New Hybrid Cars for 2011

Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen's first-ever hybrid model, the Touareg Hybrid, is a big sport-utility vehicle with a 333-horsepower V6 gasoline engine, a 34-kilowatt electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car saves fuel and reduces emissions by shutting down at stop lights, traveling on electric power when moving at less than 31 m.p.h. and providing an extra boost from the electric motor when the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds. It boasts fuel economy in the 20-m.p.g. range. The extra efficiency isn't cheap, however. Prices for the Touareg will start at $61,000.

• The Best Cars for 2011