If you’re considering buying a plug-in hybrid Tucson, you have a few choices. This hybrid version is more expensive than the full-hybrid version, but the price tag is still reasonable. In this 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Review, you’ll learn more about the performance, fuel economy, reliability, and price of this vehicle. You’ll also discover whether the price is worth it.
Performance
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid features an advanced driver assistance package and an active safety package to prevent crashes. The vehicle also has six airbags with front side impact airbags. The vehicle has a standard active safety package and an enhanced seven-airbag system. HTRAC all-wheel drive helps provide enhanced traction, stability, and handling, particularly in mud and snow. It also has a Downhill Brake Control for added safety.
The Hyundai Tucson is currently the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. market, selling 150,949 units in 2021. For MY2022-20223, the Tucson will feature a full model overhaul with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. The upcoming model year should set new sales records for the Tucson. If it does, the 2022 model year will be record-breaking for Tucson sales.
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a 1.6L turbocharged engine and a 13.8 kWh battery pack. The PHEV can reach a range of 32 miles on electricity alone. The standard HTRAC all-wheel drive system allows for all-wheel drive and all-electric drive. The regular gas model has a larger 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that puts out an estimated 187 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel efficiency is 26 mpg city/33 highway.
While the Tucson PHEV retains the same roomy interior as its standard counterpart, it features a more refined design language. On the inside, the Tucson PHEV features heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display. A sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model join the lineup. In addition to the hybrid powertrain, the Tucson PHEV features leather-covered power front seats and standard advanced driver aids.
The performance of the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 2021 is impressive. It can reach nearly 202 mpg in official testing, and it produces only 31g of CO2 per mile. It’s also a reasonable family SUV. Its 7.2kW on-board charger is capable of charging the vehicle’s battery in under two hours. However, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid 2022 isn’t yet available, but it will be available by summer.
Fuel economy
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is set to enter production in 2022. This hybrid SUV will have both gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The base model will have a 2.5-liter inline-4 with 187 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can be shipped to the front or all four wheels, and the N-Line version will add a sporty styling package.
The fuel economy of the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is expected to reach 35 mpg combined and 33 miles of electric range. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 30/25 mpg, which makes it a good option for anyone who travels a lot in their car. Compared to the EPA’s estimates of its electric range and overall fuel economy, the Tucson will be competitive among hybrid compact crossovers.
The Tucson Hybrid is also a good choice for those who want a fun, affordable compact SUV. It has a strong all-electric range, good hybrid fuel economy, and is futuristic. In addition to all of these features, it has standard all-wheel drive, airbags, and lane assist. The Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid is also fun to drive. And with its new technology, Hyundai is paving the way for a greener future for all of us.
The Tucson PHEV has 33 miles of all-electric range and a range of 35 miles in gas-only mode. With this electric range, the Tucson is more than an eco-friendly option that will be great for urban commutes. It has ample passenger and cargo space. When fully charged, the Tucson PHEV will reach a mileage of about 420 miles. That’s great news.
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starts at $30,425 for the Blue trim and increases to $38,725 for the Limited model. The cost of the hybrid version of the Tucson is roughly $1100 higher than the base gas model. But it will also save you money on fuel. Compared to the gas-powered version, the Plug-In Hybrid version of the Tucson is already the greener choice.
Drive a conventional or hybrid vehicle and want to save money at the pump? Check out our guide to saving up to 45 cents per gallon with Upside.
Reliability
As the first Hyundai SUV to use a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Tucson plug-in hybrid will provide an excellent alternative to the pricier gas-powered rival. Its mechanical systems will be much more advanced than in its predecessor, including an eight-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, the Tucson’s mechanical systems will be compatible with both gasoline and plug-in hybrid powertrains, making it even smarter than before.
In terms of reliability, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybris is considered good, with a predicted reliability score of 88, the same as the Ford Escape PHEV. However, unlike the Ford, Hyundai pays for the scheduled maintenance for the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, which is important for drivers. The company also backs the SUV with a five-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Its safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is good, with a score of five-star. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid also ranks second among compact SUVs, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is designed for everyday use, offering a hybrid powertrain that is both standard and plug-in. These powertrains provide ample power and rapid acceleration. Moreover, the Hyundai Tucson has roomy interiors and a great cargo capacity, and it has one of the highest crash test scores of any hybrid vehicle. Its reliability is also good, so expect it to last for many years.
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid’s battery has a range of 33 miles when running on electric power alone. But the true range depends on driving habits and road conditions. Depending on your driving habits and driving style, you can expect the Tucson to travel about 500 miles on a single tank of gas. Its mileage range will vary from one model to another. With all the benefits it offers, you can make the right choice for your family’s transportation needs.
The Hyundai Tucson plug-In Hybrid is a solid mid-size SUV with a competitive top end. It also has a well-equipped middle segment. The Hyundai Tucson is also equipped with robust safety features that make it an excellent choice for commuters. The Tucson’s reliability rating has surpassed that of the mid-range Hyundai models. So, while you might be skeptical about the Tucson, the 2020 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is one of the safest models in the class.
Price
The upcoming 2022 Hyundai Tucson features a brand-new design and is likely to shake up the compact SUV segment. The base model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that shares the same powertrain with the Sonata family sedan. The company also announced details of the N-Line plug-in hybrid. It’s expected that Tucson sales will break records this year. In addition to the new look and upgraded technology, the Hyundai Tucson is expected to remain competitive with other popular compact SUVs.
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid price starts at $34,900. It has the same features as the gas-only SEL model, but a larger battery pack. It can be recharged in the home or at a charging station. It’s equipped with a 90-horsepower electric motor and a 13.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Hyundai’s new plug-in hybrid is expected to come with the same safety and convenience features as the gas-only version.
The 2022 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid price starts at $43,775 for the Limited model. It includes a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an e-motor, and a 13.8-kWh battery. It has a range of 33 miles on all-electric power and requires about two hours to recharge the battery. Standard features include cloth upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat reminder, push-button start, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is rated at 80 MPGe, or miles per gallon combined. Its all-electric range is 33 miles. The SUV has an all-wheel-drive system, but it doesn’t have an off-road capability. It offers good handling and a generous safety suite. It also comes with a hybrid battery, and all-wheel-drive technology.
The Hyundai Tucson is the perfect blend of practicality and style. It’s design and styling are a confidence-inspiring statement on the road. Its angular shapes and geometric patterns give it a distinct personality. This isn’t a car for those who want to blend in. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can make you look good, look no further than the Tucson 2022 Plug-In Hybrid.
As electric vehicles and other vehicles powered by electricity (EVs) get more and more popular, many people looking to switch are interested in knowing the duration of the battery in an EV lasts?
While battery lifespan varies depending on the manufacturer and the battery’s age, it is possible for new batteries to be competitive and sometimes surpass the life span of drivetrain components in Internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles.
EV Batteries The Basics
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power electric vehicles with a higher energy density than the lead-acid batteries used inside an internal combustion engine or rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries found in hybrids. The battery’s energy density means it can produce more power than its size, making it ideal for electric cars.
Since EVs are powered by batteries alone, they are a lot simpler and more productive than ICE vehicles. Because lithium-ion batteries have slowed in price by 97% in the past 30 years, experts believe that EVs will soon be as inexpensive to make as ICE vehicles.
What Happens When EV Batteries degrade?
EV batteries usually decline because of cycles, temperature, and length. Operating temperatures and storage temperatures can significantly impact EV battery life; generally speaking, warmer climates adversely impact the life span of the EV battery.
When the battery is subjected to charging cycles — being that is, it is discharged during driving and then charged again when plugging in the battery slowly loses the maximum power. However, just because you’re not charging or using your battery for electric vehicles does not mean that it will last forever. The decline in the calendar is when the battery loses its life as time passes.
In contrast to the lithium-ion batteries found in laptops or phones, they use complex BMSs (BMS), which regulate the way battery cells are recharged and discharged to extend their lifespan. So, your battery from EV is the most likely to suffer from temperature or even calendar degrading.
How long does the Electric Car Battery Last?
That leaves the question what is the length of time you can think your battery from an EV will last? For consumers, the federal government requires EV manufacturers to guarantee the battery for up to 8 years and 100,000 miles, and California gives that warranty for one year or 100,000 miles.
As battery packs for electric vehicles become less expensive, companies can create bigger batteries with greater energy potential that, in turn, increase their range of miles. Furthermore, the new technology helps reduce the degrading of batteries, which means in time, the highest potential remains closer to the new battery.
Also, since the latest batteries have significantly increased their range of mileage, even as they get older, they’ll keep a longer range of mileage than the batteries of just a few years back. Additionally, since lithium-ion batteries consist of many cells, you seldom have to replace the whole battery if it is degrading. Instead, you can save money by changing dead cells.
How long does the battery life of an EV Comparatively to ICE Vehicles?
The required warranties (8 years 100,000 miles) for batteries for electric vehicles are far over the average ICE warranty for the drivetrain on a vehicle of five years, or about 60,000 miles. The average lifetime miles for an ICE car is approximately thirteen thousand miles. Experts estimate that an average EV battery lasts about 200,000 miles; a few companies have promised much greater.
The news keeps getting more exciting: Tesla has their sights on a million-mile battery and says they are on the verge of reaching this goal. The average battery for EVs will only lose capacity at 2.3 percent of their maximum capacity every calendar year. Therefore, with the right treatment, you can count on your electric vehicle’s battery to last for as long or longer than ICE components in the drivetrain.
How to Increase Battery Life
Although the batteries of EVs are sturdy, there are specific actions that owners can do to increase the lifespan of their batteries.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for EVs
The first step is to adhere to your vehicle’s specific guidelines to ensure the best battery performance and ensure that your vehicle’s software is up to current. Since each EV manufacturer uses various cooling and battery chemistries as well as techniques, each one will have its own set of best working and charging guidelines.
Maintain Moderate Temperatures
Electric vehicles with liquid-cooled batteries have greater battery longevity because they have lower operating temperatures. It is generally recommended to store and operate your vehicle in mild conditions to prolong the life of your battery. Even if you reside in a warmer climate, parking your car inside a garage or a well-lit space is beneficial since most of a car’s time is in a garage.
Reduce Rapid Charging
Although sometimes using DCRC or direct current (DCRC) to provide power to your vehicle is acceptable, if you reduce how often you use this process, you will likely have less battery damage. It’s good news that EV Connect offers a range of chargers to provide various reliable solutions for your car. Remember: Don’t be afraid to utilize your electric vehicle since frequent use isn’t the primary element in the degradation of batteries.
A Second Life for an EV Battery
The most exciting feature associated with EV batteries degrading for environmentally conscious consumers can be the realization that they may still serve a possible use after the time they have left your EV. Although they are less efficient in powering a car (usually around 70 percent of their maximum charge capacity), these strong EV batteries can still have enough power to be paired with solar power and act as energy sources for your home.
Some manufacturers take back or purchase old batteries to generate power for different projects like sports venues. You can feel confident that the longevity of your electric vehicle’s energy source continues for a long time after it has left the vehicle.
The EV batteries will continue to fall in price and can travel further miles on a single charge and last longer. Experts are already predicting they EV batteries will outlast the lifespan of ICE components as technology advances each year. This is a good thing: Your battery from the EV will be able to meet your needs for a long time to come and could even be recycled sustainably when it is no longer running your vehicle.
In determining the answer to the question “Are hybrid cars worth it?” there are many things to be drilled into. To figure out if they are worth the cost savings, it’s a numbers game. And to solve this numbers game, it’s essential to step back and take a look at the big picture.
Everybody’s driving style, and environmental situation is different. Some of the factors that weigh heavily are also the number of miles driven, and the price of fuel in the area (note: to save extensive money on fuel and get some great cashback offers, check out GetUpside).
In addition to this, to determine worth, you will also need to account for the different models of hybrids offered by various automakers. Then, don’t forget about the numerous tax breaks and incentives involved with the purchase of a hybrid vehicle.
All in all, determining whether hybrids are worth the purchase can become complicated to answer. However, below are a few of the more common factors that can assist in steering you in the right direction.
Purchase Price of a Hybrid vs. Conventional Vehicle
One of the most apparent differences, and most prominent points of consideration when choosing between a hybrid vehicle and a conventionally-powered vehicle, is the associated price. The price will be a significant impact provided it can assist in substantial energy savings. Typically (but not in every case), a hybrid will cost a bit more than their conventional alternatives.
