Characteristics of the Cheapest Hybrid Cars
The best cheap hybrid cars have a lot to offer, but in order to keep their costs low, they have to follow a very specific recipe that homogenizes many of their characteristics:
- They are extremely frugal
- They have decent all-electric range in PHEV guise
- They prioritize reliability and long-term ownership
- They include a number of desirable safety features
What to Consider When Buying a Cheap Hybrid Car
Hybrid cars are becoming increasindly popular in the US for buyers who want the benefits of better fuel economy but can’t afford or don’t yet trust fully electric vehicles. However, they do have some drawbacks:
Pros
- Improved gas mileage figures
- High maneuverability from smaller models
- Plug-in hybrids have good overall range
- Build quality and reliability are usually great
- Plenty of standard features, especially for safety
- Longer warranties for electric components
Cons
- Powertrains are usually lackluster
- Dull driving experiences
- Electric components can compromise practicality
- Low-grade cabin materials are common
FAQs
What is the best cheap hybrid car?
Surprisingly, one of the cheapest hybrids on the market is actually a pickup truck, the Ford Maverick. It’s priced under $25k. Hyundai offers both the Ioniq and Elantra as hybrids for less than $25k, while the evergreen Toyota Corolla can also be had as a hybrid for around $23k.
How reliable are cheap hybrid cars?
Most cheap cars are made by automakers who know how to appeal to value seekers. Chief among these is longevity, which is why cheap hybrid cars boast high reliability ratings. Automakers like Toyota and Hyundai have solid reputations and offer good warranties.
Do automakers still make hybrid cars?
Most of the upcoming alternative fuel vehicles are EVs, as automakers have moved beyond hybrids. That being said, there are still a lot of current models using hybrid technology, and some new ones use it, too, especially to enhance performance.
What is the price of the cheapest hybrid car?
There was a time when hybrid cars cost a hefty some, but now there are numerous models well below the $30,000 price mark. The Hyundai Ioniq and Toyota Corolla both start at a little under $25,000, while the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Insight, and Kia Niro are all slightly above $25k.