Five 2012 Hybrid Cars to Think Twice About

May 30
16:28

2024

jodie mht

jodie mht

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In 2012, the hybrid car market was booming, with manufacturers racing to meet increasing fuel-efficiency standards. However, not all hybrids were created equal. Some models, despite their eco-friendly promises, fell short in performance, fuel efficiency, or overall driving experience. Here are five 2012 hybrid cars you might want to reconsider before making a purchase.

The Toyota Prius: The Gold Standard

Since its debut in 1997,Five 2012 Hybrid Cars to Think Twice About Articles the Toyota Prius has sold over 3 million units worldwide, setting the benchmark for hybrid-electric vehicles. The 2012 Toyota Prius continued this legacy, offering an impressive EPA combined fuel economy rating of 55 mpg across its three models. However, the hybrid market has expanded significantly, and there are other options to consider.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7: A Misstep in Luxury

Performance Over Efficiency

BMW's first hybrid attempts included the now-discontinued ActiveHybrid X6 and the ActiveHybrid 7-Series sedan. The latter, despite its luxurious appeal, struggled with fuel efficiency and driving dynamics. The 2012 ActiveHybrid 7Li was rated at 20 mpg combined by the EPA, no better than the non-hybrid 740Li of the same year.

Technical Shortcomings

The hybrid system in the ActiveHybrid 7 featured a 15-kilowatt electric motor, which was insufficient to move the full-size luxury sedan on its own. It could only provide additional torque, restart the 455-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, and recharge the lithium-ion battery during braking. When tested, the car exhibited sluggish acceleration below 25 mph, as if it were dragging through mud.

Future Improvements

For 2013, BMW updated the ActiveHybrid 7 with a new powertrain shared with hybrid versions of the 5-Series and 3-Series. This included a more powerful 40-kW (55-hp) electric motor capable of driving the car on electric power alone at low speeds, paired with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine. However, the 2012 model remains a less desirable option due to its poor fuel economy and driving experience.

Nissan CR-Z: A Confusing Hybrid

Mixed Messages

The 2011 Nissan CR-Z aimed to capture the spirit of the beloved Honda CRX sports car while offering hybrid efficiency. Unfortunately, it ended up being neither a sporty coupe nor an ultra-efficient hybrid. The CR-Z's hybrid system and additional weight for modern safety standards made it neither particularly fast nor fuel-efficient.

Performance and Efficiency

The CR-Z's fuel economy was underwhelming compared to other hybrids, and its performance failed to live up to the sporty image of the CRX. With a six-speed manual transmission, it achieved a combined EPA rating of 37 mpg, far below the original Honda Insight's 53 mpg.

Conclusion

While the hybrid market has grown and evolved, not all models from 2012 lived up to their promises. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and Nissan CR-Z, among others, serve as reminders that hybrid technology alone does not guarantee superior performance or fuel efficiency. As fuel-efficiency standards continue to rise, it's essential to carefully evaluate each model's strengths and weaknesses before making a decision.

Interesting Stats

  • The Toyota Prius has sold over 3 million units worldwide since its launch in 1997. Source: Toyota
  • The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 7Li had a combined EPA rating of 20 mpg, the same as the non-hybrid 740Li. Source: EPA
  • The 2011 Nissan CR-Z achieved a combined EPA rating of 37 mpg with a six-speed manual transmission. Source: EPA

References

By carefully considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a hybrid vehicle.