We all grew up driving gasoline-powered cars here in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Two decades ago, hybrid gas-electric vehicles arrived on the scene, offering a different option than what drivers had driven for a century.
Yet, despite the many advantages, many drivers in Iowa still have not made the switch to a hybrid vehicle. Are you still on the fence about buying a hybrid car from Motor Inn of Spirit Lake? There are great reasons to consider them that we’ve outlined for you below.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation FHWA, Iowans drive more miles every year than the average American does. When you rack up over 15,000 miles on your car every year, you’re spending a lot of money on gasoline — especially given how expensive gas has become!
Hybrid vehicles use electric power to help the mechanical motor run efficiently without needing to burn as much gasoline. For example, the 2023 Toyota Highlander averages 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway, whereas the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid averages 36 mpg city/35 mpg highway using its hybrid power system. Imagine how much money you’d save over the years from that improved gas mileage.
Some hybrid vehicles called “plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)” can run purely on electric power for short distances before switching to a gas-electric joint system. The 2020 Ford Escape PHEV, for instance, can travel 37 miles on battery-only power according to EPA estimates.
That range is enough for many people in Spirit Lake, Iowa, to commute between home and work or the grocery store without burning any gasoline. All you’d need to do is recharge the car overnight in your garage.
Many people still have the inaccurate notion that hybrid vehicles are weaker than gasoline vehicles — but that’s not necessarily the case. Hybrid cars can generate a vigorous amount of horsepower to rival their gasoline counterparts.
Here’s a comparison: The 2021 Honda CR-V uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid model takes a basic four-cylinder and adds an electric motor for a total system output of 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Peak power figures only tell part of the story, though. In the hybrid, there’s also a noticeable improvement in low-end acceleration thanks to the superior torque curve.
Given the potent energy that hybrid powertrains can achieve, it’s no surprise that even high-performance brands like BMW and Audi have embraced this technology to produce athletic hybrid cars.
Hybrid technology is no longer the new kid on the block. This technology has been tested, enhanced, and proven over the past few decades. Automakers have been improving hybrid powertrains and flooding the market with better and better offerings. Motor Inn of Spirit Lake carries the newest hybrid models from over a half-dozen of your favorite automakers, including Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota.
Have a different preferred brand? There’s a solid chance that they’ve produced a hybrid model in recent years that is on the used car market. You can usually find pre-owned hybrid vehicles from other brands like Honda, Hyundai, and Kia at Motor Inn of Spirit Lake, too.
A hybrid vehicle from Motor Inn of Spirit Lake is a great purchase whether you’re an empty nester, a working parent, or a young adult. With rising gas prices, it’s a wise idea to save money at any age, so visit our dealership in Dickinson County for the largest selection of used hybrid sedans and SUVs around.