Are the ever increasing and fluctuating Gasoline prices hurting your pocket? Could Hybrid Cars be the answer to the issue to rid us of gasoline concerns, and also help us become more environmentally friendly?

Car manufacturers think so, and so do a growing number of car owners. Major automobile manufacturers have come up with their respective versions of hybrid vehicles, and obviously price ranks among the most important of those concerns.

Below, you will find a list of the hottest Hybrid Cars in the market (albeit not an exhaustive list) to help you decide which Hybrid car suits you best. Bear in mind that your needs are paramount in your eventual decision, be it fuel efficiency, size, comfort, look and feel…

Toyota Prius – Petroleum Fuel Assist Engine System
Considered by many as the top-rated hybrid among them all, because of the presence of a gasoline engine that provides assistance to the electric motor when operating. For slower speeds, it is the electric motor that runs the car, and when the speed acts up, the gas engine takes over the reins.

The mileage for the Toyota Prius 2008 model is estimated at an average of 46 mpg mile per gallon, 48 mpg for city driving and 45 mpg for the highway by KBB.

It is also important to note that this bestseller from Toyota comes with a distinctive exterior that sets it apart from its fellow hybrids belonging to the economy-class. Reportedly, the Prius has more spacious interiors compared to its closest competitor, the Honda Civic hybrid, and it is claimed that the Toyota Prius is also a winner mileage-wise.

Honda Civic Hybrid – Electric Assist Engine System
This hybrid vehicle does not look different from its past models, and it does not stand apart from its competitors. Even though it is always the bridesmaid compared to the illustrious Prius, it has a reputation for higher speed operation, especially on highways.

The Civic also maintains the runner-up status with the Prius when it comes to fuel efficiency, with the Civic achieving an average of 42 mpg, 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg along the highway

Ford Escape Hybrid – Petroleum Fuel Assist Engine System
The first Hybrid SUV in the market, this hybrid vehicle produces 32 mpg on average with 34 mpg within the city and 30 mpg along the highway. This gem from Ford is known for its spacious cargo room, its easy maneuverability and its visibility. The Escape Hybrid still reigns supreme above its closest SUV rivals, such as Lexus.

Honda Insight – Electric Assist Engine System
This hybrid from Honda may not be as award-winning as its competitors, but the Insight is proving itself as the best one when it comes to fuel economy. It’s 2009 model promises to give the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid good competition and it’s probably worth a second look. Pricing wise, it is also listed to be a few thousand dollars lower than its top competition.

Although the Insight is not as comfortable and impressive as the popular sister Civic or the famed Toyota Prius, it will do best as a second-car, or a commuter vehicle.

Lexus RX 400h leveraging on the Petroleum Fuel Assist Engine System, it is the first SUV in the luxury level. It is known for its indefatigable power, its cool technology and its fuel efficiency. Now who says the rich don’t need to fuel efficiency!

Toyota Highlander Hybrid, uses the Petroleum Fuel Assist Engine System and is said to drive better than the common SUV, and gives off great power, but the downside is its lack of gadgets on the dashboard. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 produces a very decent average 26 mpg, 27 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway.

Check out the Top 10 List of Environmentally Friendly Cars here and more on Eco Friendly Cars here.