Best Hybrid Cars for Under $35,000

The arguments for going hybrid over gas or electric comes down to two current fundamental truths: (1) Hybrids significantly cut down on carbon emissions in comparison to gas-only vehicles. (2) The charging infrastructure for a totally electric vehicle world is not there yet and could be as far as a decade down the road…but probably longer.

However, there is more to what a hybrid has to offer in that fundamentally…it is still a sedan, of which remains a popular choice for consumers who are not wanting an SUV.

Hybrids Offer the Best of Both Worlds

According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter, sedans are competitive with SUVs and are a better vehicle over gasoline-only comparable models:

“Compact and midsized sedans are still a smart and popular choice for many consumers, even with the popularity of SUVs. Sedans effectively blend fuel economy, passenger room, cargo space, and flexibility into a package that’s also more enjoyable to drive than the average SUV. And the hybrid versions are even better than their conventionally powered siblings in almost every way.”

How Hybrids are Better

Furthermore, according to CR automotive experts, the benefits of owning a hybrid also include:

• Higher mpg: Most hybrid SUVs get more than 35 mpg, and most hybrid sedans get more than 45 mpg. That’s about a 40 percent improvement over non-hybrids, on average.
• Easy to use: Unlike a pure electric vehicle, you don’t have to plug in a hybrid. Simply refuel at any gas station.
• Better to drive: CR’s tests show that the hybrid versions of many cars have more power and smoother acceleration than the gas-only models.

Not Yesteryear’s Hybrid, But the Best of the Best (Under $35,000)

More to the point, if you remember some not so glowing reviews of the early hybrid models, today’s newer hybrid models have markedly improved as evidenced by a statement from a previous CR newsletter that read, “…today’s hybrids have little in common with the slow and noisy ones from a decade ago.”

In fact, their latest newsletter attests to their support of hybrids as a smart shopping choice by presenting, “…the best hybrid cars we’ve tested, ranked in order of their Overall Score, factoring in road-test performance, owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and safety,” with a new updated list of the best hybrids they found with a price tag below $35,000.

That said, here is a summary of their latest listing on hybrid cars you should consider when shopping for a new car:

CR’s Hybrid Cars for Under $35,000 Recommendations

1. Toyota Camry Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $26,420 - $36,845

CR MPG: Overall 47 / City 39 / Hwy 53 mpg

#1 of 12 Midsized cars

2. Honda Accord Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $32,895 - $38,890

CR MPG: Overall 40 / City 34 / Hwy 45 mpg

#2 of 12 Midsized cars

3. Toyota Prius 2024

Price Range:  $27,950 - $36,365

CR MPG: Overall 51 / City 40 / Hwy 59 mpg

#2 of 18 Compact cars

4. Kia Niro 2024

Price Range:  $26,940 - $44,600

CR MPG: Overall 45 / City 41 / Hwy 48 mpg

#3 of 18 Compact cars

5. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $26,250 - $29,450

CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 55 mpg

#5 of 18 Compact cars

6. Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $22,050 - $28,340

CR MPG: Overall 48 / City 37 / Hwy 59 mpg

#10 of 18 Compact cars

7. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $30,800 - $37,200

CR MPG: Overall 44 / City 36 / Hwy 51 mpg

#9 of 12 Midsized cars

For additional articles related to recent new and used Hybrid vehicle recommendations, here are three for your consideration:

• 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Video
• Important Test Before Deciding Between the New Hybrid and Non-Hybrid Toyota Tundra
• Toyota Hybrid Questions Answered by This Toyota Dealer

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports Most Reliable 3-Year-Old Trucks That You Can Buy Right Now

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