10 Very Reliable Japanese Hybrids On The Used Market

You’ll likely opt for a Japanese model if you’re in the market for a dependable and reliable hybrid. That’s not to say that no other country is offering reliable hybrids; rather, no other region is doing it like brands such as Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti, which are all based in Japan. Some of the most mainstream hybrids were produced in Japan, and you have to give them because they’re in a different league of their own. You’re about to dive into the top ten Japanese hybrids on the used market, which is basically the same thing as saying, “Here are the most reliable used hybrids on the market,” because most of those models would be based in Japan.

In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, KellyBlueBook, EPA, and NHSTA Please note that we have ranked the following models based on least reliable to most reliable.

Note: J.D. Power has not ranked the reliability on many years of the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, or Civic Hybrid.

10

2018 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid

Reliability: 79/100

The 2018 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid may be one of the most underrated hybrids, but when you examine its performance, it should receive some more praise. This sedan is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid engine, delivering an impressive 360 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. One of the unique features that you don’t see on too many hybrids is its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is common on sportscars.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

J.D. Power scored the 2018 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid 79 out of 100 for reliability. Other scores, such as resale value and driving experience, gave the Q50 Hybrid an overall score of 81 out of 100. Regarding recalls, this hybrid sedan encountered zero. If you’re looking for a sporty hybrid that doesn’t break the bank, the Q50 Hybrid can be picked up for around $18,329.

• Overall Score: 82/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $9,333
• Total Recalls: 0
• Used Price: $18,329

9

2020 Acura MDX Hybrid

Reliability: 81/100

The 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid is another luxury model to appear and packs a bit of heat with its performance. This hybrid SUV utilizes a 3.0-liter V6 hybrid engine, making 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. Surprisingly enough, it’s another hybrid that sports a dual-clutch transmission, which isn’t common on hybrids, even though you just saw two back-to-back.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2020 Acura MDX Hybrid raises the reliability rating to 81 out of 100. When it comes to its overall score, it dips below its reliability score, scoring 76 out of 100 overall. In the last three years, the 2020 MDX Hybrid lost $20,666 of its value. Acura offered two trims for the MDX Hybrid, with the two sitting at $26,116 to $26,784 today.

• Overall Score: 76/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $20,666
• Total Recalls: 1
• Used Price: $26,166-$26,784

8

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Reliability: 85/100

It wouldn’t be a reliability list without a Toyota making an appearance, which, spoiler alert: there’s more to come. The 2020 Corolla Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, producing 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It’s not the most thrilling hybrid on the market, but its reliability makes up for that loss.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid scores 85 out of 100 for reliability. Its overall score was just as impressive, even though it was slightly lower, with an 81 out of 100 score. This hybrid sedan ran into two recalls and has depreciated by $9,618 in the last three years. The 2020 Corolla Hybrid is great for those wanting an affordable and reliable hybrid, with the average 2020 Corolla going for $16,649.

• Overall Score: 81/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $9,618
• Total Recalls: 2
• Used Price: $16,649

7

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Reliability: 85/100

It wasn’t a lie. There would be more Toyota models, and it only makes sense for the Camry platform to make an appearance. The 2018 Camry Hybrid was the pick of the litter. It houses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, making 208 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. It’s equipped with Toyota’s up-to-date electronically continuously variable transmission (ECVT) and comes standard with front-wheel drive.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s reliability is the same as that of its sibling sedan, scoring 85 out of 100. It raised the overall score up a couple of notches, with an 83 out of 100 score. Toyota seemed to build a strong sedan since this model ran into zero recalls. The 2018 Camry Hybrid depreciated by $8,840 in the last three years, with a current resale value of $19,788 to $23,811.

• Overall Score: 83/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $8,840
• Total Recalls: 0
• Used Price: $19,788-$23,811

6

2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Reliability: 86/100

The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is yet another model from the Japanese company that comes jam-packed with some reliability. It makes sense, with Toyota being among the top three car brands in terms of reliability. The Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine, generating 231 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

J.D. Power rated the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 86 out of 100 for reliability. When adding up the other scores given by J.D. Power, the 2018 Highlander Hybrid received an overall score of 83 out of 100. This hybrid SUV lost $12,071 of its value in the last three years, with its resale value ranging from $23,223 to $27,158.

