> Hybrid technology has generally meant comparatively higher sticker prices, though fuel savings can defray costs over time. Today’s average hybrid costs about $1,700 more, but the Ford Maverick pickup and Lexus NX SUV hybrids actually have lower sticker prices than gas-only versions. The new Lexus RX Hybrid costs the same as a comparably equipped non-hybrid.
> In 2015 CR calculated that most hybrids took eight years to pay for themselves through fuel savings, with some, including the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid and Lexus RX450h, taking more than a decade. Today, improved technology and higher gas prices mean the average payback is four years with gas at $3.35 a gallon and 12,000 miles driven a year. At $3 a gallon, the payback period increases to five years. The more miles driven, the quicker the payback.
> You may also save money on repairs and maintenance. Case in point: The Prius is often in the top spot in our reliability surveys. A hybrid’s regenerative brakes create less wear and tear, so braking components can last longer, too. It’s true that replacing a hybrid battery can be a big expense, costing on average around $7,400, according to RepairPal, but our surveys show such replacements are rare. “Hybrid technology has been very reliable in our studies,” Fisher says.
$1,700 more doesn't seem like that much, and 12,000 miles per year is not a high bar to clear.
And poorly designed. My Chevy Volt is Is a minimum of what a plug-in hybrid should be. I get 45 to 60 miles on a charge (winter-summer), and about 80% of the time, it covers a hundred percent of my driving.
I think that size the batteries for plug-in hybrid depends on your usual driving patterns. Daily driving, the 50 mile range I have now is great. About twice a week I need more like 100 mile range and 2-3 times a month, we take longer weekend trips around New England.
The hybrid version of a rav 4 is ~ 3k more than the base rav 4, and is also functionally at a higher trim level.
Like, sure, if you can't afford the $3k, get the base I guess, but they're not a great deal more expensive, and demand is sort of cratering now that gas is cheap and the 'green halo' effect has moved strictly into the ev realm.
Interestingly it's the same way with the honda civic and insight. Yeah, the insight ~ 3k more but it also comes with more features that many folks are going to opt for anyway.
Finally, to be honest, economically, it never makes sense to buy a new car. Ever. If we really were concerned about value we'd look at prices for a beater prius vs a beater civic. The differential is there, but not that much. As much hay is made about battery degregation, prius batteries have held up surprisingly well. If you were looking for a cheap commuter I'd highly recommend it.
