a price of $63,170. The Escalade comes standard with adaptive auto leveling suspension for better ride quality and agility. It also comes with remote ignition, a tri-zone auto climate control system, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar, and a satellite radio with a 10-speaker Bose audio system. It is safe to say that the Cadillac Escalade is loaded with all the tech goodies that a driver could possibly want. When it comes to looks, the Escalade is equipped with large 18-inch alloy wheels while other trim models receive gargantuan 22-inch chrome alloy wheels, giving the car an upscale look.

Engine

The Cadillac Escalade is a big and heavy vehicle. It needs a big and powerful engine for proper motivation. Cadillac made sure that the 6.2-liter V8 engine is more than adequate to athletically propel the Escalade in a smooth and progressive manner. The 6.2-liter V8 engine is able to output 403hp and 417 pound-feet of torque, controlled via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The miserly EPA estimate of 14/18 MPG is expected in this category.

Mercedes-Benz GL-class

The Mercedes-Benz GL is a different breed of SUV. It was specifically designed and engineered for the American market. But since Mercedes will not sacrifice driving dynamics even in such a large vehicle, so it injected some athletic ability into the Mercedes GL. With prices starting at a rather premium $61,570 the Mercedes GL is right for those who want a sporty large luxury SUV. Standard equipment includes self-leveling automatic suspension, dual-zone auto climate control with rear air-conditioning controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight speaker audio system. The Mercedes GL is also equipped with large 20-inch wheels.

Engine

The Mercedes GL is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission. While this engine only produces 210hp, it is capable of delivering 400 pound-feet of torque without pressing hard on the gas pedal. This engine is also capable of achieving a more admirable 17/21 MPG. The GL450 is equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 gasoline engine and the GL550 is motivated by a 5.5-liter V8.

Conclusion

The Cadillac Escalade is best for people who want to prioritize style, luxury, and comfort in their large SUV. The Mercedes-Benz GL is idea for family car buyers who want athleticism and refinement. Both SUV’s offer tons of interior space, but the Mercedes has better fit and finish along with more space in the third-row seats.

Chevrolet Sonic versus Ford Fiesta Car Price Comparison

May 21st, 2012

The Chevrolet Sonic and the Ford Fiesta are not the cheapest cars that money can buy. For a few thousand less than the base price of the Fiesta and the Sonic, you can sink your teeth into the Nissan Versa sedan and the Hyundai Accent, two of the cheapest cars sold in America today.

But the Chevy Sonic and the Ford Fiesta are different because they were conceived to deliver a more thrilling and involving driver experience. The Fiesta was honed and developed on the streets of Europe, where soft suspension settings and a wallowing ride is considered unacceptable. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Sonic is made in the USA, and is years ahead in refinement, build quality, and overall performance compared to the old Chevy Aveo. Both cars are also available in sedan and hatchback trims.

Chevrolet Sonic

The Chevrolet Sonic starts at around $13,865 and is available in two engines: the naturally-aspirated 1.4-liter inline-4 with 138hp and the turbocharged version of the same engine that produces more power and torque. Base models get a surprising amount of standard kit including air-conditioning, alloy wheels, a trip computer, OnStar, and a 4-speaker audio system.

The good thing about the Sonic is that it feels like a bigger car when driven on the road. The suspension travel is firm enough to deliver a pleasing blend of handling and tight cornering, while it is also compliant enough to filter out road harshness and bumps similar to a large family sedan. The steering is also light and communicative at slow speeds but it quickly weighs up when you pile in the corners. The Sonic remains true to its name. It is light, nimble, fuel efficient, and exciting to drive.

Ford Fiesta

It is important to note that the Ford Fiesta is regarded to be one of the best small cars to buy, according to Jeremy Clarkson of TopGear.com. This is because the Fiesta offers the right amount of space, handling, and performance for the price. Starting at around $13,200 for the base model, the Fiesta sedan comes equipped with steel wheels, power mirrors, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

The Ford Fiesta is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 with 120hp. The Fiesta offers a rewarding driving experience with agile handling, accurate steering, and a comfortable and muffled ride. The 1.6-liter engine may not be the last word in power, but it revs sweetly and smoothly even on the upper reaches of the rev limit. It is a combination of these traits that makes the Ford Fiesta one of the better small cars in the market.

Based on this comparison, it might seem that the Chevrolet Sonic delivers better value for money, since the base trim model is comprehensively equipped compared to the base model of the Fiesta.

Whatever you choose, the Sonic and the Fiesta provides cheap and affordable options for the new car buyer. They are proof that small cars need not necessarily be the econobox of the past, where comfort, refinement, and performance takers a back seat in favor of a low price.

Chevrolet Equinox versus Mazda CX-5 Car Price Review

May 14th, 2012

Car buyers who want a different approach for an everyday-usable car will have a lot to love about the Chevrolet Equinox and the new Mazda CX-5, two of the best small SUV’s in performance and in price.

The Chevrolet Equinox provides unrivaled bang for the buck. It starts at just above $23,000 while having a premium cabin and a luxurious ride, similar to what you can expect from a car costing twice as much.

