7 Hybrids That Save You the Most Money on Gas

Some of these hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs pay for themselves right from the first fill-up, CR’s analysis shows

2020 Ford Maverick XLT hybrid driving
Ford Maverick Hybrid
Photo: Ford

More and more cars, SUVs, and even pickup trucks are now available as hybrids. With a mix of a gas engine and a battery-electric powerplant, they offer serious fuel economy benefits and significant savings—especially at today’s gas prices.

Hybrid versions of new cars tend to cost more than gas-only versions, and it used to take several years for a hybrid’s fuel savings to make up for the difference in sticker price.

But those payback periods are changing—and fast—due to less-expensive hybrids and more-expensive gas. For example, the hybrid versions of the Ford Maverick pickup and Lexus NX SUV now have lower manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRPs) than their comparably equipped non-hybrid versions. And sky-high gas prices mean that even a modest increase in mpg can translate into real savings at the pump over a short period of time.

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Below, you’ll find the hybrids that will start saving you money the fastest. We calculated the payoff time using $5 a gallon for gas and comparing the sticker price for the hybrid and the most comparable non-hybrid version. Unfortunately, there’s a chance that car-dealer markups will cut into some of that savings or extend the payoff time. 

These featured models have our Green Choice designation, which highlights vehicles with the cleanest emissions.

Depending on your needs, it might also be worth considering a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), which offers a short electric-only range until the gas engine kicks in, and may be an especially good choice for short-distance commuters who can charge at home and/or work. And if you’re really looking to save, check out our list of pure electric vehicles—which our analysis shows could save you up to $10,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over their service life and help offset the typically higher purchase price of EVs.

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