Being conscientious of the environment seldom comes without some cost. One sacrifice which should never be made, however, is in sacrificing the safety of your children for an economical hybrid car. Several hybrid cars do make the grade, however, in providing excellent safety records according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which grades new cars yearly based on crash test data.
Volkswagen Toureg V6 TSI Hybrid
The Volkswagen Toureg hybrid features a 380 horsepower, three-liter hybrid engine and was the only hybrid SUV to garner the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety designation of "Top Pick" for 2011. Its remarkable safety record and impressive performance make it one of the very best choices when purchasing a hybrid kid-friendly vehicle. Not only can the Toureg keep pace with some powerful non-hybrid cars, all while towing a boat, but the kids can relax in comfort in the Toureg's back cabin whiling away the trip silently watching movies on the Toureg's optional DVD entertainment system.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid was named one of the IIHS top safety picks in not just its side, front and rear impact test results, but in its rollover crash results as well. The Ford Fusion hybrid is powered by a 2.4L Atkinson I4 engine with an electric motor mated to a continuously variable transmission which further increases fuel economy to as much as 41 miles per gallon on the highway. The combination produces 191 horsepower and 136 foot-pounds of torque.
Honda Civic Hybrid 4 Door
The Honda Civic Hybrid four-door offered ample protection in the event of rollover, side, front and rear collisions in IIHS testing. Its 110-horsepower engine is fitted to a continuously variable transmission to help boost fuel economy to as much as 43 mpg on the highway. Kid friendly features of the car include car seat anchor hooks as well as an eight-disc CD changer and MP3 audio interface for entertainment.
Toyota Prius
Toyota's Prius, the quintessential hybrid car, garnered the IIHS's top safety pick in 2010 after a redesign made the car wider and longer. The addition of several safety systems include electronic stability control as well as front and side curtain airbags. Child seat safety tethers are mounted to the frame of the car at the outboard rear passenger seats, and both rear doors are protected with child safety locks. Entertainment options include a four-disc CD changer with MP3 compatibility.
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