The hybrid car segment is steadily growing every year thanks to automakers consistently finding ways to advance the technology. In the past decade, hybrid powertrains have seen a marked increase in fuel economy, but that wasn’t always the case.
Some hybrid vehicles in the past weren’t as tech-savvy or efficient, which is why they aren’t around anymore. So, if you’re in the market for a used hybrid, here are three examples you should avoid if you’re buying a hybrid vehicle for its fuel efficiency.
- Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
Does a Pathfinder Hybrid make sense to you? No? Apparently, it didn’t make sense to Nissan either, which is why they cut production after just one model year back in 2014.
Under the unique Pathfinder was a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine that was mated to a 15-kWh electric motor and connected to a CVT transmission. The electric motor just provided an assist to the engine, and together they produced only 250 horsepower.
This recipe for non-efficiency garnered a combined 26 mpg, which was only 4 mpg better than the gasoline model with a V6 engine.
- Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Produced from 2008-2009, the Chevy Malibu Hybrid could have been considered an exercise in trial-and-error by GM. It operated off the company’s Belt-Alternator Starter system, in which a belt-driven electric motor was put in place of the alternator to assist with the start/stop feature.
The result was a clunky-driving powertrain that was no smoother than its gasoline counterpart and not much more efficient.
The Malibu Hybrid achieved a combined mpg rating of 27 mpg compared to the 25 mpg combined from the Malibu outfitted with the 2.5-litre four-cylinder.
It was hardly efficient and not very popular back then or now.
- Honda Accord Hybrid
No, not the newer Accord Hybrid; we’re talking about the one made from 2005 to 2007. You might not remember it but during the time of the first-generation Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda also released an Accord Hybrid with a 3.0-liter V6 paired with an electric motor that produced 255 horsepower.
They billed it as a performance hybrid at the time. However, the public wasn’t ready for it since they associated hybrid cars with being fuel-efficient. Unfortunately, this Accord Hybrid wasn’t that efficient, only garnering a combined 25 mpg from its Integrated Motor Assist setup.
It only sold 28,500 units during its production cycle and was discontinued. While it does exude Honda reliability, we would suggest going with a hybrid car that’s more efficient or perhaps a regular Accord.
Conclusion
Always check out the list of hybrids to avoid before buying. If you check out any of the hybrid vehicles mentioned, you might find them to be very affordable. Don’t fall for them being hybrid, as their hybrid efficiency might actually end up costing you more in the long run.
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