Picks are safe, reliable and cheap

2024-03-30 - Duncan Brady

The used car search can be daunting. Even if you know you want a hybrid, there are over 40 models available just among relatively recent vehicles, and for each of those you’ll want to make sure they’re safe and reliable. The best used hybrid cars combine the great fuel economy you’d expect with low ownership costs, excellent safety ratings and strong reliability. • This is when you call the experts. We sorted through all the resources at our disposal to curate a handful of options at a range of price points; we just want people to buy good cars.

2021-2022 Honda Accord Hybrid

Pros: The previous-generation Honda Accord Hybrid is an obvious pick among the best used hybrid cars, and not just because of its safety, efficiency and reliability. We also swooned over its driving dynamics. It’s quicker than the base model, too. If you ask us, an Accord from a couple years ago might be better than the new model.

Cons: This midsize sedan lets in a bit more tire and wind noise than we’d like, and even used models are pretty pricey.

Also, the 2020 model only achieves an IIHS Top Safety Pick (instead of a TSP+), and although it’s nearly as dependable as 2021-2022 examples, the 2020 Accord Hybrid misses out on a Great J.D. Power reliability score.

● Approximate price: From $26,000

● Safety ratings: 2021 and 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall

● Fuel economy: 44-48/41-47 mpg city/ highway

2020-2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Pros: The Sonata Hybrid is the best variant of the current midsize Hyundai, providing ample power for passing and merging. The cabin is quiet enough to give an impression of luxury, and you’ll find intuitive infotainment software and mostly high-quality materials.

Cons: We’ve taken issue with the Sonata Hybrid’s brake tuning, as the stoppers can abruptly grab the brake discs in a way that doesn’t feel refined.

Likewise, the transmission can deliver jerky shifts at parking lot speeds.

● Approximate price: From $21,000

● Safety ratings: 2020-2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall

● Fuel economy: 45-50/51-54 mpg city/ highway

2020-2022 Lexus ES300h

Pros: The Lexus ES300h is our pick for the best used hybrid luxury car in 2024. Lexus delivered elegant styling with the current ES, and anyone sitting in the back seat will feel like they’re in a limousine with the amount of rear legroom. Grab a face-lifted 2022 model for touchscreen infotainment, touched-up looks and more standard driver assists.

Cons: Lexus finally replaced the annoying touchpad infotainment system with a touchscreen for 2022, but earlier model years are stuck with the cumbersome old setup. The cabin can be a little noisy, too, and the driving experience is underwhelming with numb steering and lackluster performance compared to luxury peers.

● Approximate price: From $30,000 (2020 and 2021); $37,000

● Safety ratings: 2020-2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5 Stars overall

● Fuel economy: 43/43-44 mpg city/ highway

2020-2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Pros: As a more affordable sibling of the ES300h, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid is every

bit as deserving of a spot on our list of the best used hybrid cars.

The interior is plush and the back seat huge, plus driver assists like adaptive cruise control are standard on all model years.

Cons: The XSE and Touring variants ride stiffer than the base XLE, and we find the softer ride more fitting of the Avalon’s character. A longer vehicle will also be harder to park and maneuver around town.

● Approximate price: From $27,000

● Safety ratings: 2020-2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, NHTSA 5 Stars overall

● Fuel economy: 43/43-44 mpg city/ highway

2020-2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Pros: The Camry Hybrid completes our electrified Toyota trio; the automaker has been a leader in hybrids for a decade-plus now, and they’re cheap to own, safe and reliable.

A midsize Camry is even more efficient than the Avalon, and we appreciate its comfortable ride.

Cons: Toyota’s hybrid Camry suffers from a relatively dull driving experience (unlike its Accord competitor).

Although the interior tech is functional and intuitive, you can get better tech, such as a fully digital instrument cluster, in the Sonata Hybrid.