Are used hybrid cars a good buy?

Yes. Hybrids have been on the market for more than 20 years and have proven to be very reliable. Buying a used hybrid lets you benefit from excellent fuel economy and lower emissions at a much lower purchase price than a new model because the first years of depreciation have already passed.

What are the main financial benefits of a used hybrid?

A used hybrid usually costs less to buy than a new vehicle, while still delivering strong fuel savings. Higher miles per gallon can significantly reduce your gas bill over time, and after depreciation a used hybrid often costs less to insure than a similar new model, helping lower total cost of ownership.

Are used hybrid cars more expensive to maintain than gas cars?

Many used hybrids can actually be easier on maintenance than conventional gas cars. The electric motor shares the workload with the gasoline engine, which reduces engine stress, and regenerative braking means the brakes do not have to work as hard, reducing wear on brake pads. In addition, many hybrids include battery warranties that can extend to around eight years or 100,000 miles.

Which used hybrid sedans and liftbacks are among the best to buy?

Well-regarded used hybrid sedans and liftbacks include the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and Ford Fusion Hybrid. These models are known for combining strong fuel economy, comfort, and reliability, especially when you focus on well-reviewed model years.

What are some good used hybrid SUVs and crossovers?

If you prefer a crossover or SUV, strong used hybrid options include the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Kia Niro Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. These vehicles add extra space and versatility while still offering significantly better fuel economy than comparable gas-only SUVs.

How much can I expect to spend on a used hybrid and what fuel economy can I get?

In the $15,000 to $20,000 range, you can often find late-model used hybrids from about two to five years old. Depending on the model, EPA estimates can range from the low 40s in miles per gallon for larger sedans and SUVs up to the high 50s for the most efficient compact hybrids like the Toyota Prius or Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid.

Best Used Hybrid Cars to Buy in 2025

Recommendations

Dave NicholsNov 17, 20254 min read

Right now, hybrids are hot. Who doesn’t want to save money by getting better fuel economy? Used hybrids are safe, dependable, and a great buy.

Fast Facts | Top Used Hybrid Cars

Big Savings: Used hybrids cost far less upfront thanks to steep first-year depreciation
Fuel Stretchers: Top models like Prius can reach over 50 MPG
Low Wear: Electric assist reduces engine strain and extends brake life
Battery Coverage: Many used hybrids still carry 8-year/100k-mile warranties
Cleaner Driving: Lower emissions and reduced fuel use
Top Picks: Prius, Accord Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Ioniq, RAV4 Hybrid

‍

Our Short List of the Best Used Hybrids

After over 20 years on the market, hybrid vehicles have proven themselves to be ultra reliable and used hybrids are a great buy. Here’s our list of the best used hybrids for your buck.

Purchasing a used hybrid car is a smart choice because it offers significant fuel savings and lower emissions at a much lower initial cost than a new model, thanks to heavy first-year depreciation.

Used hybrids are also more affordable to insure and maintain, often with a warranty on the battery pack, and they have less wear on components such as brakes and the engine when compared to internal combustion engine cars.

Financial Benefits

Lower purchase price: A used hybrid vehicle is more affordable than a new one, as new vehicles experience a significant drop in value in the first few years.
Fuel savings: Hybrids have better fuel efficiency, leading to lower gas costs over time. Some, like the Toyota Prius, can take you up to 56 miles per gallon.
Lower ownership costs: Fuel savings contribute to lower overall running costs. Plus, after depreciation, a used hybrid costs less to insure than a new one.

Maintenance Benefits

Reduced wear: The hybrid system with its electric motor shares the work with the gas engine, which results in less stress on the engine. Plus, the electric motor and regenerative braking system mean the brakes don't have to work as hard, reducing wear on brake pads.
Long-term reliability: Many used hybrids come with a warranty on the battery pack that can cover at least 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Environmental Benefits

Lower emissions: Hybrid cars produce fewer emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, contributing to cleaner air.
Reduced natural resource consumption: They use less fuel, which means they are not using up as many natural resources.

