In certain stop go situations they can be more efficient while sufficient charge is in the battery. In very cold weather they loose 2/3 of their range. At highway speeds there is no comparison, and on price without government subsidies there is no comparison.
Too bad the gasoline engine is so inefficient, too. The combustion process is extremely inefficient. Maybe improving its efficiency is the solution. Although, there basic thermodynamic laws that can't be broken.
Electric cars use the same process for recovering the otherwise wasted energy. HOWEVER, their original source of power is from the power plant which is powered by coal, nat gas, nukes, hydro....
Plus all electrics can be less reliable — as you mention. I'd prefer to get less gas mileage and get to where I am going versus the car running out of juice before I get to my destination.
The key is to improve battery technology.
Another thing that proponents of all electric vehicles fail to mention - the current power grid cannot support electric cars (if a large percentage of folks buy one). Ironically, the feds, Democrats are killing off viable sources of power all in the name of being green. The power supply is being slowly choked off. And no, wind and solar are not viable alternatives.