Buying a hybrid can significantly boost fuel efficiency and your monthly fuel bills. And these days, there are plenty of new hybrid cars, SUVs and even trucks to choose from. But what if you can’t afford to buy a new car? Consider buying a used one.
A lightly used hybrid can save you thousands of dollars compared to an equivalent new one and be a trustworthy vehicle for many years to come. The car experts at Edmunds have identified five top picks for used car, truck and SUV hybrids based on Edmunds’ testing, fuel economy and overall value. The prices listed are what you can typically expect to pay at a nationwide no-haggle dealership such as CarMax or Carvana.
Small car: Toyota Prius The Prius is the hybrid that started it all, and it remains a benchmark of fuel economy and versatility. A 2021 Prius, for example, can get up to an EPA-estimated 56 mpg in combined city/highway driving depending on the trim level. Its handy liftback design makes for easy loading and unloading of cargo too.
An all-wheel-drive version of the Prius is also available. The Prius’ main downside is its slow acceleration. Look for: Our pick is either the LE or XLE trim because they offer the best mix of efficiency and convenience.
Shoppers can also consider the Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid with up to 25 miles of electric range. The Prime isn’t as widely available but typically doesn’t cost much more. 2021-2022 Prius pricing: approximately $23,000 to $29,000 Midsize Sedan: Honda Accord Hybrid .