In 2022, gas prices are higher than ever. Therefore, many car buyers are looking for solutions with hybrid, electric or even plug-in hybrid vehicles. However, not all hybrids are worth the savings. Some hybrid versions of vehicles are much more expensive and don’t contribute to fuel economy as much as you would like. Consumer Reports has compiled the seven hybrids that will save you the most money on gas. These hybrid models pay for themselves much faster than the others.
Consumer Reports’ way to find budget hybrids
Consumer Reports calculated the time-to-ownership of each hybrid using $5 per gallon of gasoline. Next, it compared the gas price to the list price of the vehicle for the hybrid version and the most comparable non-hybrid variant. As CR pointed out, there’s also a chance that dealer profit margins on the vehicles skew the numbers. Each model on this list has also received CR’s Green Choice designation, highlighting the cars with the cleanest emissions.
It should also be noted that more and more car manufacturers are launching electric vehicles. Also, for maximum fuel savings, you can stop using fuel altogether. CR says its analysis shows up to $10,000 in fuel and maintenance costs per year over the life of an electric vehicle. This becomes useful quickly because electric models always tend to cost a lot more than gas-powered cars.
1. Lexus NX 2022
The Lexus NX luxury compact SUV gets 37 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. Consumer Reports says it’s at its best as a hybrid model. Even better, it costs less than the standard model, by $175, says CR. Calculating savings over time, approximately $800 per year is no longer given to gas stations. The hybrid version of the NX “also feels more refined in everyday driving,” according to CR.
2. Ford Maverick 2022
As the first pickup to feature a standard hybrid powertrain, the Maverick is a no-brainer. On average, the compact truck gets 33 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Comparatively, the gasoline engine costs $1,000 more than the standard hybrid. As a result, the savings start before you leave the dealership. According to CR, Ford Maverick owners will save about $1,000 a year on gas by buying the hybrid rather than the gasoline-only turbo four-cylinder.
3. 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
First, Santa Fe fuel economy averages around 23 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The midsize SUV is at its best in hybrid form. CR says there are plenty of reasons other than fuel economy to buy the Santa Fe Hybrid. For example, the hybrid powertrain is faster and quieter than the gasoline-only version. Additionally, CR says it found the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder “a little weak and noisy.” Plus, the extra weight and different tires give the Santa Fe Hybrid a smoother ride than its alternative. Consumer Report tests revealed an annual fuel saving of $500.
4. Toyota Highlander 2022
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is one of the highest-ranked three-row midsize SUVs in the Consumer Reports rankings. It is also one of the best hybrid models to buy instead of the standard gasoline engine. First off, buying the hybrid gets you 27 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. However, the hybrid costs about $1,620 more than the regular Highlander, but after just two years owners will see savings. CR calculates about $1,000 per year in fuel savings.
5. Honda Accord 2022
For the 2022 model year, Honda’s midsize car averages 40 mpg city and 52 mpg highway in its hybrid form. Thus, buyers will realize savings two years after their purchase. Spending about $660 less each year on gas, the Accord Hybrid is a great investment. CR also noted that the Accord benefits from strong take-off and road/wind noise isolation when using the hybrid powertrain.
6. 2022 Honda CR-V
As the second Honda on the list, the compact SUV is surprisingly well-rounded. It gets 32 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, which is excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. Additionally, he received a phenomenal predicted reliability rating from CR. After about three years, owning the hybrid version will start to pay off. It costs around $1,200 more than the gas-only model, but will save you around $430 a year on fuel.
7.Toyota RAV4 2022
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The RAV4 is one of the most popular vehicles in the world. This compact SUV competes with the Honda CR-V and other outstanding competitors and usually comes out on top. Plus, it gets 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway in its hybrid form. Although it costs $2,084 more than the standard model, it will result in a difference of $601 per year in gas expenses. Like its rival, it will take around three years to be worth the price in savings.
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