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Everyone says that hybrids pay off over time due to the fuel savings. These two hybrids pay for themselves immediately, thanks to the lower price. Thanks to high gas prices, Ford Maverick hybrid trucks and Lexus NX hybrid SUVs will start saving money as soon as you roll into the gas station.

The Ford Maverick truck is a versatile hybrid that pays for itself

The Ford Maverick and Lexus NX are versatile hybrids
Both the Ford Maverick and Lexus NX are versatile hybrids in blue | Ford, Lexus

The Ford Maverick has been a popular, versatile hybrid truck since it was first announced. Consumer Reports took the MSRP of the hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles to figure out which version would be a better deal. The Ford Maverick hybrid XLT is $2,960 cheaper than the non-hybrid XLT. The 2.5L hybrid engine has an EPA-estimated range of 42 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined.

Consumer Reports says that assuming gas is $5 per gallon and you don’t drive more than 12,000 miles annually, the payoff is instant. The savings you will garner from having a hybrid while gas prices are so high can make a big difference. Assuming gas prices eventually fall, your new hybrid truck will still pay off while gas is over $5 a gallon.

The Lexus NX is a versatile hybrid SUV that pays for itself right away

For the Lexus NX hybrid, a similar situation unfolded. The Lexus NX 350h starts at $42,625. This luxury SUV gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined. That comes in $175 less than the gasoline-only version.

Chris Harto, a senior energy policy analyst at Consumer Reports, says, “You don’t have to buy an EV to reduce your exposure to high gas prices. Buying an efficient hybrid can help buffer your monthly budget from the wild swings caused by volatility in global oil markets.” That means this versatile Lexus SUV is a good buy for those needing a little more out of a gas tank.

There are bigger savings for SUVs over a sedan

Consumer Reports says the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid will pay for itself in one year’s time. If gas prices fell below $3, the payback period would increase to two years. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid would likely pay for itself over two years with gas at $5 a gallon.

Consumer Reports says the payback period for a hybrid is shorter for SUVs due to math and physics. SUVs are bigger and heavier, which means poor fuel economy to start. That means that any improvement makes a bigger difference.

If you aren’t ready for a fully electric vehicle, a versatile hybrid might be a good option. The Ford Maverick isn’t easy to find right now, but the Lexus NX hybrid should be easy to track down.

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