In fact, the average cost of a hybrid vehicle across the board is close to $5,000 more than their traditional, gas-powered options. One of the main factors that make up this higher price point is the higher cost to manufacture. The automakers pass this cost on to the buyers.
One example of this price change in practice is last year’s Hyundai Sonata and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The base price for the SE non-hybrid Sonata was $22,050. Conversely, the same trim in a hybrid version started at $26,000, leading to a price discrepancy of almost $4,000 for one of the lowest cost hybrids on the market today.
While it shouldn’t be the only driving factor that influences a purchase, if the price is your primary consideration, the purchase of a hybrid likely won’t result in monetary savings off the bat. You’ll end up paying more initially for a hybrid. However, while this is the assumption, the reality is the comparison between different makes and models, not different versions of the same vehicle.
Vehicle Reliability and Maintenance
If you decide to push forth with a comparison of the same make and model of vehicle, comparing the conventional option with the hybrid option, levels of reliability should be relatively similar. What this means is that, in the long run, there won’t be significant savings to be had when selecting one type of car over another.
Typically, hybrids are every bit as reliable as conventional gas-powered alternatives. Additionally, with the type of vehicles being transformed into hybrids, extensive routine maintenance shouldn’t be an issue regardless.
However, even with that being the case, there are a few exceptions when comparing the reliability and maintenance costs of conventional and hybrid vehicles: brakes, insurance, and hybrid batteries.
Regarding Brakes
One of the most noticeable differences between a gas-powered vehicle and a hybrid vehicle will be the wear that occurs on the brakes. Most hybrid cars utilize brakes to assist in regenerating the hybrid battery. As a result of this, the brake pads on hybrid vehicles will usually last a bit longer than the brake pads on gas-powered cars.
While brake pads over time is not a massive outright saving, it is something that should be kept in mind. Remember, these routine maintenance costs will add up over the lifetime of a vehicle.
Regarding Insurance Costs
Another thing to keep in mind when deciding “are hybrids worth it?” is the cost of insurance. Surprisingly, there are many insurance agencies large and small that provide great driver discounts to those owning hybrid vehicles. To determine eligibility, it’s crucial to find out if your insurance provider offers any similar perks to new or existing drivers. If not, it might be time to consider switching insurance providers.
Regarding Hybrid Batteries
One of the most crucial points of maintenance concern for those looking to switch to a hybrid car from a conventional gas alternative is the reliability of the hybrid battery. Some have heard the cost to replace hybrid batteries nears the vehicle price itself. Some may have also heard that the hybrid battery is built to only last a certain amount of time before becoming a victim of “planned obsolescence.”
Luckily, this isn’t the case at all. Manufacturers of hybrid vehicles build their batteries to last essentially for the useful life of the vehicle. Many hybrid vehicle manufacturers offer warranties on hybrid batteries that last for up to ten years or 100,000 miles of use.
The idea is pretty standard. It is rare for a hybrid car battery to degrade to the point where it needs to be replaced at that time. However, if, for some reason, the need does occur, two things could happen. Either the warranty covers the cost of replacement, or the cash value of the replacement is usually under a few thousand dollars.
Long-Term Savings on Ownership
The concept of long-term ownership savings doesn’t directly have to do with monetary exchanges. However, the focus is instead on other savings types that can be noted when driving a hybrid versus a conventional alternative. There are many such examples of this. A few are:
Closer and more desirable parking at some workplaces and businesses for charging
Extensive time saved not having to visit gas stations every few days
The opportunity to drive in HOV lanes, which avoids traffic, saves time and alleviates stress
Overall environmental saving and reduction of your carbon footprint
While there are plenty of benefits that can be considered subjective, it’s important to determine if the factors mentioned above will impact your decision to purchase a hybrid vehicle over a conventional alternative. Are hybrids worth it from this point of view? The choice is up to you.
There is no reliable method for putting a value on your environmental impact, reductions in stress, or your time. However, the above reasons and more provide significant ownership savings from the efficiency and effectiveness of quality of life.
Fuel-Related Savings
This is an obvious one and is one of the most common reasons that purchasers choose hybrids over gas-powered vehicles. Gas prices fluctuate constantly. The associated savings in the search for better fuel efficiency speaks for itself.
However, if you want to determine monetary savings through the purchase of a hybrid, it’s essential to check the number of miles you usually drive your car and then compare to fuel prices and economy. Determining an accurate fuel economy is crucial.
An example of fuel savings
Need an example? Let’s assume that the cost of a gallon of regular gas is $2.50. Let’s also assume that you have plans to drive about 25,000 miles per year. While dependent on the type of hybrid vehicle you are looking to purchase, we are going to assume as well that you are looking at a car where the gas-powered version gets 30 miles per gallon, and the hybrid version gets 45 miles per gallon.
25,000 miles multiplied by $2.50 is 62,500. Divide that by 30, and you get $2,083.33, the estimated cost for fuel of the conventional vehicle over the course of a year. Conversely, divide that by 45, and you get $1,388.89, the estimated cost for fuel of the hybrid alternative over the same year. This leads to an annual estimated fuel savings of almost $700.
But Don’t Get Caught Up In The Numbers
It’s important to note that, although simple math like the above can provide rough estimates on the savings in gas on an annual basis, it is not wholly accurate. Remember, gas prices change, and they change a lot.
If the cost of a gallon of gasoline increases, the savings recognized by driving a hybrid vehicle over a conventional alternative jumps as well. Conversely, if the price of a gallon of gasoline decreases, realized savings of a hybrid over a conventional also decreases.
Another driving (get it?) factor is the state of your regular daily commute. Are you doing a lot of city driving? Or are you doing a lot of stop-and-go in city traffic? If you spend most of your commute driving highway miles, overall highway gas mileage is going to matter most, so keep an eye on that number. Meanwhile, there are nuances with the braking of hybrids that make them especially advantageous in city driving. If this is something you often experience on your commute, keep an eye on the city gas mileage number.
It’s crucial to remember that there is a general rule with the “are hybrids worth it?” question as it relates to fuel economy. Overall, driving a hybrid car over a conventional gas-only vehicle is going to result in fuel savings. Whether the fuel savings are worthwhile is up to personal interpretation.
Drive a conventional or hybrid vehicle and want to save money at the pump? Check out our guide to saving up to 45 cents per gallon with GetUpside.
Incentivization Of Your Hybrid Purchase
The wide variety of incentives is another critical consideration when looking to determine if the purchase of a hybrid is worth it. Multiple incentive levels can be explored.
An incentive that is recognized upon purchase is from the dealer. There are some cases where the car dealership offers cashback rebates on the purchase of a hybrid vehicle. However, in most situations, this comes with only specific makes and models. Additionally, there will be fluctuations in the value of the cashback incentive, depending on both the dealer and seasonality.
The Tax Man Cometh (Bearing Gifts)
Another beneficial incentive in the purchase of a hybrid vehicle is the propensity for government tax credits. In past years, the US government has offered various tax credits on the purchase of a hybrid car. However, this incentive has recently disappeared with the rise of electric vehicles in past years.
Currently, tax laws regarding the purchase of hybrids provide a federal tax credit on plug-in hybrids or fully electric vehicle purchases only. The typical tax incentive ranges from $2,500 to $7,500, nothing to sneeze at for sure. However, what this means is that buying the standard Prius or other non-plug-in hybrid option results in no federal tax credit.
There are also some states, such as California and New York, offering a variety of tax incentives. Most of these states’ incentives, though, are still associated with the purchase of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. But, it never hurts to do your due diligence to determine if there are any state tax rebates available for the purchase of a hybrid.
Putting Together All The Pieces
As can be seen from all of the tidbits and considerations above, the answer to “are hybrids worth it?” is more of a subjective thing that you may have thought. One example of this is the environmental impact. If you put a personally high value on minimizing your carbon footprint, buying a hybrid vehicle is going to appeal to you much more than someone who isn’t concerned with their environmental impact.
But, it’s important to note that the majority of savings will occur after the purchase of the hybrid. Due to limitations on government incentives with the rise of electric-only vehicles, the initial cost of a hybrid will be inherently higher than their conventional alternatives. However, over time the fuel savings will likely cover the added value of the initial investment.
Remember our example from before — $ 700 in fuel savings at standard driving rates. If you pay an extra $5,000 for a hybrid vehicle and get no tax incentives at all, you will recoup that cost in fuel savings over seven years of use.
Note: Looking to save money at the pumps, but a hybrid car may not be in your budget? Check out our extensive GetUpside review. Here, you can see how you can save vast money when fueling up without changing any of your regular habits!
Regular Improvements Are Constant
It is crucial to remember that most vehicle manufacturers are continually making changes and improvements to their hybrid options with advancements in hybrid technology. However, the same thing can be said for their alternative gas-powered models.
As a result of this, the effectiveness and value of a hybrid compared to a conventional car will continue fluctuating year over year.
Are Hybrids Worth It? Advantages and Disadvantages Overview
There are many advantages and disadvantages that we have covered in an attempt to answer the burning question, “Are hybrids worth it?”. Some of the noted benefits of purchasing a hybrid include:
A cleaner experience than conventional gas-powered alternatives. Industry giant Toyota has stated that their hybrid vehicle options are 80% cleaner than their similar gas-powered options.
Extensive fuel savings are possible. Maximum savings can be seen if your driving is mainly a lot of stop and go (city driving, traffic, etc.) at speeds that are slower than the average.
Extreme decreases in oil and fossil fuel consumption will be experienced on a global scale if enough people drive hybrid vehicles responsibly.
Many hybrid vehicles tend to come with a more extended and more comprehensive warranty than their conventional alternatives.
Some of the potential noted disadvantages of purchasing a hybrid vehicle include:
Associated cost. The initial cost involved with the purchase of a hybrid car compared to a conventional gas-powered alternative is usually a few thousand dollars more.
At steady highway speeds, the fuel consumption and cost advantages may be less than anticipated over time.
At times, hybrid models that are in extremely high demand might come with a waiting period for purchase.
The Tradeoff In Favor of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
For the sake of comparison, we at Hybrid Center would be remiss if we didn’t discuss electric vehicles. It’s essential to keep in mind that if you are budget-conscious with your vehicle purchase decision, an electric car is likely not going to be top of your list.
The strongest example of this is the Tesla Model 3. At the time of this writing (January 2020), the base cost of the entry-level Model 3 is $40,000. While their site claims the price to be $33,690 to start, in small gray text, they note, “Costs above include potential incentives and gas savings of $6,300”. The starting price for the Tesla Model S, their luxury option, is $80,000.
In the ideal world, everybody would be able to afford an electric vehicle. Their environmental friendliness and ease of use are impressive, to say the least. However, this is still long in the future. Remember, the first hybrids were costly compared to their combustible alternatives as well.
Our Final Words
Today, many still opt into the ideal of a hybrid vehicle for their environmental friendliness compared to fuel savings. However, the associated fuel savings, in the long run, is still a very viable benefit of purchase.
In many cases, the upfront added cost of a hybrid vehicle compared to a conventional gas-powered alternative sways buyers to move more towards gas-powered when weighing their options.
The question remains: are hybrids worth it? The answer is unique to your specific situation, environment, values, budget, and needs.
Industry analysts report by 2030 there will be 125 million hybrid and electric cars on the road worldwide. We are moving closer every day to an all-electric vehicle world.
And why not?
There are obvious environmental benefits that come from making the switch. Not to mention you can save a lot of money you would have spent on gas. There’s never been a better time to buy a hybrid or electric car.
So what is the difference between the two? Which car is best for me? In this guide, we will break down hybrid vs electric cars and help you decide when you should choose one or the other.
What is a Hybrid or Electric Car Exactly?
Good question.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is a combination (or a hybrid if you will) of a gasoline and electric vehicle. They have an electric motor, a battery, an internal combustion motor, and a gas tank. You can say they have it all. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle uses both gasoline and electricity for fuel. Some examples include the Cadilac ELR, the Toyota Prius Plug-in, and the Chevrolet Volt.
