Find the Best Car Deals Near You ⤵
The Most Cost-Effective Hybrids
November 28, 2012
This week, Jim Gorzelany from Forbes.com took a look at the most cost-effective hybrid cars on the market right now. Considering the average hybrid costs $5,243 more than its gasoline-only equivalent, you wouldn't expect many of them to recoup that investment, but 11 hybrids were projected to do so over a 5-year period, according to research company Vincentric.
Taking into account total ownership cost factors including depreciation, fuel costs, financing, insurance, maintenance, repairs, fees and taxes, the research showed that some hybrids such as the Lincoln MKZ can produce savings of as much as $7,000 over its gas equivalent.
Check out the full list below and make sure to use the free RydeShopper to get the best deals on any of these vehicles.
Hybrid Vehicle | Gas Alternative | Cost Savings Over 5-Years |
---|---|---|
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid | Lincoln MKZ | $7,001 |
Mercedes Benz S400 | Mercedes Benz S550 | $4,242 |
Lexus HS 250h | Lexus IS 250 | $3,747 |
Toyota Prius V | Toyota Matrix | $1,804 |
Toyota Prius c | Toyota Yaris | $1,469 |
Ford Fusion Hybrid | Ford Fusion | $1,202 |
Kia Optima Hybrid | Kia Optima | $779 |
Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid | Porsche Cayenne | $672 |
Honda Insight | Honda Civic | $656 |
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Hyundai Sonata | $319 |
Lexus RX 450h | Lexus RX 350 | $17 |
Signup for The Weekly Newsletter

Each week, I'll keep you up-to-date on the latest car deals and news that might affect your purchase. This includes...
- Best Rebates, Incentives, and Lease Deals
- Latest Car Buying Scams and Tricks
- The Best & Worst Time to Buy a Car
- Which Cars You Should Avoid
About The Author

Latest Weekly Car Buying Tips
April 2025
- All SUV Lease Deals Compared April 2025 Apr 24, 2025
- Best Car Deals Around the Country Apr 24, 2025
- Real Prices of New Compact SUVs Apr 24, 2025
- Largest Hidden Dealer Rebates Apr 24, 2025
- Top 100 Cheapest Lease Deals Apr 17, 2025
- Biggest Discounts on New Cars March 2025 Apr 17, 2025
- Cars With the Largest Rebates Apr 17, 2025
- Real Prices of Midsize SUVs Apr 17, 2025
- Best 0% Finance Deals April 2025 Apr 10, 2025
- Best Bang for Your Buck Lease Deals Apr 10, 2025
- Best Electric, Hybrid Lease Deals Apr 10, 2025
- Real Prices of Large SUVs Apr 10, 2025
- Best Car Deals by Category Apr 03, 2025
- Worst Cars to Lease Right Now Apr 03, 2025
- Top 100 Cheapest New Cars Right Now Apr 03, 2025
- Real Prices of Pickup Trucks Apr 03, 2025
March 2025
- New Cars with the Most Available Inventory Mar 27, 2025
- Price Comparison of Subcompact SUVs Mar 27, 2025
- Which Cars Better to Lease or Buy Mar 20, 2025
- Real Prices of Midsize Cars Mar 20, 2025
- Real Prices of Compact Cars Mar 13, 2025
- List of New Cars Most Affected by Tariffs Mar 06, 2025
I welcome your car buying questions. Email Me and I'll be glad to answer them!