10 Hybrids Below $30K That Ship 50+ MPG

Hybrid powertrains scale back the gasoline consumption of any inner combustion engine, in some instances dramatically. When utilized to already thrifty gasoline ICEs, the result’s typically dramatic, and in some instances excellent, whereas even delicate hybridization will scale back a efficiency engine’s gasoline consumption by a couple of factors. There are only a couple of handful of automobiles that may strategy the 50 mpg threshold (which is taken into account excellent for an ICE) and some that may surpass it.

These that may are sometimes costly. With the typical new-car transaction pushing above $50,000, it’s turning into more durable to discover a automobile that prices lower than $30,000 (what many take into account reasonably priced), and almost inconceivable for a brand new hybrid automobile. Savvy consumers will uncover bargains within the used market, and in some instances, dramatic reductions within the costs of automobiles which can be nonetheless in the identical era. The opposite upside is that when expensive hybrids are actually remarkably reasonably priced.

2016 Toyota Prius C

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 50 MPG

The Toyota Prius C was solely with us briefly (though there’s a present Prius C religious successor in Japan), however it left an impression. With a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and one electrical motor, the 2016 Toyota Prius C places out simply 99 horsepower (about half that of in the present day’s environment friendly hybrids). In line with the Environmental Safety Company, the little hatchback is rated at 53 mpg within the metropolis, the place it could possibly actually benefit from low-speed electrical increase and spend an estimated $900 yearly on gasoline.

2016 Toyota Prius C Common Used Worth: $8,565

Out there from 2012 to 2019, the Toyota Prius C was to be a stepping stone in a possible Prius household, with the others being the well-known notchback and the bigger Toyota Prius V wagon. Earlier than Toyota went all out in altering present fashions over to hybrid powertrains, the Prius household was meant to draw younger patrons and hold them shopping for Priuses as their life priorities modified. The 2016 Toyota Prius C began at $19,560 and got here in 4 trim ranges, merely named One, Two, Three, and 4, plus a young-adult supposed Persona Collection.

2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 52 MPG

With its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and single electrical motor, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue produces 192 horsepower and achieves a balanced EPA-rated 50 mpg within the metropolis and 54 mpg on the freeway, making it a reliable all-around performer for metropolis errand operating and freeway commutes. It may possibly negotiate low-speed stop-and-go visitors on electrical energy alone or journey almost 700 miles on a full tank, whereas spending an estimated $850 yearly on gasoline.

2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue Common Used Worth: $19,405

This Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is nearing the tip of its present era (launched in 2020, facelifted in 2024) and is a formidable rival to each the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry hybrids. The 2023 Hyundai Sonata Blue Hybrid began at $28,450 and achieved a 52 mpg EPA score (the present mannequin begins at $29,050 and is barely much less environment friendly at 51 mpg, mixed). So, it can save you $10,000 and get mainly the identical mannequin, save for seems to be.

2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 52 MPG

Outdoors of the Prius, there’s most likely no hybrid extra desired than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, whose effectivity resume is nicely documented. An extended-time person of the revered 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle powertrain, the 2024 Camry Hybrid pushes energy to 208 horsepower, and mixed effectivity to 52 mpg (for the LE trim, balanced at 51 metropolis and 53 freeway), with electric-only efficiency at low metropolis speeds serving to to maintain annual gasoline payments within the $850–$1,000 vary (relying on trim).

2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid Common Used Worth: $27,047

The final of its era, the 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid began at an MSRP of $28,855 for the LE trim, and remained a sought-after hybrid as purchaser preferences shifted towards compact crossovers and SUVs. Maybe signifying Toyota’s shift to a hybrid-only Camry for 2025, the 2024 Camry Hybrid was solely $2,000 dearer than the traditional ICE, providing patrons the chance to save lots of over $3,500 in gasoline prices over 5 years of possession, whereas nonetheless getting all of the Camry reliability.

2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 52 MPG

An absolute used-car discount, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid was launched in 2020 because the most-efficient Corolla ever, utilizing the Prius-tested 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that was closely skewed towards effectivity, with its meager 121-horsepower output and a balanced effectivity of 53 mpg metropolis and 52 freeway. Just like the Prius, prudent use of the best foot returns (a) prolonged electric-only drive at decrease metropolis speeds, and (b) prolonged freeway runs of 600 miles.

2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Common Used Worth: $18,762

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid began at a producer’s urged retail worth of $24,050 and was the final yr of the look that was refreshed in 2023. Nonetheless in its present era, the 2026 Corolla Hybrid clocks in at $24,575 for an identically outfitted mannequin, although the present Corolla Hybrid does have the choice of AWD. Toyota’s Security Sense 2.0 suite is normal on the 2022 Corolla Hybrid, as are premium inside touches and low-rolling-resistance tires to additional support economical motoring.

2022 Honda Perception

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 52 MPG

The Honda Perception was one of many longest-serving nameplates in hybridom and considered one of its best-kept secrets and techniques. In its final iteration, it was a four-door notchback to rival Toyota’s Prius (the opposite long-serving hybrid), utilizing a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid powertrain that had been perfected in fashions just like the Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, delivering a frugal 151 horsepower and effectivity barely skewed to metropolis driving (51–55 mpg versus 45–49 freeway, relying on gear ranges) and sipping $850–$950 in gasoline yearly.

2022 Honda Perception Common Used Worth: $20,792

Mannequin-year 2022 introduced a near the 22-year run of the Honda Perception, which, in a special format, was the primary hybrid automobile to mild on American soil. The 2022 Honda Perception began at $25,210, and it appeared Honda lastly received the entire hybrid packaging proper, with a premium inside and Eco-centric driving modes (EV/Econ/Sport). Nevertheless, the choice was to not transfer together with the two.0-liter twin motor powertrain within the Perception, in favor of Honda fashions with title cachet (primarily Accord and Civic).

