The best test of this, I would think, would be to compare the MPG of the Honda Civic Hybrid and the standard Honda Civic in real usage. AFAIK, they are exactly the same (same body, materials) in all respects other than what's under the hood.
I've had the Honda Civic Hybrid for over a year now, and a coworker recently bought the standard Honda Civic Hybrid, so here was a good way to compare the two. Now, it's true his commute is half mine, so that does have an influence.
Nevertheless, my mileage (and this is mostly highway driving, but not going too careful, mind, you) averages out to 43 MPG.
His mileage averages just over 30 MPG.
That seems significant to me.
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The best test of this, I would think, would be to compare the MPG of the Honda Civic Hybrid and the standard Honda Civic in real usage. AFAIK, they are exactly the same (same body, materials) in all respects other than what's under the hood. I've had the Honda Civic Hybrid for over a year now, and a coworker recently bought the standard Honda Civic Hybrid, so here was a good way to compare the two. Now, it's true his commute is half mine, so that does have an influence. Nevertheless, my mileage (and this is mostly highway driving, but not going too careful, mind, you) averages out to 43 MPG. His mileage averages just over 30 MPG. That seems significant to me.