Most of the hybrid models shown have a payback period of about 6 years or less based on 15,000 annual miles, a driving mix of 55% city/45% highway, and a national average fuel price of $3.54 per gallon. Hybrid models with very long payback periods or with no reasonable counterpart for comparison are not included.

Every effort was made to match each hybrid vehicle with a conventional vehicle from the same manufacturer that is as similar as possible in terms of amenities and utility. For unique hybrids with no conventional counterpart like the Toyota Prius, Prius c and the Honda Insight, a different model was chosen from the same manufacturer if it appeared to be reasonably similar. Ultimately, consumers will have to judge for themselves how similar the vehicles are.

To select different vehicle pairs including non-hybrid models or to consider additional cost factors, visit the Vehicle Cost Calculator at the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center.  less...