Magazine road test compares EV, hybrid, and gas car trip costs

The short version

• Car and Driver conducted a two-day, 700-plus-mile comparison among a Tesla Model 3, a Honda Accord Touring Hybrid, and a Volkswagen Jetta GLI.[Car and Driver]
• Using standardized national pricing, the Tesla cost the least at $85.70 ($0.11 per mile), followed by the Accord at $93.69 and the Jetta at $129.98.[Car and Driver]
• The gas-powered Jetta recorded the fastest trip time of 11 hours and 46 minutes, beating the Accord by two minutes and the Tesla by 27 minutes.[Car and Driver]

Key facts

• Car and Driver tested a Tesla Model 3, a Honda Accord Touring Hybrid, and a Volkswagen Jetta GLI over a two-day trip exceeding 700 miles across Michigan.[Car and Driver]
• The Tesla Model 3 covered 752 miles with four DC fast-charging and two AC charging sessions, totaling $85.70 at $0.11 per mile.[Car and Driver]
• The Honda Accord Touring Hybrid achieved 35 mpg across 744 miles, costing $93.69 at $0.13 per mile on regular fuel.[Car and Driver]
• The Volkswagen Jetta GLI averaged 31 mpg over 737 miles, requiring premium fuel totaling $129.98 at $0.18 per mile.[Car and Driver]
• The Jetta logged the shortest trip time at 11 hours and 46 minutes, the Accord took 11 hours and 48 minutes, and the Tesla finished 25 minutes behind the Accord.[Car and Driver]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• EV, Hybrid, or Gas Car: What’s Best for a Road Trip?Car and Driver