10 Hybrids That Depreciate The Most After 2 Years Of Ownership

Hybrid vehicles have become a popular choice for drivers looking to maximize fuel efficiency without fully committing to an electric vehicle (EV). While hybrids generally hold their value better than EVs, depreciation still varies widely between models. Some retain a strong resale value and depreciate a little amount, while others lose a surprising amount of their original price within just a couple of years. For buyers looking to sell or trade in their hybrid down the line, understanding which models depreciate the fastest can make a big difference.

Looking at 2023 model-year hybrids, Kelley Blue Book data provides insight into how much these vehicles have dropped in value over the last two years. By comparing their original starting prices to their current average used values, it becomes clear which models lose the most over time. Some hybrids on this list may still offer great fuel economy or performance, but their steep depreciation makes them riskier purchases for those concerned about resale value.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, and fueleconomy.gov. We’ve ranked the models below based on their average value retention, from lowest to highest. Prices and depreciation figures are taken from KBB for a 2023 model in good condition with average mileage.

10

2023 Toyota Prius – Value Retention: 93 Percent

Average Used Price: $24,909

The Toyota Prius has long been known for holding its value well, and the 2023 model continues that trend by depreciating by only seven percent in two years. The starting price of the Prius back in 2023 was $27,450, and used models average a selling price of $24,909 today. With such little depreciation, it might be worth it to just walk into your local Toyota dealership and buy a 2025 model off the showroom floor, which starts at $28,350.

Performance Specifications

Beyond its strong value retention, the Prius also delivers decent performance and efficiency. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine produces 196 horsepower, making it noticeably quicker than previous generations, capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour (MPH) in 7.1 seconds. It also still leads the segment in terms of fuel economy, providing a whopping 57 miles per gallon (MPG) combined between city and highway driving, according to the EPA.

9

2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid – Value Retention: 88 Percent

Average Used Price: $25,885

Like the Prius, the Toyota Camry Hybrid has maintained a solid resale value, retaining 88 percent of its original price after two years, dropping from $29,750 in 2023 to just $25,885 today. As seen between these first two models, Toyota’s reputation for durability and reliability helps keep demand (and price) high in the used market.

Performance Specifications

Pop the hood and you’ll see Toyota’s well-known 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain that the automaker uses over and over as the base for many of its hybrid models. In the Camry, this engine pumps out 208 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, enough to go from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.4 seconds. As expected, fuel efficiency is where the Camry Hybrid really shines, offering 52 MPG combined.

8

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid – Value Retention: 82 Percent

Average Used Price: $31,347

Since it was launched in 2023 at $38,070, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has depreciated by roughly 18 percent, with its average used price now right around $31,347. This is a loss in absolute value of nearly $7,000 in just two years, which is higher than quite a few models on this list, but that’s largely due to its high starting price.

Performance Specifications

Despite being a hybrid, the Crosstrek Hybrid delivers the lowest fuel efficiency of any model on this list, managing just 30 MPG in combined driving. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor produce a modest 148 horsepower, resulting in a slow 0 to 60 MPH time of a lumbering 9.2 seconds. Its all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain provides better traction and grip than just about any other option on this list, however, which is one of the reasons it’s still worth more than 30 grand.

7

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid – Value Retention: 81 Percent

Average Used Price: $27,702

While it still retains 81 percent of its original starting price of $34,235, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is worth around $27,702 today, depreciating by just over $6,500 in two years. Despite this drop in value, the CR-V remains a solid choice for anyone in the market for a compact SUV that offers a combination of cargo space, comfort, and fuel economy.

Performance Specifications

Powering the CR-V Hybrid is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to a pair of electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and an impressive 247 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.6 seconds, making it relatively quick for a hybrid SUV in this class. Fuel efficiency remains a strong point, delivering 40 MPG in combined driving.

6

2023 Lexus ES 300h – Value Retention: 80 Percent

Average Used Price: $35,784

Luxury vehicles typically see steeper depreciation than their non-luxury counterparts, yet the Lexus ES 300h has held onto 80 percent of its original price of $44,490 after two years. While a 20 percent drop still represents a significant decline, used models still command $35,784 on average, showing that buyers are still willing to pay for the combination of luxury, value, and performance.

