Toyota has been a trailblazer with the Prius as the company pioneered the hybrid category. After almost twenty years and over 3.5 million sales worldwide, Toyota revealed the fourth generation Prius in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

The event took place on the rooftop of the all-new Linq hotel on a hot evening with hundreds of other journalists and guests as the all-new 2016 Prius was elevated above the stage. The sportier design stood out immediately as Toyota has completely reimagined the exterior of the vehicle. The front fascia looks more distinctive with aggressive headlamps, and I liked the rear lamps even more. The new Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the previous model, and these subtle changes contribute to the new look. After years of playing it safe, Toyota has opted for bolder designs over the past year and the new Prius continues that approach.

Of course, the Prius is known as the ultimate green vehicle, so the new Prius features an expected ten percent improvement in EPA estimated MPG on core models. Toyota claims you won’t be able to find better fuel economy on any vehicles without a plug. The new Prius features smaller and lighter hybrid system components, higher-energy density in the batteries, and an internal combustion engine with more than a forty percent increase in thermal efficiency. Toyota is also planning a new Eco model that will be unveiled soon with even better fuel efficiency.

Toyota is also emphasizing safety in the new Prius which features a more rigid structural framework to help enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. It also features a high strength upper body that is designed to distribute frontal collision impact energy. The Prius will also be among the first U.S. models to offer Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) with features including pre-collision braking and lane departure alert.

Given the impressive new design for the Prius and the enormous success of this model, it’s not surprising that Toyota decided to introduce the all-new 2016 version with a big party in Las Vegas. We’re looking forward to driving it as well.

Toyota has put a new emphasis on design after years of more conservative designs, and now that approach has been applied to the best-selling car in America: the Toyota Camry. Just one glance at the new front end with its aggressive grille and you immediately know you have something new. Younger buyers will probably embrace the changes, though it will be interesting to see how loyal Toyota buyers react. In our opinion, the changes offer a dramatic improvement, so we suspect most consumers will react favorably.

We tested one of the hybrid models, the sporty SE version that is now available as a hybrid for 2015. The Camry Hybrid is also available in the value driven LE and the premium XLE. With Toyota’s reputation with hybrids and the popularity of Camrys in general, the Camry hybrid models should get plenty of attention. The hybrid achieves fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon combined, with 40 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. The base-level LE gets up to 43 MPG city and 39 MPG highway.

Toyota has added new standard features to each of the hybrid models. The SE we tested has new Sport fabric SofTex-trimmed front seats with seatback pockets, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a cool leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel.

The driving experience was very positive. Our team tested the vehicle in suburban driving environments with plenty of passengers of all ages. The Camry is roomy and comfortable, and will naturally appeal to buyers with families. The dependable reputation of the Camry brand certainly helps. The vehicle also handles well with quick acceleration. The 200 horsepower, 2.5 liter, 4-cylander hybrid engine performs nicely.

Buyers new to the hybrid experience will have an adjustment period, but anyone upgrading from a smaller hybrid will love this roomy sedan.

The Camry Hybrid starts at $26,790 for the LE model, $27,995 for the SE and $29,980 for the premium XLE, along with a fee of $825. The quality of the hybrids in the midsize sedan market is pretty impressive across the board, as more brands add hybrid models, but we suspect most buyers will have the Camry on their short lists. The new styling should definitely attract those buyers considering a hybrid.

If you’re looking for a hybrid, but you still want a luxury vehicle, you’re now in luck, as there are so many more options on the market. Lexus alone has six hybrids in its lineup, so you now have many options to choose from. The sporty CT 200h is aimed at introducing the Lexus brand to younger buyers with its styling and connectivity features.

Exterior

Lexus has changed its image with its signature spindle grille, which is very prominent on the front end of the CT 200h. The compact hatchback reminded me of many of the cars you see in Europe and the rear spoiler gives it a very sporty look. You certainly don’t get the impression that you’re looking at a hybrid, and I suspect younger buyers and professionals will love it. Little has changed from the 2014 model other than a badge for the F SPORT version.

