Best Used Hybrid Cars Ranked By Reliability (2024)

Although a handful of affordable hybrid cars will be on sale in 2024, most of them still fall outside the budget-friendly category overall. Whether you're buying a new car or your first car, affordability is the most important aspect, making many used models the ideal choice for your next purchase. Besides being affordable upon purchase, hybrid cars can also help keep the long-term running costs down compared to the average gas-only car.

As used cars can be significantly older than their brand-new counterparts, ensuring they won't fail you is another crucial aspect to consider, especially when buying a hybrid. The older the car is, there's more risk of the aging technology failing, but that isn't the case for the following used hybrid cars, which are all priced below the $15,000 mark. Here's a look at 10 of the most affordable, used, budget-friendly hybrid cars.

10 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Reliability Score: 4/5

One of the market-favorite sedans that has survived the rapid growth of crossover SUVs is the Chevrolet Malibu. Despite remaining one of the most affordable new sedans on the market, the hybrid version of the Malibu was discontinued in 2019. Out of all the models, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid stands out for its reliability and affordability on the used market, coming in at an average used price of $14,827.

Under the hood of the 2016 Malibu, you get a 1.8-liter four-cylinder combined with an electric motor, which is good for 122 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. As for efficiency, the sedan manages an impressive 46 MPG combined and 596 miles of total driving range.

Reliability

With a reliability score of 4/5 from J.D. Power, few used American hybrids come out ahead of the 2011 Malibu Hybrid. According to RepairPal, over the course of one year, you can expect to pay an average of $565 for maintenance costs, placing it ahead of many newer cars in the same segment.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $565 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $xxx (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 1
• Worst Chevrolet Malibu Year To Buy Used: 2010

9 2011 Mercury Milan Hybrid

Reliability Score: 4.5/5

In order to make way for the Bolt, the Chevrolet Volt was discontinued in 2019 after an eight-year run at the top of the affordable hybrid sedan segment. Rivaling models such as the Toyota Prius, the first 2011 Chevrolet Volt turns out to be the most reliable used hybrid available, with a score of 89/100 as per J.D Power. In 2024, you can pick up a 2011 Volt for approximately $8,622.

Reliability

The second-to-last Mercury Milan Hybrid also offers solid overall reliability, with a rating of 4.5/5. However, compared to other entries on this list, the model is slightly more expensive to run yearly, with an annual maintenance cost of $623, according to RepairPal.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $623(RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A
• Total Recalls: 7
• Worst Toyota Camry Hybrid Year To Buy Used: N/A

8 2011 Honda Insight

Reliability Score: 5/5

Despite being one of the smaller hybrid cars to feature on this list, the 2011 Honda Insight offers standout interior space, along with solid efficiency. The model was only discontinued in 2022, but if you go back 11 years before that, you can pick up the third-generation model for anywhere between $5,129 and $9,168 on the used car market, as per the U.S World & News Report.

The full hybrid car's fuel efficiency is impressive: It gets an impressive 40 MPG combined and a total driving range of 424 miles. For under $10,000 on average, there aren't many other hybrids that can match the 2011 Insight for value for money.

Reliability

As well as being a practical choice across the board, the 2011 Insight is also one of the best-used hybrids when it comes to reliability. With a score of 5/5 from J.D. Power, you shouldn't have to worry about any major faults with the car, but, of course, make sure it's in good condition to further minimize the risks.

Unfortunately, the 2011 model has been recalled ten times, all for the same reason: the airbags. As with many other Honda models, the Insight used Takata airbags, which caused the largest recall in automotive history. The 2011 Insight also comes with a low annual maintenance cost of just $433.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $354 - $443 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,303 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 10
• Worst Honda Insight Year To Buy Used: 2014

7 2012 Toyota Prius C

Reliability Score: 5/5

In the world of hybrid vehicles, very few are as recognizable as the Toyota Prius. The first of a few Prius model year to feature on this list is the 2012 Prius C, which is priced between $8,719 and $9,664 on average, as per U.S. News & World Report. This is down a sizable $10,000 when compared to its starting MSRP.

The main difference between the Prius C and the standard Prius is the size. The 2011 Prius C is designed to be a smaller version of the flagship hybrid sedan, making it even more equipped for city driving. It may feel a little cramped for taller passengers, however. You get an impressive efficiency rating of 50 MPG combined, with a maximum of 53 MPG in the city.

Reliability

For years, the Toyota Prius has been one of the most affordable and efficient hybrid cars on the market. It has also been one of the most reliable. The 2012 Prius C upholds this reputation with a standout 5/5 overall score and a 10/10 safety rating. RepairPal reports an annual repair cost of between $366 and $488, keeping it much more affordable to maintain than some of its closest rivals.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $366 - $488 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,008 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 4
• Worst Toyota Prius Year To Buy Used: 2009

6 2014 Toyota Prius V

Reliability Score: 5/5

Throughout the 2010s until 2017, the Prius C wasn't the only variation of the nameplate that the Japanese manufacturer produced. The Prius V, a slightly larger version of the hybrid sedan, was released to appeal to the largest market possible. To make the most of what the model offers across the board, the 2014 Prius V will be your best bet.

