Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Subaru occupies a fascinating position in the market -- a brand known as both utilitarian and rough and tumble that has its devotees along the northeast corridors where it snows nonstop on mountain passes. It seems like a plug-in hybrid is a good idea for the earth-conscious customers. The hybrid is the more expensive version — add another $10 grand or so to the gasoline-powered model — but then count up tax abatement and fuel savings and this number begins to close in. It gets a decent 35 mpg and then 90 mpg in electric mode, which last 17 miles -- the length of many commutes. The hybrid is slightly less powerful on a vehicle that was already modest in power, making 148 hp, but you don't drive a Subaru to win drag races. Like all Subarus it’s user-friendly on the inside --  indestructible, well-spaced out and slightly plasticky. In other words, it's a vehicle that can be lived in.