Interior

The interior is comfortable and impressive with leather and all the comforts you would expect from Lexus with standard features like a 10-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. I liked the layout of the controls and gauges, including the left gauge option that left you know when you were using power, charging the battery or cruising in Eco mode.

If you’re accustomed to hybrids, much about this vehicle won’t surprise you, but anyone looking for a hybrid for the first time should definitely test drive a number of vehicles and have a salesperson explain things to you. Simple things like starting the engine can seem strange, as you don’t hear the gas engine fire up. But all of this is very easy to get used to.

One new feature for 2015 for iPhone users includes the newly standard Siri Eyes Free Mode, which lets drivers select and play music through iTunes, call contacts and get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps.

The model we tested had the standard six-speaker audio system, which sounded fine, and a 10-speaker system is also available.

Performance

When you’re considering a hybrid, everything starts with gas mileage, and the CT 200h offers EPA fuel economy estimates of 43 MPG city, 40 MPG highway and 42 MPG combined. The vehicle features a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder gas engine combined with a 650 volt motor/generator for a combined output of 134 horsepower, with a second motor in the hybrid system that’s used as an engine starter and generator to charge the hybrid battery pack. The powertrain is mated to an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) that is designed to make the best use of the instant torque of the electric motor and quickly finds the optimal gear ratio to enhance the driving experience.

The changes from electric to gas power is pretty seamless, and overall, it was a pretty enjoyable driving experience. The CT 200h is nimble with decent acceleration, and it performed well in city and highway driving. You definitely get better handling here than you’ll get with a Prius.

Overview

Fans of hybrids now have so many more options, so sporty vehicles like the CT 200h should be on the test drive list of more consumers. The model we tested was listed at $39,100 with delivery fees. It certainly offers more luxury than other compact hatchbacks with hybrid engines, so hybrid fans looking to upgrade their driving experiences should check this one out, along with luxury car fans looking for a hybrid alternative.

The Lexus RX is a midsize luxury crossover that will appeal to a wide variety of consumers. We tested the hybrid model with the 2015 Lexus RX 450h, which definitely proved to be a pleasant option during a week of January weather. The roominess and comfort of the Lexus RX coupled with the fuel efficiency of the hybrid model offers a tempting option for consumers to consider.

The new spindle grille introduced by Lexus looks great on the RX. It’s not too aggressive, but it certainly adds some much-needed styling to the overall look of the RX.

Hybrid fans have to be thrilled that they have so many options these days, and now you can feel good about saving fuel while enjoying the comforts of a luxury CUV. The interior of the RX 450h is very roomy and comfortable, and it’s ideal for families and city driving. Our driving team ran plenty of errands around town enjoying the comfort of this vehicle.

The RX now features a standard Display Audio with Rear Backup Camera with a seven-inch monitor. We found it very easy to use considering all the options.

It’s all about gas mileage if you’re considering a hybrid, and the Lexus RX 450h delivers nicely. The RX 450h will achieve 32 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg combined (30/28/29 MPG with AWD). But you’re not sacrificing performance with the RX 450h which the performance of 295 combined system horsepower, with substantial torque at all speeds. Our team enjoyed driving this vehicle in all sorts of conditions.

The RX 450h is a full hybrid with an impressive variety of driving options. It can operate in electric-only, gas-engine-only or combined gas and electric modes. The Lexus Hybrid Drive combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a front-mounted 116-kW electric motor generator, with a continuously variable transmission. Our model also featured on-demand all-wheel drive which is great in bad weather.

Four driving modes can be selected by the driver, including EV, which allows the vehicle to operate on electric-only power at low speeds under certain conditions. Other modes include Normal, Eco and Sport for plenty of flexibility. We were definitely impressed with the responsiveness in Sport mode.

In a growing midsize crossover market, consumers seem to have an endless supply of choices these days. There are plenty of options regardless of your tastes and budget ranges. If you’re in the luxury market and you appreciate the value of a hybrid, the Lexus RX 450h offers an excellent option. Drive it and see for yourself.