On the other side of the spectrum is the all new 2013 Mazda CX-5. The interior is simple, plain, yet elegant, but it fails to match up against the plush Chevy Equinox. However, the Mazda CX-5 has a lot of aces up its sleeve.

It benefits from Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G technology. In lay man’s speak, SKYACTIV-G enhances engine and transmission performance, reduces overall vehicle weight, and makes the car more fuel efficient. The Mazda CX-5 is also fun to drive, with sporty handling and accurate steering.

It is only fair to compare the Chevrolet Equinox with the Mazda CX-5. Here is our car price review:

Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevy Equinox is similar to the Dodge Durango in terms of size classification: it slots in nicely between small and medium without going overboard. Chevrolet wanted the Equinox to have more interior space, and the size is further magnified by the butch stance and the aggressive arch of the front and rear fenders.

The base Chevy Equinox starts at $23,500 while the top-of-the-line LTZ model starts at $29,220. Power comes in the form of either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 184hp and 22/32 MPG, or a 3.0-liter V6 with 264hp and 17/24 MPG. The engines are governed by a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive, but serious off-roaders can choose the available AWD system for maximum traction and grip on unpaved roads.

The rear seats of the Chevy Equinox are roomier than what the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V has to offer, but this manages to impede rear cargo room. The best thing about the Chevy Equinox is the build quality and upscale feel of the cabin. The suspension was also tuned to filter out road noise, harshness, and vibrations.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda vehicles are known for two things: sportiness and low price. With that in mind, let us introduce the all new 2013 Mazda CX-5. Mazda engineers managed to reinvent the compact SUV and make people forget the equally-talented Mazda CX-7.

However, the Mazda CX-5 goes beyond expectations with best-in-class fuel economy, exhilarating performance, and a sporty yet comfortable ride. Driving the Mazda CX-5 will make you think that you are driving a German compact sedan, minus the upscale cabin and expensive amenities.

Power comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 155hp. You might think that this is not enough, but the new engine is able to deliver thrilling acceleration while returning 26 city/33 highway MPG with the standard manual transmission. Prices start at $20,695 for the base model CX-5 and around $27,000 for the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model.

Both vehicles can accommodate five passengers and small to medium cargo. Both vehicles are cleverly-designed to stand out from the rest of the pack. If you want a comfortable compact SUV with generous amounts of luxury then the Chevy Equinox is worth a look. However, if you want your small SUV to be nimble and fun to drive, look no further than the Mazda CX-5.

Car Price Comparison: Chrysler 300 vs. Toyota Avalon

May 7th, 2012

Big luxury cars will always have a place in the hearts and minds of American car buyers, especially if you have to choose between the Chrysler 300 and the Toyota Avalon. These two cars are entirely different in design and intent (more on that later), but they both provide generous amounts of interior room along with opulent levels of comfort.

When thinking about which luxury car to buy, you should definitely include the Chrysler 300 and the Toyota Avalon to your shopping list.

Update: There is a new Toyota Avalon that will be launched in the last quarter of 2012. Until the new car hits the showrooms, we will compare the 2012 Toyota Avalon with the 2012 Chrysler 300.

Engines and Powertrain

The base Chrysler 300 is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 with 292hp with rear-wheel drive (AWD is an option on higher trim levels). This engine is controlled via a 5-speed or 8-speed automatic tranmission. You can also choose the 5.7-liter V8 with 363hp and a five-speed automatic. The SRT8 model comes with a 6.3-liter V8 with 470hp. In the meantime, Toyota is offering the Avalon with a solitary 3.5-liter V6 with 268hp and a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Toyota Avalon.

Fuel Economy

The Chrysler 300 is rated at 18/27 MPG in rear-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 with the 8-speed automatic transmission achieves 19/31 MPG. The Toyota Avalon has a fuel mileage of 19/28 MPG.

Equipment Levels

The Chrysler 300 comes equipped with automatic headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual zone auto climate control, and keyless ignition and entry. The Toyota Avalon has more standard equipment including supple leather upholstery, sunroof, rearview camera, and a power driver seat.

Safety

We are proud to say that the Chrysler 300 and the Toyota Avalon were both included in the Top Safety Pick of the IIHS for 2012. Both cars were given an overall ‘Good’ rating in front and side impact crash tests. Both cars come equipped with airbags galore along with stability and traction control.

Price

This is where the Chrysler 300 shines as it also has an attractive base price. The 300 starts at only $27,470 while the Toyota Avalon starts at $33,195.

Both of these cars are supple and comfortable to drive, but as previously mentioned in the first part of this post, they are different when it comes to styling and intent. The Chrysler 300 is sportier than the Toyota Avalon, and the styling will cater to both young and old alike. The Toyota Avalon carries the tradition of conservative Toyota styling, while on-road behavior is tuned towards comfort rather than driving enjoyment.

Make sure that you compare new car prices before you buy. This will help you find the right car that will bring you true value for money.

Car Price Comparison: Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra

April 30th, 2012

We will now make a comparison between the Ford Focus and the Hyundai Elantra, two of the best compact cars that money that can buy.

