Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars
There are plenty of benefits that come with driving a hybrid car. They’re better for the environment and offer potential savings. It is, however, important to weigh out the cons before you jump behind the wheel or browse our used hybrid inventory.
Our team at Val-U-Line® is here to break down the biggest pros and cons of hybrid cars. Let’s dive in!
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Environmentally friendly |
Not emission-free |
|
They’re quiet |
They’re not as powerful |
|
Reduced spending at the pump |
Higher price up front |
|
Less maintenance |
Harder to find experienced mechanics |
Pros of Driving a Hybrid
There are a ton of great advantages to driving a hybrid car. After all, that may be why we’re seeing exponential growth in their popularity. Here are some of the biggest pros to going hybrid:
- They are environmentally friendly.
One of the biggest advantages to driving a hybrid car is that they’re environmentally friendly. The combination of a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor decreases the level of fuel being burned. Therefore, it cuts down on carbon emissions.
Plug-in hybrid cars offer a higher all-electric range, so if your commute is short, you may not emit any emissions at all.
- Hybrid cars are quiet.
Get behind the wheel of a hybrid car and you’ll notice almost instantly how much quieter they are compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.
How is this possible? The engine is much smaller in hybrid cars, which makes for quiet operation, while the electric motor is virtually silent.
- You’ll spend less at the pump.
A hybrid car will help you cut down your reliance on gas. They are far more efficient than their gas-powered counterparts, so you can skip the gas station—saving time and money.
In some states, it’s also possible to qualify for a tax credit when purchasing certain plug-in hybrid vehicles. This may vary based on the state, the vehicle, and your specific tax status.
- Less maintenance is needed.
Since hybrid vehicles have two power sources, the overall wear and tear on the internal combustion engine is far less than that of a traditional gas-powered vehicle. What does that mean for you? It means that you won’t need to schedule oil changes and coolant replacements as often.
The maintenance needs of hybrid vehicles will vary by manufacturer, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re getting your vehicle the care it needs.
Cons of a Hybrid Car
There are a few downsides to going hybrid. Some of the cons to owning a hybrid car include:
- They are not emission-free.
Hybrid cars may emit less emissions than the typical gas-powered vehicle, but they are not completely emission-free.
If you’re looking for a zero-emissions option, you’ll need to choose an electric car (EV). They don’t have an internal combustion engine, so there’s no fuel to burn. If your commute is a short one, it’s possible to get a plug-in hybrid with a higher all-electric range to cover the daily drive.
- Hybrids are not as powerful.
Hybrid cars are built for efficiency, so its performance comes second. The performance junkies among us who thrive off power and an energetic ride may find some hybrids lacking.
The everyday driver, however, will normally find that most hybrids have enough power to effectively pass and merge thanks to a feature known as Electric Motor Drive Assist.
- Hybrid cars are more expensive up front
The margin may be closing, but hybrid cars are still more expensive than regular vehicles. It is, however, possible to close the gap when calculating in the potential fuel savings and any available tax credits.
These vehicles do tend to depreciate more than their gas-powered counterparts, so it’s relatively easy to find a cheap used hybrid that can fit right into your budget.
- It’s harder to find a mechanic.
Hybrids may require less maintenance overall, but they still need to be cared for just like any other vehicle. When the time comes, you may find that mechanics at the corner auto repair shop don’t always have the experience and tools needed to work on hybrid cars. Due to this, you’ll usually end up having to go to the dealership.
On the bright side, leaving your vehicle in the hands of a certified technician will give you more peace of mind.
What Are the Best Used Hybrids?
Once you weigh the pros and cons of owning a hybrid car, you may decide it’s the right move to make. In that case, there are plenty of great used hybrids on the market.
We have a bunch of used hybrid models for you to browse online. Some of the best include:
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Accord Hybrid
- Chevrolet Volt
- Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
The Chevy Volt is a unique hybrid car that works more like an EV most of the time but features a gas engine for longer trips. When using both gas and electric power, it has a total range of about 380 miles. Drivers who charge the car daily find they can go about 900 miles between fill ups.
If you’re looking for a hybrid car with a touch of luxury, a used Lincoln MKZ Hybrid could be the answer. Most used models boast about an EPA-estimated 45 city/45 highway MPG. You may also get premium leather-trimmed seats surrounded by sculpted accents both outside and in. This hybrid is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars Today!
Now that you know some of the benefits as well as the drawbacks to hybrid cars, it’s time to decide if they’re right for you. If you’d like to experience one firsthand, come visit one of Val-U-Line®’s nationwide used car dealers.
