Hicks Family Subaru
Compare gas, hybrid, and electric cars with this Subaru buyer’s guide. Learn which powertrain fits your driving habits, budget, and lifestyle best.
If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, you’ve probably noticed there are more choices than ever before. Gas-powered cars, hybrids, and electric vehicles all have their advantages, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The good news? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on how you drive, where you go, and what matters most in your daily routine.
At Hicks Family Subaru, we’re here to help break it all down in a simple, real-world way so you can feel confident about your decision.
A gas car runs entirely on a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. Gasoline is burned inside the engine to create power, which moves the vehicle forward. These vehicles also use a small 12-volt battery, but only to start the engine and power electronics like lights, climate control, and infotainment systems.
Gas-powered vehicles have been around the longest, making them familiar, easy to maintain, and convenient, especially since gas stations are everywhere and charging isn’t required.
Most Subaru vehicles are available with a gas engine, offering dependable performance and everyday versatility. Gas-powered Subarus include:
A hybrid car blends a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency. The vehicle automatically switches between gas power, electric power, or a combination of both based on driving conditions.
Most hybrids do not need to be plugged in. Instead, the battery recharges through regenerative braking and the gas engine itself. This makes hybrids especially efficient for city driving, where frequent stopping and starting help recapture energy.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are different. They do need to be charged. Subaru’s current hybrids are traditional, non-plug-in hybrids.
Subaru offers hybrid versions of two popular models:
An electric car (EV) runs entirely on electricity and does not use gasoline at all. Instead of an engine, EVs rely on a large rechargeable battery that powers an electric motor. These vehicles are charged at home or at public charging stations.
Because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, they often require less routine maintenance: no oil changes, fewer fluids, and reduced wear on certain components. EVs also produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them an appealing option for drivers focused on sustainability.
Currently, Subaru offers one fully electric model:
However, two additional electric Subaru models are expected in spring 2026:
The difference comes down to how they’re powered:
Simply put: hybrids use gas and electricity, while electric cars use electricity only.
| Electric vs. Hybrid vs. Gas Cars Comparison Table | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Gas Car | Hybrid Car | Electric Car (EV) |
| Power source | Gasoline only | Gasoline + electricity | Electricity only |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine | Gas engine + electric motor | Electric motor |
| Needs gas | Yes | Yes | No |
| Needs charging | No | No (standard hybrids)Yes (plug-in hybrids) | Yes |
| Battery size | Small | Medium | Large |
| How battery recharges | Engine | Regenerative braking + engine; charging for PHEV | Plug-in charging |
| Fuel efficiency | Lowest | Higher than gas | Highest |
| Tailpipe emissions | Yes | Reduced | None |
If you’re still unsure, that’s completely normal. This is where having a trusted local dealership makes all the difference.
Choosing between gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles can feel overwhelming, especially as technology continues to evolve. At Hicks Family Subaru, our team can walk you through the different Subaru options available, answer questions about daily ownership, and help you explore which powertrain makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Visit us or browse our inventory online to see how Subaru’s gas, hybrid, and electric models compare in person.
