What are hybrid vehicles?
Hybrid vehicles have been in the U.S. market for more than two decades. A hybrid has a gas engine, a small battery and an electric motor. Hybrids don’t need to be plugged in, unlike electric vehicles. A hybrid’s electric motor drives the car at low speeds, and a gas engine runs at higher speeds or when recharging the battery, according to Consumer Reports.
They can be good options for longer trips or for areas without charging stations. The Toyota Prius, which gets 49 to 57 miles per gallon depending on model, according to Kelley Blue Book, is an example of a hybrid.
There are also plug-in hybrids for driving locally on electric and on gas for longer distances.
Have sales of hybrids and electric vehicles increased?
Sales of hybrids increased to a record 16% of all U.S. car sales by the second quarter this year, according to the Energy Information Administration. The growth of hybrids is an example of pressure on household budgets and a focus on affordability influencing consumers, said Cox Automotive.
Last year, electric vehicle sales spiked ahead of the end of federal tax credits in September 2025 under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. As expected, EV sales fell after tax credits were eliminated.
This year, EVs accounted for 6.5% of U.S. car sales in the third quarter, according to Cox Automotive. Nearly 25% of all vehicle sales in the third quarter were electric vehicles, including hybrid EVs and plug-in models. In Cook County, there were more than 124,000 hybrids as of August, according to Illinois data.
Do hybrids save money on gas?
Hybrids are typically more expensive than conventional counterparts. For example, the 2026 Toyota Corolla LE costs $24,595, while the 2026 Corolla Hybrid LE costs $25,970, said Kelley Blue Book. But the hybrid model returns 50 miles per gallon combined compared to 34 miles per gallon for the gas-powered vehicle.
With gas prices in Chicago at $5.05 per gallon as of Monday, the conventional car has an annual fuel cost of $2,228 when driving 15,000 miles per year, according to Kelley Blue Book’s hybrid fuel savings calculator. A hybrid would cost $1,515 per year to fuel, amounting to $713 in annual savings compared to the gas-powered car. It would take one year and 11 months to recoup the higher cost of the hybrid.
When does driving a hybrid make sense?
Hybrids are better for driving around the city. The electric motors of hybrids do more of the work at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic, according to Kelley Blue Book. But for highway driving and long distances, hybrids rely on the gas engine, which reduces fuel savings.
What else should I know?
Hybrid systems can reduce maintenance on brake pads, the gas engine and some traditional parts, such as alternators, according to Edmunds. But replacing a hybrid’s battery pack after about a decade can cost thousands of dollars.
Some hybrid owners report more difficulty finding mechanics for repairs and maintenance. Edmunds lists other pros and cons, including the environmental benefits of burning less gasoline. Ultimately, whether a hybrid is worth the investment comes down to its initial sticker price, gas mileage, fuel prices, yearly driving distance, and how long you plan to own it.