A parallel hybrid (also known as a series hybrid) is the most common type of hybrid car. This car has both an internal combustion motor and an electric engine. When driving around 15 mph the electric motor is activated. This vehicle is built for city traffic. The gasoline motor kicks in only as speed increases. The best part is the electric engine charges while you drive. Some examples include The Lexus UX, the Kia Niro Hybrid, and the Toyota Prius.
On the other hand, an electric car is fully electric. It has a battery instead of a gasoline tank and an electric engine instead of an internal combustion engine. Unlike the hybrid electric car, there isn’t a backup motor if your batteries are low. However, many models have room for a spare battery. Some examples include the Ford Focus Electric, the Tesla Model S and the Nissan Leaf.
Hybrid vs Electric: Which One is Right for Me?
There are pros and cons in the hybrid vs electric car debate. The emission output and how each car needs to be charged. The cost of buying and upkeep an electric or hybrid car is another important factor along with the driving range, and gas mileage of each type. Also, lots of people buy a car for its look and style. Let’s break them each down.
Hybrid Car Pros
Charging – Parallel hybrids rely on breaking to drive the car in a process called regenerative braking. They also have smaller battery packs than other hybrid vehicles. A plug-in hybrid car plugs into an electric outlet. They can run on just electrical stored power or just gasoline. The plug-in hybrids also come with larger batteries a can a bit further than other models.
Cost – Most sedan hybrid cars cost between $23,000 and $35,000 for a brand new model. If you are looking for something a little more high end like the Tesla S model, expect to pay somewhere around $69,000 and up.
However, the US Department of Energy offers federal tax credits to U.S residents of up to $7,500 with the purchase of a plug-in hybrid car. Your state may provide additional tax credits as well. Be sure to check which type of hybrids your state provides credits for because these are different than federal tax credits.
Maintenance – If you are concerned with maintenance issues that may arise with your hybrid vehicle, don’t be! More hybrid cars are hitting the road every day and more and more mechanics shops have adapted to be able to repair them. Hybrid vehicles also tend to have fewer issues than conventional cars.
And they come with a great warranty! Toyota, Ford, and Honda offer 8 to 10-year warranties to cover their hybrid models. Hyundai’s hybrid batteries even come with a lifetime warranty. A hybrid car still needs to have it’s oil changed. Thanks to the regenerative braking technology a hybrid’s brake pads last much longer too.
Driving Range – A hybrid vehicle can travel somewhere between 600 and 700 miles before it needs to visit a gas station. That’s a long-range! Drivers will save money and time driving a hybrid car.
Style – From Toyota’s futuristic-looking Prius to the Nissan NSX sports car there is a style of hybrid car for everyone. Looking for something to haul the kids to soccer practice in? They’ve got that too. With so many models of hybrid cars to choose from from a lot of different manufacturers, you will more than likely be able to find a hybrid car that you like aesthetically.
Hybrid Car Cons
Emissions – Since hybrid cars burn traditional gasoline they emit the same greenhouse gases as conventional cars. However, hybrid cars are significantly more fuel-efficient than traditional cars and require much less gas. The U.S. Energy Information Administration sets the average mileage for a hybrid vehicle at 38.7 miles per gallon. A gas-only vehicle’s average mileage is set at 26.7 miles per gallon. See the difference?
But a Hybrid car cannot come close to the electric vehicle’s zero tailpipe emissions. That means zero emissions are released by way of the tailpipe. A hybrid beats a traditional car in emissions with its fuel-efficient technology but is no match for a fully electric vehicle.
Power – Hybrid cars typically have less power than a conventional car but more power than an electric car. In general terms, a hybrid car’s engine is usually smaller and that equals less horsepower and torque. A hybrid car won’t have trouble on the highway or climbing hills but they also do go quite as fast.
Cost – When you do have to take your hybrid car to a repair shop the cost can be significantly high. Like we said previously generally they don’t require much maintenance but when they do be prepared to pay.
Electric Car Pros
Emissions – This is where electric cars shine! All makes and models of electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions. ZERO! Direct emissions are emissions that are emitted into the air through the tailpipe, evaporation of the fuel system or during fueling.
Like all vehicles produced the electric car does have lifecycle emissions related to the manufacturing, distribution, and disposal of the car. However, electric vehicles typically produce fewer lifecycle emissions than a traditional car because burning gasoline or diesel for fuel releases more emissions.
If your number one reason for purchasing a hybrid or electric car is to reduce emissions than an electric car is the one for you.
Charging –. For people living in homes charging is very convenient. You simply plug-in your car after you park it. When you wake up the next morning it is ready to go! More charging stations are being built in communities every day. You can easily Google where the nearest electric car charging station is in your city.
Cost – Finally the cost is coming down on fully electric cars. Before they were priced out of reach for many consumers who wanted to make the switch to a fully electric vehicle. During the past few years, the cost of lithium batteries decreased dramatically by 70%. This lowered the average cost of electric cars.
Also, charging your electric car is much cheaper than filling a tank with gasoline or diesel. The U.S. Department of Energy estimated fueling an electric car costs half as much as a regular car with a gallon of gas estimated at $2.64 and an eGallon costing $1.24 on average.
Maintenance – There is a difference between hybrid and fully electric car maintenance because a fully electric car doesn’t have a combustion engine in addition to the electric engine. The good news is an electric engine requires less maintenance than a gas engine. You don’t have to worry about changing the oil, replacing the spark plugs, or changing a fuel filter.
You will, however, have to take care of the battery, replace the breaks and tires and keep an eye on the fluids. Overall, electric cars are a very low maintenance option and we put them one step ahead of their hybrid sisters on maintenance.
Instant Power – Switching on an electric motor is like flicking a switch. As soon as you flick it on it is on. There is instant power. It doesn’t need to build up power through acceleration. The Tesla Roadster is a 288 horsepower vehicle that produces a whopping 295 pound-feet of torque a soon as you step on the pedal. A Tesla Roadster S is about as fast as a Corvette Z06 with just under half its horsepower. And did we mention how quiet they are?
Electric Car Cons
Driving Range – It is estimated that the average American drives around 40 miles a day. With an average driving range of 200 miles for most electric cars, you don’t have to worry about running out of juice on your way to work. However, this can be possible if you drive the car and forget to charge it. It can also be problematic for long road trips. Compared to the driving range of a Hybrid vehicle the electric car doesn’t make the cut.
Charging Stations – Right now charging stations are a con for electric vehicles. It costs between $400 and $1,000 to buy a charging point and then you also have to pay to have them installed at your home. Some cities are starting to install more charging points for public use but they are not universal yet. This could require some prior planning on the part of the driver. You may even shop at different stores because they have a charging point. We do expect more charging points to be installed as the popularity of electric cars increases, but for now, it is a win for hybrid vs electric.
Style – There are a lot of different styles of electric cars. It does appear that electric cars will be the future and more and more styles are being designed all the time. Electric cars do not have to look like spaceships (although some of them do) and can appear quite classy. However, at this time there are more styles of hybrids available on the U.S. market. This may change in the future but right now the hybrid wins the style category in the hybrid vs electric debate.
Battery Cost – Sometimes batteries fail. It happens to laptops, cellphones and children’s toys. When that battery fails it will need to be replaced. A replacement hybrid battery can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the year, make and model of the car. It can cost 15,550 dollars to replace a battery in a Chevrolet Bolt when replaced after the warranty period. That’s huge! Right now batteries are very expensive for electric vehicles and that is why we marked it as a con in the hybrid vs electric debate.
Again, as electric cars become more popular this cost will probably go down but right now, it is expensive. The good news is that the batteries are designed to last a lifetime and many car manufacturers have programs to help reduce or offset the cost of a battery when it becomes necessary.
Final Thoughts
There is a Lot to Consider When Purchasing a Hybrid or Electric Car.
Which car is better for you depends a lot on your lifestyle, driving habits and personal taste. Do you often take long road trips? Do you live in a city? Can you afford to install a charging port at your home? Do you live in an area that has a lot of public ports available? These are all questions you have to ask yourself when looking at the hybrid vs electric debate and deciding which car is best.
As the implications of climate change become more dire, many motorists are looking for ways to reduce their carbon imprint—and save money on fuel—by switching to electric vehicles.
While top auto manufacturers are gradually adding more electric options to their fleets, not all drivers are ready to leave their current models behind. Fortunately, they have an alternative option: converting their existing vehicle to run on electric power, either with a do-it-yourself kit or by seeking the services of a company that specializes in these conversions.
How Do Electric Car Conversions Work?
Most aftermarket conversions involve installation of a DC motor and controller. You’ll get to select the appropriate battery voltage level for your needs, which typically ranges from 96 to 192 volts. You’ll also need to choose what type of battery and charger to use as well; options include golf-cart batteries, marine deep-cycle lead-acid batteries and more. Finally, you’ll need the car you want to convert from gas to electric power.
How Much Will a Conversion Cost?
Prices will vary based on the market you live in as well as the specific options you choose for your car, but the figures below can help you estimate a budget for the project:
Battery/batteries: $1,000 to $2,000
Motor: $1,000 to $2,000
Controller: $1,000 to $2,000
Adapter plate: $500 to $1,000
Miscellaneous parts (wiring, switches, etc.): $500 to $1,000
While converting your current car isn’t a cheap proposition, it can be less expensive than purchasing a new electric car; Tesla’s least expensive model starts at around $40,000. However, most drivers who opt to convert rather than purchase new are more motivated by a desire to hold onto a classic car with sentimental value than they are by saving money.
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What Companies Can Help Me Convert My Car?
The following 12 companies offer conversion services, conversion kits or parts or a combination of the two.
This Northern California company provides electric vehicle conversions at reasonable prices, with basic packages starting at $20,000. Their work incorporates regenerative braking for maximum power generation, and your car will retain excellent performance at highway speeds.
Your range will be limited to around 100 miles, but you’ll be able to recharge your car in around eight hours using a standard household outlet. Expect your conversion to take about three months to complete.
For more than 30 years, Canadian Electric Vehicles (CEV) has offered electric conversion services to commercial customers, with much of their business devoted to transforming tugs, trucks and carts for airline and industrial use.
However, the company also sells conversion kits and parts to customers looking to convert their daily drivers to electric power. Parts are available for most manufacturers, including Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.
Located just south of the San Francisco Bay Area, Electro Automotive is one of the oldest electric car conversion companies in the nation. Electro Automotive was founded in 1979 and offers instructional books, DVDs and workshops on car conversions in addition to selling the parts you’ll need to complete your project.
DIYev launched in 2016 and provides conversion kits for a broad range of vehicles, from compact cars to large box trucks and even school buses. Their data-driven, research-led technology represents the cutting edge of the electric vehicle conversion industry, and DIYev developed the first all-electric drivetrain to use the original manufacturer’s transmission and parts.
The company’s electric motor drivetrain kits are easy to install right out of the box; simply bolt them to the existing internal combustion engine mount and add battery modules as desired to extend your range.
New Hampshire-based EVA is the ultimate resource for drivers interested in converting their vehicles to electric power. Their site features books, technical papers, spec calculators, a parts catalog and more.
Thanks in part to their dedicated customer service team, EVA has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and you can rely on their products and advice to help you successfully convert your car, truck, tractor or boat.
This Logan, Utah-based shop offers both vehicle conversion services and the components you’ll need to do it yourself. Contact their experienced staff for a free consultation, and be sure to peruse the comprehensive FAQ section of their website for valuable information about the conversion process.
Now in its 14th year, Green Motors is based in the Phoenix metro area, with a four-bay garage dedicated to converting, repairing and maintaining electric vehicles.
Owner Todd Barlow will convert your existing vehicle or assist you in finding one to convert, and they also offer comprehensive support and services for DIY conversions, even providing space for customers’ projects.
This company’s signature offering is its True EV Car Kit, which includes everything you’ll need to convert your vehicle except batteries and racks. The simple, user-friendly kit can help you get your car up and running in a matter of hours at an exceptionally low price: just $2,280 plus shipping costs.
Wilderness Electric Vehicles also offers several other conversion kits as well as instructional guides and other helpful resources to make your project a success.
Based in Crystal River on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Green Shed Conversions proffers a wide selection of DIY conversion kits, individual parts and one-on-one tech support to assist you with your conversion.
The company specializes in classic car conversions, and its website displays several impressive examples of “memory cars” that now run on 21st-century power.
