Should You Buy a Honda EV or Hybrid? Pros and Cons of Each

As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, Honda has expanded its lineup to include both hybrid and fully electric vehicles (EVs). If you're considering a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly Honda, you might be wondering: Should I buy a Honda hybrid or go all-in with an EV?
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of Honda's electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and driving needs.
Honda Hybrid vs. Honda EV: What's the Difference?
Honda Hybrid: Gasoline + Electric Power
- Uses both a gas engine and an electric motor
- Doesn’t require charging—automatically recharges while driving
- Examples: Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda EV: 100% Electric
- Runs purely on battery power—no gasoline required
- Needs to be plugged into a charger at home or a public station
- Ex: Honda Prologue EV (available starting in 2024)

Pros and Cons of Honda Hybrid Vehicles
✅ Pros of Hybrids
✔ No range anxiety – You don’t have to worry about running out of battery since hybrids still use gasoline.
✔ Better fuel economy – Honda hybrids offer significant MPG improvements over traditional gas cars.
✔ Lower upfront cost – Hybrids are usually cheaper than fully electric vehicles.
✔ Easy transition – If you're new to electrified vehicles, a hybrid is a familiar and stress-free choice.
✔ No need for charging infrastructure – You don’t need to install a home charger or find public charging stations.
❌ Cons of Honda Hybrids
✖ Still uses gas – While fuel-efficient, hybrids still rely on gasoline, making them less eco-friendly than EVs.
✖ Not eligible for full EV incentives – Some government rebates apply only to fully electric vehicles.
✖ Less power from the electric motor – While hybrids use electric power, they don’t provide the instant acceleration of EVs.

Pros and Cons of Honda Electric Vehicles (EVs)
✅ Pros of Honda EVs
✔ Zero emissions – EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, making them better for the environment.
✔ Lower operating costs – No more spending on gasoline or oil changes—EVs have fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs.
✔ Instant torque and acceleration – Electric motors deliver faster and smoother acceleration than gas engines.
✔ Eligible for tax credits – Many EVs qualify for federal and provincial incentives, lowering the overall cost.
✔ Future-proof – Governments worldwide are pushing for fully electric vehicles, meaning EVs will likely be a more sustainable long-term investment.
❌ Cons of Honda EVs
✖ Higher upfront cost – EVs are typically more expensive than hybrids (though incentives can help).
✖ Charging time & infrastructure – Charging an EV takes longer than refuelling a gas tank, and you may need to install a home charger.
✖ Range limitations – Although improving, EV range still depends on battery capacity and charging availability.
✖ Limited Honda EV options – Honda currently has fewer EV choices than competitors, though this will change with models like the Honda Prologue.
Which Honda Should You Buy? Hybrid or EV?

The best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and driving habits.
- Choose a Honda Hybrid if you want a fuel-efficient car without worrying about charging. It's a great option for long-distance travel, fuel savings, and a lower upfront cost.
- Choose a Honda EV if you want to eliminate gas expenses, benefit from government incentives, and are comfortable charging at home or in public.
Upcoming Honda EV Options:
- Honda Prologue EV – A new all-electric SUV with an estimated 300-mile range, arriving in 2024.
- Future Honda EVs – Honda plans to introduce more electric vehicles in the coming years, expanding options for eco-conscious drivers.
Final Thoughts
Both Honda hybrids and EVs offer great benefits, but your choice depends on your daily driving needs, charging access, and budget. If you're looking for a seamless transition to electric driving, a Honda hybrid is an excellent first step. If you're ready to go fully electric and embrace the future, the Honda Prologue EV is worth considering.