10 USED HYBRID VEHICLES THAT ARE SMART INVESTMENTS

Most vehicles depreciate the most in their first five years on the road. This means that if you’re looking for a used bargain that is going to save you a ton of money up front and won’t depreciate aggressively, you should nab one that is around five years old. This is particularly true of hybrid vehicles.

When buying a used hybrid, if you stick to vehicles that are around five years old, you can ensure that you’re still getting something decently modern that will last you a while. These sturdy hybrids will save you a lot of money of gas, are comfortable and practical, and are built to run for ages.

Exploring the used market, we’ve found ten hybrid vehicles which offer exceptional value for money. These models are also particularly reliable, giving you the peace of mind you need when buying used. They also offer plenty of modern amenities, meaning it’ll fell like you’re driving a new car without having to spend new-car money.

2017 Ford Fusion

Average Used Price: $11,550 / Reliability Score: 84/100

Back in 2017, Ford tried to cover all of their bases with the Fusion. They offered a budget model, an upscale model, a sporty model, and a hybrid. While it had some tough competition, being able to grab one so cheap on the used market only bolsters its value.

Performance Specifications

While not the sportiest sedan from this era, the Fusion offers some genuinely enjoyable driving dynamics. You might find that the hybrid model doesn't have the much grunt when you put your foot down, though, taking around 9.1 seconds to get up to 60 miles per hour.

Pros

• Tons of customization
• Pretty high end options
• Good looking exterior

Cons

• Pretty slow off the line
• Hybrid models don't come well equipped standard
• Ride is a little rough

2017 Kia Niro

Average Used Price: $13,412 / Reliability Score: 83/100

Kia built the Niro from the ground up to be a hybrid, something that wasn't super common a couple of years ago when it launched. WIth great fuel economy, a good amount of interior space, and plenty of standard tech features, the 2017 model is a bargain.

Performance Specifications

The Niro was not built for speed, with fuel economy being its first and foremost priority. However, it still manages to keep up with its direct rivals, and will manage at highway speeds just fine. It isn't the most refined machine, though, with it sometimes struggling to shuffle between electric and gas power.

Pros

• More passenger space than you'd expect
• Super affordable for its class
• Exceptionally efficient for a crossover

Cons

• Powertrain isn't perfect
• Base models are spartan
• Cargo space is somewhat limited

2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Average Used Price: $16,002 / Reliability Score: 86/100

Despite being a budget-oriented mid-size sedan, Hyundai's Sonata surprises with exceptional value. On looks alone, you would assume that it is much more expensive than it is. The 2018 model benefits from a mid-cycle refresh that added desirable features like a seven-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance Specifications

The Sonata forgoes any kind of sporty feel, instead opting for a smooth and comfortable ride. The cabin is exceptionally quiet for a non-luxury sedan, and you'll find its cabin a nice place to be on long drives. Just don't expect any kind of driver engagement.

Pros

• Modern for its age
• Packed full of standard features
• Cargo space is larger than rivals

Cons

• Somewhat slow off the line
• Driving dynamics are numb
• Hard plastics throughout the cabin

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid

Average Used Price: $17,270 / Reliability Score: 82/100

The Accord is the quintessential affordable mid-size sedan. For about as long as it has been around, it has been offering excellent value for money, beating out most of its rivals. The 2017 model year is no exception, with a comfortable interior, loads of tech, and a reliable powertrain.

Performance Specifications

Honda's Accord balances comfort and fun in a really impressive way. It is quicker off the line than most of its rivals, doing zero to 60 miles an hour in around 7.2 seconds. Its ride is firm, yet the Accord still absorbs bumps and bangs without too much effort. It's not quite sporty, but when driven hard it can be a ton of fun.

Pros

• Class-above ride and handling
• Loads of interior space
• Every model comes well equipped

Cons

• Infotainment system is a little janky
• No ventilated seats on any model
• Styled like regular traffic

2017 Toyota Prius

Average Used Price: $17,486 / Reliability Score: 85/100

If fuel economy is your number one priority, then the Toyota Prius has always been king. The 2016 model underwent a massive overhaul, meaning that you'll find the 2017 model to be fairly modern for its age. It might not excite you in any way, but there is no doubt that it will save you money.