Performance Specifications

Despite wearing a Lexus badge, the ES 300h shares its hybrid powertrain with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combine for 215 horsepower, just a few ticks more than what the Camry pumps out. That said, the ES 300h falls short of the Camry Hybrid in terms of fuel economy, offering 44 MPG compared to the Toyota’s 52.

5

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Value Retention: 79 Percent

Average Used Price: $34,602

The currently-priced $34,602 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has retained 79 percent of its original value, depreciating nearly $9,000 compared to its $43,555 starting price two years ago. While this drop is larger in dollar terms than some other hybrids, it’s only a 21-percent fall in value, which isn’t actually too bad for a three-row SUV.

Performance Specifications

Under the hood, the Highlander Hybrid uses the same general 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain the brand uses across its hybrid lineup, but it delivers more power to compensate for the SUV’s larger size. Producing 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, it provides enough capability for daily driving, though as a hybrid, it prioritizes efficiency over outright performance. Fuel economy is strong for a three-row SUV, returning 36 MPG in combined driving.

4

2023 Kia Niro Hybrid – Value Retention: 78 Percent

Average Used Price: $20,536

The Kia Niro Hybrid has depreciated more than many of its competitors, retaining just 78 percent of its original value. With an average used price of just over $20,500, it has lost nearly $6,000 in two years, making it one of the more affordable hybrid options on the secondhand market. While Kia has made strides in reliability, its hybrids do not yet command the same resale strength as the Toyota models we’ve looked at so far.

Performance Specifications

Kia pairs its 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with a six-speed automatic, offering a more traditional shifting experience compared to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) options most manufacturers are using. The system produces 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, more than enough to get around town as needed. Fuel efficiency is also impressive, with the Niro getting 49 MPG combined. For those looking to get away from gas burners entirely, Kia also offers the all-electric Niro EV, which offers a bit of a more spirited driving experience with even more instant torque.

3

2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid – Value Retention: 73 Percent

Average Used Price: $18,732

The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid originally started at $25,665, but the average used price has now dropped to $18,732. This means that the Elantra has retained roughly 73 percent of its original value, one of the worst retentions of any hybrid. As you’ll see very shortly, this isn’t even the worst Hyundai on this list, suggesting that the brand’s hybrids truly cannot stand up to other automakers when it comes to depreciation.

Performance Specifications

Mechanically, the Elantra Hybrid is nearly identical to the Kia Niro Hybrid, sharing the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor. This setup produces 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering reasonable performance for a compact sedan. With a combined fuel economy of 50 MPG, it is one of the most efficient hybrids available, making it a strong choice for anyone in the market.

2

2023 Ford Escape Hybrid – Value Retention: 58 Percent

Average Used Price: $20,054

The Ford Escape Hybrid launched with a starting price of $34,835 in 2023, but its average used price has now fallen to $20,054. That translates to a steep 42 percent depreciation in just two years, one of the highest drops among hybrid models. While Ford has made strides with its hybrid powertrains, its resale values have not kept pace with those of Toyota and Honda, as evidenced by this compared to the models above.

Performance Specifications

Under the hood, the Escape Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 192 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. A CVT transmission helps offer a smooth overall driving experience, but the Escape offers just 39 MPG. This is solid for an SUV in general, but it doesn’t exactly set the world on fire compared to other models on this list. The Escape Hybrid’s sharp decline in value could make it an appealing choice for buyers looking for a solid hybrid at a much lower price than when new.

1

2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – Value Retention: 56 Percent

Average Used Price: $18,542

Rounding off the list is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which has plummeted to being worth just $18,542, far less than its $32,915 starting price in 2023. That marks a staggering 44 percent depreciation in just two years, making it the hybrid with the highest loss in value on this list. While the Sonata Hybrid offers a sleek design and a comfortable ride, its steep depreciation suggests that buyers may be looking elsewhere for long-term hybrid ownership.

Performance Specifications

Powering the Sonata Hybrid is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 192 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Like the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, it uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata Hybrid’s fuel economy is solid, offering a combined 47 MPG. Despite its strong efficiency numbers, its resale struggles are far from ideal for anyone who just spent over $30,000 on it a short two years ago.