It is always uneasy to work out a top ten list but still, here are the top ten best hybrid cars for 2012 compiled by our car review team. We also calculated the estimated 5-year cost of ownership based on maintenance, repairs, fuel, depreciation, financing, and insurance. These hybrid car models are currently available for sale in the country with reasonable price, high fuel economy, and of course good looking. Years ago, a car with more than 40 mpg seems astonishing but it is no longer extraordinary today.

1. Toyota Prius

Fuel economy: 51 city/48 highway mpg
Zero to 60 mph: 11.0 sec
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $29,097
Price tag: MSRP from $23,015

The 2012 Prius is in its third generation and it excels all the previous Priuses. This year, it is even classier with some makeover. Outlook is just one thing, the superior fuel efficiency and the selling price are what makes the Prius stay on the top list all the time. The 51 mpg in city drive is able to travel double the journey of a car with 25 mpg. The 2012 Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a pair of electric motors pumping a total of 134 hp. The Prius pushes away all its competitors easily with its spacious cargo, high safety ratings, and many high-tech goodies.

2. Ford Fusion Hybrid

Fuel economy: 41 city/36 highway mpg
Zero to 60 mph: 8.7 sec
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $36,141
Price tag: MSRP from $28,775

The 2012 Ford Fusion hybrid will be a good choice for a family in need of a sedan car. The interior is spacious enough to accommodate up to six people including the driver and most important is the high fuel economy. It is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor that generates a mere 191 hp, giving a good fuel economy in midsize hybrid sedan segment.

3. Lexus CT 200h

Fuel economy: 43 city/40 highway mpg
Zero to 60 mph: 9.8 sec
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $35,021
Price tag: MSRP from $29,120

Although the Lexus CT 200h is a new comer to the Hybrid world in 2011, it is packed with everything a hybrid needs with some extra luxury goodies. It stands above all the other hybrid cars in its segment like a crane strutting among a flock of chickens. Consumers who look for an upscale small cars with big fuel saving without doubt, this is it, it’s the car for you. The CT 200h is categorized as “sporty hybrid” but there are many negative comments on its acceleration which is pokey in about 10 seconds. TheLexus CT200h is powered by a 134-hp hybrid drivetrain borrowed from the Prius. What about the design of the interior? We will say Lexus never lets you down.

4. Honda Civic Hybrid

Fuel economy: 44 city/44 highway mpg
Zero to 60 mph: 10.9 sec
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $31,068
Price tag: MSRP from $24,050

The traditional gasoline-powered Honda Civic wins millions of favourable reviews over the years. This has proven that Honda has done a great deal of research on the Civic. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a powerful electric motor that gives a combined output of 110 hp and 127 Nm of torque. Adequate power and torque make it one of the most fuel-efficient cars with EPA numbers of 44/44/44.

5. Honda Insight

Fuel economy: 41 city/44 highway mpg
Zero to 60 mph: 10.5 sec
Total 5-Year ownership cost: $26,302
Price tag: MSRP from $18,350

The Honda Insight is one of the cheapest cars to own and it is really cheap with the selling price that starts from $18,350. The real cost to own it over five years is relatively cheap too compared to some other hybrid cars in its category. There shouldn’t be any complain for a cheap car that delivers a combined fuel economy at 41 mpg. Although the selling price is cheap, the reliability of the car still remains at five stars. There are a few things that Honda should improve on in the future generations including the space of rear seats and also the headroom for front seats due to the aerodynamic design.

Click here to read: Top Ten Best Hybrid Cars for 2012 Part Two