Performance Specifications

The Prius is built on the ideology of simplicity and affordability. This shines through in its excellent fuel economy and strong reliability. The downside is that it is pretty dull to drive. At least the 2016 refresh meant that handling was improved thanks to a more sophisticated rear suspension system.

Pros

• The king of fuel economy
• Handling is much improved
• Fantastic cargo capacity

Cons

• Boring to drive
• Dashboard setup is a little too quirky
• Beyond lazy acceleration

2019 Honda Insight

Average Used Price: $18,052 / Reliability 77/100

The Honda Insight was designed to be the successor to the Honda Civic Hybrid. This is, of course, before Honda decided to revive the Civic Hybrid. The Japanese brand aimed to market the Insight as a great compact sedan that also happened to offer fantastic fuel efficiency, which certainly worked in its favor.

Performance Specifications

As far as compact cars go, the insight is decently quick off the line, getting up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 7.7 seconds. Stick to low speeds, and it can even handle a mile of electric-only driving. All round, the Insight is comfortable, quiet, and refined.

Pros

• Feels like a traditional sedan
• Fantastic ride quality
• Better acceleration than most rivals

Cons

• Engine can sound coarse
• Infotainment system is fiddly
• Less cargo space than some competitors

Related

2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Average Used Price: $18,364 / Reliability: 86/100

The RAV4 is perhaps one of the most successful compact SUVs to ever exist. Toyota has built its reputation around simplicity and practicality. Thus, it made a ton of sense when the company introduced a hybrid model. The 2016 model has a ton to offer despite its age.

Performance Specifications

The hybrid powertrain not only improves the fuel economy of the compact SUV, but it also gives it some more power. The RAV4 hybrid features really smooth power delivery and it is an overall refined experience. Added noise insulation elements also improve the vibe in the cabin.

Pros

• Extremely practical
• Doesn't cost much more than a non-hybrid model
• Well laid out interior

Cons

• Steering is super numb
• Brakes aren't confidence inspiring
• Styling is a little dull

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Average Used Price: $20,390 / Reliability Score: 85/100

The Camry nameplate is synonymous with value, reliability, and comfort. The 2018 model year is an excellent example of this. Where older models had the pitfall of being extremely dull, for 2018 it entered a new generation, with eye-catching exterior styling and sharpened performance.

Performance Specifications

While it won't excite you in the way some of its competitors can, the hybrid Camry has enough power to get you going when the light turns green. The tweaks Toyota made for the 2018 model year also mean that it handles much better than previous models and its ride is pretty compliant.

Pros

• Loads of space for passengers
• Fairly modern tech offerings
• Pretty good exterior design

Cons

• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Dashboard design is not appealing
• More expensive than the very similar Honda Accord Hybrid

2018 Lexus ES 300h

Average Used Price: $23,878 / Reliability Score: 90/100

If you're looking to get a sturdy luxury sedan, there are few choices on the used market better than the Lexus ES. It might not be as raucous as some other luxury options in its segment, but it offers all the same levels of comfort and refinement, all at an unbeatable price point.

Performance Specifications

If you're more concerned with comfort than with breakneck acceleration and pinpoint handling, then the ES 300h will appeal to you just fine. It offers sublime ride quality and a cabin that remains quiet even when cruising along at highway speeds.

Pros

• Beautiful exterior styling
• Smooth ride
• Fantastically equipped cabin

Cons

• Not particularly athletic
• A bit slow to get up to speed
• Some desirable features aren't standard

2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid

Average Used Price: $26,124 / Reliability Score: 81/100

While it may not come fitted with the improvements that the facelifted 2025 model offers, the 2022 Ford Maverick is still an exceptional compact pickup. It may be small, but it certainly offers excellent levels of practicality, with one of the best truck bed designs we've ever seen and some really clever interior storage solutions.

Performance Specifications

While not quite as capable as the gas-only model, the hybrid Maverick still manages to tow 2,000 pounds and carry 1,500 pounds in the truck bed. It's got enough go, able to get up to 60 miles per hour in 7.7 seconds, and offers more car-like driving dynamics than any other truck out there.

Pros

• Fantastic truck bed design
• Impressive payload capacity
• Extremely practical interior

Cons

• Ride could use some softening
• Base models are poorly equipped
• Hyundai's Santa Cruz tows more

2025-02-11T04:06:41Z