You might be asking yourself: why choose the Focus and the Elantra, and not include the equally talented Chevy Cruze, Mazda 3, or Honda Civic into the mix?

There are two reasons for this:

1. There is no doubt that the Ford Focus changed the way on how people will perceive a compact car. The Focus has the kind of road behavior that can only come from the best European marquees. We are not saying that the Chevrolet Cruze or the Mazda 3 is inferior in terms of the Focus (the Mazda 3 is related to the Ford Focus, after all), but there is no question that the Focus is still the benchmark when it comes to designing and engineering a modern compact car; and

2. The Hyundai Elantra managed to overtake the competition when it comes to styling and perceived value. It also happens that the Elantra is one of the newer entrants in the compact department (we wanted to include the Dodge Dart but we will do that in the near future.)

The Ford Focus (especially in hatchback form) can attend to the needs of the young and the “young-at-heart”. Strangely enough, the same can be said for the Hyundai Elantra–albeit with a lower price tag.

Engine and Powertrain

The Focus is powered by a stout 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 160hp. This engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a high-tech 6-speed dual clutch automatic. The Hyundai Elantra is motivated by a smaller 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that produces 148hp (145hp in California models). The engine can be controlled via a 6-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The Focus can deliver more linear acceleration than the Elantra, with the Focus reaching 0 to 60 MPH in 8.7 seconds, compared to the Elantra which completes 0 to 60 MPH in a decent 9.4 seconds

Fuel Economy

The Focus achieves an average of 38mpg to 40mpg in highway driving. The Hyundai Elantra can easily achieve 40mpg in highway driving.

Equipment Levels

The Focus comes equipped with air-conditioning, keyless entry, power accessories, and a 4-speaker audio system in base S trim. The Hyundai Elantra gets more standard equipment for the price, including a 6-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a trip computer, full power accessories, and keyless entry.

Safety

Both the Ford Focus and the Hyundai Elantra were named into the IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012. Both cars managed to garner the highest score of ‘Good’ in front-offset, side-impact, and roof integrity tests.

Price

This is perhaps one of the brightest merits of the Hyundai Elantra, as it starts at only around $16,695. In the meantime, the Focus starts at around $18,300.

Choose the Ford Focus is you want a spacious and fun-to-drive compact car with solid on-road dynamics. The Hyundai Elantra is the best choice if you are looking for an economical, safe, and stylish city car.

Car Price Comparison: Toyota Prius and Lexus CT 200h

April 23rd, 2012

Hybrid cars are here to stay. Hybrid vehicles are not only quiet, refined, and fuel-efficient, but they are also fun to drive as well. Ever since the introduction of the Toyota Prius in the US automotive scene, this car has proven once and for all that it is possible to make a reliable and dependable hybrid car, without sacrificing interior comfort and design.

Enter the Lexus CT200h. When it comes to luxury, Lexus cars are one of the best–and one of the most expensive as well. But the CT 200h is different. Many might say that the Lexus CT is just a more plush version of the Toyota Prius, but this is not the case. The CT is properly sporty, with a revised suspension and a lower stance compared to the Toyota Prius.

As an added bonus, it just so happens that the Lexus CT 200h is the cheapest Lexus model in the lineup.

Both cars are made by Toyota, and both cars cater to the same market. But can the Lexus CT 200h justify the more expensive price tag over the Toyota Prius?

Engine and Power Train

The Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors, which is the same with the Lexus CT 200h. Both vehicles produce 134hp. Even though the Lexus was designed for sportier driving, the Prius is marginally faster when it comes to acceleration, hitting 0 to 60 mph in 10.1 seconds, compared to the Lexus’ 10.4 seconds.

Fuel Economy

The Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in America, achieving an impressive fuel mileage of 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. The Lexus CT 200h achieves 43 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The Prius is more fuel efficient, but the Lexus is heavier and has larger wheels and tires. Besides, not many cars can achieve the fuel mileage of the Lexus CT 200h.

Equipment Levels

The Lexus CT 200h comes with a premium badge, hence it is expected to come with more standard equipment. Available in two trim models, the base CT already comes with large and lightweight 17-inch alloys, keyless entry, a dual zone climate control system, Bluetooth, a power adjustable driver seat, and a 6-speaker audio system.

The Toyota Prius is not short on features, either. Base models come equipped with automatic climate control, trip computer, heated power mirrors, and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Safety

The Toyota Prius has an impressive list of safety features that includes anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, side airbags, curtain airbags, and a knee airbag. The Lexus CT 200h has the same level of safety features as the Toyota Prius but adds a passenger-side knee airbag, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System that alerts pedestrians on the presence of the whisper-quiet Lexus, and the Safety Connect telematics feature.

Price

The Toyota Prius starts at around $23,000 while the Lexus CT 200h starts at around $29,000. If you need a hybrid car for the family, then the Toyota Prius is a wiser and more economical choice. But if you need a personal hybrid car that is sporty, luxurious, and refined, then the Lexus CT 200h should be your top pick.

Find and compare hybrid car prices before approaching the dealer so you can easily figure out the right hybrid vehicle for your needs and budget.