Why Traditional Gas-Powered Vehicles Still Make Sense in 2025
With all the hype surrounding electric and hybrid vehicles, you might think Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles are soon to be relics of the past. But the reality is far more nuanced. For many drivers, traditional gas-powered cars remain the smarter, more practical choice. Here's why.
The Quality and Reliability Gap
Let's start with some surprising data that doesn't get enough attention in the mainstream conversation about EVs. According to J.D. Power's 2022 Initial Quality Study, hybrid and electric vehicle owners reported significantly more issues and defects than gas powered vehicle owners—240 and 239 per 100 vehicles respectively, compared to just 173 per 100 vehicles for traditional gas-powered cars.
Even more telling, a Consumer Reports study from late 2023 found that EVs on average have 79% more issues than vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine. When you're spending tens of thousands of dollars on a vehicle, reliability matters.
The recall data tells a similar story. From 2018 through 2022, EVs represented only about 2.5% of vehicles on the road, yet they accounted for 8.6% of all recalls—a disproportionately high rate that should give any prospective buyer pause.
The Hybrid Fire Hazard Few Are Talking About
Here's a fact that might surprise you: when it comes to vehicle fires, hybrid vehicles actually present the highest risk. Recent data shows hybrids experience 3,474.5 fires per 100,000 vehicles—dramatically higher than either traditional gas-powered vehicles or fully electric vehicles.
This elevated fire risk with hybrids stems from the complexity of having two power systems in one vehicle. You're combining the flammability risks of gasoline with the thermal management challenges of battery systems, creating a more complex safety equation that many buyers don't consider when they're sold on the "best of both worlds" pitch.
The True Cost of Ownership Is More Complicated Than You Think
EV advocates love to tout lower operating costs, but the calculation isn't as straightforward as they make it sound. Yes, electricity can be cheaper than gasoline (in terms of unit cost) —but that depends entirely on where you live and your local utility rates. In regions with high electricity costs, that advantage evaporates quickly.
Then there's the elephant in the room: battery replacement. While battery technology has improved and warranties have expanded, the reality is that replacing an EV battery can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $20,000! Even if batteries are lasting longer than early predictions suggested, this remains a significant financial risk that combustion vehicle owners simply don't face. A traditional engine may need repairs over its lifetime, but the costs are more predictable and the technology for fixing them is universally available.
The resale market tells its own story. Buyers are increasingly wary of used EVs with unknown battery health, leading to steeper depreciation curves. With a gas-powered vehicle, a mechanic can assess the condition relatively easily. With an EV, you're gambling on expensive battery capacity that's difficult to verify.
Proven Technology vs. Beta Testing
Gas-powered vehicles represent over a century of refinement. The technology is mature, predictable, and well-understood. Every mechanic can work on them, parts are readily available, and you're not dealing with over-the-air software updates that might change how your vehicle performs.
EVs, by contrast, are still evolving rapidly. Many of the quality issues stem from automakers rushing new technology to market. As J.D. Power noted, the frequency of quality issues tends to be higher during the initial rollout of new vehicle models—and right now, almost every EV is relatively new to the market.
When you buy an ICE vehicle, you're buying proven technology. When you buy an EV, you're essentially an early adopter, with all the risks that entails.
Infrastructure Reality Check
Despite billions in investment, charging infrastructure still can't match the convenience of gas stations. You can refuel an ICE vehicle in five minutes virtually anywhere in the country. With an EV, you're planning your trips around charging stations, waiting 30 minutes to an hour for fast charging, or much longer for standard charging.
For anyone living in rural areas, frequently taking long trips, or living in an apartment without dedicated charging, an ICE vehicle remains the only practical option.
The Bottom Line
This isn't about being anti-technology or denying that EVs will play a role in our automotive future. It's about making informed decisions based on real-world data rather than marketing hype.
The facts are clear: ICE vehicles currently offer better reliability, lower recall rates, more predictable ownership costs, and universal practicality. The technology is proven, the infrastructure is there, and you're not paying a premium to be an early adopter of technology that's still working out its kinks!
For many drivers—perhaps most drivers—a traditional gas-powered vehicle remains the smartest choice in 2025. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise based on trends and promises. Make your decision based on what actually works best for your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle.
After all, the best vehicle is the one that reliably gets you where you need to go without breaking the bank or causing unnecessary headaches. For most people, that's still a good old-fashioned gas-powered car!
