What Are the Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars?

As more automakers shift toward green technology that relies less and less on gasoline or diesel, you’ll notice many more hybrid and EV models on Mascoutah roads. 

So, are hybrid cars worth it? While the hybrid market was once fairly niche with just one or two models, now every brand has plenty of eco-friendly options ranging from compact sedans to sprawling SUVs. Manufacturers and dealers can hardly keep up with customer demand! 

In this guide, we’ll run through the main pros and cons of hybrid cars and whether or not hybrid cars are worth the investment.

Benefits of Hybrid Cars

Are hybrid cars good? Yes, we believe car shoppers should consider them as their next purchase.

Learn more about the perks of hybrid ownership: 

• Energy Efficiency: Hybrid vehicles utilize both electric-drive technologies and traditional internal combustion engines to maximize fuel economy. Systems like regenerative braking recapture electrical energy typically lost during braking. This results in less fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and less money spent at the gas pump.
• Ownership Costs: Not only can you find hybrid cars in a wide range of price points and configurations, but many states also offer tax incentives to sweeten the deal even more. Plus, every hybrid vehicle includes a generous battery warranty to protect your investment in the long run. A hybrid battery could have warranty coverage for up to 100,000 miles.
• Diverse Variety: Hybrid cars used to be more compact and have lower power when compared to traditional engines. But technology has advanced and opened up the market in a significant way. Now you can find high-performance hybrids, high-powered SUVs, and possibly pickup trucks. There are also PHEVs, or plug-in hybrid vehicles, on the market. You could shop for any other configuration you could want for Smithton streets and highways.

Potential Cons of Hybrid Cars

Before buying a hybrid car, there are a few possible drawbacks to consider. Review them, and then contact us or call 618-624-2277 if you have any questions afterward.

We hope you take these factors into account when shopping for a hybrid vehicle: 

• Price: Hybrid cars typically cost more upfront than gas-powered vehicles. You can make up for the cost in fuel savings and federal incentives. Initially, you can expect a higher sales or lease price. However, prices are lowering as more automakers invest in hybrid or electric vehicles. 
• Maintenance Costs: Although hybrid cars often require less maintenance than gas-powered cars, hybrid car maintenance costs can be higher for battery replacement. Hybrid car batteries can cost around $2,000 or more, depending on the model. As hybrid models advance in popularity and investment, we could see battery costs lowering.
• Hybrid Emissions: Hybrid vehicles are more eco-friendly than gas-powered cars. But they are less so compared to EVs. If zero-emissions performance is your main goal, consider an all-electric alternative. 

Hyundai Hybrid and EV Models

So, are hybrid cars good? Absolutely! The Kia hybrid and electric lineup delivers state-of-the-art technology with incredible performance and fuel efficiency. 

Take a look at the latest models:

• The 2023 Kia Niro hybrid gets up to 53 mpg combined city/highway and carries five passengers with 13 high-tech safety features.
• The 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid is a mid-size SUV with around 34 mpg combined with 227 hp. It can seat up to seven people with third-row seating.
• The 2023 Kia Sportage hybrid is a crossover SUV that acts like a car and an SUV, giving you a very night 43 combined mpg for Trenton and Shiloh streets.

Test Drive a Hybrid Vehicle at Auffenberg Kia

You’ve discovered the pros and cons of hybrid cars. Are hybrid cars worth it? We believe so! Contact us or call 618-624-2277 to schedule a test drive or ask any questions about the Kia hybrid model lineup. Feel free to explore our entire new vehicle inventory to find the one you want to put in your garage!