Top Used Hybrid Saloons Under £20K: Edmunds' Picks
Everyone's keen to save a bit of dosh. One way to do that is by snapping up a nearly-new car rather than a brand-spanking-new one. Opting for a fuel-sipping hybrid is another clever move. Put those two ideas together, and you might be gobsmacked by what you can get behind the wheel of, even if you're watching the pennies. The five hybrid saloons listed below in alphabetical order are worth a look-see because they're easy on the wallet, boast cracking EPA-estimated fuel economy, and have scored well in crash tests. The car gurus at Edmunds reckon they're the bee's knees when it comes to used hybrid saloons for under £25,000.
2018-2024 Honda Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord Hybrid boasts a roomy rear seating area and a generous boot, comfortably fitting a family of four or five. This makes it a perfect choice for summer holidays on the road and those trips to the out-of-town retail parks. This mid-size saloon is available in a range of trims, from entry-level to sporty or high-end, and depending on the specific model, you can anticipate a combined fuel consumption of roughly 43 to 48 miles per gallon, according to EPA estimates. Its positive safety test results are an added advantage.
1. In 2022, Honda introduced a Sport version. The 2023 revamp featured a more advanced and polished version of Honda's hybrid engine, which was then included as standard on all the more expensive Accord models. 2. Honda's Sport trim was first offered in 2022. The 2023 model year saw a redesign that incorporated a more technologically advanced and improved version of Honda’s hybrid system, fitted as standard to all higher-end Accords from that year onwards. 3. Keep an eye out for the Sport trim, which Honda launched in 2022. A new design in 2023 brought with it a more complex and enhanced version of Honda’s hybrid engine. This became standard equipment on all the pricier Accord models that year.
For 2018-2024 Honda Accord Hybrids with less than 50,000 miles on the clock, expect to pay roughly £15,000 to £20,000.
2019-2022 Honda Insight
If the Accord Hybrid is a bit too bulky for your liking, the smaller Insight saloon could be a good shout. It's more economical on fuel, easily fits four adults, and has a boot that's surprisingly roomy – on par with some mid-size vehicles. Honda built this iteration of the Insight on the well-loved Civic saloon platform, giving the Insight its own distinctive look and a more premium interior vibe. According toEPADepending on the trim you go for, you're looking at a combined fuel economy of between 48 and 52 mpg. On top of that, the Insight has remarkably high crash test scores.
In 2021, Honda equipped the Insight EX and Touring models with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
For Honda Insights (2019-2022 models) with less than 25,000 miles on the clock, expect to pay in the region of $21,000 to $25,000.
2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Beyond its eye-catching design and cutting-edge features, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid's dual-clutch automatic gearbox is a key differentiator. This engineering choice gets rid of the usual humming sound you get when accelerating in hybrids, which makes the Elantra a more enjoyable drive. Fuel efficiency isn't compromised either. The EPA reckons you'll get around 50-54 mpg combined from this surprisingly spacious small car.
Look for: The BlueThe most economical fuel consumption can be found in this trim. For 2024, Hyundai refreshed the design, incorporated additional driver assistance technologies, and enhanced the infotainment setup.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid models from 2021 to 2025 (with fewer than 25,000 miles on the clock) are typically priced between roughly $18,000 and $25,000.
2018-2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid
For almost twenty years, Toyota has been producing the Camry Hybrid, a car renowned for its fuel economy and long lifespan. Since 2018, a touch of flair has been added to the mix, and the SE and XSE versions even suggest a sporty feel. While not the most spacious mid-size saloon on the market, the Camry compensates with its estimated fuel consumption of 46 to 52 mpg according to the EPA, its proven reliability, and its excellent safety test results.
Keep an eye out for: The LE model provides the greatest fuel efficiency. Toyota launched a stylish and premium XSE variant in 2021, followed by an SE Nightshade Edition in 2022.
For 2018-2024 Toyota Camry Hybrids with less than 50,000 miles on the clock, expect to pay around $20,000 to $25,000.
2020-2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Opting for the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, even though it's smaller, won't mean sacrificing a great deal of room for passengers or luggage compared to a Camry Hybrid. This economical option first appeared in 2020, initially only available in the basic LE specification. However, in 2023, Toyota broadened the range to incorporate the athletic SE and more luxurious XLE models, while also improving the engine, driver assistance features, and infotainment system. You can even find a Corolla Hybrid with four-wheel drive. The Environmental Protection Agency predicts that this Toyota will deliver fuel efficiency averaging between 44 and 52 miles per gallon, depending on the exact year and model.
Look for: If your budget allows, consider buying a 2023 or newer model. In 2024, the SE Nightshade Edition came with spiffy bronze-finish wheels
2020-2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid pricing (under 25,000 miles): approximately $19,000 to $25,000
Edmunds says
If you’re set on buying a used hybrid sedan under $25,000, there are several great choices available. At that price, the smaller models have fewer miles and are more widely available. However, if you need a family-size car that achieves 45 mpg or better, the Accord Hybrid and Camry Hybrid prove that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a lot for your money.
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This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.
Christian Wardlaw is a contributor at Edmunds.
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