10 Hybrids That Are Best Bought Used Instead Of New

Hybrid vehicles have quickly risen to become one of the most popular choices for new car buyers as they offer the

best combination of efficiency and performance
. We’ve seen hybrid technology advance exponentially in the last few years, thanks to the dramatic shift to electrification by many established manufacturers. This technology has filtered down into more accessible and attractive hybrid catalogs, resulting in increased sales and popularity. EVs have grown in popularity across the board in 2024, but some some brands noticed considerable demand declines, resulting in them focusing on HEV developments to a much greater extent. This transition has led many analysts to prepare in an EV market demand decline in 2025.

Despite them being substantially cheaper options when compared to the new catalog of EVs, some new hybrid options remain fairly inaccessible to many consumers. This is why we suggest that you consider something from the collection of very

attractive used hybrid vehicle offerings
, with almost equally impressive performance and consumption returns. Being a few years old, they also have more of a proven reliability track record, making them more justifiable long-term ownership propositions.

10

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid – 44/100

Average Used Price: $14,700 – $19,600

The now-defunct Hyundai Ioniq gets a 44/100 reliability rating and a 3/5 owner satisfaction score from Consumer Reports. The publication highlights stand-out attributes including its good fuel economy returns, intuitive controls, and versatile rear hatch, but it does struggle with a bad ride, poor performance, and a loud powertrain. The Ioniq no longer exists in the South Korean brand’s new vehicle catalog, but the drivetrain lives on in the current-generation Elantra Hybrid. Unfortunately, this isn’t quite as efficient as its predecessor.

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Performance Specifications

This hybrid-specific model features the group’s naturally aspirated direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which doesn’t benefit from the best performance figures, but you will get the benefit of exemplary fuel consumption and range returns, which are better than some of the new hybrid models currently available in the market.

Pros

• Great fuel economy
• Intuitive controls
• Versatile hatchback design

Cons

• Stiff ride
• Lacks agility
• Noisy drivetrain

9

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – 54/100

Average Used Price: $18,825 – $26,275

Consumer Reports gives the previous-generation Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid a 54/100 reliability rating and 3/5 owner satisfaction car, making it an acceptable used hybrid option for larger families. You can expect to enjoy good fuel economy returns, a comfortable ride, and good handling characteristics for an SUV this size.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Performance Specifications

The

previous-generation Santa Fe Hybrid
features the South Korean group’s unilateral gasoline-electric hybrid configuration, which returns a good combination of efficiency and performance that suits multiple needs and driving conditions. Mechanically, it is fairly similar to the new-generation model, but with a slightly lower combined power output.

Pros

• Impressive fuel economy returns
• Good power output
• Plush ride

Cons

• Awkward gear selector
• Weak regenerative brakes
• Poor interior visibility

8

2021 CR-V Hybrid – 55/100

Average Used Price: $20,650 – $29,200

Consumer Reports awards the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid a mediocre 55/100 predicted reliability rating, which leaves a lot to be desired from the reliability department. The 3/5 predicted owner satisfaction result doesn’t make anything better for the model, but J.D. Power gives the entire CR-V line-up an 82/199 quality and reliability score.

2021 CR-V Hybrid Performance Specifications

You can have the

CR-V Hybrid
with front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive system. The former produces the best efficiency estimates, but you get better versatility with the all-wheel-drive configuration. Neither of these options affects the model’s combined power output, as it adopts a conventional rear driveline.

Pros

• Spacious seating
• Balanced ride
• Effective all-wheel-drive system

Cons

• Not the best economy returns
• Outdated infotainment
• Poor acceleration

Related

Comparison: Honda Accord Hybrid vs. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Family sedans were never out of fashion, and the hybrid versions of the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata testify to that. But which one is for you?

7

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid – 57/100

Average Used Price: $21,000 – $28,700

The Honda Accord is one of the country’s highest-selling hybrid vehicles, and that’s mostly thanks to the solid reputation it has built over the years. Despite this, Consumer Reports hands the hybrid iteration of the sedan a relatively meager 57/100 reliability rating, but a more attractive 4/5 owner satisfaction score.

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Performance Specifications

The 2021

Honda Accord Hybrid
features the same powertrain as the current-generation model, but with a slight bump in power. Consumer Reports suggests that you’ll get to enjoy the model’s great fuel economy returns, high safety standards, and sharp handling characteristics.

Pros

• Efficient drivetrain system
• Comprehensive standard safety systems
• Sharp handling

Cons

• Low seating position
• Ride sits a bit low Weak in the high revs

6

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – 61/100

Average Used Price: $22,425 – $32,400

The Toyota RAV4 benefits from a 61/100 predicted reliability score from Consumer Reports, which includes a 4/5 predicted owner satisfaction grade. The review highlights this model’s impressive fuel economy and advanced safety features to be its strongest attributes, but you may struggle with its firm ride and questionable fit and finish.