Zelectric Motors’ niche market includes rebuilding and converting primarily Volkswagen and Porsche vehicles from the 1950s through 1970s, a process it calls “RetroFuture.”
All work takes place in their Southern California facility, and the team will convert your existing vehicle or assist you in locating the perfect candidate for conversion.
Founded in 1975 after the first “oil crisis,” EV-Propulsion will convert your vehicle, partner with you to help you do it yourself or simply sell you the components you need.
The company’s designs create electric vehicles with automatic transmission, power steering and brakes and air conditioning in a package capable of maintaining highway speeds. The brick-and-mortar business is located on Long Island, but they ship globally and offer remote consulting services as well.
EV4U Custom Conversions not only provides gas-to-electric conversion services and parts, but also exhaustive educational resources for home mechanics planning a conversion project. Their three-day workshops at their California facility include classroom instruction, hands-on experience and more. This fully prepares you to convert your own vehicle or even start your own conversion business. For additional assistance, they have also published more than 200 instructional videos available on YouTube.
With strong pushes into the field of fully electric vehicles from the entirety of the auto industry continuing into 2020 and on, hybrid cars may seem to be sitting in limbo. Even the best hybrid cars aren’t full EVs (electric vehicles) or standard internal combustion options. As such, they can be a bit of a tough sell as the years go on. This is especially true with EVs take more of a frontrunner status in the alternative fuel vehicle market.
However, in the meantime, they sit in this purgatory. Hybrids still have a few good years left in them, fresh off our 2019 overall list. The below best hybrid cars for the 2020 list are an example of the heavyweights of the golden years of hybrids.
The only requirements for this best hybrid cars list
No crossovers or SUVs
Hybrid vehicles only, no fully electric (sorry, Tesla)
Our Luxury Option: 2020 Lexus ES 300h
Toyota has long been considered a true marketplace leader for economy hybrids. This ranges from the flagship Prius to its standard sedan hybrid options. However, their luxury options available with the Lexus brand are very much up to snuff as well. The complete redesign of their seventh-generation Lexus ES 300h is a beautiful showing of that exact sentiment.
Lexus’ new ES model became a production heavyweight starting with its first introduction in the 2019 model year. This means that the 2020 version is going to carry over with minimal changes of significance. New models from Lexus are notorious for being elegant and high-style. This is the expectation. However, Lexus is also providing some impressive levels of utility for the price. Additionally, another big draw is the introduction of integration with Apple CarPlay.
Pricing of the 2020 Lexus ES 300h
The base price of the 2020 Lexus ES 300h hybrid starts at a little bit over $41,000. However, their “Ultra Luxury” trim option begins at around $45,000. Of course, an extensive array of optional upgrades will push these prices up a bit higher. However, when compared to the internal combustion-only alternative, there is one of the smallest price differences, at $2,000 more.
It should be noted that, with the advent and growing popularity of electric vehicles, there are no current tax credits available for conventional hybrid vehicles. This is mainly due to the size of their battery packs not being sufficient compared to fuel-cell options. As such, that $41,000 base price isn’t going to drop with potential tax advantages. Note that there will also be dealer markup and destination fees.
Power and Fuel Economy of the 2020 Lexus ES 300h
The Lexus ES 300h hybrid luxury sedan comes with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with a center Atkinson cycle. When combined with a powerful electric motor and minuscule NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) battery pack, it comes at a combined 215 horsepower. This makes it a little more potent than the top-of-the-line Toyota Camry.
The fuel efficiency is about in line with the standard Camry as well, clocking in at a combined 44 miles per gallon. However, fuel economy is typically not something that luxury car owners are putting under intense scrutiny when looking for a new sedan. So the ES 300h coming in close to leaders in the economy car class is impressive.
Our Verdict on the 2020 Lexus ES 300h
Overall, Lexus’ 2020 ES 300h option is competitively-priced, feature-rich, and remarkably powerful yet fuel-efficient. The styling is sharp and modern, and the possibilities are extensive. This is the new gold standard for luxury entry-level hybrid sedans. While it may not be the most box-checking hybrid car on the market, it is worth mentioning.
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Our Non-Sedan Favorite: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
It’s funny, out of all of the hybrid cars coming up in 2020, one of the strongest by far just so happens to be an American-made minivan. That’s right; it’s the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid!
Chrysler has never really been a stranger to the manufacture of solidly-built vehicles. Remember, back in the 1980’s they are the ones who started the whole minivan revolution. However, in this day and age, the duty of minivans have meshed with SUVs and crossovers. So, to provide that little oomph necessary to boost the van world, Fiat Chrysler of America decided to push forth with a hybrid minivan.
Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid needed a bit more of a boost than just the fuel economy provided by hybrid power to get onto our list, however. Their new model of Pacifica comes with an elegant and high-quality interior, advanced technologies, and an extremely comfortable ride. It does this all while maintaining a stellar fuel economy.
Pricing of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
2020 model year Pacifica hybrids don’t come out of the box with any significant changes over prior model year options, except for a significant and noticeable price reduction. However, its price point of between $40,000 and $45,000 for base models don’t provide enough of an advantage to consider it “inexpensive” by any means for a minivan.
Helping out a bit is a $7,500 federal tax credit for new hybrid owners, though, making it something to consider. But whether or not the increased hybrid cost compared to their conventional alternatives is worth the savings in fuel costs over the long run is currently still up for debate.
Power and Fuel Economy of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combines the 3.6-liter Pentastar six-cylinder of their conventional minivan with dual electric motors at 114 and 84 horsepower. This works with a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. These three power sources combined push out over 260 horsepower, impressive for a hybrid minivan. This level of teamwork is solid enough to provide 33 miles of range on completely electric power. Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it returns up to 84 miles per gallon as a result.
Our Verdict on the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
There is one drawback that needs to be mentioned when comparing the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid to its conventional alternative. Due to the battery pack, the seating for the hybrid is only seven, one less than the non-hybrid model in 2020. However, there are no cargo space limitations. While the Pacifica has never been known as a leader in storage, over 140 square feet of available storage behind the two front seats is nothing to sneeze at. This is thanks to the standard Stow-n-Go seating found in Chrysler and Dodge minivan options for the past several years.
Overall, it is too early to tell what the future holds for the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s 2020 model when compared to its conventional option. However, when compared to other hybrid minivans, this option is well above alternatives.
The Hyundai Sonata has gone through a significant redesign for its 2020 model year, which is available now at the time of this posting. As with the past generations of Sonata (and par for the course for Hyundai as an automaker), both conventional and hybrid models were released simultaneously.
The 2020 redesign of the Sonata draws its inspiration from a few older concept cars. However, it is now subdued for mass consumption to ensure they meet Hyundai’s signature “design language.” Nevertheless, with this subdued look still comes a drastic style change that is nothing but positively-met.
This hybrid comes with some impressive new features as well, including an embedded solar panel on its roof, to assist with charging the battery. In fact, according to Hyundai Motor Company, this solar panel can recharge over half of the car’s battery in just six hours of use, adding almost 1,000 environmentally friendly miles annually.
Pricing of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The pricing of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is only a little bit higher than its previous model year counterpart, even with the new and updated styling on the 2020 model year. While the standard Sonata in 2019 started at a few dollars shy of $20,000, and the hybrid started at $23,750, rumors have it that the standard Sonata in 2020 will begin at $23,400, and the hybrid pricing will only be slightly higher than that, at around $25,000.
Power and Fuel Economy of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
In the previous model, the Hyundai Sonata hybrid was not a fuel efficiency leader. With a combined 42 miles per gallon on its best day, it fell short of the offerings by competitor Toyota by quite a wide margin. Regardless of this, the Hyundai Sonata hybrid pushed past this with their extensive feature sets. Additionally, ample roominess in their sedan made for a class leader in that aspect.
Regarding performance specs, the previous model Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, shared similar aspects to the “twin brother” Kia Optima hybrid. They share a 2.0-liter four-cylinder inline engine, as well as ample battery space. In fact, both the Sonata hybrid and Sonata plug-in hybrid options provide a stellar electric motor that, when coupled with the conventional engine in the hybrid, push out 193 horsepower (10 horsepower more than the traditional alternative).
Our Verdict on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Overall, with its middle-of-the-road capabilities for just about everything, we are expecting the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to check the same boxes as its prior-year counterpart. With a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, this is the epitome of a plain jane guts sedan with a new face. However, with options such as the Toyota Camry tipping the scales at over 50 miles per gallon, the Sonata has a lot of ground to make up.
We are hopeful that, when the 2020 option is finally released, we will be eating our own words. For now, though, they still make our list.
The “Other Guy”: 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
South Korea has another interpretation of the fun-for-the-whole-family hybrid sedan: The Kia Optima. This car can be purchased in two options, both a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid variant. The fourth-generation Optima has remained unchanged since 2015 and will continue staying unchanged for the 2020 model year, making it one of the older hybrid car offerings on our list.
Despite this aging, the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid comes with strong capabilities and can hold its own against the best of them. This is especially true for its plug-in option, which has incredibly impressive fuel ranges and ratings. While the exact miles per gallon (40) is a bit short of some competitors, the plug-in range is stellar, with a fully-charged battery providing almost 30 miles of range on electric alone, pushing the number to 103 MPGe. In comparison, the conventional 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid delivers a combined 41 miles per gallon but has a lot more trunk space for cargo.
Pricing of the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
The price point of the 2020 Kia Optima has remained relatively unchanged in recent years and is quite middle-of-the-road in comparison to alternatives on our list. The starting price of the standard non-hybrid Optima is a bit over $23,000. However, the Optima Hybrid price point shoots up close to $29,000, and the plug-in hybrid gets close to $36,000, putting it close to the price range of the Lexus ES 300h!
Power and Fuel Economy of the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
Both the plug-in variant and conventional hybrid 2020 Kia Optima draw their power from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor combined unit. This echoes the combination in the Hyundai Sonata above. The main difference between the two levels of Optima is the battery pack capacity. The conventional hybrid has a 1.62 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, where the plug-in hybrid option comes with a far more heavy-duty 9.8 kWh battery pack. Overall, the Optima Hybrid will generate 192 horsepower, and the plug-in model pushes that to 202 horsepower.
Our Verdict on the 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
Overall, neither the conventional hybrid or plug-in exudes any real excitement or level of sportiness, but that isn’t what the Optima is made for. Much like some other vehicles on our list, the Optima also doesn’t have a “locked-in” electric vehicle mode, either. If you accelerate, the internal combustion immediately kicks in without a second thought. However, when you consider all the advantages and disadvantages, it’s tough to discount the 2020 Kia Optima as one of the best hybrid cars available in 2020.
The American Icon: 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
The decades-old and ever-faithful Chevy Malibu is currently in its ninth generation, last updated in the 2019 model year. What this means is that, for 2020, the Malibu styling will carry over from the previous year. The ninth-generation Malibu started in 2015, though, so we are of the assumption that a significant redesign will likely be on the blocks for either 2021 or 2022 for Chevy’s flagship mid-size sedan offering.
The Malibu hybrid is a relatively new player to the scene. They appeared initially in this current ninth-generation run. However, they have become incredibly competitive in the segment in which they compete. This, honestly, can be surprising in a world of low-priced Asia-manufactured sedans.
Believe it or not, this current generation Chevy Malibu is one of the stronger family-size sedans, powertrain aside. It looks great, the technology is fresh and sophisticated, the price is right, and it has incredibly roomy cargo and back seat passenger space. What’s not to love?
Pricing of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
For what is being offered, the price point leaves a few things to be desired. Unlike many competing hybrid cars, even several on our list, there is no full-electric vehicle mode for this hybrid. With this, many options provide the ability to switch pure-electric drive on and off. With the Malibu, you can’t. Yet, it still comes at a price point starting at a touch under $30,000. This makes it one of the more expensive entry-level hybrid sedans on the market. However, there is the benefit of advanced technology that some competitors can’t touch.
Power and Fuel Economy of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
In addition to some of the advantages outlined above, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid delivers impressively in fuel efficiency. It is rated at around 46 miles per gallon. This puts it solidly in the upper-mid end of the pack as far as fuel efficiency for vehicles of similar size.
