5 Reasons To Consider A Hybrid Vehicle 

Editor's note: Data is provided by EpicVIN. 

You hear Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds talk about the benefits of hybrid vehicles all the time on the show.   According to the research team at EpicVin, 2025 could prove the most favorable time to buy a hybrid. Its new research shows that hybrid car sales are up 30% in the past year, a trend that's only growing. (Reynolds notes that hybrids continue to be hot sellers in his February auto sales report.) Some vehicles like the all-new 2025 Toyota Camry pictured above, are now only offered as HEVs, or hybrid-electric vehicles.

There are a number of reasons EpicVin says so many drivers are making the switch to hybrids. Here are its Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Hybrid Car in 2025:

1. Spend Less on Fuel

A hybrid car will save you 40% or better in fuel expenses than a gas-only car. According to EpicVIN data:

• A hybrid sedan's average fuel economy is 45–55 mpg.
• Hybrid SUVs get 35–45 mpg, nearly double the fuel economy of traditional gas SUVs.
• Ford Maverick Hybrid and the Toyota Prius have the lowest payback period—only three years before fuel savings cover the extra cost of buying a hybrid.

"A hybrid will pay for itself within a shorter time than a gas vehicle if you drive more than 12,000 miles a year," said EpicVIN CMO Alex Black.

2. Hybrids Save the Planet

A hybrid contributes to pollution-fee, clean air. Hybrids produce 50% less emissions than normal cars - which leads to cleaner air.  Hybrids contribute to:

• Fewer greenhouse gases help combat global climate change.
• Lower smog levels: Clean air within the urban environment.
• Uses fewer oil resources: Fewer fossil fuel dependencies.

EpicVIN Database Fact: As a group, hybrid drivers have collectively saved 100 million plus tons of carbon emissions since the last decade.

3. Government incentives and tax benefits

EpicVin also cites government tax credits as a reason to go hybrid. It also says free roadside tolls, the right to use special lanes, and refunds are also offered by most states in 2025. 

• Federal tax credit: Up to $3,000 for hybrid vehicles.
• State incentives: Some states give extra $1,000–$5,000 Carpool Lane Access: Hybrids may use carpool lanes with a single occupant in states like New York and California.

EpicVIN Tip: Always contact your local DMV to determine the hybrid incentives available where you reside.

4. Lower Maintenance Costs

EpicVin says it's a myth that hybrids are more expensive to repair that gasoline-only cars.  In fact, it says hybrids require fewer repairs than gas-only cars.  Here are some of the reasons why:

• Regenerative braking extends the life of the brakes.
• Fewer oil changes since hybrid engines drive less.
• Hybrid batteries last for 10+ years and must be replaced very seldom.

EpicVIN Reliability Insight:  Hybrid vehicles are 20% more reliable than gasoline vehicles based on EpicVIN vehicle reports. It says two of the most durable cars out there right now are the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord Hybrid.

5. High resale value

The fifth reason to consider a hybrid is their higher resale value. Hybrids hold their value longer than gas cars.  Researchers also say hybrid sales aren't impacted by a fluctuation in gas prices.

EpicVIN shares this research into resale value:

• A 5-year-old hybrid is worth 10–15% more than a similar gasoline vehicle.
• Both the Honda CR-V Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid have the top resale values for hybrid SUVs.

So, if you're planning to selling your car within a few years, a hybrid car is a good economic choice.

Finally, Is a hybrid right for you?

EpicVin suggests a hybrid is for you if you: 

• Want to save gas and enhance your gas mileage.
• Care about reducing pollution and helping the environment.
• Desire a lower maintenance cost and a reliable vehicle.
• Qualify for tax breaks or other financial incentives.
• Want a vehicle with higher resale value in the future.

Many thanks to EpicVin for the informative report.  You can see other reports at www.EpicVin.com

Photo Credit: CarPro.