Hybrid vs. Diesel: Fuel Costs

When it comes to driving a hybrid car, is the value in green image or in the savings in fuel costs?

Trends fade, but we think the real value in hybrid cars is that consumers will fall (and stay) in love with the money they'll save at the pump. We've rounded up the top hybrids and diesels according to their total fuel costs over one year.

View our complete list before you make your decision about a fuel sipper.

MSRP: $22,000 - $27,270
Annual Fuel Cost: $732
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg Hwy, 51 mpg City

The Toyota Prius is a gas-electric hybrid that sets the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation. This front-wheel drive, five-door liftback delivers comfort, value and a smooth ride, as well as impressive fuel economy and low emissions.

MSRP: $19,800 - $21,300
Annual Fuel Cost: $893
Fuel Economy: 43 mpg Hwy, 40 mpg City

The 2010 Honda Insight has returned to the showroom for the first time since the 2006 model year. The Insight is now a four-door, five-passenger hatchback with a unique aerodynamic shape to help it achieve greater fuel economy.

MSRP: $27,270 - $27,270
Annual Fuel Cost: $937
Fuel Economy: 36 mpg Hwy, 41 mpg City

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid offer buyers earth-friendly alternatives to regular mid-size sedans. Their hybrid system provides reduced emissions, increased fuel economy, while still providing all the normal useful mid-size sedan features.

MSRP: $22,270
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,001
Fuel Economy: 41 mpg Hwy, 30 mpg City

For 2009 the Volkswagen Jetta offers a new 2.0L TDI clean diesel engine for those looking for maximum fuel economy. All Jettas come standard with many safety features including front side-impact air bags, curtain/head air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program and traction control.

MSRP: $26,150 - $26,150
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,076
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 33 mpg City

The Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan brings the quality and reliability of the Camry together with increased fuel efficiency. The Camry Hybrid is a front-wheel drive four-door sedan that seats five passengers.

MSRP: $26,650 - $26,650
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,076
Fuel Economy: 33 mpg Hwy, 35 mpg City

The Nissan Altima Hybrid offers performance, comfort, safety, economy, and good looks in this environmentally friendly family sedan.

MSRP: $29,750 - $34,010
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,146
Fuel Economy: 31 mpg Hwy, 34 mpg City

The Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid offer buyers an earth-friendly alternative to regular SUV's. Their hybrid system provides reduced emissions, increased mileage, while still providing all the normal useful SUV features.

MSRP: $25,925 - $25,925
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,263
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The highly anticipated Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid made its' debut in 2008 utilizing GMs "mild hybrid system" which uses a belt-alternator starter (BAS) to assist the gas engine.

MSRP: $26,325
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,263
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg Hwy, 26 mpg City

The Saturn Aura Hybrid is an environmental friendly hybrid family sedan. Its electric motor assists the combustion engine during acceleration and allows the engine to shut off at a stop to save fuel.

MSRP: $23,280 - $30,935

Annual Fuel Cost: $1,307
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg Hwy, 25 mpg City

The Saturn VUE Hybrid is a compact sport utility vehicle with a European design that accommodates five passengers and has a generous cargo area. The VUE is available as either a front-wheel drive (FWD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD).

MSRP: $48,050 - $56,300
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,311
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg Hwy, 29 mpg City

The E-Class sedans and wagons are redesigned for 2010. They are solid, safe, comfortable, luxurious, and fast. A 3.0-liter 210-hp turbo-diesel V6 engine drives the E350 BlueTEC and a 268-hp, 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine powers the E350.

MSRP: $41,660 - $43,250
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,329
Fuel Economy: 38 mpg Hwy, 32 mpg City

The Lexus RX 450h is the newest version of the first full hybrid luxury utility vehicle. This crossover is impressively smooth, comfortable, responsive in all driving situations and flexible when it comes to hauling people or cargo.

MSRP: $34,700 - $41,020
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,409
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 27 mpg City

The Highlander Hybrid is based on the popular Highlander SUV,boasting a more environmentally-friendly gas-electric hybrid enginethat delivers excellent fuel economy and lower emissions.

MSRP: $49,150
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,703
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

The Mercedes Benz R-Class is offered in two versions: the R350 and the new R320 BlueTEC. The R350 is powered by a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, while the R320 gets a 210-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, featuring BlueTEC clean diesel technology for enhanced fuel efficiency.

MSRP: $25,925 - $25,925
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,703
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

The Mercedes Benz ML320 Bluetec Diesel is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 generating 210 horsepower. The ML350 is powered by Mercedes' latest-generation 3.5-liter gasoline V6, generating 268 horsepower. Comfortably sized, it seats five with room for plenty of luggage, drives like a sedan, and is a capable off-roader.