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GizmoDriver

Hybrid, EV and AWD

Is the hybrid worth it?

The payback years as a picture.

Years to pay back

2.9years

  • Hybrid: $1,400 more. Saves $478 a year.
  • Pays back in 2.9 years, about 35,100 miles.
  • After 5 years: $990 ahead.
  • Pays back within 5 years if gas stays over $1.87.
  • Or at more than 7,000 miles a year.
  • 12,000 miles a year. Gas $3.20.

Gas version

Hybrid version

Plug-in hybrids and EVs: How often would I have to charge it?

012345678910yearspays backTo pay back$0Paid back$1,400Ahead $990$100 a coinSand: $1,400 more for the hybrid

A year of fuel at your miles. One jug = 10 gal.

Gas version · 28 mpg · 429 gal · $1,371Hybrid version · 43 mpg · 279 gal · $893
Sand = the price gap. It falls as fuel savings add up. Drag the knob to change years.
2025 Kia Sportage: gas vs hybrid, numbers drawn
MeasureGas versionHybrid version
TrimLX FWDHybrid LX FWD
MSRP$27,390$28,790
Combined mpg28 mpg43 mpg
City mpg25 mpg42 mpg
Highway mpg32 mpg44 mpg
Horsepower187 hp227 hp
DriveFWDFWD
Gallons a year429279
Fuel a year$1,371$893

Best hybrid mpg: higher than 70% of 41 hybrids (2025).

What this cannot tell you

List prices and EPA combined mpg only. Your costs will differ.

Loans, insurance, upkeep, resale and incentives are left out.

  • 2 or more sources
  • 1 source
  • Model-level, rule or estimate
  • Sources disagree

How values are checked

Hybrid, EV and AWD: more tools