Benefits of Hybrid Cars
Once considered a novelty, hybrid vehicles – those powered by a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor(s) – have firmly established themselves in the automotive landscape, and now account for about twenty percent of all new-car sales. This surge in popularity is no accident; consumers have become increasingly conscious of fuel costs and the ecological impact of their choices, and hybrids offer a compelling blend of efficiency, performance, and less environmental impact, often at a reasonable price premium.
While different powertrain types cater to various preferences and needs, the advantages of hybrid technology — such as improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and innovative features — make them an appealing choice. Let’s explore the numerous benefits of hybrid vehicles and why they may be the ideal option for your next vehicle purchase.
Please note that in this article, “hybrid vehicle” refers to a full hybrid electric vehicle, commonly referred to as an “HEV” or just “hybrid.” You can learn more about plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs), and other types of EVs in our other articles.
Benefits and advantages of hybrid power
Hybrids typically have better fuel economy compared to traditional vehicles
Most hybrids are designed to improve fuel economy, particularly in urban environments, where the savings gains are typically more significant. Comparing a vehicle with a similarly sized, traditional gas engine to its hybrid counterpart, the hybrid consistently delivers better city fuel economy. (While hybrids also perform well on the highway, the improvement over the non-hybrid version tends to be less pronounced, as use of the electric motor is minimal while cruising at highway speeds.)
Hybrid vehicles have fewer tailpipe emissions compared to traditional vehicles
Hybrid vehicles are quieter than vehicles using just a combustion engine
Few combustion engines can match the quietness of an electric motor. With a fully charged hybrid battery pack, a hybrid will rely primarily on the electric motor at low speeds, so hybrid vehicles often provide a quieter driving experience in these instances. During maximum power situations, such as accelerating onto a highway or driving up a steep hill, a hybrid vehicle will primarily utilize the engine, which can result in increased engine noise. However, these instances are infrequent, meaning your overall ride experience will typically be more serene in a hybrid vehicle.
Hybrid vehicles are known for their reliability
While definitions of reliability can vary depending on the study and brand, hybrid cars are generally considered among the most dependable vehicles on the road.
If you have concerns about the hybrid battery pack or other components, rest assured: most manufacturers provide a minimum warranty of ten years or 100,000 miles. Additionally, the federal government will mandate an eight-year or 80,000-mile warranty for these systems starting in 2027, further enhancing peace of mind for hybrid owners.
Hybrid vehicles can generate less wear and tear on their brakes
Because they employ regenerative braking, hybrids generally experience less brake wear compared to non-hybrids. And with the electric motor(s) supporting the engine in a hybrid vehicles, less stress is exerted on the engine, which can lead to less frequent replacement of certain parts.
Of course, it's important to note that wear and tear can still vary based on individual driving habits. However, as with how your driving habits impact fuel economy, so too will your driving habits affect wear and tear.
Hybrid vehicles mean no range anxiety
To know how far you have left to go before you run out of fuel, hybrid vehicle drivers can turn to their gas gauge or “range remaining” on the trip computer just as they would in a combustion-only car. So, although hybrids are considered an electrified vehicle, they don’t carry with them the range anxiety some drivers might feel in a full-battery electric vehicle.
Hybrid vehicles may have tax or business benefits
While subject to change based on public policy, there can be opportunities for hybrids to qualify for tax incentives or other benefits. If you use your hybrid for business — especially in local sectors like courier services or real estate — the fuel savings could offset the price premium within a short amount of time.
Are there disadvantages to hybrid vehicles?
The primary disadvantage to a hybrid is purchase price. Disregarding intangibles such as dealership supply and demand, a hybrid will usually cost more than its traditional gas-powered counterpart, all other things being equal.
If you drive a lot of miles and may reach the warranty limit quickly, you might see a hybrid vehicle as less beneficial than a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. However, even if your driving mainly consists of highway miles — where these vehicles usually offer smaller fuel economy gains — you might still find value in their overall efficiency.
Finally, while it is electrified, a hybrid still runs on fossil fuels, as do plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) that are not regularly charged or are frequently driven beyond its (~15-60 mile electric range). If using fossil fuels is a primary concern, a full-time EV may be a better option for you.
Need help deciding whether a hybrid vehicle is right for you?
A hybrid is rarely “wrong” for anyone. If your budget can cover the initial additional investment, then all that’s left is to perform an honest evaluation of your needs and wants and to go on a couple of test drives . To get you started on your research, we’ve put together several buying guides:
● Hybrid Car Buying Guide and EV Buying Guide
● Hybrid vs. Traditional Gas-Powered Vehicles
The Mazda Hybrid Vehicle Suite
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid combines the space, all-wheel drive, and comfortable cabin of the traditional CX-50 with a bump in fuel economy. While every CX-50 is built for adventure, the CX-50 Hybrid is perfect for those intent on getting outside but who need to regularly navigate urban reality as well. For those in need of something larger, the PHEV versions of the CX-70 and CX-90 offer athletic but still efficient alternatives.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.