Best deals on hybrid, electric, fuel-efficient cars for October 2016

The leaves are beginning to change, and so are the deals on green cars.

Our monthly survey of best deals on hybrid, plug-in electric, and fuel-efficient cars includes some new models, as well as some with incentives retained from previous months.

As we get further into the 2017 model year, carmakers are getting more eager to rid themselves of leftover 2016 models—leading them to increase incentives.

DON'T MISS: Plug-in electric car sales in Sept: Volt steady, Leaf higher

Since some of those 2016 models are virtually identical to the 2017 models that will replace them, that makes for a good situation for car buyers.

In some cases, it may also mean the difference between getting a car now, and waiting for a new model to arrive at dealerships.

As always, head over to CarsDirect for more information.

Hybrids

Despite being the first year of a ground-up redesign, the 2016 Toyota Prius continues to receive significant incentives in the face of disappointing sales.

For October, a lease offer of $199 for 36 months carries over from September.

ALSO SEE: Toyota Prius design, popular in Japan, not a hit in U.S.

The offer—which expires October 31—includes 12,000 miles per year, and requires a down payment of $1,999.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid also retains generous incentives, including a $4,000 rebate and $1,000 "conquest bonus" for buyers coming from competitor brands.

Both incentives carry over from September, and continue through the end of this month.

Since the 2017 Sonata Hybrid was only recently announced, there may be a larger selection of 2016 models on dealer lots, notes CarsDirect.

The only notable difference between the two are the addition of a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and an upgraded version of Hyundai's Blue Link system on 2017 models.

Plug-in hybrids

Among plug-in hybrids, the 2016 Ford C-Max Energi tall wagon represents a fairly good deal this month.

It's available to lease at $199 for 36 months, with $1,999 due at signing and an allowance of 10,500 miles per year.

MORE: At 133 MPGe, Toyota Prius Prime wallops BMW i3 on energy efficiency

Buyers have some time to mull this offer, as it doesn't expire until January 3, 2017.

The deal brings the effective lease cost of the plug-in hybrid Energi down to about level with the C-Max Hybrid, even though the Energi is $7,600 dearer on paper, notes CarsDirect.

Meanwhile, the 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 "Twin Engine" is getting significant discounts as Volvo tries to clear the way for 2017 models.

Through October 31, the Swedish carmaker is offering up to $9,000 cash back on its plug-in hybrid SUV, to help clear what is reportedly an excess of inventory.

The 2017 XC90 isn't expected to be dramatically different from the 2016 model, so this may be a good opportunity to snap one up for less than the list price.

Source: Best deals on hybrid, electric, fuel-efficient cars for October 2016