Under the shell of the 2014 model is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 94 horsepower by itself. However, thanks to its electric motor connected to a CVT, the 2014 Prius V produces a net combined 134 horsepower. As for range, the larger Prius V manages 41 MPG combined, slightly less than the smaller Prius and Prius C models.

Reliability

With a 5/5 reliability rating, the 2014 Prius V is one of the most dependable models of the nameplate. As per RepairPal, it should only cost approximately $360 to $440 on maintenance per year, following suit with the rest of the Prius models on this list.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $360 - $440 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,008 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 4
• Worst Toyota Prius Year To Buy Used: 2009

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5 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Reliability Score: 5/5

The Toyota Camry is still influencing the automotive industry with its class-leading efficiency at a competitive price. Since 2006, the Camry Hybrid has been offered as a separate model alongside the standard gas-only car, but in 2025, it will be exclusively hybrid.

While the price for the 2025 model is still relatively low, if you go back a few years to 2014, you can receive an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined at an average used price of just $14,746 to $16,031. Under the hood, the 2014 Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a single electric motor, combining for a total output of 200 horsepower.

Reliability

As for reliability, the 2014 Camry Hybrid is one of few models to feature a full 5/5 score, becoming an even more attractive option if you want a used hybrid sedan with a little more of a kick performance-wise. With a low annual maintenance cost of $387, it falls into RepairPal's excellent category.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $387 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,280 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 3
• Worst Toyota Camry Hybrid Year To Buy Used: 2009

4 2010 Toyota Prius

Reliability Score: 5/5

Yet another Toyota Prius model that receives a leading reliability score is the 2010 Prius, which offers similar specs across the board compared to later models while being a more affordable option. Being priced between $7,654 and $10,291 on the used car market, you get the same 134 horsepower output as you do with the later models, along with the same 50 MPG as you get in the 2012 Prius C.

Reliability

Once again, the earliest Toyota Prius on this list continues to impress with its standout reliability rating of 5/5. This stellar track record displays Toyota's commitment to engineering durable and dependable vehicles, which the Prius has set the standard for in both new hybrid and used cars. Over the course of one year, you can expect to pay anywhere between $353 and $432.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $353 - $432(RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,008 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 11
• Worst Toyota Prius Year To Buy Used: 2009

3 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Reliability Score: 5/5

One model that competes directly with the Toyota Camry Hybrid is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. While the two models are still in hot competition today, they've been competing with each other at the same level throughout the 2010s. Regarding the most reliable used Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the 2013 model comes out on top at an affordable price of $9,505 to $10,467.

Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower by itself, the sedan is fitted with an electric motor that adds 47 horsepower, resulting in a combined 206 horsepower. As for efficiency, the 2013 Sonata Hybrid manages 37 MPG combined, according to the EPA.

Reliability

With a reliability rating of 5/5, the 2011 Sonata Hybrid is by some margin the most reliable used Hyundai hybrid. This high rating speaks to the durability and dependability that Hyundai put into the vehicle, making it an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a reliable used car.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $486 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,998(CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 8
• Worst Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Year To Buy Used:

2 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Reliability Score: 5/5

When it comes to the most reliable hybrid cars used by Ford, none can beat out the 2013 Fusion Hybrid. The Fusion is one of the many American sedans that has been discontinued to make way for the brand's growing crossover SUV fleet, with the last model being produced in 2020.

Looking back a decade to the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, you can find a reliable and efficient vehicle at an affordable price point. With its excellent reliability and fuel efficiency, this car offers great value for just $7,336. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a reliable daily driver, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid offers 39 MPG.

Chevrolet referred to the Volt as an 'extended range electric', which essentially means it's a plug-in hybrid that can run on electric-only power until the battery runs out, then switches to its combustion engine. For the 2011 Volt, you get a 1.4-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor, which can drive in electric-only mode for 35 miles, according to the EPA. You also get 94 MPGe when using the battery, dropping to 37 MPG when using the four-cylinder.

Reliability

While quite a few Ford models offer solid reliability, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the only electrified used sedan from the brand that achieves a 5/5 reliability rating. The 2011 Fusion Hybrid's annual maintenance costs stay fairly low, with RepairPal reporting an average price of $523.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $523 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A
• Total Recalls: 11
• Worst Ford Fusion Hybrid Year To Buy Used: 2011

1 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Reliability Score: 5/5

In order to make way for the Bolt, the Chevrolet Volt was discontinued in 2019 after an eight-year run at the top of the affordable hybrid sedan segment. Rivaling models such as the Toyota Prius, the first 2011 Chevrolet Volt turns out to be the most reliable used hybrid available, with a score of 89/100 as per J.D Power. In 2024, you can pick up a 2011 Volt for approximately $8,622.

Reliability

In order to make way for the Bolt, the Chevrolet Volt was discontinued in 2019 after an eight-year run at the top of the affordable hybrid sedan segment. Rivaling models such as the Toyota Prius, the first 2011 Chevrolet Volt turns out to be the most reliable used hybrid available, with a score of 89/100 as per J.D Power. In 2024, you can pick up a 2011 Volt for approximately $8,622.