Do hybrids pay?

Hybrid technology is spreading to both cars and SUVs, but in most cases you’ll pay dearly for the privilege of electric assist, and all hybrids are not created equally.

Using our owner cost estimates, we checked out the actual cost of owning a hybrid over time. Of the seven hybrids we recently tested, we found that three, the Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Honda Civic Hybrid, save owners money compared with their all-gas alternatives, while others depend on tax breaks to break even. Overall, hybrid costs range from $4,250 in savings to a $1,750 deficit over five years, compared with their most similar gas counterparts. The Toyota Prius costs thousands more to buy than either the Toyota Corolla or the Toyota Matrix, but it costs less to own than either: $250 less than the Corolla, and $4,250 less than the Matrix 2.4.

The four-cylinder Toyota Camry XLE and Camry Hybrid cost about the same to buy. The Hybrid gets 34 mpg overall versus 24 mpg for the non-hybrid Camry.

More expensive hybrids with smooth, powerful V6 engines, such as the Lexus RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander cost hundreds more to own over five years than their gasoline counterparts, even though they save thousands of dollars in fuel costs.

Hybrids’ fuel savings are real, however. The base Prius delivered an excellent 44 mpg overall, the highest of any five-passenger vehicle we have ever tested. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which achieved the best fuel economy of any current SUV we’ve tested, can save you nearly $700 per year in gasoline costs, compared with the V6 model.

For more information on hybrid vehicles, see How hybrids work. To learn about alternative fuels and fuel economy, see our Guide to driving green.

Comments

[YanMan]

@PDK

The 150k mile warranty is only in California/Nevada where it is mandated by law. Elsewhere Toyota's 10-year, 100000-mile battery warranty applies.

And I'm not spreading FUD - I'm just saying that with the premium you pay for a Prius and the potential for a hefty maintenance bill half way through the life of the car, driving one is an environmental statement, not a financial one.

[Woodsplitter]

Have 2006 Prius with 130k and no battery or other problems bought for both environmental and cost benefits. Suspect many others purchase hybrid vehicles for both these reasons. Fuel savings have more than made up increased upfront cost. Also, feel very fuel efficient vehicles help cut dependence on foreign oil, make the environment cleaner, reduce demand for fuel (thus helping keep prices down) and make statement to auto makers that consumers do not need fuel hogs for most uses.

[leprakhan1]

We bought a used 2001 Prius, just over 7 years ago. My wife, daughter (18 yrs), and I have competitions to see who can get the highest mgp on a tank of gas. Daughter has the highest @ 48 mpg driving from Western Washington to Eastern Washington.

[John G. Donahue]

I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Prius Htbrid. On the window sticker there is a statement about what mileage the average driver may experience. It is higher than the stated mileage. In local driving, I average 50 mpg, and on a recent 200 mile trip averaged 56.4 mpg. Even though there is no current Federal rebate, I did receive a $500.00 rebate from the State of Pennsylvania under their Hybrid Program.

[TechGromit]

But at what price per gallon are these reports based on? Another price spike in the cost of gasoline could make all of these models look a lot better. Although there currently is a short term price decline in gasoline, do you really think it's going to last? I wager within 5 years gasoline prices will double yet again over what we are paying today.

[c. ganzel]

We recently purchased a 2008 Prius after driving a Volvo 240 wagon for 15 years. Our mileage is as advertised and we were having fun driving it until the brakes failed to stop the car after a normal ignition procedure. The car began to move down a slight hill on its own (as expected) but did not respond to normal, one-foot braking. Only a turn into an up-hill gravel road and two-footed braking stopped the car. The engines were not racing. A little internet research revealed persistant reports of unintended acceleration and braking failure in a variety of situations involving Toyota cars since at least 2004. Many report an inability to actually turn the racing engine off after managing to stop the car. There have been frightening accidents and injuries reported to Toyota and the NTSB. Toyota argued driver error and displaced floor mats under the pedals and the NTSB agreed last year. In one instance, Toyota blamed worn brake pads (even after reports of extreme blue smoke braking during the events!). The NTSB is still monitoring the situation and we have reported our experience to them. We will take our Prius in to the dealer (though we expect no reproduction of the event and thus no assistance from them). Failing tire traction in inclement weather and extraordinary tire wear have been reported as well over the years with no response from Toyota. Some on-line believe the problem resides in the Electronic 'drive by wire' pedal system which uses computer controls instead of direct physical connection between accelerator pedal and throttle. Some blame faulty cruise control. In any event, there are frightened Toyota hybrid owners who've parked the cars and are waiting for a recall. Where is Consumer Reports when we need them?

[Alexis]

My direct experience is that the Lexus Hybrids have not been as successful as the Toyotas, they are expensive and even when fuel was high it was a hard sell to get people to choose a Hybrid. Most Hybrid customers seemed to have their mind set on a Hybrid before they even contacted the store. Sales seem flat at the moment.