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 exponentially advance 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.
Some new hybrid options remain fairly inaccessible to many consumers, but there is a collection of very attractive used hybrid vehicle offeringswith 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.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and the EPA. We've ranked the models below based on their Consumer Reports reliability ratings, from lowest to highest.
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10 2021 Hyundai Ioniq - 44/100
Average Used Price: $14,700 - $19,600
Consumer Reports issues the now-defunct Hyundai Ioniq with a 44/100 reliability rating and 3/5 owner satisfaction score. Stand-out attributes include 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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $14,700 - $19,600 |
Powertrain | 1.6-Liter Four-Cylinder And One Permanent-Magnet Motor |
Horsepower | 139 HP |
Torque | 195 LB-FT |
Transmission | Six-Speed Automatic |
Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 1.56 kWh |
Range | 654-702 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 55-59 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 8.9 Seconds |
Top Speed | 115 MPH |
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.
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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $18,825 - $26,275 |
Powertrain | Turbocharged 1.6-Liter Four-Cylinder And One Permanent-Magnet Motor |
Horsepower | 226 HP |
Torque | 195 LB-FT |
Transmission | Six-Speed Automatic |
Driveline | All-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 1.49 kWh |
Range | 566-602 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 32-34 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 8.2 Seconds |
Top Speed | 118 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 2,000 Pounds |
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.
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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $20,650 - $29,200 |
Powertrain | 2.0-liter Four-Cylinder And Two Permanent-Magnet Motors |
Horsepower | 212 HP |
Torque | 232 LB-FT |
Transmission | CVT |
Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 1.06 kWh |
Range | 406-532 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 29-38 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 8.5 Seconds |
Top Speed | 115 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 Pounds |
You can have the CR-V Hybridwith front-wheel drive or 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.
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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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $21,000 - $28,700 |
Powertrain | 2.0-liter Four-Cylinder And Two Permanent-Magnet Motors |
Horsepower | 212 HP |
Torque | 232 LB-FT |
Transmission | CVT |
Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 1.06 kWh |
Range | 550-614 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 43-48 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 7.6 Seconds |
Top Speed | 116 MPH |
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.
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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $22,425 - $32,400 |
Powertrain | 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder And Two Permanent-Magnet Motors |
Horsepower | 219 HP |
Torque | 163 LB-FT |
Transmission | Direct Drive eCVT |
Driveline | All-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 0.9 kWh Net |
Range | 566 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 37-39 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 7.8 Seconds |
Top Speed | 112 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 1,700 Pounds |
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.
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5 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid - 68/100
Average Used Price: $17,325 - $22,225
Early model years of the current-generation Toyota Corolla Hybrid benefit from an attractive 68/100 reliability rating and 3/5 owner satisfaction score. The road test highlights the model's impressive fuel economy returns, comfortable ride, and intuitive cabin controls as noteworthy positives.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $17,325 - $22,225 |
Powertrain | 1.8-Liter, Four-Cylinder and Two Permanent-Magnet Motors |
Horsepower | 121 HP |
Torque | 105+120+40 LB-FT |
Transmission | Direct-Drive eCVT |
Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 1.3 kWh Net |
Range | 593 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 52 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 10.3 Seconds |
Top Speed | 104 MPH |
The Corolla Hybrid features the same drivetrain as the Prius, resulting in very preferable economy and range returns. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of overall performance. The review also indicates that you need to be on the lookout for the hybrid's poor stopping abilities, limited interior access, and cramped rear seats.
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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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $26,875 - $32,200 |
Powertrain | 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder And Two Permanent-Magnet Motors |
Horsepower | 219 HP |
Torque | 163 LB-FT |
Transmission | Direct Drive eCVT |
Driveline | All-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 0.9 kWh Net |
Range | 566 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 39 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 7.8 Seconds |
Top Speed | 112 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 1,750 Pounds |
The Venzaadopts 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.
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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $20,100 - $26,425 |
Powertrain | 1.8-Liter, Four-Cylinder and Two Permanent-Magnet Motors |
Horsepower | 121 HP |
Torque | 105+120+40 LB-FT |
Transmission | Direct-Drive eCVT |
Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive Or All-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 1.3 kWh Net |
Range | 588-633 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 52-56 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 11 Seconds |
Top Speed | 104 MPH |
This generation of the Toyota Prius is available with a front-wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive system, depending on what level of versatility you require. Interestingly, it benefits from much better efficiency and range estimates when compared to the current-generation model.
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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $18,450 - $22,325 |
Powertrain | 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder And One Permanent-Magnet Motor |
Horsepower | 151 HP |
Torque | 197 LB-FT |
Transmission | Direct-Drive eCVT |
Driveline | Front-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 1.2 kWh |
Range | 551 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 52 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 8.1 Seconds |
Top Speed | 114 MPH |
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.
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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.
Performance Specifications
Average Retail Price | $34,975 - $40,550 |
Powertrain | 3.5-Liter V-6 And One Permanent-Magnet Motor |
Horsepower | 308 HP |
Torque | 247 LB-FT |
Transmission | Six-Speed Automatic |
Driveline | All-Wheel Drive |
Battery | 1.9 kWh |
Range | 516 Miles |
Fuel Economy | 30 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 7.5 Seconds |
Top Speed | 131 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 2,000 Pounds |
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.