These are the best lightly used hybrid cars, SUVs and trucks

Purchasing a hybrid vehicle can significantly increase fuel efficiency and your monthly fuel costs. And these days, there are plenty of new hybrid cars, SUVs, and even trucks to choose from. But what if you can’t afford to buy a new car? Consider buying a used one. A lightly used hybrid can save you thousands of dollars compared to an equivalent new car and provide a trustworthy vehicle for years to come.

Edmunds car experts have identified five top picks for used car, truck and SUV hybrids based on Edmunds testing, fuel economy and overall value. Prices listed are what you might typically expect at a nationwide, no-hassle dealer like CarMax or Carvana.

Small car: Toyota Prius

The Prius is the hybrid that started it all, and it remains a benchmark for fuel efficiency and versatility. A 2021 Prius, for example, can achieve up to an EPA estimated 56 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on trim level. Its convenient liftback design also makes loading and unloading cargo easier. An all-wheel drive version of the Prius is also available. The Prius’ biggest downside is its slow acceleration.

Look for: Our pick is either the LE or XLE trim as they offer the best mix of efficiency and comfort. Buyers may also consider the Prius Prime, a plug-in hybrid with up to 25 miles of electric range. The Prime isn’t as widely available, but usually doesn’t cost much more.

Price for the 2021-2022 Prius: approximately $23,000 to $29,000

Mid-size sedan: Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord has a spacious interior, a large trunk and a comfortable driving experience. All of these features are also present in the Accord Hybrid. A 2022 Accord Hybrid, for example, gets an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 47 mpg, which is excellent for a midsize sedan. Almost every aspect of the Accord Hybrid reflects an impressive level of sophistication, and it’s entirely possible that you’ll forget you’re even driving a hybrid.

Look for: Buy an Accord EX-L trim. It gets 47 mpg and has some desirable features that the base model doesn’t offer, such as: B. Heated seats, leather and a premium audio system. The fully loaded Touring trim is nice, but features 19-inch wheels that reduce the car’s combined fuel economy to 43 mpg.

2021-2022 Accord Hybrid Price: Approximately $25,000 to $30,000

Extra small SUV: Kia Niro

Consider the Kia Niro if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient crossover SUV alternative to the Prius. A base model 2022 Niro achieves comparable fuel economy of up to 50 mpg combined, but costs thousands less. It’s also a pretty practical runabout. The Niro’s passenger and cargo space is spacious given the vehicle’s small overall size. There are few downsides to the Niro, but they include slow acceleration and the lack of available all-wheel drive.

Look for: Try to get a Niro EX Premium trim. This is the most expensive Niro, but it comes with a surprising amount of features, including a premium audio system, ventilated front seats, and leatherette upholstery. A plug-in hybrid version of the Niro is also available.

Niro price 2021-2022: approximately $20,000 to $26,000

Small SUV: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 is a good choice for a small SUV. Guess what? The RAV4 Hybrid is even better. It offers the same space and comfort as a regular RAV4, but has standard all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 40 mpg for a 2021 or 2022 model. It also reaches a speed of 60 miles per hour than its gasoline-only counterpart. This is what you can call a win-win situation.

Pay attention to: The XLE Premium is the optimal price-performance partner in the RAV4 hybrid range. It’s a mid-range trim but has some attractive standard features like a sunroof and a power liftgate.

2021-2022 RAV4 Hybrid Pricing: Approximately $30,000 to $38,000

Truck: Ford F-150

Pickups and hybrids aren’t typical allies, but Ford is leading the way with its F-150, which comes with an optional hybrid powertrain. Dubbed PowerBoost, the engine features a turbocharged V6 and hybrid components to produce a whopping 430 horsepower. It also achieves up to an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined. The PowerBoost was a pretty expensive upgrade when new, but it’s far less promising on a used F-150.

Pay attention to: The PowerBoost is an optional powertrain, not a trim level. Therefore, you’ll have to do a bit of searching through the used inventory to find one. The good news is that almost every F-150 trim level has the hybrid.

2021-2022 F-150 with PowerBoost: Approximately $38,000 to $51,000

Edmunds says

Purchasing a lightly used hybrid vehicle is a wise decision for savvy consumers. It helps you avoid the full cost of a hybrid vehicle and still get a vehicle that is likely to be under warranty.

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This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.

Dan Frio is an employee at Edmunds.