I have a problem with using MSRP when comparing the difference in cost between Hybrid vs Non, here are 4 different models I compared. I have figured out which options must be added to get as close to apples-to-apples as I can. Some of the models were easier to get A-T-A, I certainly may have made mistakes. Here's my take, using the Kelly Blue Book price which reflects actual sales throughout the USA.
www.kbb.com
Ford Escape vs Escape XLT
The XLT has standard floor mats and power seats, the Hybrid price reflects floor mats added but no price added for power seats, they aren't available.
MSRP Hybrid = 29165 / XLT = 24900 / Difference = $4265
KBB Hybrid = 279882 / XLT = 23432 / Difference = $4550
Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid vs Limited
The Hybrid is much more loaded than the Limited, I added Leather package, tow prep package, heated seats and moon roof to get very close. The Hybrid doesn't have the luggage rack that is standard on the limited, I didn't adjust the price, but it is probably available as a dealer option.
MSRP Hybrid = 39895 / Limited = 35025 / Difference = $4870
KBB Hybrid = 37772 / Limited = 31995 / Difference = $5770
Toyota Camry Hybrid vs Camry XLE
I am posting an earlier comparison that I believe still holds true, edited for brevity.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Worthywads
As for the Camry hybrid premium of $1,500, that indeed reflects the difference between a Hybrid and XLE ($1,475 actually)...the XLE has a standard moonroof, which is a $940 option on the hybrid. The only other differences I see from Kelly Blue Book is the Hybrid has a rear window defrost that isn't available on the XLE and the XLE has passenger side electric seat which isn't available on the Hybrid. Currently the KBB doesn't have data on the actual sale prices that people are paying for the 2007 models. There is data available for the XLE showing that the average purchaser paid $1884 under MSRP for the 2006 model.A more accurate premium could be 1475 + 940 + 1884 = $4299. From the TCH section of greenhybrid I didn't find much on what owners paid, but IMO assuming that the Hybrids are selling for straight MSRP is conservative. There were mentions of rejected deals from dealerships asking 1-4k over MSRP, presumably there are willing buyers.
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Honda Civic Hybrid vs Civic
This one isn't easily compared as Honda essentially has zero flexibility for adding options. All "options" are actually dealer installed accesories. The Hybrid can not be had with the moon roof that is standard on the EX, an $800+ value difference considering the Camry moonroof is $940. I don't include it in my comparison.
MSRP Hybrid = 22700 / EX Auto = 19810 / Difference = $2890
KBB Hybrid = 23494 / EX Auto = 19520 / Difference = $3974
MSRP Hybrid = 22700 / EX MT = 19010 / Difference = $3690
KBB Hybrid = 23494 / EX MT = 18742 / Difference = $4752
In this case there is an available MT and I personally would only consider the non-hybrid with the MT and included it even though the Hybrid is CVT. I don't see anything unfair about that comparison, I'd have to pay $4752 more than the comparable Hybrid and not have the moon roof. Why Honda doesn't choose to sell a MT hybrid for $800 less than the CVT, I don't understand. I don't know anything about the CVT, is it possible that it actually cost less to manufacture than either the Auto or MT? Why aren't they available on non-hybrids?
$6000 may not be correct but $4000 appears to be the minimum. Please critique.
Tax deductions and credits of course reduce these differences, but hopefully not for long.
