Of the limited number of hybrid vehicles available on the market today, which ones rule them all? There aren't many surprises in the top five of 2008; Toyota rules to roost occupying three of the five spots, with Honda and Ford taking the final two. Not sure of the difference between the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry Hybrid? Keep reading for a breakdown of the top five vehicles and the features that landed them in the best of their class. Warning: you probably won't be surprised by the vehicle occupying the top spot.

5. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
MPG: 34 city/30 highway
What makes it great: Not only is this vehicle approximately 85 per cent recyclable, one hundred per cent recycled materials were used to create the interior fabric surfaces of the Escape Hybrid, which Ford believes is a first in the industry. This alone is estimated to save approximately 2.5 million liters of water, nearly one million kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents and seven million kilowatt hours of electricity every year. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), the electric motor and the gasoline engine work together to provide 155 hp. The vehicle also offers improved drive-train management software, and is noticeably smoother than the previous model when accelerating and decelerating.
What's next: The 2009 model will feature a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that will increase the vehicle's power by 11 per cent.

4. 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
MPG: 27 city/25 highway
What makes it great: This six-seater vehicle features a lot of room, including a jump seat tucked at the botoom of the front-seat console that converts the two middle seats into a bench with room for one extra person. The woodgrain dashboard trim is exclusive to this vehicle and is not featured in the gas-only versions of the model. The 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine with three electromagnetic motors is supposedly slightly faster than the gas-powered Highlander due to the higher combined horsepower of the motors.
What's next: Available in two trims - the Base and the Limited - the 2009 Highlander Hybrid is a carryover from the 2008 model.

3. 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
MPG: 40 city/45 highway
What makes it great: The primary function of the Civic Hybrid's Integrated Motor Assist is to save fuel, therefore drivers looking for the fastest, most powerful vehicle. The 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine is as reliable and fuel efficient as they come, making the vehicle a solid choice for those looking to save money on gas. The Civic Hybrid is one of the rare units that is more fuel efficient for highway driving than city driving. Aside from the Hybrid name on the vehicle's exterior, the Civic Hybrid is indistinguishable from its gas-powered twin.
What's next: Another carryover from 2008, the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid is available in four trims with a 110-horsepower engine.

2. 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
MPG: 33 city/34 highway
What makes it great: For starters, it was awarded the 2007 AJAC "Canadian Car of the Year" title, an honor the more popular Toyota Prius has never received. The Camry Hybrid's low emissions and "exceptional fuel economy," as well as it's overall comfort, space and quality, made it the top choice. Though the hybrid version does not offer the standard leather seats and power moonroof found in the Camry XLE V6, it has similar features to the higher-end model. The hybrid features a 2.4-litre four clinder engine that can achieve 147 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The vehicle is a "full hybrid," meaning it has the ability to run on electricity only, gasoline only or both simultaneously. A real-time pictograph displays the power distribution occurring at any given time. The engine also has the ability to shut off automatically when idling in traffice to reduce fuel consumption. The vehicle is classified as Super Ultra Low Emissions.
What's next: The 2009 model is another 2008 carryone and will feature one trim with a Continously Variable Trasmission (CVT).

1. 2008 Toyota Prius
MPG: 48 city/45 highway
What makes it great: Aside from the fact that it's the top-selling hybrid vehicle and easily the status symbol for green drivers everywhere? It was the first mass-produced vehicle in the gasoline-electric field. It is also the only one in the group that is not a greener, cleaner version of another model in the manufacturers lineup. The 2008 model was upgraded with new safety and convenience features including a garage door opener, 16-inch alloy wheels and a colored rear spoiler. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the gasoline engine with an electric motor and sealed nickel-metal hydride battery pack. However you don't have to plug this one in as it captures enough energy during the slowing down and braking process to store in the battery pack. This is another full hybrid, with the ability to run only on just electricity. An animated display energy monitor informs drivers if they are driving using gasoline, electricity or a combination of both, and also provides the vehicle's current fuel economy.
What's next: The 110-horsepower vehicle will have to try to retain it's top spot as new vehicles vie for the position, including the Chevrolet Volt set to debut on the market in 2010.

» CarandDriver.com