Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars

As automakers expand their hybrid and EV lineups, you’ll notice more green technology on the road than ever. So, are hybrid cars worth it for the typical Santa Clarita driver? In its infancy, the hybrid movement attracted just a small subset of drivers. But thanks to major technological advancements in recent years, many major brands offer eco-friendly models with the speed and power to rival their gas-powered counterparts. 

From agile commuter sedans to sprawling 3-row SUVs, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in an EV! Join Hello Kia of Valencia below for a closer look at the pros and cons of hybrid cars, and then browse Kia hybrid and EV models on our lot right now Valencia.

Benefits of Hybrid Cars

• Affordability – With more options than ever flooding the EV and hybrid market, Valencia car-buyers can find hybrid models at a wide range of price points. In addition, there are federal, state, and local incentives and tax rebates to sweeten the deal. Plus, federal regulation in the U.S. mandates at least eight years of warranty coverage for EV batteries to project your investment.
• Variety – Past hybrid offerings were mostly lower-power, compact sedans. Recent tech advancements have encouraged incredible variety in the market, from high-performance hybrids to powerful mid- and full-size SUVs.
• Energy Efficiency – Using the combined effect of electric-drive technologies and traditional combustion engines, hybrid vehicles optimize fuel economy. Plus, these models employ innovative systems like regenerative braking to recapture energy typically lost while braking.

Potential Cons of Hybrid Cars

Before you invest in a hybrid car, there are some possible cons that you’ll want to keep in mind. These potential drawbacks include:

• Price: Typically, hybrid cars can be more expensive upfront than gas-powered vehicles. Of course, these costs can be made up by saving on fuel and federal incentives. 
• Maintenance Costs: Hybrid cars often require less maintenance than gas-powered cars, but hybrid car maintenance costs can be higher, especially if the battery needs to be replaced. Hybrid car batteries can cost around $2,000+, depending on the model. 
• Hybrid Emissions: Hybrid vehicles are more eco-friendly than gas-powered cars, but are less efficient than EVs. If zero-emissions performance is your main goal, consider an all-electric alternative. 

Kia Hybrid and EV Models

Sure, the benefits of hybrid cars sound good, but are hybrid cars good for you? If you’re looking for a thrilling performance paired with state-of-the art technology — then yes! Here’s a look at the latest EV and hybrid models in the Kia lineup:

• Kia Soul Plug-In Hybrid – The Kia Soul Plug-in Hybrid is a hatchback that offers a choice of three engines or an all-electric drivetrain, plus plenty of high-end interior features.
• Kia Soul EV – The all-electric version of the subcompact crossover Soul SUV delivers up to an estimated 127 MPGe city, and 101 MPGe highway for your San Fernando drives.
• Kia Optima Hybrid – The Optima hybrid offers hybrid efficiency plus everything else you’d want in a midsize sedan: upscale interior, user-friendly infotainment system, long list of standard safety features, and more.
• Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid – Thanks to its hybrid powertrain rechargeable battery, the Optima Plug-in can make short trips on electric power alone.
• Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid – The Niro Plug-In delivers crossover capability and excellent efficiency. Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious interior compared to other subcompact SUVs.
• Kia Niro EV – Based on the Niro hybrid, the EV version offers DC fast charge capability and steering wheel paddle-controlled regenerative braking.

Wondering how the benefits of hybrid cars might impact your daily drives? We’re happy to tell you what you need to know when you visit our Kia dealership near Filmore!

Test Drive Your Favorite Kia EV Models in Valencia 

Now that you know a bit more about the pros and cons of hybrid cars, it’s time to make the call: are hybrid cars worth it? Our vote is yes — but the best way to find out for yourself is to schedule a test drive! Apply for financing online and contact us today to get started.