10 Dependable Japanese Hybrids That Cost Less Than The Average Price Of A New Car In 2024

It’s becoming harder to justify spending close to $50,000 on a new car. The average price of a new car in the U.S. in 2024 is $48,397, and, that’s before one considers adding optional extras. Another concern is the high gas price, which is why demand for hybrids has increased. Traditional hybrids offer frugality, lower emissions, and don’t need to be charged.

Japanese automakers are synonymous with hybrid vehicles and have built up a solid reputation of dependability, and being good value for money. Japanese hybrids have a proven track record, and benefit from extensive testing resulting in many gems available in the used vehicle market. From luxury sedans to crossovers, we’ve listed 10 of the most reliable hybrids from manufacturers hailing from the land of the rising sun.

In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information about vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, and Edmunds to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models from the least reliable to the most reliable.

10

2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Average Used Price: $29,502

Reliability Score: 3.7/5

The Toyota RAV4 is a household name in the U.S. and comes with enough good stuff to keep you interested, including a large cargo area, comfortable road manners, and bulletproof build quality. The hybrid model is an even more attractive option with its battery-assisted gasoline engine offering frugal fuel economy of around 40mgp on a combined cycle.

Performance Specifications

The RAV4 Hybrid model stands out in the used car market with an average price of $29,502. The MY 2020 derivatives, except the entry-level model, boast a plethora of standard safety features including adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Toyota also included Android Auto as standard alongside Apple CarPlay. From a value point of view, the RAV4 hybrid’s all-wheel-drive system (thanks to twin electric motors), rugged styling, and luxury features such as an optional JBL audio system, make this SUV a compelling option.

Pros

• Sterling build quality.
• Long list of standard features.
• Frugal fuel consumption.

Cons

• Lacks driver feedback.
• Engine and hybrid system lacks grunt.

9

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid – Average Used Price: $22,517

Reliability Score: 3.8/5

The Corolla Hybrid represents a sedan that might fade into the background because of its sedate styling, but it fuses practicality with good fuel efficiency and solid build quality to make a case for itself in the used vehicle arena. There’s a reason why it’s one of the best-selling cars. It has a space for a family of five and a decent-sized cargo area for weekend trips and benefits from sterling fuel economy thanks to sharing the Prius’ hybrid system. Claimed fuel consumption is an impressive 52 MPG.

Performance Specifications

A dozen generations on and the Toyota Corolla has arguably binned the ‘appliance’ title it had on its back. The hybrid model broadens the sedan’s appeal, and it features a lengthy list of standard advanced safety equipment. In terms of driving dynamics, the Corolla was always below average in the feedback department and the two concerns noted by Edmunds were tardy acceleration and a numb brake pedal under their evaluation.

Pros

• Styling not as bland as prior generations.
• Long list of standard features.
• Frugal fuel consumption.

Cons

• Labored acceleration.
• Numb brake pedal.

8

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Average Used Price: $32,478

Reliability Score: 3.9/5

The butch-looking Highlander Hybrid was updated in 2020, but still offered eight seats (on base LE models), a tall stance, and a hybrid powertrain. With average prices settling at above $32,000, it offers a ton of value for money. The Highlander Hybrid is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive.

Performance Specifications

Standard across all models is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Highlander Hybrid made 243 horses, and that translates into a decent 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds. This midsize SUV represents strong value for money and incredible build quality.

Pros

• It can accommodate seven or eight people.
• Strong styling features.
• Tech-laden cabin.

Cons

7

2020 Honda Accord Hybrid – Average Used Price: $24,066

Reliability Score: 4.1/5

The Honda Accord Hybrid can simply be described as the more fuel-efficient version of the luxury Japanese sedan. Honda introduced an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System to notify outsiders when the vehicle is in electric mode only.

Performance Specifications

The 2020 Accord Hybrid with a seven-inch infotainment system on the base model, while all other models feature an eight-inch touchscreen. If you travel a lot, then the Accord’s 16.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity should be a big boon for you.

Pros

• Striking styling and Honda build quality.
• Swift for a large sedan.

Cons

• The base model’s equipment is sparse.

