This Hybrid Might Be the Best-Kept Secret In The Used Car Market

Demand for hybrid cars is skyrocketing in the U.S. market, as more consumers require improved efficiency to curb the ever-increasing gas prices. They are also proving to be a much more financially viable option

compared to fully electric vehicles
, which are considerably more expensive and depreciates at a much faster rate. The main reason why you’d want to consider a hybrid vehicle ownership experience is to save on your monthly gas expenses. Over the last 12 months, the overall EV market has grown thanks to a few compelling options, but this growth rate has not been as much as we’ve seen with the new HEV market, which reached new sales heights in 2024. A big reason for this success is thanks to noteworthy progress in battery and electric motor technologies, which have helped make HEVs more accessible and efficient.

The hybrid sedan market is not a highly represented one in the U.S., but there are a few very compelling options available from both Japanese and South Korean manufacturers. Despite Japanese brands

selling HEVs that top the sales charts
, they sometimes miss the mark when it comes to creating a hybrid configuration that goes against the norms. There’s one relatively sporty HEV that sources inspiration from a very iconic moniker that struggled to get sales off the ground throughout its short lifespan. Granted, it’s not the most thrilling or aspirational model, but the brand has done a great job at putting together an affordable and high-quality product that is relatively fun to drive at low speeds. Despite no longer being available, it benefits from a niche and dedicated following that caters to hypermilers who are happy to sacrifice performance for fuel efficiency and range.

The Honda CR-Z Is A Well-Kept Secret Hybrid

The Honda CR-Z was a massive disappointment when it launched in 2011 because it completely failed to match the enjoyable persona that the original CR-X put out so well. Regardless, it fits into the modern world of hybridization quite well,

despite it only being an MHEV
. It’s also one of the very few hybrids that you can get with a six-speed manual transmission. Naturally, the main reason why you’d want to consider one is to enjoy its highly favorable fuel consumption returns.

2016 Honda CR-Z EPA Fuel Consumption Estimates

The EPA estimates that the final 2016 model year with the six-speed manual transmission returns 31/33/37 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle and covers 350 miles from its 10.6-gallon tank with some help from a compact 0.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Over the course of five years, you can expect to save $1,250 on fuel and spend $1,450 on gasoline every year. This quirky fastback costs $2.39 to drive 25 miles and $33 to refuel. Opting for the less aspirational CVT model improves consumption estimates to 35/38/36 MPG and range to 382 miles. You’ll save $2,000 on gasoline over five years and spend $1,300 on fuel every year. You’ll find yourself spending $2.19 to drive 25 miles.

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The Honda CR-Z Produces 130 Horsepower

The Honda CR-Z features Honda’s L-Series naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a combined 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet, which isn’t really much to get excited about. This is only available as a front-wheel drive model, and will cover 0-60 MPH in 8.8 seconds before hitting its limited 130 MPH top speed. The electric motor produces 13 horsepower when operation in isolation, which doesn’t happen frequently, as this is officially an MHEV. Honda applied a functional update to the range in the middle of its life-cycle, which includes a bump in power to 130 horsepower and 140 pound-feet, but this didn’t do much for the claimed acceleration times.

2016 Honda CR-Z Performance Specifications

The American market was so enraged by the fact that the CR-Z produced so little power, that Honda U.S. had to step up and

launch a limited HPD model
, featuring a bolt-on supercharger and retuned ECU. This was only available for the manual models and produces 197 horsepower and 176 pound-feet and included a factory powertrain warranty if you had it fitted at the dealership. International markets also had access to specialized models, such as Japan’s supercharged Mugen RZ, although this only produces a combined 156 horsepower. The Spoon CR-Z only features some weight refinements.

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How Much A Honda CR-Z Costs In 2025

In 2016, the Honda CR-Z was a relatively pricey option for its time, with the base LX costing $21,780 and the flagship EX-L $25,952. As of today, you can pick one up for as little as $10,525 to $12,100, depending on mileage, specification, and overall condition. At this price, it’s a compact and impractical HEV, but its standard specification list is impressively comprehensive. The base LX comes standard with automatic climate control, cruise control, manually adjustable front seats, and cloth upholstery. This derivative only gets the six-speaker audio system with a 160-Watt amplifier, as well as a 7.0-inch Electrostatic touchscreen infotainment system.The EX adds LED daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, HID headlights, foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, textured aluminum pedals, ambient console lighting, and a Type R-esque aluminum shift knob with a leather accent. It also gets the 360-Watt premium seven-speaker audio system. Opting for the Navi package adds leather upholstery, front seat heating, satellite navigation, and HD radio.All models benefit from a comprehensive safety level, with standard inclusions consisting of the following:

• Honda’sAdvanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure
• Dual-stage and multiple-threshold front airbags
• SmartVent front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Honda LaneWatch (EX only)

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Why The Honda CR-Z Missed The Mark

The Honda CR-Z failed globally because it tried to be both a sporty coupe and an efficient hybrid but ended up excelling at neither. Honda marketed it as a

spiritual successor to the CR-X
, promising lightweight agility and driver engagement, but the hybrid Integrated Motor Assist left enthusiasts disappointed. Weighing more than expected and producing much less than the promised near-200-horsepower output from the concept model, it lacked the thrilling performance expected from a compact sports car.

Meanwhile, hybrid buyers who prioritized efficiency over driving dynamics found better options like the Toyota Prius C, which offered superior fuel economy. Its 2+2 seat layout and compromised practicality further limited its audience, and by the time Honda improved its performance with a higher-output hybrid powertrain, the market had already moved on.

Honda CR-Z U.S. Sales Figures

Honda’s upcoming Prelude seeks to correct these mistakes by embracing electrification without sacrificing performance. Unlike the CR-Z, which was a half-measure, the

new Prelude
is expected to feature a more powerful hybrid system, likely derived from

Honda’s e:HEV lineup
, offering both strong acceleration and efficiency. It will also return to a more traditional sports coupe form factor, ensuring it appeals to a broader audience rather than isolating itself with a two-seater layout.

Honda has learned that enthusiasts want engaging dynamics with genuine performance rather than a compromised hybrid system, and with a rapidly evolving market that is now more accepting of hybrid performance cars, the Prelude has a real chance at success. If Honda delivers a properly sorted chassis, competitive power figures, and an electrified drivetrain that enhances rather than hinders driving enjoyment, the Prelude could redeem Honda’s sporty hybrid ambitions where the CR-Z failed. Pricing and positioning will be key, as the market now demands compelling alternatives to pure EVs.