The Top 5 Hybrid Vehicles As Rated By Their Fuel Cost Recovery
Caption:
Honda Civic
Honda Civic
As car buyers research fuel-efficient vehicles in the wake of sky-high gas prices, more and more are asking if the price premium for a hybrid is worth the savings they'll realize in fuel costs. A recent study from NADAGuides finds "that only a handful of hybrid vehicles make financial sense." The group looked at ten different cities and a number of different driver mileage profiles to determine the true dollar value of hybrid savings.
Not surprisingly, hybrids pay for themselves faster when gas is more expensive. That being said, if you live in an area such as California, a hybrid makes more financial sense than if you lived in, say, Missouri, which has the lowest gas prices in the country as of today. But even given the local cost of fuel where you live, your commute distances should be taken into account.
"Drivers near major cities often have a wide range of commute distances, which means that the break-even point can be dramatically different from one person to the next," said NADA's Tara Baukus Mello, senior writer and lead market analyst for NADAguides.com. "For example, if a Houston-area commuter travels 12 miles one way to work, driving 10,000 total miles annually, while a Los Angeles-area commuter travels 25 miles one way, driving 15,000 total miles annually, the Los Angeles commuter recoups his investment almost 80 percent faster."
Even for the high-mileage California driver, however, only a few hybrids actually allow the driver to recoup the cost if they hold onto the vehicle for five years and track 15,000 miles a year.
The cars that have shortest time to break even are featured in the gallery above:
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
- Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
- Nissan Altima Hybrid
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Civic Hybrid
The Prius's spot at number four on NADA's list is somewhat debatable as they used the four-cylinder Toyota Camry LE as a comparison benchmark for fuel, whereas we'd probably compare it to a Toyota Corolla instead.
Out of the above choices, which one would you earmark if you were shopping on fuel savings alone?
Comments
Iriving Isler
But you'd be mistaken since the Prius is very roomy inside, as much as a Camry at least, so the comparison would seem fair.
Reilly Brennan
Good point. Size-wise, it's a good match.
Jonathan Fung
I shudder to think about having to commute 25 miles to work. That's like half way across the island of Oahu. But ultimate savings comes with a small used car. Save thousands immediately, all of which could go into fuel. I read a great article last year on how a guy saved a ton of money by buying a used car rather than a prius.
Ah found it! It was in the economist. The problem is that it's now premium content. Boo. Here's my really really really old blog post on the piece.
http://www.gotakon.blogspot.com/2007/04/honda-civic-almost-as-fuel-effic...
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Cheers! Jonathan Fung
oollyoumn
The Prius is significantly smaller than the Camry and significantly larger than the Corolla. But the Prius is only 1 cu ft larger then the Malibu (EPA numbers 2008 model year). The Prius MSRP is $1600 (Yahoo Autos 2008 model year) more than the Malibu base. The Malibu will cost $887 more per year for fuel (EPA). Less than 2 year ROI, looks like a no brainer. I don't see how Chevy sells Malibus.
Anonymous
We own both the Prius (2006) and the Camry Hybrid (2007). Currently in our extended family there are 3 other Prius and a Highlander Hybrid. In terms of utility, the Prius is hands down better than the Camry for both economy and interior room. This past week we moved a 40" square breakfast table (Legs removed) and all 4 chairs (fully assembled) in one load in the Prius. Earlier last week we brought home a 46" LCD TV in the box with room to spare in the back of the Prius. I cannot tell you how often we find the carrying capacity of the Prius more like a pickup than a car. The Camry clearly rides better and feels more indulgent (both of our hybrids are top-of-the-line with full leather, etc.), but in terms of mileage (37.5 vs 50.5 mpg) and space utility....the PRIUS is the slam-dunk winner. I would further note that this is our second "Gen II" Prius, and we have a total of about 65,000 miles driving time in that design and now about 18,000 miles on the Camry. We have NEVER gotten worse than 45 mpg on the Prius (we track and record every fill-up), and our single best mpg record on the Camry was 45.6 mpg for 500 miles during a vacation trip through Yellowstone (where speeds were limited to 45 mph).
Anonymous
Why would anyone buy a prius then? This proves economically its a joke. We already know its ride and handling are horrific, the interior material quailty is on par with $13K car and it is heavily affected by cross-winds and other freeway traffic, not to mention its hideous. Why do most Prius drivers, drive so sloooooow? Get a real car, like any of the other cars on the list.
BMW продажа
if BMW explored hybrid motors, a list would be other
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