———— Original Message ————

From: Aaron Richardson

Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 2:58 PM

Subject: Study reviews break-even point for hybrid vehicles

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Ford, Toyota

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Buying a hybrid is a responsible environmental move but, given their premium over standard cars, they aren't always a money-saving purchase. A study by CarGurus showed that gas would have to top $7 a gallon to make most hybrids the economical choice.

Hybrids command, on average, a 17-percent markup over their standard-powertrain counterparts, which stunts their economy at the pump. The $7-a-gallon break even point is an average. For some cars, the break-even is point is even higher. For a Cadillac Escalade Hybrid to make you money, gas will need to climb to $15 a gallon.

On the lower side of the scale are the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid. The Toyota's break-even point came out to $4 a gallon, while the Ford bucked the trend, breaking even at $2.50 a gallon.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Study reviews break-even point for hybrid vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds..

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