This hybrid utilizes a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. This, combined with a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, provides 182 combined horsepower. While Chevrolet’s mid-sized Malibu hybrid may be a bit underpowered when compared to some of the competition, this doesn’t translate to poor performance. The Malibu Hybrid has been tested as hitting 55 miles per hour before the gas power even kicks in.
Our Verdict on the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Overall, if you’re on the hunt for an American-made machine with stellar gas mileage, reliable technology, and impressive storage space, fuel efficiency, and power, the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will tick off all of the boxes for you. However, expect to pay for these levels of convenience. For what you receive, you will pay a bit of a premium compared to some of the alternatives mentioned above and below. Regardless, for American-made cars, this is easily one of the best hybrid cars for 2020.
The Reliable Option: 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid
Yes, the Honda Accord may have always been the bridesmaid and never the bride when compared with the Toyota Camry in overall sales in the United States. However, it is a comparable option in almost all other global market segments. Believe it or not, the tenth-generation Honda Accord, starting in the 2018 model year, is an incredibly well-valued option. This model is ideal for families looking for a good-quality sedan at a reasonable price. With this, their hybrid model, released in tandem with their conventional option, has some impressive improvements over the conventional model.
For 2020 model year options, we are anticipating a minor revision to the styling and interior to help bolster sales. This comes after a slow drop from 390,000 sales in 2014 to 320,000 in 2017, and even less in 2018. However, this doesn’t detract from the offerings present in the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid. And remember, Honda has been a player in the hybrid game for as long as any competitor outside Toyota. They know what they are doing, and have a long track record of hybrid vehicle success to prove it.
Pricing of the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid
The latest Honda Accord hybrid option provides an incredibly strong fuel economy compared to alternative options in its class. Despite this strong fuel economy, the hybrid offers some impressive power numbers, driving handling dynamics, and extensive roominess in the back seats and cargo area. With these technological advancements and stylish and comfortable interior, this comes at a starting sticker price of $25,000. This price point is peanuts for a starting price compared to some of the above alternatives.
Power and Fuel Economy of the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid
The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid comes with a powertrain that is very similar to comparable Toyotas. The Honda Accord also utilizes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine, while having a smaller displacement, manages to provide a bit more combined horsepower than competitors. This is thanks to a slightly more powerful electric motor offering. The total is about 212 horsepower, which is a touch more than their main competitor, the Toyota Camry.
Regardless of a more powerful engine set, the Accord Hybrid still provides an impressive 47 miles per gallon average. This is right on par with the below reviewed Toyota Camry Hybrid but comes at a $5,000 discount.
Our Verdict on the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid
Regardless of your preference, the Honda Accord Hybrid is an attractive hybrid option. It is strongly competitive in all verticals with some of the more “premium” options listed above. The price is in line with the entry-level options by Hyundai and Kia. However, the quality is on par with the Lexus first reviewed above. With incredible features, new technology, ample storage space, a powerful engine, and an impressive fuel economy, it’s hard to go wrong!
Our Best Hybrid Cars Top Choice: 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Regardless of the competition noted above from various automakers present in the hybrid car field, Toyota remains king. The largest vehicle manufacturer in Japan, they typically remain utterly unfazed by trends and sales-related issues. In fact, thanks to the flagship hybrid Toyota Prius, the company, in general, has earned quite an impressive reputation as an automaker specializing in both reliable and affordable hybrid options.
The Toyota Camry is and has been the top-selling mid-size sedan in the United States for quite a while. The eighth generation of the Camry was released in the 2018 model year. This means it is still relatively new in the eyes of many. As such, it remains unchanged for the 2020 model year. The only changes are some minor cosmetic changes to both the interior and exterior.
Pricing of the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The hybrid version of the Camry looks almost the same inside and out as the standard version. The hybrid model continues to be offered at between $4,000 and $5,000 more than internal combustion variations of the same vehicle. They are limited to one powertrain, putting an emphasis less on performance and more on saving fuel.
Power and Fuel Economy of the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
All Toyota Camry’s, regardless of the style level chosen, come with the same engine: a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder on the Atkinson cycle, producing 176 horsepower. This is assisted by a 118 horsepower equivalent electric motor, with a combined net output opportunity of 208 horsepower. Not bad for a mid-size sedan from Toyota’s standards. However, not the most powerful option in our list by far.
While not particularly fast on the draw, the hybrid’s powertrain will compensate for this. It does so with impressive fuel economy statistics as noted by the Environmental Protection Agency. The LE entry-level hybrid trim line with a lithium-ion battery touts 52 miles per gallon. Meanwhile, the more refined XLE and SE models provide a slightly lower 46 miles per gallon. This is due to the more long-lasting NiMH hybrid battery packs.
Our Verdict on the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
What remains to be seen is whether Toyota plans to switch over to lithium-ion only soon for all hybrid models. However, for the time being, trim levels come with the question of forgoing a bit of increased fuel mileage for more advanced feature sets packed into the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Regardless of this, there should be no question that the Camry Hybrid remains a solid best-of-the-best for the best hybrid cars of 2020.
With so many existing companies looking to expand their reach into the automobile market, when the call went out for an electric vehicle it was not the brands we knew that took up the mantle, it was Tesla Motors, a then unknown startup who picked up the ball and ran with it.
The success of Tesla’s atypical business model has many automobile manufacturers playing catch-up and wondering why this newcomer is now king among the emerging electric vehicle market. The combination of Tesla’s unconventional market approach, the global appeal to ecologically-friendly alternatives, and an unsurpassed high quality vehicle has catapulted the brand into an especially desirable status symbol, one many are willing to pay to have parked in their driveway.
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The Meteoric Rise of Tesla
The Tesla craze is easily the sum of more than its parts. Design and performance, reliability and fashion are sure factors in the equation but their appeal to the masses are equal parts intentions and luck. Being the right company at the right time is just one of those things that happens. Tesla caught favor with the consumers and they never looked back to wonder why.
Tesla Motors was a direct consequence of GM’s failure with the EV1. The mid-90’s EV1 was a moderately successful electric vehicle that saw limited and strictly controlled distribution. Only select markets in the country ever saw the EV1 on the road, mostly in California where the new California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations required all major vehicle manufacturers to offer a fully electric vehicle model in order to continue marketing all of their existing vehicles in the state of California.
The Downfall of EV1
All the EV1 vehicles were on lease and were not available to purchase. The vehicles themselves were a victory in the electric vehicle field as most consumers reported a highly favorable opinion of their EV1.
The downfall of the EV1 came when GM arbitrarily terminated the leases, recalled and repossessed all of the vehicles and immediately crushed them scrap. Speculation continues to question if GM’s sudden and baseless termination of the EV1 program coincided with the abatement of California’s CARB requirement of offering the electric vehicle.
Whatever the cause, GM quickly and quietly scrapped the EV1 in 2003 and two engineers named Marc Tarpenning and Martin Eberhard took notice. They founded Tesla Motor company and with the addition of investor Elon Musk a year later, the company issued its directive “to accelerate the advent of sustainable transport by bringing compelling mass market electric cars to market as soon as possible”.
Partial success of the EV1 aside, previous attempts at building an electric vehicle were doomed to fail. The reason for this is that most automobile manufacturers were looking at the problem by attempting to build a conventional vehicle that could run on electricity.
Lofty goal-oriented startups were looking to produce high concept electric vehicles that were infeasible to market to consumers. When both of these contradicting pursuits failed, Tesla stepped in and turned the electric vehicle market on its head. They saw the deficiencies in these polar attempts and came at the problem in a new direction.
Redesigning The Tesla Game-plan
Rather than modify existing vehicles to run on electricity, they would design an entirely new vehicle, engineered to be an electric vehicle (EV) from the ground up. And they would not do this by offering high concept ideals while lowering expectations and making concessions simply to achieve the goal of creating an EV. The first Teslas were designed to be as sexy as possible and priced out of the budget for the casual car buyer. The 2008 Roadster sold fewer than 2500 units and cost around $112,000 each.
Coming at the problem from a tech-industry point of view and not as an automobile manufacturer, Tesla expected that the first iteration of their product would be expensive, and would need to be refined and perfected before becoming suitable for the mass market.
By making the Roadsters appealing, the initial buyers were happy to be the risk takers and early adopters. They got the allure of owning the sexy new sports car everyone was talking about and Tesla got their first test subjects driving around in their first success, with market feedback on how to improve and innovate for the next generation.
The Unorthodox Nature of Tesla
This unorthodox approach to running a car company reflects Tesla’s unusual mix of being a tech company that built a car and not the other way around. Their challenge of the system and willingness to approach at new angles provided them with the reputation of being a routine car company and appealed to those that were looking for something out of the ordinary.
Another unusual aspect of the Tesla experience is their hands on approach with the marketing and selling of the vehicles. All showrooms and service centers are owned and operated by Tesla and are not available as a franchise.
Direct sales and in house financing are attractive to the average consumer who is wary of the commissioned salesman and aren’t looking for the typical sales pitches and high pressure sales tactics. When you are looking to buy a Tesla, you are purchasing the vehicles directly from the company and not dealing with competing franchises in town.
Pushing Away Range Anxiety
TILBURG, NETHERLANDS – MAY 31, 2018: New Tesla car in factory TESLA TILBURG.. Tesla Motors Assembly Plant in Tilburg, Netherlands. Tesla Model S 100D.
Consumer perceptions of any EV’s weakness is commonly called “range anxiety”, the distance the vehicle can travel on a single charge. And this is not a frivolous concern as diesel and gasoline engines are still the mainstay on America’s roads, there is an infrastructure of gasoline stations peppered all along the nation’s highways ready to refuel your vehicle just about anywhere you travel.
With the EV, you travel without this constant support and you must plan your trip accordingly. For some, this is a deal-breaker and Tesla sees this as a real concern. The company set out and created a network of supercharging stations. The Tesla driver can pull up and in less than 30 minutes fully recharge their vehicle’s battery for free.
This equates to fuel on the go, something Tesla was willing to invest in to increase the availability of charging stations and give the consumer public a demonstration that as the EV is adopted, the infrastructure will grow. Tesla continues to bring new supercharging stations online with an ever expanding map boasting six new stations/week. At the same time, the tech-savvy company continues to work on increasing their vehicle’s distance capacity on a single charge.
Tesla Going The Distance
As of the 2017 models, Tesla was the only manufacturer offering a distance of over 250 mile/charge and held six of the seven positions offering 200+ miles/charge. Two years later in the 2019 comparison, there are now 17 EV models boasting 200+ miles on a charge, but Tesla now owns the top six positions, each of them offering 300+ miles to the charge.
As EV continue to gain ground on the consumer automobile market, there will be technical improvements to battery technology and the capacity is only expected to increase, but Tesla is already well ahead of the pack and pulling away fast.
Another large draw toward the Tesla brand is the appeal to the eco-friendly “green” market for both cost and morality reasons. Fossil fuel costs rise and fall, always seeming to rise just slightly more than they fall. With every surging market and oil crisis you’ll see a gravitation toward more fuel efficient vehicles.
In the early 2000’s when gasoline went over $4.00/gallon many drivers parked their larger vehicles and opted to take the smaller fuel-efficient vehicles to work. The seemingly juggernaut of the SUV and heavy truck market started to dry up quickly. Consumers traded in their Hummers for Hyundais and the expansion of the “gas-guzzling vehicle” market evaporated as the “35MPG” crew gained favor.
Compromises were attempted with the hybrid breed of vehicles mixing electric and gasoline motors in the same car. This sated some of the worries about the distance a battery can drive your car as the gasoline engine would be thought of as a “back up” for those long distance trips.
Filling The Yearning Gap In The EV Industry
However, the lack of a truly astonishing hybrid, the additional weight of carrying two engines, and the constant threshold increases in battery technology shed light on the hybrid just being a patch on the problem, truly the worst of both worlds. The public was ready for truly electric vehicles and Tesla was well positioned to change the game and introduce themselves as a tech company ready to provide the best possible EV they could.
Tired of the traditional auto-makers’ attempts and failures to bring a viable EV to market, the industry watched as Tesla’s experiment with the Roadster, and then into the various models that followed, put truly zero-emission vehicles on the road, beyond proof of concept but actually in American driveways and garages.
