BINGHAM FARMS, Mich. -

As gas prices rise again, consumers may be turning towards hybrids, as a few of these units are being identified as having a lower total cost-of-ownership than their all-gasoline counterparts, according to Vincentric’s Hybrid Analysis released late last week.

In the study, 11 of 25 hybrid vehicles came in as costing less to own over time.

“The 11 hybrids with lower ownership costs included the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which had the largest (over $7,000) advantage in comparison to its gasoline alternative, with additional hybrids from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Toyota, Ford, Kia, Porsche, Honda and Hyundai also showing cost advantages,” officials shared.

That said, when the costs to own and operate all 25 hybrid vehicles were taken into account, the average five-year cost-of-ownership for hybrids was $1,223 more than their all-gasoline powered counterparts, assuming an annual mileage of 15,000, the company further explained.
 
“With a large number of hybrid vehicles now on the market from numerous manufacturers, consumers have many options to reduce fuel consumption using hybrid technology,” stated David Wurster, president of Vincentric.

"Our research shows that certain hybrids provide the benefits of hybrid technology, while also providing overall cost savings. However, it is important to remember that this isn’t the case for all hybrids, with low ownership costs and associated cost savings being specific to certain vehicles,” he continued.

The company also highlighted its methodology for the analysis.

Vincentric measures eight cost elements for over 2,000 vehicles configurations per model year, including depreciation, financing, fees and taxes, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost and repairs.

Each month Vincentric re-compiles its database to take into account current vehicle prices, resale values, fuel costs, finance rates and other economic and market factors to ensure that users have access to up-to-date and accurate ownership costs, the company concluded.