With the Carbon tax now in full effect throughout Canada, people are looking for new ways to minimize their carbon emissions – which was the Government’s intent in the first place. Among other things, this also means that they are changing their requirements and desires when buying cars. Criteria like car dependability and lifespan still play a big role in choosing the vehicle, but overall, we can see a big shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles being purchased more often.
If you are looking to buy a car, and your main criterium is how dependable it is, the latest J.D. Power Dependability Study may be of help with its recommendations. As seen in the May/June issue of the Indie Garage Magazine, according to the number of problems per 100 vehicles, the best 10 brands in this regard are:
1) Lexus (106)
2) Porsche (108)
3) Toyota (108)
4) Chevrolet (115)
5) Buick (118)
6) Mini (119)
7) BMW (122)
8) Audi (124)
9) Hyundai (124)
10) Kia (126).
Bear in mind that the industry average for 2019 is 136 PP100, so there is quite a gap between the best and worst-ranked brands:
1) GMC (161)
2) Cadillac (166)
3) Jeep (167)
4) Jaguar (168)
5) Acura (171)
6) RAM (171)
7) Dodge (178)
8) Volvo (204)
9) Land Rover (221)
10) Fiat (249).
However, this might mean nothing to you if you have your heart set on buying an electric or hybrid vehicle. Even though car buyers seem to like – and buy – more full-electric cars than gas/electric-powered hybrids these days, the latter remain more practical and affordable choices, saving on fuel costs without any limitation in terms of operating range.
According to the latest study by Vincentric, 42 of the 79 hybrids analyzed have a lower total cost of ownership than their conventionally powered counterparts over a five-year period. That includes both fuel savings and other factors like depreciation, maintenance, financing and insurance costs.
The report shows that luxury cars account for the highest percentage of cost-effective hybrids at 64%, with SUV/crossovers and passenger cars at 58% and 53%, respectively. Moreover, the number of money-saving hybrids on the market is up by 13% over last year. The report notes that hybrids save their owners an average of $2,849 a year in fuel costs and $401 in maintenance expenses.
Here is the list of the 10 most cost-effective hybrid cars.
#10: Ford C-Max Hybrid
According to the latest Vincentric study of hybrid-vehicle ownership costs, the Titanium trim level of the C-Max Hybrid is predicted to save an owner $1,382 over a five-year period compared to its closest gas-only equivalent, the Ford Focus Titanium, with a hybrid price premium of $2,858. It’s EPA-rated at 18/16-km/l city/highway.
#9: Toyota Prius C
The Three trim level of the Prius C is predicted to save an owner $2.047 over a five-year period, compared to its closest gas-only equivalent, the Toyota Yaris SE, with a price premium of $2,097. Other trim levels will save between $1,464 and $2,308 in ownership costs over 5 years compared to their gas-only counterparts. It’s EPA-rated at 20/18-km/l city/highway.
#8: Nissan Rogue Hybrid
The SL Hybrid front-drive trim level is predicted to save an owner $2,460 over a five-year period, with a price premium of $1,198. Other trim levels in the line will save between $2,073 and $2,329 in ownership costs over 5 years compared to their gas-only counterparts. It’s EPA-rated at 14/15-km/l city/highway.
#7: Toyota Avalon Hybrid
The Limited Hybrid trim level is predicted to save an owner $2,494 over a five-year period, with a hybrid price premium of $1,354. Other trim levels in the line will save between $1,472 and $1,498 in ownership costs over 5 years compared to their gas-only counterparts. It’s EPA-rated at 17/16-km/l city/highway.
#6 Lexus LC 500h
The LC 500h is predicted to save an owner $2,785 over a five-year period, even with a hefty hybrid price premium of $5,417 over the gas-only LC 500. It’s EPA-rated at 11/15-km/l city/highway.
#5 Lexus RX 450h
The RX 450h is predicted to save an owner $2,843 over a five-year period, with a hybrid price premium of $958 over the gas-only RX 350. It’s EPA-rated at 13/12-km/l city/highway.
#4 Lexus NX 300h
The NX 300h is predicted to save an owner $4,336 over a five-year period, with a hybrid price premium of $1,085 over the gas-only NX 300. It’s EPA-rated at 14/13-km/l city/highway.
#3 Kia Niro
The Touring trim level of the Niro is predicted to save an owner $4,863 over a five-year period compared to its closest gas-only equivalent, the Kia Sportage SX, with a hybrid price premium of $404. Other trim levels in the line will save between $3,151 and $4,020 in ownership costs over 5 years compared to their Sportage counterparts. It’s EPA-rated at 22/20-km/l city/highway.
#2 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
The Reserve trim level of the MKZ Hybrid is predicted to save an owner $5,558 over a five-year period, with no price premium over the comparable gas-only model. Other trim levels in the line will save between $3,477 and $4,597 in ownership costs over 5 years compared to their gas-only counterparts. It’s EPA-rated at 17/16-km/l city/highway.
#1 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Vincentric predicts the top Titanium trim level of the Fusion Hybrid will save an owner $6,359 over a five-year period, with a hybrid price premium at $610. Other trim levels in the line will save between $2,848 and $5,368 in ownership costs over 5 years compared to their gas-only counterparts. It’s EPA-rated at 18/17-km/l city/highway.
As you’ve seen, the most frugal model in this regard is the Titanium version of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which Vincentric says can enable an owner to pocket $6,539 over 5 years compared to its gas-only equivalent. On the other hand, the biggest budget-buster is the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid in its Luxe trim level, estimated to wind up costing an owner nearly $13,000 more than the closest non-electrified alternative over the 5-year-period.
So, there you go, car buyers everywhere. You are now ready to go shopping for your new car – a hybrid one if you so choose.
You are welcome to visit us – we have a showroom in Stoney Creek and repair shops in both Hamilton. We are expecting you!
