The Distilled Guide to Buying a Hybrid Car: What You Need to Know
Optional charging equipment shown
A hybrid vehicle uses more than one type of energy — a mix of gasoline and electricity — to operate, reducing fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. The way these energy sources are balanced varies by the type of hybrid vehicle, affecting whether you need to charge the vehicle, fuel it, or both. In turn, each type of hybrid vehicle caters to different owner preferences and driving habits, making it important to choose the right hybrid for your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of hybrid vehicles, with an emphasis on "standard" hybrid powertrains like those found in the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. We'll then discuss what prospective hybrid vehicle buyers should consider to make an informed purchase decision, to help you find the hybrid that best matches your lifestyle and driving needs.
A brief look at the types of hybrid electric vehicles
The three most common types of hybrid vehicles are described as full hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), mild hybrid electric vehicles (commonly MHEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). While the aim behind these drivetrains is ultimately similar in the long run, the hybrid style that’s best for one driver may not be best for another. With that in mind, a quick overview is in order.
-
Full hybrids (HEV):
The most common type of hybrid vehicle, the full or “traditional” hybrid has been around for decades. HEVs use an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors to propel the vehicle, alternating and combining which component does what and when for maximum efficiency. The electric energy comes from an onboard battery pack, recharged by the engine and regenerative braking — the only fuel or energy the driver adds is gasoline, just as with a non-hybrid car. The electric motor(s) may be in front, in the rear, between the engine and transmission, or some combination of those, and in some cases drive on one axle may be electric only, and the electric motor(s) alone will be used for reversing.
-
Mild hybrids (MHEV):
The mild hybrid moniker is given to hybrid vehicles that cannot propel themselves on electric power alone. These typically have a smaller battery pack and electric motor, which allow the gasoline engine to stop running when the vehicle is not moving, but keep all accessories, air conditioning, steering assist, and so on fully functional — all to save fuel and lower emissions. The electric motor restarts the engine when needed, and a mild hybrid can contribute a boost in power, especially at low speeds.
-
Plug-in hybrids (PHEV):
Plug-in hybrids function similarly to conventional hybrids, but the battery pack, which is charged externally, adds propulsion energy to the vehicle without operating the engine. Most PHEVs have a larger battery pack and electric motor(s) than conventional hybrids, allowing the vehicle to drive further and faster solely on electric energy for around 15-60 miles. A plug-in hybrid is most beneficial in terms of fuel efficiency when it is plugged in regularly and driven primarily in urban and extra-urban regions. Similar to HEVs and MHEVs, PHEVs come without range anxiety, since they can function fully on gasoline alone. While PHEVs are an excellent choice for many drivers, should your travels take place primarily at higher speeds or over longer distances, or should your access to charging points be limited, a conventional hybrid may make more sense for your lifestyle.
What to know before buying a conventional hybrid vehicle
Lifestyle compatibility for HEV owners
Beyond increased fuel efficiency and potentially lower cost of operation, a conventional hybrid’s biggest advantage is, perhaps, that it shouldn’t affect your lifestyle at all. Whether it’s running out for food or coffee or making a multi-day visit to multiple national parks, an HEV works just like a traditional vehicle in that drivers can expect to simply:
● Get in, press start, drive.
● Add gasoline when the fuel gauge or trip computer suggests it.
● Repeat.
Do you need to plug in a conventional hybrid vehicle?
No, a conventional hybrid does not require external charging and does not have any connection to facilitate it. The battery pack will recharge completely and automatically from the engine, recovering energy as you brake, or from gravity propelling your car downhill.
For more information on how hybrid vehicles recharge their electric motors, please see our article on regenerative braking.
Hybrid vehicle maintenance considerations
Maintenance of HEVs doesn’t vary much from traditional vehicles. Generally speaking, HEVs may experience less engine or brake wear, considering that, all other things being equal, HEVs are typically lighter than their PHEV or fully electric counterparts.
As with every vehicle, always check your Owner’s Manual for recommendations on when you should have certain functions tested and checked.
For more information on maintenance, please reference our articles on EV maintenance and routine car maintenance.