The popularity of the green market is one that is full of hocus-pocus and needs to be watched carefully or it will run rampant over common sense and take advantage of our willingness to embrace good-sounding ideas and replace them with a lot of smoke and mirrors. Knowing there is money to be made from the careful handling of information and statistics, the green market has been known to oversell the current impact of EVs to the potential buyer.
The Zero Emission Electric Vehicle
Rising costs of fossil fuels is enough to want a zero-emissions EV, and the appeal to the morality of consumers by touting the benefit of the EVs against the cost to the environment is a manipulative tactic taken by those that are either short-sighted or intentionally misleading their audience. Lowering your carbon footprint comes from making cognizant choices to consume less, not in shifting the blame elsewhere.
There may be no exhaust pipe on the back of zero-emission EVs, but you are charging the battery on a regular basis and that electricity is produced by spitting plenty of carbon exhaust into the air. An EV does not eliminate emissions, it simply transfers it to another location.
In some cases, your local electricity generating station may be powered by renewable or zero-emission means and if so, you have actually reduced the carbon output. But most of our power is still being produced by the traditional means of burning fossil fuels and while the economy of scale has reduced your footprint, it has not eliminated it.
Going Green with Tesla
The more we embrace EVs and adopt change to put more zero-emission EVs on our roads, the more we accomplish toward a true savings on our carbon footprint.
Tesla has steered clear of this sticky end of the green argument. They speak the truth when they sell zero-emission electric vehicles and sell consumers on the merits of the vehicle, not the intangible tertiary benefits of green morality. But this lack of data manipulation does not mean the corporation doesn’t believe in improving our lives through alternative power.
More Than A Car Company: The Tesla Revolution
One of the reasons Tesla Motors dropped “Motors” from their name is because they are offering so many more products that operate within the solar and battery system. Solar panels, solar glass roofs, the amazing Powerwall designed for homes to store their solar derived energy for nighttime or off-peak usage, and their vast array of commercial solar receptors and storage facilities…
Tesla appeals to the green market not because of artificial controversies but because of their genuine commitment to jumping into the cleaner green world with both feet and backing this commitment with superior products.
Quality vehicles is the goal of Tesla and that may be one of the biggest draws to the company. Their announcement of bringing a fully electric vehicle to market through the means of multiple generations of improvements is an unusual experiment but one that appears to be paying off for the brand.
Introducing a low production, high cost initial offering put that vehicle in the hands of some demanding consumers. Those willing to shell out that kind of money on what amounts to little more than an attractive prototype are not the kinds of people who suffer fools lightly. Their input was a critical part of Tesla’s plan and when their drivers indicated an issue, the idea was brought before a design board and implemented into the next improvement into the vehicle.
…And A Software Company
Constant feedback and equally constant updates made for a live-action test market that culminated in a highly refined automobile that surpassed the market’s expectations. Today Tesla is still willing to improve upon their designs with regular software updates and hardware redesigns.
Electric cars have the automatic appeal to the automobile enthusiast who may be looking for a speedy model that is fun to drive. Gasoline engines just can not compete with electric drive motors when it comes to torque and instant-on power.
There are countless videos online showing a base model EV racing the fanciest of exotic cars and every single time the EV will jump off the line far ahead of even the fastest of gasoline powered engines. Now, what happens down the track… that’s a different story, Teslas are not race cars but for the casual driver who loves the feel of that acceleration, an EV’s instant application of torque to independent wheels just can not be beat.
The Convenience of Tesla’s Opportunities
Without a gasoline engine and traditional transmission, there is virtually no maintenance on a Tesla for the day to day driver. Much less having to stop at gas stations, you won’t have to worry about ignoring that “check engine” light when you’re overdue for an oil change. All the problems you may have found yourself on the side of the road with the hood up are gone. No spark plugs, no timing belt, no more maintenance problems and that is a strong appeal to the average consumer.
Perhaps one of the strongest appeals to the Tesla brand is a less than tangible artifact of social status. There is no doubt that Tesla produces a quality EV that is worthy by its own right to be considered a top contender for your next automobile purchase, but why is it that people are flocking to the brand and showing a near cult-like devotion to it?
Comparisons have been made between Tesla and the Apple craze where nearly every product Apple put out, their fans just couldn’t get enough of it. However, unlike Apple, Tesla seems to be attempting to drive their prices down in order to make their products affordable to everyone, and maybe that is another part of the craze.
When Tesla premiered, the Roadster was available to the wealthy and the risk takers. The sudden explosion of sexy new EVs was exciting and showy. When you saw a Roadster you turned your head to look closer. These wealthy owners often wanted to share in the excitement and were willing to show off their new Tesla, thereby expanding the circle of chatter about the car.
Moving Beyond The Roadster
Tesla released the Model S, and those excited drivers wanted their very own Tesla. It wasn’t the Roadster, but it wasn’t the high cost of the Roadster either. The Model S allowed the general populace to join in the Tesla experience while still garnering some of the elite status of being a Tesla owner.
Model X SUV followed behind the S and shortly after the Model 3 became the affordable Tesla that will bring the EV to the average car-buyer’s driveway. Inexpensive enough to be purchased by middle-America and still sexy enough to be enough of a status symbol that you are keeping up with the trendy EV market.
With the Model Y, the CyberTruck, and many other innovations, Tesla has doubled down on their dedication to bring affordable EVs to the mass market. Recent developments in the company has readjusted their workforce in order to keep costs down and to make the latest models rolling off the Tesla line affordable to the average consumer.
Unusual business approach, dedication to cleaner emissions, appeal to the green market, quality products, and an affordable status symbol… Tesla’s appeal may be a fad, but it’s one that appears to be in good faith and promises to continue drawing in the drivers looking for their electric vehicles for years to come.
Although hybrid vehicles have been on the market in the U.S. for more than two decades, they’re just now starting to become truly mainstream, thanks to the increasing urgency of climate change and constantly-fluctuating fuel prices.
Hybrids’ market share is only expected to grow in the coming years, especially as state and federal governments enforce tighter emissions standards. If you’re considering joining that expanding group of consumers, read on for a comprehensive list of pros and cons that will help you determine whether investing in a hybrid vehicle makes sense right now.
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How Do Hybrids Work?
In short, hybrid cars rely on both electric motors and traditional internal combustion engines to operate. The electric motor is powered by an onboard battery, while the combustion engine runs on gasoline or another fuel type. Specific driving conditions trigger one or the other system to take over, depending on which one is more efficient in those conditions.
For example, the electric motor is more efficient at idling or driving at relatively slow speeds, so in these conditions, the electric system takes over while the gas engine stays off. When the battery’s power gets low or when quick acceleration is needed, the gas engine fires up to simultaneously move the car and recharge the battery.
Many of the newest hybrid models use integrated technology to detect driving conditions and deploy each system to maximize fuel efficiency.
Why Buy a Hybrid?
Hybrid vehicles offer many benefits to drivers, but most people make their purchase with one primary goal in mind: saving money on gas. In addition to paying less at the pump, many hybrid owners also hope to minimize their impact on the planet by reducing their carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. However, there may be some advantages to owning a hybrid that you haven’t considered.
Pros of Hybrid Cars
Hybrids help you drive more efficiently
Hybrids are designed to drive the maximum number of miles on the least amount of gas, and the instruments in the control panel provide constant feedback to help you achieve this goal. While all cars are more fuel-efficient when drivers accelerate gradually and brake gently, with a hybrid, you can see the effects of this good driving behavior in real time.
Most hybrids show your current fuel-efficiency rate as well as average miles per gallon over time; many even show you how much battery power is generated by using the brakes. Watching your gas mileage improve as you drive can be addictive, motivating you to drive as efficiently as possible at all times.
Hybrids deliver excellent performance for city driving
Unlike traditional vehicles, hybrid cars get even better gas mileage in stop-and-go city traffic than they do on the highway. Every time a hybrid car brakes, it generates additional electricity to power the battery at lower speeds or during acceleration. Since most of us do the majority of our driving in urban and suburban conditions, hybrids are well-suited to our daily commutes and can deliver fuel efficiency of 50 miles per gallon or more on average.
Hybrids’ two engines are better than one
Even the fastest sports cars have only one engine to power their performance. Hybrids, however, have two engines: a robust electric engine and a modest gasoline engine. Each of these engines performs well in different conditions; with the electric engine, you’ll notice quicker accelerations from a dead stop, such as when you start moving again after a traffic light.
Hybrids are incredibly quiet
In contrast to the rumbling start of gas-powered cars, hybrid vehicles operate almost silently on electric power. In fact, you may not even hear a hybrid car approaching at low speeds or idling at a stoplight, which means reduced noise pollution in residential areas.
Hybrid cars stay warm and start smoothly
Hybrids are designed to prevent cold starts by storing coolant in an insulated chamber, keeping it warm for up to three days after the engine is turned off. In cold weather, you’ll enjoy smooth starts and a heater that fires up as soon as you turn the key. “Warm” starts also reduce wear and tear on the engine, meaning lower repair costs and a longer lifespan.
Hybrid cars are low-maintenance
In hybrid vehicles, the gas engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, which happens quite frequently in typical city driving conditions. As a result, the gas engine experiences less wear, so you won’t need to change the oil as frequently (hybrid manufacturers usually recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles, compared to every 3,000 miles for traditional gas vehicles).
Brakes on hybrid vehicles also outlast their gas-powered cousins, since hybrids primarily use regenerative brakes that produce electricity. Because the vehicle’s standard brakes are used so rarely, they almost never need service.
Hybrids are reliable and long-lasting
One of the enduring myths about hybrid vehicles is that they don’t last as long as traditional vehicles, which couldn’t be further from the truth. In a Consumer Reports test, a Toyota Prius with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer performed just as well as a brand-new Prius from the same model year.
What’s more, hybrid components typically come with excellent warranties of eight to 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, meaning you can buy with confidence. In fact, many hybrid owners report being able to drive for 200,000 or more miles without even having to replace the battery.
Hybrid cars have high resale value
Given the increasing demand for hybrid vehicles and their slower depreciation rate, you can expect to get a better price for your used hybrid if you decide to upgrade in a few years.
Hybrids often don’t require emissions tests
In many states, hybrid vehicles don’t need to pass an emissions test as part of the registration process, which can save you additional money and time. Be sure to check the requirements of your state and local government to confirm.
Hybrids can come with unexpected rewards
Purchasing a hybrid vehicle may qualify you for federal and state government rebates, tax credits and other incentives, adding to the financial rewards you’ll enjoy by fueling up less frequently.
Hybrids give you choices
Thanks to their growing popularity, hybrid vehicles are available in more models and price points than ever before. Most manufacturers offer at least several hybrid options, including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Mini, Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Kia and Chrysler.
Hybrids come in all sizes, from the compact Toyota Prius to the Volvo XC90 SUV, which seats up to seven adults in three rows. You can stick with a reliable classic like the hybrid Honda Accord or upgrade to luxury in a hybrid from Mercedes-Benz or Porsche. Whatever type of car you’re looking for, it’s probably available in a hybrid version.
Cons of Hybrid Cars
Despite all of these advantages, there are some caveats to consider before you head to the lot to choose your new hybrid vehicle.
Hybrids still cost more than conventional vehicles
While prices on hybrid models continue to fall, they still tend to be higher than their gas-powered equivalents. You’ll almost certainly recoup those costs in the savings you’ll realize from less-frequent fill-ups and oil changes, but you’ll have to pay a bit more up front first.
Hybrids lose some of their edge at highway speeds
When you drive your hybrid vehicle at speeds higher than 45 to 50 miles per hour, your gas mileage won’t be nearly what you’d achieve in stop-and-go city traffic. Most hybrids average in the low- to mid-40s for miles per gallon at highway speeds, and there are some traditional gas vehicles that can achieve those numbers.
If you spend most of your time on the interstate, a hybrid may not be the most efficient or economical choice for you with current technology.
Large hybrid SUVs are limited and don’t deliver great gas mileage
While the choices in the hybrid third-row SUV category are slowly expanding, there are currently only a few models available, and their fuel economy isn’t anything to brag about. For example, the Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid seats six and can tow more than 5,000 pounds, but its average fuel economy is only about 25 miles per gallon.