2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Performance Specifications

Toyota offers the

RAV4 Hybrid
with an all-wheel drive system, resulting in an impressive 219-horsepower output. It’s also able to achieve a 39 MPG combined consumption figure and 566 miles of range on a single tank. The hybrid uses the brand’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a pair of permanent-magnet motors and a 0.9 kWh battery pack.

Pros

• Attractive exterior
• Good performance
• Amazing economy returns

Cons

• Noisy transmission
• Awkward multifunction steering wheel
• Weird brake pedal feel

5

2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid – 68/100

Average Used Price: $17,325 – $22,225

The pre-facelifted Toyota Corolla Hybrid benefits from an attractive 68/100 reliability rating and 3/5 owner satisfaction score from Consumer Reports. The road test highlights the model’s impressive fuel economy returns, comfortable ride, and intuitive cabin controls as noteworthy positives.

2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Performance Specifications

The

Corolla Hybrid
features the same drivetrain as the Prius, resulting in very preferable economy and range returns. If you’re looking for something that is a bit quick off the line, then you’re going to want to avoid this model.

Pros

• Class-leading fuel economy
• Good interior quality
• Intelligent cabin layout

Cons

• LE trim feels very basic
• Poor performance
• Odd brake feel

Related

Toyota Venza Price And Trims Detailed

The 2024 Toyota Venza blends hybrid efficiency with all-wheel drive and a premium interior, making it a top hybrid SUV – but it’ll be gone soon.

4

2021 Toyota Venza – 70/100

Average Used Price: $26,875 – $32,200

The 2021 Toyota Venza is an exemplary used hybrid vehicle option that benefits from a relatively high 70/100 reliability rating from Consumer Reports, together with a 4/5 owner satisfaction score. It gained a strong reputation thanks to its good fuel economy returns and practical access to the cabin.

2021 Toyota Venza Performance Specifications

The

Venza
adopts the RAV4 Hybrid’s gasoline-electric drivetrain with an unchanged state-of-tune. The difference comes in the Venza’s execution of being a more urban and city-biased SUV option as opposed to the RAV4’s more adventurous approach. As a result, the efficiency and performance ratings are pretty much the same.

Pros

• All-wheel drive is standard
• Upmarket interior
• Silent and comfortable suspension

Cons

• A lot smaller than other midsize options
• Expensive starting price
• No towing abilities

3

2021 Toyota Prius – 77/100

Average Used Price: $20,100 – $26,425

Consumer Reports gives the previous-generation Toyota Prius a 77/100 predicted reliability score, making it one of the most trustworthy used hybrid cars you can consider at the moment. It also benefits from a 4/5 predicted owner satisfaction rating, together with great fuel economy returns and a practical interior.

2021 Toyota Prius Performance Specifications

This generation of the

Toyota Prius
is available with front-wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive system, depending on what level of versatility you require. The all-wheel-drive configuration doesn’t add much to the performance aspect, but it will result in somewhat improved traction over slippery surfaces like ice and rain. Interestingly, it benefits from much better efficiency and range estimates when compared to the current-generation model.

Pros

• The best MPG you can get to experience from this era
• Silent cabin
• Sharp handling

Cons

• Limited performance
• Stiff ride on certain surfaces
• Dated infotainment system

2

2021 Honda Insight – 81/100

Average Used Price: $18,450 – $22,325

The now-defunct Honda Insight remains a compelling used hybrid car option. Consumer Reports doesn’t hand it a reliability rating, but it does indicate that it will return a 3/5 owner satisfaction experience. J.D. Power awards the model an 81/100 for quality and reliability. You can expect to enjoy good fuel economy returns and a comfortable ride while driving the Insight.

2021 Honda Insight Performance Specifications

Honda powers the

Insight
with its very efficient and reliable L-Series engine, which doesn’t return the best performance abilities, but you do get to enjoy some of the most favorable efficiency returns in its class. This is the most viable option to consider if you don’t find the Prius appealing.

Pros

• Good fuel economy returns
• Rapid acceleration
• Spacious and premium interior

Cons

• Unrefined engine noise
• Fussy controls
• Poor front seat comfort

2:51

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1

2021 Lexus RX 450h – 86/100

Average Used Price: $34,975 – $40,550

The 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid earns an 86/100 predicted reliability rating and 4/5 owner satisfaction score, making it one of the best used hybrid vehicle options that you can consider today. The luxury SUV benefits from a silent cabin, plush ride, impressive fuel consumption returns, and a refined drivetrain.

2021 Lexus RX 450h Performance Specifications

The 450h features the brand’s older V-6 ICE with an electric motor system, making it a more powerful option compared to the

downsized turbocharged units
that you can currently get from the premium brand’s used dealership. Despite the larger engine and increased output, the model doesn’t return the best performance figures, but it is impressively efficient.

Pros

• High-quality cabin
• Spacious rear bench
• Silent interior

Cons

• Limited cargo space
• Poor acceleration
• Annoying infotainment touchpad