Hybrid Values - Feature: You want to buy a hybrid, but you’re concerned about the cost. And you should be: Despite the increasing number of hybrids for sale, all cost more than their conventional twins. Even with tax credits and fuel savings, we found that most hybrid vehicles take awhile to deliver payback in terms of dollars paid, with one or two exceptions. Sure, there’s the reward of fewer emissions, but if you want a smart buy and a low-emissions vehicle, it takes time to pay that hybrid premium! On the following pages, you’ll find all available hybrids compared to their most similar non-hybrid counterpart, with base prices, fuel costs, tax credits, and the hybrid payback. Note: All prices include destination charges, and fuel savings is based on 15,000 miles per year, at $2.50 per gallon.