Best Hybrid Cars Under $35,000 Consumer Reports Update for the New Year

Updated New Hybrid Sedan Selections

In a recent Consumer Reports analysis of Hybrid vehicles, now more than ever it makes more sense to focus on buying a Hybrid over a gas-only vehicle due to that when it comes to not just fuel economy and reliable performance---but other automotive factors as well.

In fact, when it comes to what owners expect in a new car, CR analysts state, “…hybrid versions of vehicles generally have better response when starting up from a stop, are quicker, and are quieter—in normal driving and when accelerating. Many of them also have ride and handling characteristics that are as good as—or better than—their conventionally powered siblings.”

Related article: Top 10 Most Reliable Engines That Last 300,000 Miles or Longer for 2022 and 2023

That was the message in a recently updated recommended list of Hybrid vehicles Consumer Reports recently released as their top choices of Hybrid sedans they found that offer stellar fuel economy along with everyday practicality priced under $35,000 today.

The Best of the Best Hybrids

When choosing this latest listing of Hybrids, CR analysts ranked them according to their “Overall Score” designation based on:

• Road-test performance
• Owner satisfaction
• Predicted reliability and safety.

However, the importance of updates such as this one, is that those Overall Scores do change over time as the latest info on factors such as reliability data and customer surveys become available.

“…we present 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. Be aware that Overall Scores change over time as new information, such as reliability data, becomes available. The model pages always reflect our latest ratings,” stated CR automotive experts.

Best Hybrid Sedans Under $35K

That said, here is a summary of hybrid sedan models that Consumer Reports rates, along with their price range, miles per gallon fuel efficiency, and current rating within their vehicle category type. Please note that prices listed may vary depending on location as well as the trims and options selected at a dealership.

1. Toyota Camry Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $26,420 - $36,845

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

#1 of 11 Midsized cars

2. Honda Accord Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $32,545 - $38,540

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

#2 of 11 Midsized cars

3. Toyota Prius 2024

Price Range:  $27,950 - $36,365

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

#1 of 16 Compact cars

4. Kia Niro 2024

Price Range:  $26,840 - $44,600

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

#2 of 16 Compact cars

5. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $24,550 - $29,150

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

#4 of 16 Compact cars

6. Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $22,050 - $28,340

CR MPG:  Overall 48 / City 40 / Hwy 59 mpg

#8 of 16 Compact cars

7. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2024

Price Range:  $30,800 - $37,200

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

#9 of 11 Midsized cars

For additional CR Hybrid-related articles, here are three selected ones to consider:

• Consumer Reports’ Top-Rated Hybrid Vehicles
• Best Hybrid Cars from Consumer Reports' Tests
• Toyota Dominates Consumer Reports’ Best Hybrid SUVs That Cost $35,000 to $45,000

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  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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