The Cheapest Used Hybrid Cars

If there’s a car that people think of right away when the term ‘hybrid’ comes up, it’s the Toyota Prius. For many, it’s the original hybrid having kicked off the segment and quickly becoming the go-to model for eco-conscious drivers around the world.

But as well as this reputation, the Prius is backed by a well-built interior and some clear screens and graphics. Plus, because the Prius has been on sale for a little while now, it represents one of the best cheap used hybrid cars on sale today.

We like the most recent version – sold from 2015 – as there are plenty of good-value models around that get must-have luxuries like air conditioning and cruise control. Plus, the 1.8-litre hybrid system in this age of Prius is great on fuel. A plug-in hybrid version is also available, but it does command a premium over the ‘regular’ version.

The Mitsubishi Outlander broke new ground as an SUV which also used a hybrid setup. The added space that this upright model brought meant that it was a real hit with families and, because of this popularity, it makes for an excellent and readily-available option in the used market.As a plug-in hybrid model, the third-generation Outlander brought even more efficient and low-cost motoring. There are some really nice features inside, with later models getting a handy central screen for satellite navigation and media functions.

There’s comfortable seating for five people too, while the boxy design of the Outlander means that there’s plenty of headroom. It’s worth adding that though the Outlander could feature seven seats, this was only available on the standard petrol version – plug-in hybrid cars stick with five chairs.

Though known for its performance models, in recent times BMW has started to gather pace as a producer of EVs and hybrids. The 330e is a plug-in hybrid adaptation of its ever-popular 3 Series, combining the refined experience of a petrol or diesel version with a clean-running hybrid setup.

The sixth-generation model saw the 330e arrive, combining the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine of the 320i with an electric motor and battery. With this blend, you get performance similar to a powerful 330i – it’s a great compromise of efficiency and go-faster features.

As with other 3 Series models of this generation, the 330e is really sharp to drive but feels effortless and quiet on the motorway. At launch, BMW claimed that the 330e could manage up to 25 miles of electric-only power on a single charge but, with a cheap used example, we’d expect that to have dropped a fair bit.

Fiat tapped into a desire for a retro-infused small car when it introduced its reincarnated 500 back in the mid-2000s and since then it has only gone from strength to strength. With nimble, sharp handling the 500 feels perfectly suited to life in the town, though it’s up to the challenge of travelling further afield, too.

In addition, alongside the Fiat’s regular line-up of engines you can get it with an uber-efficient hybrid setup which should help to drive down fuel bills for this already-economical car even further. It blends a 1.0-litre engine with a compact electric motor and a teeny-tiny battery which blend together to help the 500 feel even more accomplished around town.

If you’re after cheap used hybrid car that isn’t going to be a hassle to live with, then the Toyota C-HR could be the model for you. It’s all based around a very compact platform and this makes the C-HR a doddle to drive whether you’re in town or further afield. The short overhangs and stubby design mean it’s great to park, too.

The C-HR is a compact SUV, so it does have a slightly raised seating position for people who like a better view of the area ahead. It’s also one of the few compact SUVs to get a hybrid setup, which in this case is a ‘regular’ one so that it doesn’t need plugging in – the energy is supplied from the 1.8-litre petrol engine.

The only drawback with the C-HR is its sloping roofline which makes the rear seats a little tighter than rival offerings.

In a similar vein to the Kia Niro, Hyundai offered the Ioniq with three powertrain options so that there was something for everybody. The core hybrid models provide a good amount of performance, too, with the ‘regular’ version being a great pick for people after a cheap used hybrid model that won’t cost the earth to run or maintain.

Where the Ioniq really excels is in its refinement. It feels really quiet when you’re on the move, while the suspension does a good job of soaking up the road’s lumps and bumps. It’s also a very safe option, with autonomous emergency braking coming as standard on all models. All cars get a reversing camera to help with parking, too.

If you’re doing shorter trips, then the plug-in hybrid model’s 30 miles of electric range could really help to drive down fuel usage and make monthly bills much lower.

Cars like the Honda Jazz provide a ‘zero-fuss’ method of motoring. This compact car is well-known for its reliability and, in 2020, Honda decided to add hybrid power to the Jazz’s list of attributes. Boosting efficiency while retaining that reliability has made the Jazz into an even more appealing used buy and one which won’t cost the earth.

The Jazz offers a Tardis level of space, too, with handy flip-up rear seats which transform this car’s cabin into a very large storage area. Plus. the Jazz is comfortable and easy-going to drive – particularly around town – while its compact dimensions make it a dream to park and live with.

If you want a good deal of space from your next hybrid car, then why not check out the Volkswagen Passat GTE? As you’d expect from this typically practical car it’s got acres of room inside, with a large boot and a flexible cabin which is ideal for families. It’s all well made, too, with solid materials that should stand up to the hustle and bustle of family life.

It’s refined, too, and can play the role of the motorway miles-muncher easily. However, with up to 31 miles of electric-only range it can prove a very inexpensive mode of transport, while later versions of the GTE increased this range to 39 miles. Values are more than acceptable currently and you do get a lot of space and versatility for your money.

These days, you might associate ‘e-tron’ with Audi’s range of electric vehicles, but only a few years ago it was part of the firm’s flourishing hybrid segment, too. It was also used in conjunction with the ever-popular A3 hatch to create the plug-in hybrid A3 e-tron.

It uses a 1.4-litre petrol engine, but when this is combined with the electric motor and battery, it provides sharp acceleration. However, a range of around 20 miles in pure-electric mode means that there’s some scope for reducing your fuel bills – particularly if you’re often driving around town or have a shorter commute.

The A3 e-tron is only available as a 5-door ‘Sportback’ setup, too, so it’s very spacious and has a reasonably large boot – though it is smaller than the one you’ll find in the standard A3. However, you do get plenty of equipment and some really nice materials.

Fancying something a little quirkier that still offers great value? Then the Honda CR-Z could be the best cheap used hybrid car for the job. It was a car which aimed to combine sportiness and efficiency in a car that would really turn heads and, from the outside at least, you’d say that Honda definitely achieved this.

All cars used a 1.5-litre petrol engine linked up to an electric motor and battery, which Honda said could deliver up to 55mpg when it was first launched. You should easily be able to see 45mpg on a daily basis.

The back seats are pretty snug, but they can be folded down to make the boot larger. However, those sitting up front get a surprising amount of space given that the car is quite compact overall. Plus, Honda has always done well in the reliability department, so the CR-Z shouldn’t cause too many mechanical headaches.