9 Hybrids That Save You the Most Money on Gas—and Some That Don't

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

Keith Barry, Consumer Reports Senior Autos Reporter.

By Keith Barry
Senior Autos Reporter

Data analysis by Anita Lam

Updated September 8, 2025

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid driving — Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs combine gas engines, batteries, and electric motors to offer drivers serious fuel economy savings. Although many hybrids have higher purchase prices 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. A few hybrids actually cost less up front, meaning that the savings start the day you drive away from the dealership.

In this article

The Hybrids That Save You Money Hybrids That Don't Save You Money

We did the math to help you find the hybrids that will start saving you money the fastest (and a few that won’t).

We calculated the payoff time using $3.14-per-gallon regular gas, $3.96-per-gallon premium gas, and 12,000 miles per year. We also used CR’s exclusive real-world fuel economy ratings and compared the sticker price for the hybrid with the most comparable nonhybrid version. If gas prices rise or drivers put more miles on their cars, the payback periods will shrink.

In addition, when we evaluate hybrids in our vehicle test program, we frequently find that they’re quicker and quieter than the nonhybrid versions of the same vehicles. Many have higher road-test scores than similar gas-only models.

We’re currently testing the Subaru Forester Hybrid and plan to buy the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid as soon as it’s available. Sign up for the weekly CR Cars newsletter to be notified when we have full test results for these and other vehicles.

You’ll also notice that a few popular models—such as the Honda Accord and CR-V Hybrids, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid—aren’t included. That’s because their payback periods are longer than five years.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you should skip them. They will still save you money depending on how much you drive, how long you keep your vehicle, and which options you choose.

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 left out plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) because they may only save you money depending on how you drive, where you live, and whether you qualify for a federal tax credit. But we do have an extensive list of the best PHEVs.

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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. Here are three examples.

Ford F-150 Hybrid: The PowerBoost hybrid we tested registered 20 mpg overall, just 1 mile better than the 2.7-liter turbo V6 nonhybrid. Although comparable hybrid models cost the same up front as nonhybrids, the F-150 Hybrid’s predicted reliability is much below average, and its owner satisfaction score is below average. We think the fuel savings don’t make up for these shortcomings.

Lexus TX Hybrid: The luxurious TX gets only 3 mpg better in hybrid form, an improvement from 21 mpg to 24 mpg. But the TX 500h costs about $8,200 more than a comparable TX 350, so the payback period is about 29 years!

Honda Accord Hybrid: We like this 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 13 years.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on Feb. 12, 2025, to reflect new models and pricing, and changes in national average gas prices. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid was added Sept. 8, 2025.

Keith Barry

Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.