2000 Honda Perception

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 53 MPG

The authentic Honda Perception was a ground-breaking, albeit quirky, two-seater that was the polar reverse of the four-door that completed off the Perception title. It launched within the U.S. with a high-revving 67-horsepower 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine that used a 10-kW electrical motor in a setup not not like in the present day’s delicate hybrid powertrains. Honda’s Built-in Motor Help (IMA) system couldn’t drive on electrical energy alone, not like the four-door, four-seat Toyota Prius that launched at roughly the identical time.

2000 Honda Perception Common Used Worth: $2,062

The 2000 Honda Perception was a private automobile finest suited to commuting, with its aluminum-intensive bulk (lower than a ton) and excellent aerodynamics (0.25 Cd) contributing to a freeway effectivity score of 61 mpg. Nevertheless, the unique Perception’s mild, small footprint made it fairly adept in tight metropolis visitors confines, and if you happen to wound up the engine and performed with its five-speed handbook gearbox, it offered an exciting driving expertise (although it soundly trashed its fuel-saving function).

2026 Kia Niro

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 53 MPG

Kia launched the Niro as an electrified-only mannequin in 2017 (initially as a hybrid, then a plug-in hybrid, and EV, in subsequent years). As we speak, it nonetheless markets the three physique types, with the hybrid’s 1.6-liter “4” producing simply 139 horsepower, for a balanced mixture of 53 mpg within the metropolis and 54 on the freeway, in its most economical (FE) iteration. Electrical-only driving is accessible briefly at low speeds, however it’s estimated to save lots of $3,500–$3,750 in gasoline over 5 years of possession.

2026 Kia Niro Beginning Worth: $26,990

One of many least costly automobiles in the marketplace (hybrid or non), the hybrid 2026 Kia Niro makes use of a six-speed dual-clutch transmission to drive solely the entrance wheels, making it strictly a pavement cruiser that is ready to navigate packed surfaces with relative ease. Outdoors of seems to be, there’s little modified from the unique 2017 mannequin, regardless of the extremely environment friendly Kia Niro FE mannequin exhibiting large enhancements in gasoline effectivity (53 mpg mixed versus 50 mpg in 2017).

2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 54 MPG

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue makes use of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, one electrical motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission to generate a docile 139 horsepower and return effectivity rated at 53 mpg metropolis and 56 mpg freeway. Though it’s equivalent to the present refreshed Elantra Hybrid Blue, the distinction is a greater steadiness between metropolis and freeway driving, with the brand new mannequin skewing extra towards freeway effectivity (51 and 58 mpg, respectively).

2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue Common Used Worth: $16,772

The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid launched in 2023, with the Elantra Hybrid Blue beginning at $25,665. The seems to be have since been refreshed, however the total platform stays the identical, so patrons can select from a totally trendy 2025 automotive for $25,450 or benefit from depreciation and get the identical Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue for nearly $9,000 much less. Both one returns a mixed score of 54 mpg and a near-600-mile vary, although the brand new mannequin is significantly higher on the freeway.

2026 Toyota Prius

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 57 MPG

You’ll be able to’t speak hybrids and effectivity with out finally touchdown on the Toyota Prius, and although there have now been 5 generations of Prius, starting from the quirky to the elegant, the four-door bodystyle has mainly held. Because it will get higher yr after yr, it follows that the present Toyota Prius is the very best, at the very least by way of effectivity, with its 57 mpg mixed — a giant step-up on its nearest rival (and even the AWD model matches the next-best Elantra Hybrid Blue’s 54 mpg).

The Nightshade AWD is among the many least environment friendly of the lot at 49/50/49, respectively, which continues to be nice gasoline financial system.

– Nicole Wakelin, TopSpeed Journalist

2026 Toyota Prius Beginning Worth: $28,550

Effectivity does fluctuate significantly between the FWD and AWD 2026 Toyota Prius (mixed scores vary from 49 mpg for the AWD, to 57 for the FWD, relying on gear ranges) however it’s at all times virtually a fair cut up between metropolis and freeway driving—a testomony to the precision tuning of the Toyota Synergy Drive that continues to make the Prius the yardstick in opposition to which all different hybrid automobiles are measured.

2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue

Mixed Gasoline Economic system: 59 MPG

Ending up its mannequin life, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue was most likely the closest any automobile has ever come to beating the Toyota Prius at its personal sport. The Ioniq Hybrid used the identical 139-horsepower 1.6-liter powertrain mixture later moved to the Elantra Hybrid Blue, however did it with 59 mpg effectivity (mixed) on a steadiness of 58 mpg metropolis and 60 mpg freeway. Typical annual gasoline prices had been estimated at $750, leading to a fuel-savings estimate of $4,250 over 5 years.

2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue Common Used Worth: $16,621

As evidenced over the previous few entries, Hyundai and Toyota are the highest gamers within the broad hybrid market (and to no shock, occupy seven of the ten spots on this listing of best hybrids). The front-drive Hyundai Ioniq was a pioneering automobile for Hyundai’s electrification program, launching as an electrified mannequin in 2017 (hybrid and EV, joined by a PHEV in 2018). The tip of the road got here with the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, barely lacking the 60 mpg (mixed) threshold, and rated at over 700 miles in vary.

Sources: Edmunds, the EPA, Kelley Blue Ebook