In a regular car you lose a lot of energy that is being recuperated and converted to electricity in a hybrid. Instead of just wasting the energy that comes from braking, the energy is captured and reused. I don't see that as stupid at all. It's actually a pretty intelligent design. Don't just burn fuel: use power to make go, use brake to make power.

Last statement depends on the type of hybrid you're getting. The Toyota Prius is excellent on gas mileage for highway driving.

Plus, the main reason to get a hybrid is to reduce pollution. If you want a true comparable, check out, for example, the several Honda models that exist in both regular and hybrid modes, like the Civic.