CHICAGO -

Offerings from Toyota and Lexus constituted half of the vehicles highlighted by Cars.com when site editors picked their best “Hybrids for the Money.”

In ranking each hybrid, the site’s editors looked at a vehicle’s average fuel economy and base sticker price. 

“We don’t account for equipment levels, quality judgments, cost of ownership or any variances from EPA mileage estimates,” Cars.com managing editor David Thomas explained.

“The goal here is to pay the least for the most mileage,” Thomas continued.

“Gas prices remain high as we approach the summer driving season, which adds even more relevance to our annual look at how much today’s hybrids actually save buyers,” Thomas went on to say. “While high mileage figures may seem like they’d impact your family’s budget in a positive way, you also have to look into the efficient car’s sticker price to know if making the switch would be a wise decision.”

In beginning the rundown of models, Thomas particularly noted the 2012 Toyota Prius c.

“This car stands well above the rest when it comes to getting the most bang for the buck,” Thomas insisted.

The rest of the Cars.com list with MSRP and fuel economy performance included:

—SUBCOMPACT: 2012 Toyota Prius c — MSRP:  $18,950; 53 mpg city / 46 mpg highway

—COMPACT: 2012 Honda Insight — MSRP $18,350; 41 mpg city / 44 mpg highway

—MIDSIZE: 2012 Toyota Prius — MSRP $24,000; 51 mpg city / 48 mpg highway

—FAMILY SEDAN: 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid — MSRP $25,900; 43 mpg city / 39 mpg highway

—COMPACT CROSSOVER: 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid — MSRP $30,570; 34 mpg city / 31 mpg highway

—MIDSIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – MSRP $38,540; 28 mpg city / 28 mpg highway

—FULLSIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid — MSRP: $51,970; 20 mpg city / 23 mpg highway

—PICKUP TRUCK: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid – MSRP $39,640; 20 mpg city / 23 mpg highway

—LUXURY SUV:  2012 Lexus RX 450h – MSRP: $45,235; 32 mpg city / 28 mpg

—LUXURY CAR:  2012 Infinity M35h – MSRP: $53,700; 27mpg city / 32mpg highway