• Overall Score: 83/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $12,071
• Total Recalls: 0
• Used Price: $23,223-$27,158

5

2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

Reliability: 88/100

Much like its sister company, Toyota, Lexus is another strong contender when it comes to reliability, both used and new. Lexus sits even higher than Toyota on the list and is the best car brand for used cars and reliability. The 2021 NX Hybrid is just one example. It houses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. This setup produces 194 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid falls short of receiving an A-letter grade reliability rating, but an 88 out of 100 is still impressive. Its overall score was high as well, 85 out of 100. The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid ran into zero recalls and depreciated a bit higher, which shouldn’t be too big of a surprise since it is a luxury SUV, after all. The 2021 Lexus NX is estimated to sit around $29,214 to $29,587 for its used price today.

• Overall Score: 85/100
• Depreciation In The Last 3 Years: $17,164
• Total Recalls: 0
• Used Price: $29,214-$29,587

4

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Reliability: 88/100

The RAV4 Hybrid is part of one of the most successful SUV platforms, with the non-electric being the most-bought SUV in the U.S. year after year. The hybrid variant also pulls in success in many areas, such as the powertrain, which is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. This engine setup delivers 194 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque, which, if you may have caught, is nearly the same powertrain setup as the 2020 Lexus NX Hybrid.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

Like its “distant cousin”, the Lexus NX, the RAV4 Hybrid comes in with an 88 out of 100 reliability score. While you’ve seen a lot of sharing of the two models, it only seems right for the 2018 RAV4 Hybrid to receive the same overall score, which it did with its 85 out of 100 rating. The 2018 RAV4 Hybrid depreciated by $10,331 in the last three years, and now sits in the price range of $15,395 to $21,513.

• Overall Score: 85/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $10,331
• Total Recalls: 0
• Used Price: $15,395-$21,513

3

2009 Toyota Prius

Reliability: 89/100

Arguably, one of the most iconic hybrids ever created and quite possibly the poster child of hybrids is the Toyota Prius. This specific model dates back quite a bit, with the 2009 Prius doing pretty well in reliability. The fifteen-year-old hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 110 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2009 Toyota Prius gets close to raising the reliability score to an A-letter grade or 90 percent but falls short by one point with its 89 out of 100 reliability rating. Its overall score sits high, too, scoring 87 out of 100. The 2009 Prius has been around for some time now and carries a couple more webs than some of the “newer” used models, encountering six recalls. It’s had plenty of time to knock most of its value off in the early years and only lost $1,439 in the last three. Today, the 2009 Prius can be picked up for around $6,341 to $7,921.​​​​​​​

• Overall Score: 87/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $1,439
• Total Recalls: 6
• Used Price: $6,341-$7,921

2

2020 Lexus RX Hybrid

Reliability: 91/100

The 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid is the next step up from the NX Hybrid, offering more features and space. It also comes with a more powerful engine, which is a 2.5-liter V-6 hybrid engine. The 2020 RX Hybrid produces 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. That’s a good bit of power for a hybrid SUV, but the reliability is the real show-stopper.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2020 Lexus RX Hybrid was able to come home with an A-letter grade, scoring 91 out of 100 for its reliability. When it came to its overall score, the RX Hybrid received an 85 out of 100. This hybrid SUV has lost $15,574 of its value over the last three years and now comes with a $37,299 to $37,378 resale value.​​​​​​​

• Overall Score: 85/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $15,574
• Total Recalls: 1
• Used Price: $37,299–$37,378

1

2017 Lexus ES Hybrid

Reliability: 96/100

Regarding reliable models, the 2017 Lexus ES Hybrid sits towards the top of hybrids. This hybrid sedan utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, which makes 200 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. This platform is one of the most reliable Japanese hybrids, and the 2017 model is a prime example of what it has to offer. ​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The 2017 Lexus ES Hybrid ends the list with an impressive 96 out of 100 reliability score. That’s a feat that not many other hybrids have achieved, but the ES Hybrid goes even further, receiving an overall score of 90 out of 100. In the last three years, the 2017 ES Hybrid has lost $7,198 and is now worth $20,737.

• Overall Score: 90/100
• Depreciation In the Last 3 Years: $7,198
• Total Recalls: 0
• Used Price: $20,737