Hybrids may not perform as powerfully as gas vehicles
Many hybrids feature smaller engines than their gas counterparts, so you won’t get the same acceleration and speed with the former. They also tend to lack performance-enhancing components like sport-tuned suspensions that would diminish the efficiency of the vehicle’s operation.
Hybrid cars can be expensive to insure
The higher initial price tag of hybrid cars can increase the cost of insuring them, and the expensive replacement parts also factor into the rates your insurance company can offer.
Hybrid mechanics can be hard to find
While many auto repair shops are growing increasingly familiar with hybrid technology, if you live in a rural or remote area, you may have to drive a considerable distance to find someone to fix your car if something goes wrong. The relative rarity of hybrid mechanics also means they can charge more to repair your vehicle, at least until supply catches up with demand.
Final Thoughts
While hybrids don’t yet outnumber traditional gas-powered cars, these dual-fuel vehicles have irreversibly altered the future of the automotive industry, and their market share will only grow larger as geopolitical and atmospheric forces steer drivers away from fossil fuel technologies toward cleaner, greener options.
By purchasing a hybrid car now, you’ll be near the forefront of the hybrid trend, yet you won’t experience the same struggles that the very first hybrid owners experienced when the Toyota Prius hit the U.S. market more than 20 years ago. Hybrids are not only incredibly efficient, they’re also almost as affordable and just as reliable as their gas-guzzling cousins.
Between the money you’ll save on gas and maintenance and the high resale values you can expect down the road, for most drivers, the perfect time to invest in a hybrid vehicle is right now.
For drivers considering a hybrid vehicle, the miles-per-gallon rating is one of the most important metrics in determining which make and model they ultimately choose. Improvements in exterior design and components under the hood have pushed hybrid cars’ efficiency ratings ever higher. A few models are even approaching the 60 mpg mark. If mileage is what matters most to you in a hybrid car, consider one of these eight gas-sippers when you make your next purchase.
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Without any further ado, let’s dive into the best MPG hybrids on the market today.
If you’re looking for luxury, the Lexus ES 300h hybrid sedan is the ideal mix of comfort, performance and efficiency. It delivers 44 miles per gallon in a sleek, stylish package.
Powered by a 2.5-liter gas engine paired with a 215 HP nickel hydride battery, the ES 300h provides instant torque and smooth suspension. The intuitive regenerative braking system allows drivers new to the hybrid world to adapt quickly to the unfamiliar system. An innovative swing-valve shock absorber makes for a stable ride, even in rough road conditions.
Comparing Modes in the Lexus ES 300h
The convenient Drive Mode Select system lets drivers toggle seamlessly between Sport, Normal, Eco and EV modes to favor enhanced performance or maximum fuel economy. Sport mode adjusts the powertrain for quicker gear changes, tighter suspension and sharper acceleration. In Eco mode, throttle response, engine power output and other systems are modified to conserve fuel. economy.
Sport mode adjusts the powertrain for quicker gear changes, tighter suspension and sharper acceleration. In Eco mode, throttle response, engine power output and other systems are modified to conserve fuel. The vehicle relies entirely on battery power in EV mode, which is best for short distances at low speed, while Normal mode establishes an optimal balance of efficiency, performance and responsiveness.
More About the Lexus Hybrid
On the inside, the Lexus commitment to luxury truly shines, with exquisite attention to fine details like the hand-stitched dashboard and Hadori Aluminum accents. The 10.2-inch color display is capable of projecting critical information such as speed, gear and engine performance onto the windshield, so drivers never have to look away from the road.
The proprietary Mark Levinson sound system delivers a theater-quality audio experience thanks to the precise placement of speakers and rich tonal nuances. Heated and ventilated front seats and class-leading rear legroom guarantee a plush ride for both drivers and passengers. Other notable features include push-button start, power open/close trunk with kick sensor and optional power rear sunshade.
Safety is also an area in which the Lexus ES 300h excels, with standard features like a 10-airbag system, rigid platform with enhanced crumple zones and vehicle stability control. Optional accessories include blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, premium triple-beam headlamps with adaptive front lighting system and rain-sensing wipers.
Fans of the classic Honda Accord sedan will love this eco-friendly version, which gets 48 miles per gallon while retaining the safety, reliability and affordability of the original incarnation. This makes it one of the best MPG hybrids on the market.
The Accord Hybrid powertrain is essentially the same design as that of the Honda Insight, but with some added muscle. The car relies largely on the electric motor in most conditions, while the 2.0-liter gas engine generates power for the battery pack. With a total output of 212 HP, the Accord Hybrid achieves smooth acceleration and plenty of zip when needed.
Additional Features of the Accord Hybrid
With the battery mounted beneath the back seat, the Accord Hybrid boasts generous trunk space—16.7 cubic feet—as well as a roomy cabin for passengers that provides plenty of legroom and space for child seats. The seats are impressively plush, and the interior boasts the high-quality finish drivers have come to expect from Honda.
An eight-inch touchscreen display connects with the eight-speaker sound system as well as Apple and Android devices, and it’s easily visible from its high perch atop the dashboard. A large under-arm storage area and large cupholders reflect attention to passenger convenience. Other creature comforts include remote engine start, Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto-Lock, multi-angle rearview camera and LED running daytime lights.
Like other Accords, the Hybrid is equipped with Honda Sense, a suite of safety and driver-assist features that includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.
This versatile subcompact SUV gives drivers the best of all worlds: outstanding fuel efficiency with ample cargo space at an affordable price. The Kia Niro Hybrid FE gets 50 miles per gallon combined and starts at a downright frugal $23,490. (Two other trim options with comparable gas mileage are available: The Niro Hybrid LX at $23,900 and Niro Hybrid EX at $26,400.)
The Niro gets its juice from a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine in tandem with a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery for a net 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This combination allows it to achieve its eye-popping fuel economy, but combined with the vehicle’s considerable weight, can make it a bit sluggish on inclines. The six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission generally shifts smoothly, and direct steering makes for agile handling.
More About the Kia Niro
The Niro Hybrid’s broad 106-inch wheelbase gives it a spacious interior, with 19.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats and 54.5 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down. The cabin is quiet and comfortable thanks in part to a sound-absorbing windshield and available 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. Heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel are also available.
In addition to Apple and Android connectivity via the seven-inch dashboard touchscreen, drivers can tap into the power of Kia’s UVO eServices program, which provides features like Parking Minder and Roadside Assistance via its mobile app.
Safety is also a high point of the Niro Hybrid. Its frame is made up of more than 50 percent advanced high-strength steel for rigidity, while other patented techniques further enhance the integrity of its construction. Electronic stability control and traction control systems help maintain the vehicle’s stability in a variety of driving conditions, while dual front, front seat-mounted side and full-length side curtain airbags protect both driver and passengers.
With two trims that get 52 miles per gallon—both of which start at less than $25,000—the Honda Insight is as affordable as it is efficient, earning it the title of 2019 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
This small sedan evolved from the Honda Civic and fits right into the Honda family of vehicles, with its sleek styling and reliable performance. A 1.5-liter gas engine and high-torque electric motor provide plenty of power to accelerate to highway speeds while keeping fuel consumption low. Two bonus driving modes—Sport and Eco—allow the driver to prioritize either performance or efficiency based on current driving conditions, while normal mode walks the line between the two. The regenerative braking system harvests kinetic energy to fuel the battery and provides a more responsive feel than the regenerative brakes in many of the Insight’s competitors.
The vehicle’s interior provides ample space for five adults, with a 60/40 split rear seatback to expand cargo options. An eight-inch infotainment screen connects to Apple and Android devices and allows the driver or front passenger to easily control the sound system. Buyers who upgrade from the LX to EX trim will also enjoy smart entry with walk away auto-lock, remote start and a convenient external trunk release mechanism.
The Insight has earned industry accolades for safety, with a NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and a Top Safety Pick designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Like all Hondas, the Insight includes Honda Sense safety features like Lane Watch, blind spot and cross traffic monitors and auto high-beam headlights. It easily made our list of the best MPG hybrids.
The Toyota Prius made its debut in 1997 and has continued to evolve while maintaining the efficient reliability that endeared it to eco-conscious early adopters more than 20 years ago. With trim packages starting at just under $25,000 and a combined gas mileage of 52 miles per gallon, the Prius will appeal to budget-conscious buyers hoping to reduce their long-term fuel costs.
Equipped with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and electric motor that combine to produce 121 HP as well as a standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the Prius isn’t designed to be sporty, the engine is sufficiently powerful to meet average driving demands, and the acceleration is more than adequate for highway conditions. Prius’ long history has allowed Toyota to develop a drivetrain that transitions seamlessly from gas to electric power and back again.
More Information About The Toyota Prius
The Prius has grown slightly larger since its earliest models, with an unexpectedly roomy interior and ample cargo space: 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The seats can also be folded in a 60/40 configuration for additional versatility. Other interior features include a smart key system with push-button start and a large in-dash color display that connects to Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa. The optional Head-Up Display projects key information like Hybrid System Indicator data and turn-by-turn directions onto the dashboard, allowing drivers to keep their eyes safely on the road.
The 2020 Prius earned the NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and offers the Toyota Safety Sense suite of features standard on every Prius trim: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; automatic high beams; and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. Other available safety systems include blind spot monitor, rain-sensing wipers and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Intelligent Parking Assist.
Starting with the 2020 model year, Toyota has also enhanced its hybrid battery warranty, going from eight years/100,000 miles to 10 years/150,000 miles, delivering added peace of mind for Prius buyers.
Despite being a full-sized sedan, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is essentially equal to the Prius in terms of fuel efficiency, squeezing 52 miles from each gallon of gas. And with a starting price of around $28,500 for the base model LE trim, it’s nearly as affordable as the Prius while maintaining the classic family-car feel of the popular Camry brand.
With Camry Hybrid’s impressive 203 HP 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine, buyers won’t have to choose between performance and efficiency. The D-4S direct-injection system uses current driving conditions to determine the optimal injection method, maintaining fuel economy while giving drivers the power they need.
A low center of gravity and lightweight construction improve handling and stability, and three drive modes—Sport, ECO and Normal—give drivers even more control over their experience with just the push of a button. A multi-link rear suspension delivers a buttery-smooth ride.
Both driver and passengers will appreciate the roomy cabin and thoughtful interior configuration of the latest Camry Hybrid. The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform strategically positions its seats to maximize legroom and comfort. As far as comfort goes, the top spot on the best MPG hybrids list goes to the Camry Hybrid.
Like the Prius, the Camry Hybrid comes with the full Toyota Safety Sense suite as well as multiple optional safety features. Audio with a 7-inch color touch screen display and smart key with push-button start also come standard, as does the extended hybrid battery warranty included with the Prius.
As the world’s most popular model of car, it’s no surprise Toyota finally decided to manufacture a hybrid version of its reliable compact sedan in the 2020 model year. While the gas-powered Corolla already gets impressive fuel economy, the Corolla Hybrid takes it to the next level at nearly 53 mpg combined. Only one trim is available in its debut, but you can expect Toyota to pack on the bells and whistles if the hybrid model takes off.
Starting at $23,100—right on par with the Prius—the Corolla Hybrid runs on a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with Hybrid Synergy Drive and electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). It includes Normal, Power and ECO drive modes for added versatility and control as well as the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense features.
Tech highlights include standard Apple CarPlay compatibility, Amazon Alexa integration, 8-inch in-dash display and Smart Key with push-button start.
As a relative newcomer to the hybrid market, Hyundai no doubt takes great satisfaction in proclaiming that its Ioniq Hybrid sedan outperforms Toyota’s Prius juggernaut when it comes to fuel economy. The Ioniq Hybrid with BLUE trim package gets an eye-popping 58 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids on the market today. It’s also extremely affordable, with a base price of $23,200 for the BLUE trim (and a bit more for the three other trim options). Making it an even better value, the Ioniq Hybrid comes with Hyundai’s legendary 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and an equivalent warranty for the hybrid battery and system components.
The 1.6-liter 4-cylider engine and electric motor combine for a total horsepower of 139, along with 6-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission with SHIFTRONIC technology that adapts to your driving habits. It also includes the Hyundai SmartSense bundle of convenience and safety features, such as forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane following assist, blind spot collision-avoidance assist, smart cruise control and driver attention warning, which sounds an alert when the vehicle detects drowsy or distracted driving behavior.
