Are you looking for a fuel-efficient car but need it at an affordable price? Electric cars are the most efficient vehicles; however, they come with a considerable price tag. If you cannot afford electric vehicles, hybrid cars are the next best thing. Hybrids offer high energy efficiency and lower your carbon footprint. They use a gasoline engine and electric motor as well as a battery.
Several factors affect the price of a vehicle. These include the type of engine it has, the brand it is, its trim level, its features and what technology it features. The price may factor into your decision on whether to buy a new or a used car. Used cars typically cost less than new cars. Hybrids usually carry a higher price tag than their gasoline-engine counterparts; this is due to their low emissions and higher fuel economy.
The price for the most affordable hybrids starts at $23,000, and the cost increases depending on the features and brand. The cost of maintenance also determines the affordability of a car, but hybrids are built to last and usually have a low maintenance cost. Excellent fuel economy also means that you will spend less on gas. The following are some of the most affordable used hybrid cars available.
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 hybrid is an affordable car that comes with Toyota Safety Sense P and stands out among compact SUV choices. It remains a top seller competing with the Ford Escape and Subaru Forester. The RAV4 hybrid has proven its reliability and has a high resale value with good fuel economy.
It has ample ground clearance that may not be comfortable for heavy off-road driving. However, the vehicle is still capable on snow and light off-road situations. Modern features have been added to the hybrid. Sure-footed traction allows quicker acceleration to 60 mph.
The RAV4 hybrid has a 2.5-liter engine with Atkinson-cycle technology paired with two small electric motors. It has a standard all-wheel drive and a CVT transmission. The gas engine puts out 194 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. It also performs impressively with a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg. The cargo space is 70.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and the SUV carries a fuel capacity of 14.8 gallons.
In terms of price and affordability, the MSRP starts at about $25,500. The price may increase to about $37,200 for the top-of-the-line trim. Standard features of the RAV4 hybrid include a 6.1-inch display, auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity and AM/FM/CD system with six speakers.
Tech features include dual-zone climate control, a navigation system, power moonroof and upgraded front seats. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 hybrid delivers a smooth, comfortable ride with a consumer-friendly price tag.
2018 Honda Accord Hybrid
The 2018 Honda Accord hybrid is a reasonably priced family sedan with dynamic styling and superior fuel economy. It has a reputation for excellence and modern driver safety features. A massive rear seat gives room to fit child seats without hitting the front seatback. The Honda Accord hybrid has adaptive dampers that enable it to tackle corners with confidence and offer a smooth, comfortable ride. It improves on aerodynamics with a low hood and active grille shutters.
Under the hood of the 2018 Honda Accord hybrid is a 2-liter four-cylinder engine mated with an AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Motor and a CVT transmission. It has 212 horsepower and achieves 232 pound-feet of torque.
A combined fuel economy of 47 mpg makes the Accord a standout among its competitors. It has a fuel capacity of 12.8 gallons and a trunk space of 16.7 cubic feet. Safety features include traction control, stability control, child door locks, collision warning system, air bags and a rearview camera.
The 2018 Honda Accord has a base MSRP of $25,990. Other trims, such as the Touring version, rise to about $35,600. The Accord hybrid fairs moderately with its competitors, falling in line with the Kia Optima, Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu.
The standard features of 2018 Honda Accord include Honda sensing, multi-view rear backup camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7-inch display audio with Bluetooth connectivity and push-button start. The 2018 Honda Accord hybrid is most likely to retain its value over five years and take you further to your destinations.
2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2018 Ford Fusion hybrid comes with a range of standard equipment that guarantees comfort and efficiency. It has a moderate price tag and low maintenance costs that ensure that you do not spend above your budget. The Fusion hybrid is nicely equipped to give a comfortable ride and gets a high fuel economy.
This all-wheel-drive midsize sedan offers a sporty-feeling suspension and sharp steering. The plug-in hybrid version comes with an easier-to-sync system that enhances your driving experience.
Under the hood of the 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid are a powerful 2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. It puts out a combined 188 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. Automatic transmission and front-wheel drive further improve its fuel efficiency significantly.
A combined fuel economy of 42 mpg and fuel capacity of 14.0 gallons cut refueling stops significantly. The Ford Fusion has roomy interiors with a capacity of five and a cargo space of 12 cubic feet.
The MSRP for the base model of the 2018 Ford Fusion hybrid is $26,000. This modest value increases up to $42,000 as you go higher up the trims to the Hybrid Energi Platinum. It evens out the competition with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
Its premium leather seats and high-tech features like electronic parking brake and the rotary shifter make the Fusion hybrid stand out among its competition. The 2018 Ford Fusion hybrid has a stylish look, and its reliability and features match its asking price.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid offers higher energy efficiency at a reasonable price. It has a sleek hatchback design, and it comes with cool features like lifetime battery coverage. The Ioniq plug-in version can be charged and run entirely on electric power for short distances. It has a smooth engine-to-motor transition and linear brake response that provide enough power for daily use.
The first version of the Ioniq hybrid engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor. It produces a combined 139 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a 44.5-kW Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor. It has a similar output with an impressive combined 52 mpg fuel economy. These trims also use a lithium-ion polymer battery.
The MSRP for the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid is about $23,300, which is lower than the Honda Insight and Prius. The plug-in starts at around $26,200 and rises to $33,300. The resale value is slightly lower than its competitors like the Kia Niro and Toyota Prius. It has standard tech and safety features that improve comfort and convenience. The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid offers higher fuel economy with an affordable price.
Most base versions of these hybrid cars have relatively lower prices than their advanced trims. Their high fuel economy and low maintenance costs make these cars very affordable. Plug-in hybrids can run on electric energy, and this reduces your fuel stops and saves money on gas. There are plenty of reasons that make hybrids favorable, and manufacturers are stepping up to make them more affordable.
