Hybrid cars are a better option when it comes to highly efficient yet environment friendly automobiles. They are operated by three main sources, a motor, a battery and a gas engine that has a good performance and the over all performance depends on each of the three sources and the most important advantage of the hybrid car is that its low harmful emission. But talking about the cost, they cost as much as the sports cars.

Based on the total performance and mileage the top ten hybrid cars can be listed as follows:

Toyota Prius

It leads the hybrid cars in fuel economy and lowest greenhouse gas emission. It has a capacity of delivering 50 miles per gallon and 3.7 tons of carbon-di-oxide equivalent in the EPA annual driving cycle.. It has a hatchback design and can also provide more cargo space when the back bench seat is dropped.

Honda civic hybrid

This is a traditional looking car that seats five which saves fuel at 42 mpg and the annual emission tons of CO2 is 4.4.

2010 Honda Insight EX

Its body resembles to that of Toyota Prius and is considered the best of hybrid cars due to the best fuel economy when compared to the other cars. It also found to have the best voice-command system and is also equipped with a bluetooth connectivity.

Ford fusion hybrid

This 5 seater is a mid-sized sedan made in America with a delivering capacity of 39 mpg and an emission of 4.7 tons of CO2 per year. When in pure electric mode it runs upto 47 miles per hour.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

It is a new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain with a combination of 3.3 litre V6 engine and a high torque electric motor that produces 268 peak-combined horsepower and a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. It is a first kind of 7 passenger hybrid SUV in the industry.

Nissan Altima Hybrid

It provides an exceptional mileage of 30 mpg and an excellent performance and it is an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. It is composed of a 158-hp 2.5-L 4-cylinder engine with 40-hp Electric Power Motor.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid

The added advantage of a Mercury Mariner Hybrid is its low emission and a well equipped voice command, mp3 player integration and with a 2.5L 16-valve I-4 gas engine with a permanent-magnet electric motor. The combined electric motor and gas engine provide 177 net horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque, with an EPA-estimated mpg of 34 city/31 hwy (FWD); 30 city/27 hwy (4WD).

Ford Escape Hybrid

It provides good fuel efficiency along with a great performance and driving experience. The additional features are reverse sensing system, navigation system and hybrid energy flow display with Audiophile stereo, 110-volt power outlet, cargo area retractable cover and floor mats. It also features an economy indicator with "green zone" that shows when the vehicle is operating on battery power. A separate gauge displays levels of charge and assist for the battery pack.

Lexus HS250h

It delivers upto 35 mpg and emits about 5.3 tons of CO2 annually. There is a less consumption of petroleum and more luxury. The Lexus 250 hybrid incorporates a drive-mode switch that allows the driver to select between four modes: Normal, Power, Eco and EV. Eco mode saves gas and yet delivers performance.

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

It is a mild hybrid that gets 29 miles per gallon, with 6.3 tons of CO2e per year emissions. This vehicle is only offered to government and corporate fleets. It wasn't on display at the recent Auto Shows.