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Hybrid have been getting more and more affordable lately. Here’s a list of the top hybrid cars out there for under $30,000.
Going Green for Less Green
Since the release of the Toyota Prius a full two decades ago, hybrid vehicles have long carried a price premium. If you wanted to go green and save on gas, you needed to spend many thousands extra up front. But, as battery technology has improved and the price of producing hybrid cars has steadily declined, many hybrids today carry little or no price premium. Now more affordable than ever, we run down the top hybrid cars out there for under $30,000.
2020 Ford Escape
Starting at $28,255
Typically, crossovers carry an inflated price over passenger cars, but even when adding ride height and a hybrid powertrain Ford is still able to offer the Escape hybrid for under $30,000. The Escape hybrid comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a CVT. Fuel efficiency for the Escape hybrid is impressive, especially for a larger vehicle at 43 city and 37 highway mpg. The Escape comes standard with front-wheel drive but can also be optioned with all-wheel drive. Braking is smooth and power delivery is decent despite the CVT and modest 200hp. Standard tech includes an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. For a good mix of efficiency, spaciousness, and standard features, the Escape hybrid is an impressive deal under $30,000.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Starting at $28,500
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also starts under $30,000. The hybrid version of the best-selling crossover offers a slew of standard safety features, generous cargo capacity, and standard all-wheel drive. The hybrid version of the RAV4 doesn’t sacrifice too much in cargo despite the added battery pack. Capacity runs 37.6cu. ft. behind the rear seats and 69.8cu. ft. in total. Inside the RAV4 hybrid you’ll find an attractive interior with high-quality materials and a fetching design. Driving is surprisingly sharp with direct and weighty steering and minimal body lean. The suspension soaks up pop holes with ease, but the cabin can be a bit noisy at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency is impressive with 41 city and 38 highway mpg. Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Safety features include lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control to name just a few.
2021 Honda Insight
Starting at $22,930
The Honda Insight impresses with its mix of affordability and expansive host of features and options. Not only does the Insight start under $23,000 the top trim level Touring starts at just $28,840. Combine this with outstanding efficiency and sterling safety rating and you’ve got a strong option for your next hybrid. The Insight offers a quiet and well-appointed cabin that keeps pace with Honda’s larger offerings. Fuel efficiency is 55 city and 49 highway (the Touring trim takes a hit to 51/45). Features and options include an 8.0-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a moonroof, 10-speaker premium stereo, and leather seats.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq
Starting at $23,200 / Plug-in at $26,500
Another affordable option in our top hybrid cars list is the Hyundai Ioniq. Coming in either hybrid or plug-in hybrid form, the Ioniq offers the some the segment’s best fuel efficiency ratings with the hybrid netting 57 city and 59 highway mpg. The plug-in version will run up to 29 miles on electricity only and gets 52 mpg after that. Either version can be optioned up to the SEL trim level and still stay under $30,000. There you’ll find an ample array of features including a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alerts, heated side mirrors, keyless entry, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, even voice recognition comes standard here.
2021 Kia Optima Hybrid
Starting at $29,310
One of the more expensive options on our top hybrid cars list, the Kia Optima Hybrid takes what’s already excellent about the Optima (great safety scores and a refined interior) and improve on efficiency with 40 city/45 highway mpg. Throttle response is better in the Optima hybrid than elsewhere on the list thanks to the inclusion of a six-speed automatic (over the more typical CVT) in tandem with its 2.0L four-cylinder and electric motor. Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, pre-collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise and more. The Optima also stands out with some choice standard features like leather seats, heated front seats, and wireless charging. The well-equipped Optima should be on your list if you’re considering a mid-size hybrid.
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Starting at $23,400
The now classic Toyota Corolla has always been about practicality and affordability, and few iterations of have been more so than the current Corolla hybrid. The generous standard safety equipment and Toyota reliability are just the beginning. Throttle response is surprisingly snappy from a stop and the suspension is tuned for comfort. While by no means sporty, the Corolla Hybrid isn’t slow or ungainly, either. Standard safety features include lane departure warnings, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking to name just a few. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is complimented by a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster. With 53 city and 52 highway mpg, the Corolla hybrid delivers on efficiency and practicality while running well under $30,000.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Starting at $27,750
The Hyundai Sonata hybrid is perhaps the most stylish entrant on our list. Both inside and out, the Sonata abuts luxury levels of refinement and polish. The 2.0L I4 and electric motor combine for 192hp and smooth acceleration thanks to the inclusion of a six-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency of 50 city and 54 highway mpg keep it on pace with the rest of the segment. Standard features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The SEL trim starts at $29,900 and includes keyless entry, heated front seats, 12-speaker Bose stereo system, and wireless charging. For a hybrid that hits all the marks, refinement, copious features, and great fuel efficiency, the Sonata hybrid needs to be on your short list.
2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Starting at $27,270
The Toyota Camry has long sat atop the sales charts for its vaunted reliability and affordability. In resent years, the Camry has also added to its list of attractions some aggressive good looks and expanded powertrain options, including this highly-efficient hybrid version that gets 51 city and 53 highway. The aggressive styling is also complimented by impressive handling characteristics and a suspension tune that deftly balances comfort and agility. Standard features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The SE trim runs $28,785 and offers SofTex synthetic leather upholstery and options for heated front seats, blind spot monitoring, and a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Camry hybrid covers all the bases and looks good doing it. As if you needed another reason to consider the all-time sedan sales champ.
2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
Starting at $26,370
Hybrids have traditionally been thought of as a dull drive. The Honda Accord hybrid thoroughly dispels that notion with spirited acceleration and athletic handling to match its efficiency. The 2.0L 4-cylinder and electric motor put up 212hp and, combined with a surprisingly capable CVT, delivers ample power from a dead stop or when passing. The handling compliments this power with a sporty (but not rough) suspension that minimizes body roll. Steering feels direct and responsive. Fuel economy runs 48 mpg combined. Standard features include the typical 8.0-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning. The Accord is already arguably the best sedan you can buy for the money. Its balance of efficiency and inspired driving helps the Accord hybrid stand out from the rest of the segment.
2021 Toyota Prius
Starting at $24,525
The OG of hybrids has always been known as a practicality first vehicle. The 2021 Toyota Prius knows what it does best and leans into its strengths. It’s still highly efficiency, spacious beyond initial impressions, well-equipped, and adds all-wheel drive to stuff a little more practicality in for good measure. Cargo capacity runs an impressive 27.4cu. ft. behind the rear seats (24.6 for AWD version) and 50.7cu. ft. in total. Fuel efficiency is a sterling 58 city and 53 highway (AWD dips to 51/47). The 1.8L I4 and electric motor post just 121hp but the CVT lends decent low-end torque for good response off the line. Standard safety features include pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise, among many others. The XLE trim starts at $28,575 and brings with it synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and optional safety features like a heads-up display and blind spot detection. The Toyota Prius has never been the fastest or the most exciting, but, for dollar-for-dollar and mile-by-mile, it’s still among the best hybrids you can buy.