6

2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid – Average Used Price: $25,590

Reliability Score: 4.1/5

A perennial favorite, the Toyota Camry Hybrid in MY 2020 guise offers supreme value. The midsize sedan ticks all the boxes for a comfortable, fuel-efficient and spacious vehicle. The base model features wood trim, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, and heated seats.

Performance Specifications

It’s hard to fault the Camry Hybrid as a package. According to Car and Driver, it’s also fun to drive. However, they did mention the brake pedal was hypersensitive.

Pros

• Looks, comfort, and features.
• Capable of carving up a mountain pass.

Cons

• Brake pedal sensitivity is tricky to deal with at low-speed.

5

2020 Lexus NX300h – Average Used Price: $29,872

Reliability Score: 4.2/5

The Lexus NX is based on the RAV4 and uses the same underpinnings. Therefore, it’s no surprise to see it named as the Best Compact Premium SUV of 2020 based on J.D Power’s consumer rating. The edgy-styled SUV went up against rivals from premium automakers such as BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz.

Performance Specifications

The NX300h features the same Lexus mouse pad controller to navigate the infotainment, and it can be quite lethargic to use. The cabin is well put together with a myriad of safety systems and equipment fitted as standard. The chances of something breaking are slim. If you’re looking for a sharp-looking Japanese premium SUV, the NX300h is a good option.

Pros

• Remains one of the best-looking premium compact SUVs.
• Low fuel economy.
• Well-built.

Cons

• It lacks power and isn’t that much more frugal than its gasoline sibling.

4

2020 Acura RLX Hybrid – Average Used Price $30,660

Reliability Score: 4.4/5

The only Acura on our list is the RLX Hybrid. It packs a punch from a 3.5-liter V-6 with electric assistance to push out close to 380 horses. The Acura RLX has been discontinued, and the average used price is a smidgen over $30, 000.

Performance Specifications

The standard features on the RLX include 12-way adjustable heated leather front pews. Honda’s premium nameplate has a solid reputation for building long-lasting vehicles and the RLX should be no different.

Pros

• Long list of standard features.
• Strong powertrain.

Cons

• It has been discontinued.
• Not as agile as some of its rivals.

3

2020 Lexus ES300h – Average Used Price: $32,379

Reliability Score: 4.5/5

The European automakers might have the clout in the premium sedan segment, but there’s no denying how good the seventh-generation Lexus ES300h is. The Japanese brand is synonymous with luxury, and this model boasts a supremely comfortable ride and incredibly good fuel economy.

Performance Specifications

Add in the practicality of a large cargo area, a long list of standard features that’s hard to ignore. The ES300h’s 215 horses are delivered in an orchestral rather than urgent manner, which may disappoint some. If there’s one car to hold onto into retirement, the ES300h makes a strong case for itself.

Pros

• It should last forever.
• Good quality cabin.

Cons

• Infotainment UX isn’t very intuitive.
• Lacks pace in comparison to its rivals.

2

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid – Average Used Price: $26,235

Reliability Score: 4.5/5

We’re back with a stalwart of the SUV segment: the

Honda CR-V Hybrid
. The SUV was a new entry in 2020 and was introduced to battle with Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder with two electric motors and a smallish 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Performance Specifications

The EX derivative is the pick of the bunch, and features 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, and blind-spot monitoring. Even in the used guise, the CR-V will last for a very long time and parts shouldn’t be an issue to obtain further down the ownership journey.

Pros

• Not that old.
• Cabin is an ergonomic masterpiece.
• Frugal and powerful.

Cons

• Infotainment system is dated.
• Doesn’t offer performance gains over gasoline sibling.

1

2020 Toyota Prius – Average Used Price: $22,004

Reliability Score: 5/5

Finally, the vehicle that

brought hybrids into the mainstream
: the Prius. A used model costs around $22,000 and the MY 2020 looks more pleasing to the eye than the previous generations. It is powered by the same 1.8-liter petrol engine and two electric motors with a small battery.

Performance Specifications

The pick of the bunch is the L Eco model, which has keyless entry for the driver, and adaptive cruise control. It also comes standard with collision avoidance systems. The Prius has always favored frugality over power and speed, so don’t expect any difference here. It is known for longevity and strong build quality and that’s why it has the number one spot.

Pros

• Refined and spacious.
• Frugal and powerful.

Cons

• CVT can drone when accelerating hard.
• Styling can still be polarizing to some.