So the recap...
We've got 8 regulars on here willing to admit to driving and liking hybrids. 1 who drove and didn't like mainly due to a head gasket failure (non electric drivetrain related failure). Twice as many or more driving compact 4-bangers.
Cons:
- reduced mileage during very cold (battery efficiency) or very hot (AC drain) weather. But you still get compact 4-banger mileage instead of V8 truck mileage regardless.
- not reliable off paved and well-maintained gravel roads. Again, not necessarily an electric issue.
- battery replacement cost. 2k to 5k depending on DIY vs dealer work. In line with head gasket, transmission, and other major issues. Seems to start cropping up at the 200k+ mile mark, which is par for the course in my experience regarding something expensive happening.
Pros:
- Double to triple the fuel efficiency of a traditional hunting truck. Likely to become more of an advantage as gas goes up in the future.
- General lower purchase price. From the little bit of shopping I've done a "hunting truck" with 4x4 is going to cost 50-100% more than a compact hybrid.
- Stealth. Nobody considers a Prius owner as competition.
- Environmental benefits.
I think my life with one would look something like this.
Drive the "wife's car" hybrid to pick up groceries, BS around town, and do general daily driving. Enjoy 40-50mpg savings during off season.
Hunting rolls around. For trips to muddy WMA roads, drive the subie. For trips to parking lots, drive the hybrid. For trips to Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Missouri, whatever...drive the hybrid to the campground and throw my pack in my buddy's truck. Buy his lunch since I feel bad that he drove 500 miles at 15mpg just so we could power through that one mud hole.
Accept that I lose man points and will have to endure appropriate ribbing for driving a hybrid, shooting a deer with a crossgun, and eating a McDonald's salad for lunch.