Nearly every automaker has seen a growing interest in hybrid vehicles. However, hybrids are more expensive than gas cars. As the affordability crisis lingers in America, drivers are going for the cheaper options. That’s why Honda is boosting production of non-hybrids. 

Honda boosts gas car production as hybrids are too expensive 

As the average price of new cars hovers around $50,000, there was a broad increase in hybrid sales in 2025. However, things might be slowing down for more efficient models. 

Both Ford and Honda have noted an increase in demand for cheaper trim levels and gas-powered vehicles instead. Plus, many automakers expect the cost of hybrids to increase. 

The benefit of saving more gas by going greener isn’t an immediate return. Drivers want lower MSRPs for the time being. It doesn’t help that the Honda Civic starts at $23,695 while the Civic hybrid rings in at $29,395. 

So, it costs an extra $4,700 more to go for the hybrid. Plus, the CR-V Hybrid costs $4,710 more than the standard gas CR-V. It’s worth noting that the CR-V Hybrid gets about 10 more miles per gallon than the gas model. 

Meaning it takes a long time to recoup the difference via fuel savings. According to CBT News, Honda is boosting production of gas cars in response to the affordability crisis. 

The automaker is also shifting away from electric vehicles, which are even more expensive. Plus, the federal $7,500 tax credit ended. This comes as emission standards are being rolled back and the price of gas is lowering. 

CR-V Hybrid SUVs accounted for 54% model sales in 2024 compared to 36% of Civic Hybrid cars. Honda expects a 5% sales increase over 2026.