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When it comes to new-car buying, many consumers favor SUVs and trucks over sedans. In fact, Volkswagen even stated that 58% of its sales in 2020 were SUVs and 62% of Kias sold last year were SUVs or small crossovers. And while it’s easy to jump on the bandwagon and purchase an SUV for your family, car salespeople are actually urging consumers to buy hybrids and sedans instead.

Gas prices will be going up this summer

A gas pump shows prices exceeding four dollars a gallon in Atlanta, Georgia. | Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images

It’s summertime, so it should be no surprise that gas prices are shooting up across the nation. As many Americans look to shake off their quarantine cobwebs and hit the road for a long drive, they can look forward to paying a premium at the pump. According to the Associated Press, the average price of a gallon of gas in the U.S. is $3.09, however, many states like California are priced much higher.

Car salespeople say that hybrid cars are a great option

A silver Toyota Prius hybrid
Toyota Prius Hybrid | Tomohiro Ohsumi via Getty Images

Hybrid cars have always been a great alternative to buying a less fuel-efficient SUV and car salespeople are urging buyers to go in that direction. According to NBC 15 in Wisconsin, a new vehicle can save a driver around $1,500 per year in gas, which is about $125 per month on average.

Justin Jackson, a sales director at Smart Toyota, said that he’s seen an “uptick” in hybrid sales at the start of the Summer and realizes that inflated gas prices have something to do with it.

In addition to buying a hybrid car, drivers can also save money at the gas station by following these tips:

  • Use the recommend gas octane for your car. Don’t use premium if the car doesn’t need it.
  • Buy gas at wholesale clubs like Costco for a lower price per gallon
  • Check your car’s tires regularly to ensure they are properly inflated
  • Consolidate your trips to cut down on driving time
  • “Jackrabbit” starts and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by 40%

What are some types of hybrid cars available today?

A black 2022 Honda Insight parked in front of a mountain range, the Insight is one of the best new cars under $40,000
2022 Honda Insight | Honda

If you do decide that a hybrid vehicle would be best for your family, or if you just want to cut down on fuel expenses, here is a shortlist of new hybrid vehicles currently on the market:

Small cars:

  • Toyota Prius
  • Honda Insight
  • Toyota Corolla Hybrid
  • Hyundai Ioniq

Large sedans

  • Honda Accord Hybrid
  • Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid

Minivans

  • Toyota Sienna
  • Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
A white 2021 Toyota Sienna driving in the city
2021 Toyota Sienna | Toyota

There are plenty of hybrid models to choose from and luckily, many of them can easily achieve an EPA-estimated 40 to 50 mpg on average. And while most hybrid vehicles cost more than their gas-only counterparts, the amount that you save at the pump over time can easily make up for the difference.

Considering the increase in fuel pricing and the recent new car inventory shortage, it could be a good time to make the most of your money and get a car that can save you more money over time than your current one. If anything, perhaps you can buy a hybrid now and use the money you saved on fuel to buy an SUV when gas prices dip again.

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Senior Writer

Joe Santos

Joe Santos has been an automotive journalist since 2013 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2020. He writes strongly on consumer advice and new cars, and we consider him an asset to readers looking for guidance in buying and selling autos.

Joe earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism from California State University, Fullerton, and spent years as a Road Test Editor at Kelley Blue Book, after which he served in various automotive-related roles, including an autonomous vehicle trainer for GM, a vehicle sales manager, and an Audi brand specialist.

Joe’s prized possession is a 2008 Honda S2000 in Laguna Blue Pearl, with which he attends local car meets. Joe is also a content creator for LTD Global, a B2B support firm.