Hybrids provide better fuel-efficiency.
Probably the most obvious of all hybrid benefits is the outstanding fuel economy they achieve. The Toyota Prius, for instance, can get mileage in the high 50s, but achieving such lofty figures requires a light foot - speed demons and stoplight racers will not see the same results. And with new offerings, including the Honda Accord Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid, there are more mainstream offerings that combine style and utility with impressive fuel mileage. The Ford Escape Hybrid serves as a capable SUV, complete with front- or all-wheel-drive, and returns about 30 mpg, whereas the gas-only version typically achieves about 20 mpg. With a 15-gallon fuel capacity, that allows the Escape Hybrid to travel about 450 miles per tank, for a total cost of $30.00 ($2.00/gallon). To travel the same distance, the gas-only Escape, at 20 mpg, would require $45.00 worth of fuel -- an additional $15.00. Over time, that extra money spent on gas becomes significant. Adding performance to the mix is the Honda Accord Hybrid, which actually offers 15 more horsepower than the already impressive gas-only V6 version (for a total of 255), and yet gets another seven miles to each gallon of gas.