Hybrid vehicle driving range
Since the only energy added to a hybrid comes from a gasoline pump, your driving range remains what it’s always been — miles per gallon times gallons in the tank. Because the electric motor in a hybrid vehicle is not engaged often at highway speeds, highway EPA fuel economy performance ratings for hybrids tend to be closer to that of non-hybrids. However, contrary to most non-hybrid cars, many hybrid vehicles rate higher in fuel efficiency on the city cycle than the highway cycle (because the electric motor is being used more in low-speed city driving situations).
To make your own comparisons among hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, fully electric vehicles, and even fuel cell electric vehicles, the EPA’s Fuel Economy website has tabs for alternative fuel vehicles.
Key hybrid vehicle features to consider
Before you buy
The process for shopping for a hybrid vehicle mirrors that of shopping for any other car in terms of buyers needing to have clear expectations around their needs, wants, budget, and so on.
However, one additional thing you might want to ask (or verify in the vehicle documentation) is the warranty period for some hybrid components. This is for awareness — not concern. Most warranties run 8-10 years/100,000-150,000 miles. As a vehicle class, hybrids have among the highest overall reliability.
The test drive
On your test drive there are a few items to think about, watch, and listen for, especially if you’ve never driven a hybrid. Most hybrids tend to have very good initial acceleration, which allows them to get across an intersection quickly, but when testing other types of vehicles, make sure you test a hybrid out at higher speeds, too.
In most traditional hybrids, you can drive on electric-only propulsion at slower speeds and in stop-and-go traffic; be sure to go fast enough to see how smooth the transitions are between electric-only and gasoline power. Note also how the noise changes, how loud the vehicle is at full throttle, and whether or not the hybrid system makes any undesirable sounds or whines, including the “reversing warning” noise (if it has one).
While slowing, pay attention to the brake pedal feel, especially at a full stop. On some hybrids, the transition between regenerative braking and the vehicle’s service brakes is smoother than on others.
Check: How does the steering feel, both parking and at speed? (As with most modern cars, hybrids use electric steering assist, which may feel different than what you’re used to.)
Finally, play around with the instruments on your dash. Most hybrids have options for viewing where “power” is going to or coming from and how to maximize driving efficiency.
Can hybrid cars really save you money?
In general, yes, a hybrid can save you money over time compared to a non-hybrid, particularly in terms of fuel costs.
Keep in mind that, according to S&P Global Mobility, the average age of light vehicles on the road in the US is 12.6 years in 2024.
Do you get a tax credit for buying a hybrid car?
Incentives change but, as of this writing, there are no federal or state tax incentives for buying a traditional hybrid car, although there are tax breaks for plug-in hybrid EVs, as well as electric and fuel cell vehicles.
Choosing the best hybrid car for your needs
Picking the right hybrid for you is the same process as with any other car, including an honest assessment of what you need.
Step 1: Assess your needs
Start with the right class of vehicle. Ask yourself: If yours is a small family, does it make sense to buy a big, three-row SUV, or just rent one for those two weeks a year the outlaws are in town?
Prioritize how the vehicle drives, how easy it is to load (passengers, child seats, cupholders, playlists, cargo), fuel economy, and must-have features.
Step 2: Research reviews and ratings
Enthusiast automotive outlets test all cars and generate class comparisons, while government sites provide plenty of empirical data. Once you’ve narrowed your list, make or model-specific forums frequently include the good reviews with the bad for a more user-centric “data set.”
Step 3: Test-drive models
Once you’ve finalized your shortlist, set up some test drives — preferably all on the same day and roads — and try to drive (or at least see) the top choices at night as well. In addition to the suggestions in our how to test-drive a vehicle article, focus on the items mentioned above.
Hybrid vehicles at Mazda: Buy with confidence
To explore the Mazda hybrid vehicle lineup for yourself, schedule a test drive at a dealer near you today, or simply build and price your dream vehicle online.
More hybrid vehicle and car buying resources by Mazda
● Guide to buying a hybrid car
● Why should I get an electric car?
● Things to consider when buying a used car
● Do all electric cars use the same charger?
● How long does it take to charge an EV?
● How much does it cost to charge an EV?
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.