12 Hybrids That Save You the Most Money on Gas—and a Few That Don't
CR's real-world fuel economy testing show that some of these cars, trucks, and SUVs pay for themselves right from the first fill-up
When gas prices rise, buyers increasingly look to hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs that combine gas engines, batteries, and electric motors for significant fuel-economy savings. Although many hybrids cost more than gas-only versions of the same vehicle, their fuel savings are often so significant that hybrids start paying for themselves in just a few years.
Consumer Reports has purchased and tested the most popular hybrids on the market alongside their non-hybrid counterparts. We did real-world tests of their fuel economy, then we did the math to help you find the hybrids that will start saving you money the fastest (and a few that won’t).
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Hybrid-only models such as the Kia Niro, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Sienna will save you money compared with similar nonhybrids from other automakers. We also excluded plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) because their savings potential depends on how and where you drive, but we do have an extensive list of the best PHEVs. We’re currently testing the new Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Sign up for the weekly CR Cars newsletter to be notified when we have full test results for this and other vehicles, including the updated-for-2026 Lexus ES and Toyota RAV4, which are no longer available with gas-only powertrains.
If you’re a CR member, this article and the list below are already available to you. But if you haven’t signed up, click below and become a member to access the list and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test.
Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road tests.
Money-Saving Hybrids
Hybrids That Don't Save You Money
A few hybrids either cost so much more than their nonhybrid counterparts or have such a negligible fuel-economy benefit that they take many years to make up the difference. Although their hybrid powertrains may offer benefits, saving money isn’t one of them. For example, the luxurious Lexus TX Hybrid gains only 3 mpg in hybrid form. Depending on the trim, the payback period could be more than 60 years!
Similarly, we like the Honda Accord Hybrid sedan for many reasons, but Honda’s 2023 redesign cut fuel economy from 47 mpg to 40 mpg. In addition, Honda has started differentiating trim levels so that hybrid models offer more premium features, such as bigger wheels and wireless CarPlay. As a result, it’s hard to make a direct comparison, but the payback period for the most similar version of an Accord Hybrid is about 12 years.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on March 24, 2026, to reflect new models and pricing, and changes in national average gas prices.