Still deciding if a hybrid fits your lifestyle and budget? Start with our step-by-step guide: Buying a Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Best Used Hybrids

So now that you’ve been armed with a few reasons to consider a used hybrid vehicle, let’s look at some of the best makes and models on the market today. These are our choices for sedan liftbacks that are from two to five years old. Without a doubt, the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Toyota Camry Hybrid are top contenders thanks to their high marks for fuel efficiency and reliability.

Other great sedan options include the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Crossovers and SUVs

Family-focused SUVs have been best-sellers for the last decade. Some of the best used crossover and SUV hybrids include the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, The Kia Niro, the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Kia Sportage, and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

Now let’s think of spending between $15,000 and $20,000 on a used hybrid and look at what we might be able to purchase including their EPA mileage figures.

Toyota Prius

A champ known for fuel efficiency and reliability, the best used Prius models are the fourth generation from 2016 to 2020 offering upgraded safety systems.

EPA figures range from 54 to 58 mpg.

Honda Accord Hybrid

Best used years are 2017 to 2020 due to excellent reliability, fuel efficiency, and advanced Honda Sensing safety features.

EPA figures range from 47 to 49 mpg.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Best used years for the Camry Hybrid offering modern tech and reliability, comfort and fuel efficiency are 2018 to 2022.

EPA figures range from 47 to 53 mpg.

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

While 2020 to 2022 are thought to be the best years for this hybrid, the 2017 to 2019 models also offer excellent fuel economy.

EPA figures range from 54 to 59 mpg.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2015 is well thought of for fuel economy while the 2020 model is best for the latest technology.

EPA figures range from 40 to 54 mpg.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

While no longer in production, best years for the Fusion Hybrid were 2016 to 2020. The newer versions offer the best tech and reliability.

EPA figures range from 41 to 43 mpg.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Best years for used models are 2019 to 2023. Consumers love the 2021 model for its reliability and value.

EPA figures range from 38 to 41 mpg.

Kia Niro Hybrid

Favorite years include 2018 to 2023 with 2023 being the year it won Best Hybrid SUV by U.S. News & World Report.

EPA figures range from 49 to 53 mpg.

‍

* All mileage is EPA estimated.

** See dealer for limited warranty details.

‍

The Bottom Line

No matter which used hybrid works for you, you’ll find all the used gas-savers at your local Lithia Motors dealer. Or buy one online from Driveway. Pick your car and we’ll bring it right to you.

‍

⚡ Continue Your Hybrid Research

- Buying a Hybrid Electric Vehicle
A step-by-step guide to comparing hybrid options, understanding battery warranties, and deciding whether new or used makes the most sense.
Read More ➜
- Hybrid Vehicles Claim Bigger Market Share in 2025
  A quick look at how hybrids are gaining ground in 2025, why shoppers are shifting toward them, and what that means for used-hybrid buyers.
  Read More ➜
- What Is a Hybrid Car?
  A foundational 101 guide that explains how hybrids work, why they save fuel, and what makes them a smart first step toward greener driving.
  Read More ➜

Dave Nichols

Senior Editor and GreenCars Contributor

Dave Nichols is the marketing copywriter for Lithia Motors’ online research center and GreenCars content. He worked with Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond of Top Gear to develop the online car portal Drive Tribe. His current duties include reviewing cars as the host of “Cruisin’” video road tests on YouTube.

Recommendations
Best Hybrids Under $35K
These five hybrids, including a truck, two sedans, and two crossovers, all under $35,000, can help you spend a lot less at the pump.
Avery ZimmermanJun 12, 20266 min read
Recommendations
Best Hybrids of 2025
The hybrid market has exploded with options in recent years. Here are the standout models we think deserve a spot on your short list.
Sam AbuelsamidDec 23, 20258 min read
Recommendations
Best-Selling Hybrid Cars
‍Hybrid cars offer better fuel economy, overall flexibility, and eliminate range anxiety since you never plug them in. Here’s our look at the best-selling hybrid cars today.
Laurance YapApr 11, 20255 min read