The Ioniq Hybrid is well-connected inside, with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, crisp 8-inch color touchscreen and Proximity Key with push-button start. The stylish interior provides the most room in its class, while 60/40 folding seats allow for flexibility in cargo transport.
As the popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles continues to grow, U.S. drivers aren’t ready to end their decade-long love affair with the sport utility vehicle. Instead, top manufacturers are beginning to marry the two, adding new electric options to their SUV lineups in response to customer demand.
Tesla was first to introduce an all-electric SUV in 2016, when the Model X made its debut, and its competitors have been scrambling to catch up ever since. This year, consumers will have roughly a half-dozen electric SUVs from which to choose, with a few additional options on the way in model year 2021. For now, these are our picks for the best electric SUVs on the market in 2020.
With a base price of just under $75,000, sticker shock may scare away some potential buyers from the Audi e-tron. That’s a real shame, because if you can fit it into your car-buying budget, the e-tron delivers surprisingly good value for your investment.
In terms of efficiency, the e-tron makes an average showing, with an estimated range of about 204 miles on a single charge, and it largely maintains that range even at highway speeds. According to Audi, the average driver’s weekly commute registers around 160 miles, so you won’t need to be obsessive about charging the vehicle at every given opportunity.
However, there are several places where the e-tron could benefit from fine-tuning in future models to extend its range. For example, unlike many other electric vehicles, the e-tron doesn’t automatically maximize power generation from regenerative braking; you’ll need to manually adjust the settings using the shift paddles on the steering wheel to keep it from simply coasting to a stop and wasting potential energy.
Power Capacity
When it’s time to recharge the e-tron’s muscular 95-kWh lithium-ion battery, drivers have several options. Ideally, you’ll install a Level 2 charging station at home, where you’ll do the majority of your charging over the lifespan of the vehicle. With a Level 2 (240V) connection, the e-tron takes about nine hours to charge completely. You can charge it using a standard 120V household plug, but it will take you roughly four days to achieve a full charge.
If you have access to a 150 kW high-speed public charger in your area, you can recharge to 80 percent in just half an hour, but it’ll cost you as much as five times more than simply charging at home. Fortunately, Audi includes 1,000 free kWh of charging at nearly 400 nationwide high-speed Electrify America DC charging stations during the first four years of e-tron ownership.
Safety and Performance
The e-tron may be the safest electric SUV on the market, earning a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and a spot on the IIHS list of Top Safety Picks in 2019. It includes Audi’s pre sense® detection systems, which alert you to the presence (and potential) of pedestrians and stationary objects in the vehicle’s path and initiate preventative measures when an impending rear-end collision is detected.
Adaptive cruise control incorporates information from the vehicle’s radar, camera, laser scanner, and ultrasonic sensors to continuously monitor the environment and help you drive more safely and efficiency.
From a performance standpoint, the e-tron is a solid SUV, with a five-mode suspension that includes an off-road setting for tackling uneven terrain. Its 402 HP engine takes it from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds, and a towing package with a capacity of 4,000 pounds is optional.
Drivers will appreciate the car’s responsive handling and consistent torque, thanks to its low-positioned battery and dual motors set on each axle.
Additional Features
The vehicle is just as impressive inside. Its quiet electric motor makes way for the rich sound of the 705-watt, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, controlled by Audi’s proprietary MMI Touch Response screen.
That screen is also where you’ll make adjustments to the heating and ventilating functions on the front seats as well as the cabin climate and Google Maps-integrated navigation system. Connectivity also extends to Amazon’s Alexa, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
With its impressive range, modest price tag and the generous warranty that has fueled the company’s growth, the Hyundai Kona Electric is a well-rounded entry into the electric SUV market.
The five-passenger Kona Electric boasts a 258-mile range on a single charge, one of the highest figures in its class. A permanent-magnet synchronous motor delivers 201 HP and 290 pound-feet of torque, which bests the gas-powered version of the Kona but doesn’t quite match the punch of the Audi e-tron. It’s also slightly more sluggish, taking 7.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 and a maximum speed of 104 miles per hour.
Three driving modes—Comfort, Eco and Sport—let you further customize acceleration and braking levels, and if you’re concerned about your battery level, Eco mode disables nonessential systems and caps speed at 60 miles per hour to help you get the greatest possible range from the remaining charge.
The flat, floor-mounted 64 kWh battery makes way for plenty of cargo space in the Kona Electric, with an adequate amount of leg and head room for backseat passengers. While the additional weight of the battery may slow the vehicle slightly, it still delivers quality handling and a smooth ride. Aerodynamic design features like a flush grille, flat underbody tray and optimized wheels help maximize the vehicle’s efficiency.
The Kona Electric comes standard with a 7.2-kilowatt fast-charger—a feature that costs extra in many electric vehicles—that can bring the vehicle to 80 percent charge in just under an hour. With a Level 2 charger, you’ll need about 9.5 hours to fully charge the battery.
Fortunately, Hyundai makes charging convenient via the Blue Link smartphone app or integration with Amazon Alexa, so starting the charging process is as simple as a voice command. You can also schedule charging to take place during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs.
Inside, the vehicle is equipped with impressive technology: a 7-inch color touchscreen audio system comes standard with the SEL ($36,690) and Limited ($41,600) trims, while the Ultimate trim ($45,200) includes a 10.25-inch color touchscreen audio system with onboard navigation and traffic information sourced from HD radio.
The Limited and Ultimate models also provide wireless device charging as a standard feature, while the wireless charging pad is optional in the SEL. Proximity key with push-button start, rearview monitor with parking guidance, heated seats and the Blue Link Connected Car System are standard in all trims.
The Kona Electric also comes with Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles for electric battery and powertrain and five years of 24/7 roadside assistance.
Since its debut two years ago, the Jaguar i-Pace has racked up plenty of well-deserved accolades, including World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and Green Car of the Year at the 2019 World Car Awards and 2019 European Car of the Year. The i-Pace offers an excellent balance of performance, efficiency and luxury in a surprisingly affordable package, with a base price of just under $70,000.
The i-Pace is one of the zippiest models in its class, with two electric motors that deliver 394 HP and take the car from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. It offers agile handling on the roads and can even handle rough terrain, thanks to an air suspension system that gives the vehicle an extra 5.6 inches of clearance to navigate water and mud.
Thanks in part to a powerful 90 kWh lithium-ion battery, the i-Pace can go up to 234 miles between charges, although it does take slightly longer to recharge than some of its competitors: With a 50 kW DC fast charger, it takes about 90 minutes to reach 80 percent charge; a Level 2 home charger takes it to 80 percent in about 10 hours. Regenerative brakes also help extend the range.
Inside the cabin, the i-Pace seats five adults comfortably, with supportive seats and pleasant ambient lighting to enhance the ride. It also provides more cargo space than you might expect, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and double that with the rear seats folded.
Standard features include push-button start, smartphone integration, high-quality Meridian sound system, six USB ports, Wi-Fi hot spot and the InControl Touch Pro Duo dual-screen infotainment system. This smart system learns your driving patterns to estimate your total range and automatically adjusts the climate settings based on the number of passengers it detects in the vehicle. It can also be programmed to identify available charging stations along your navigation route.
The i-Pace is also equipped with a long list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition. A clear exit monitor warns backseat passengers of approaching vehicles and other obstacles before they open their doors. The i-Pace is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty that includes complimentary scheduled maintenance and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Perhaps the most direct competitor to the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia Niro EV offers a comparable price point, range, capacity and performance.
Powered by the same 201 HP motor and 64 kWh lithium-ion battery as the Kona, it doesn’t quite reach the Hyundai’s range, clocking in at 239 miles per charge—due in part to its slightly larger wheelbase and length and the extra 152 pounds on its sturdy frame. Still, its acceleration to 60 miles per hour is just one-tenth of a second slower than the Kona when the Niro’s speedy sport mode is engaged.
Niro drivers have several options for recharging the vehicle. Kia has partnered with Amazon to make it more convenient to have a Level 2 charger installed at home, which allows for a full recharge in less than 10 hours. The Niro also comes standard with 100-kW DC fast-charging capability, a feature that costs extra on many electric vehicles, which can return you to an 80 percent charge in about an hour. In a pinch, you can also extend your range by plugging into a standard 120V household outlet, although this method is painfully slow.
As part of the Kia family of vehicles, the Niro EV relies on the UVO Link system for a host of connectivity features. The “Lite” package of this subscription-based system is included free of charge for five years and covers remote charging commands, 911 Connect, maintenance alerts and trip information. For another $100 to $300 per year, you can upgrade to premium subscription levels that add roadside assistance, rear seat occupancy notification, remote start with climate control and a host of other bells and whistles.
The Niro is available in EX ($38,500) and EX Premium ($44,000) trim options. Push-button start, Apple and Android compatibility, adaptive cruise control, steering assist and blind-spot warning alerts are standard in both packages, while the Premium version upgrades you to a larger center touchscreen, Harmon/Kardon stereo, heated and ventilated front seats and leather upholstery, among other creature comforts. All models are covered by a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Given Tesla’s status as the manufacturer that brought electric vehicles to the mainstream—and the years it has spent perfecting them—you’d be justified in expecting the company’s all-electric SUV to blow you away, and the Model X does not disappoint. This sleek, swift SUV seats seven adults comfortably and has a whopping 328-mile range, effectively crushing its competition in the efficiency metric.
But the Model X isn’t simply a greener people-hauler. It’s also incredibly fun to drive, with powerful all-wheel drive and a “Ludicrous Mode” capable of reaching 60 miles per hour in under three seconds. It’s also the most aerodynamic SUV ever produced, with the lowest drag coefficient in its class. The dual motors provide independent traction and torque to its front and rear wheels, giving you precise control even in sloppy road conditions.
From a design perspective, the Model X is also in a class by itself. Its “falcon wing” doors make it easier for third-row passengers to get in and out of the vehicle, even in tight parking spaces. The vehicle’s front doors automatically open as you approach it, and once you’re in the driver’s seat, a quick tap of the brake pedal gently closes them.
The vast panoramic windshield delivers an unobstructed view to both driver and passengers, with optimized solar tinting for comfort and safety. The interior seating can be reconfigured to transport five, six or seven passengers, and it offers up to 88 cubic feet of cargo capacity in both the rear of the vehicle as well as a second front trunk.
Recharging your Model X is easy, thanks to Tesla’s network of Superchargers scattered throughout the country. Drivers also have the option to recharge at home via a 240V or 120V connection.
The Model X may also be the safest electric SUV on the market today, earning a NHTSA five-star safety rating in every category and subcategory. With no internal combustion engine under the hood, the crumple zone can more effectively minimize occupant deceleration in a front-end crash. Equally robust side-impact protection comes from a high-strength central pillar and an energy-absorbing sill structure, while the floor-mounted battery lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity to virtually eliminate rollover risk.
As is customary with Tesla vehicles, the interior of the vehicle is spare, sleek and modern. A massive 17-inch touchscreen provides instant access to the sound and navigation systems, although the Model X isn’t equipped with Apple or Android integration—a rare oversight from the forward-thinking manufacturer.
The touchscreen is also the hub for managing the vehicle’s Autopilot features, which enable your Model X to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane based on information delivered by its eight cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Ultimately, the company expects to upgrade its vehicles with self-driving capabilities, which will be delivered seamlessly through a software update to the touchscreen system.
The cabin is comfortable enough, but perhaps not as luxurious as you’d expect from an SUV with a price tag that starts at $80,000 for the Long Range version and just under six figures for the Performance version. Front and rear seat heaters are a nice touch, as are the heated steering wheel, wiper blade defrosters and washer nozzle heaters.
However, the seats could use some improvements in the areas of comfort and adjustability. The warranty also leaves much to be desired, with limited coverage over four years/50,000 miles and no complimentary scheduled maintenance benefits. The powertrain warranty is good for eight years with no mileage cap.
Final Thoughts
If you love the features and function of a sport utility vehicle but have qualms about putting another gas-guzzler on the roads, you’re in luck: the available selection of electric SUVs is continuously expanding, with each new model year bringing new choices to the marketplace. Whether you’re seeking an affordable family vehicle or a high-end luxury SUV, you’re increasingly likely to find what you’re looking for in an electric version.
