I Bought a Hybrid Car: Here’s How Much I Save on Gas Every Month
Written by
Lydia Kibet
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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The national average gas price in the U.S. as of Sep. 17, 2025, is $3.20 per gallon, according to AAA. As gas prices continue to swing unpredictably, many people are looking for ways to save money, and one of them is by switching to hybrid cars.
GOBankingRates spoke with Bennett Barrier, founder of DFW Turf Solutions, to learn how much he’s saving on gas after purchasing a hybrid car.
Why He Switched From a Full-Size Truck
Barrier switched from a 2015 Ford F-150 to a Toyota RAV4 hybrid XLE after realizing his truck was overkill for most daily tasks. “It was a great truck for towing, but it drank gas like nobody’s business, especially when I was using it for light-duty work where a full-size truck wasn’t necessary.”
While he still uses the F-150 for towing trailers and heavy-duty work, most of his time is spent visiting job sites, picking up supplies and meeting vendors — tasks that don’t require a heavy-duty vehicle. A hybrid car simply made more sense.
Monthly Gas Costs Were Cut in Half
Before switching to a hybrid vehicle, Barrier was spending more than $320 a month on gas. “With the hybrid today, I’m solidly in the $160 zone each month. That’s roughly the same mileage. Nothing sensational changed in my daily routine.”
His driving is about 60% city and 40% highway, meaning a lot of stop-and-go traffic, which is where hybrids shine thanks to features like regenerative braking at low speeds.
Noticeable Savings Right Away
Barrier noticed a change in fuel consumption almost immediately.
“Gas savings appeared in a flash after the first tank,” he said. “I wasn’t measuring mileage like a physicist, but the pump stoppages decreased rapidly. I used to get gas every five days, now every nine or so.”
He knew the gas savings would be noticeable but not jaw-dropping. For someone initially skeptical about hybrids, the savings turned out to be more substantial and more practical than expected.
More Than Gas Savings
Beyond saving money on gas, Barrier noticed more changes in his day-to-day driving. “I didn’t think I’d miss the regenerative braking system as much as I do. In the city, it’s subtle but helpful.”
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