Hybrid cars have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their eco-friendly reputation and fuel efficiency. While the benefits of owning a hybrid are often highlighted, not everything about these vehicles is as rosy as it seems. Like every product on the market, hybrids have their drawbacks. This article is going to dive into 12 drawbacks of owning a hybrid car that owners may not necessarily tell you about.

1. Lower Power and Performance

Hybrids are known for their fuel efficiency, not their power. These cars usually have smaller engines than their conventional counterparts, which means they may not offer the same sort of performance or speed. This limitation might not be an issue for city driving, but it could be a significant drawback for those who often drive on highways or over hilly terrains.

Hybrid cars use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric motor. While this design helps to save fuel, it also results in a lower total horsepower. For example, the Toyota Prius, one of the most popular hybrid cars, only has a total system power of 121 hp, while a regular compact car like the Honda Civic has 158 hp.

2. Higher Upfront Cost

While hybrid cars can save you money at the pump, they often come with a higher upfront cost. This is because the technology involved in making these cars more fuel-efficient, like the electric motor and battery, is more expensive.

For example, the starting price of a 2021 Toyota Camry hybrid is around $28,000, while a standard 2021 Toyota Camry starts at about $24,000. So while you may save money on fuel in the long run, you’ll need to calculate whether these savings will offset the initial cost over the life of the vehicle.

3. Battery Replacement Costs

Another potential drawback of owning a hybrid car is the cost of replacing the battery. While most hybrid batteries are designed to last for the life of the car, occasionally they do fail and need to be replaced. And these batteries are not cheap.

For example, a replacement hybrid battery for a Toyota Prius can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. While most hybrid manufacturers offer a generous warranty on their batteries (usually around eight years or 100,000 miles), if your battery needs replacement outside of this warranty period, you’ll be footing the bill yourself.

4. Less Luggage Space

Due to the extra components like the battery pack and electric motor, hybrid cars often have less luggage space compared to their conventional counterparts. If you’re someone who needs a lot of trunk space for things like camping gear, sports equipment, or luggage, this could be a significant drawback.

For instance, the 2021 Toyota Prius offers 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the 2021 Honda Civic Hatchback, a similar-sized conventional car, offers 25.7 cubic feet of space. While this might not seem like a huge difference, it can matter when you’re trying to fit that extra suitcase or camping gear.

5. Limited Models to Choose From

While the number of hybrid models available has grown in recent years, there are still significantly fewer options compared to conventional cars. This means that you might have to compromise on certain features, styles, or brands that are important to you.

For example, if you’re a fan of luxury cars, you’ll find that while many luxury brands offer hybrid models, the options are often limited compared to their regular lineups. The same goes for those who prefer larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs – while there are some hybrid options available, they are far fewer in number.

6. Limited Driving Range on Electricity Alone

While plug-in hybrids can operate on electric power alone, their range is usually much less than that of a fully electric vehicle. This means that if you’re planning a longer trip, you’ll likely need to rely on the gasoline engine at some point.

For instance, the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime, a popular plug-in hybrid, has an electric-only range of just 25 miles. After that, the car switches to its gasoline engine, meaning you’ll need to fill up with gas for longer trips. In contrast, a fully electric vehicle like the 2021 Chevrolet Bolt has a range of 259 miles on a single charge.

7. Uncertain Resale Value

While the resale value of hybrid vehicles has improved in recent years, it’s still generally lower than that of comparable conventional cars. This is due in part to concerns about the longevity of the hybrid battery and the cost of replacing it.

For example, a 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid has an average resale value of around $12,000, while a 2015 regular Toyota Camry is worth around $13,000. While this isn’t a massive difference, it’s still something to consider if you’re thinking about buying a hybrid car.

8. Complexity of Technology

Hybrid cars are more complex than regular cars due to their dual gasoline-electric powertrains. This complexity can lead to more issues down the line and potentially higher repair costs if something goes wrong.

For example, if your hybrid system has a problem, you’ll need to go to a specialist who understands hybrid technology, which can often be more expensive than a regular mechanic. Also, due to their complexity, repairs can take longer, leaving you without a car for an extended period.

9. Limited Charging Infrastructure

While plug-in hybrids can be charged at home, if you’re on a long trip and want to take advantage of the car’s electric capabilities, you’ll need to find a charging station. Unfortunately, charging infrastructure is still limited in many areas, especially compared to the availability of gas stations.

For instance, while there are around 150,000 gas stations in the United States, there are only around 41,000 charging stations. This means that you may need to plan your trips more carefully to ensure you have access to charging stations along the way.

10. Less Efficient at Highway Speeds

While hybrid cars are very efficient for city driving, their advantage diminishes at highway speeds. This is because the electric motor is most effective at lower speeds, while the gasoline engine is more efficient at higher speeds.

For example, the 2021 Toyota Prius gets an impressive 58 miles per gallon in the city, but only 53 miles per gallon on the highway. So if most of your driving is on the highway, you might not see as much of a fuel saving as you’d expect.

11. Cold Weather Performance

Cold weather can affect the performance and efficiency of hybrid cars. This is because the battery’s capacity is reduced in cold temperatures, meaning the car has to rely more on the gasoline engine, which reduces fuel efficiency.

For example, a study by AAA found that when the temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, a hybrid’s fuel economy can decrease by about 34%. So if you live in a cold climate, you might not see the same fuel savings as you would in a warmer climate.

12. Higher Insurance Costs

Finally, insurance for hybrid cars can be more expensive than for conventional cars. This is because hybrids are more expensive to repair due to their complex technology, and they are also more expensive to replace due to their higher upfront cost.

For example, a study by Insurance.com found that the average insurance cost for a hybrid was about 7% higher than for a regular car. While this isn’t a huge difference, it’s still something to consider when calculating the total cost of owning a hybrid car.