► The best second hand hybrid cars ► What to look out for when buying a used hybrid ► They’re more straightforward than you think
There’s increasing pressure to change to electric cars – both in planned legislation, and in marketing – but battery EVs don’t suit everyone’s lifestyle. On top of that, they’re expensive to buy used. Fortunately for drivers looking for reduced CO2, not flexibility, a used hybrid car can cost less to buy and run than even the cheapest electric option.
Recent models use mild hybrid or self-charging hybrid systems to great effect without the complexity and change of habits a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can demand to get the best results. The combination of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electrification allows the easy refuelling and range for long-distance drivers, with significantly lower emissions.
Second-hand hybrid cars’ lower CO2 usually means cheaper VED (road tax), lower-cost access to many Clean Air zones, and most offer significantly improved economy in congested, slow-speed traffic. More recent designs focus on performance as well, with mild hybrids providing a turbo-style boost without the penalty at the pumps.
Choosing a used hybrid car makes sense for anyone looking for the refinement of a petrol car and the economy of a diesel, and compared to older or higher mileage modern diesels they’re usually more reliable and cheaper to run and maintain.
Drivers have plenty of choice, ranging from small cars such as the popular Ford Fiesta and clever Honda Jazz Crosstar, older models such as the prescient Toyota Prius, and even upmarket Lexus RX450h and BMW ActiveHybrid models. Read on for our top used hybrid recommendations.
Hybrid cars come in all shapes and sizes now, so we’ve grouped different models together, naming our favourite picks in each segment. Different driving styles and environments will suit different powertrains: if you regularly do long-distance journeys, you may be better off sticking with an efficient modern diesel or downsized petrol engine, rather than lugging around a heavy battery; if you mostly drive around town, why not consider a pure electric car?
If your typical driving falls somewhere between these extremes and you have space to charge at home, a used plug-in hybrid car may be more suitable.
We’ve chosen five of the best hybrids to suit the needs of a growing family, and five to suit young drivers, commuters or households looking for a cheap-to-run second car. While economy is important, we’ve also looked at what else they bring in terms of clever features or driver enjoyment. Nearly-new models should be compared with new PCP/finance deals to see which offers the lowest monthly cost and best value.
Ones to watch for later in the year include the Clio E-Tech, Nissan Qashqai, Mercedes mild-hybrids (particularly the C Class) and the latest Yaris and Yaris Cross. They’re not quite plentiful enough or cheap enough used, yet, to make it to the top ten.
Why are these the best choice for many urban drivers? They’re small, easy to park, and unlike an electric car or plug-in hybrid, there’s no need to deal with the dilemma of how to charge it up to get the best economy. At the time of writing, they’re also cheaper to run by a significant margin than an electric car on standard rates, let alone public charging costs. Most of the optimisation is focused on cutting CO2 in city traffic – they’re simply the best tool for the job, in the real world.
It’s not as practical as a Yaris, and it’s also not that small given the direct links it has to two iconic Honda models – the CRX, and the original hybrid Insight. However, this 2+2 coupé is one of the most interesting used hybrid cars you’ll find, with a 1.5-litre VTEC engine boosted by Honda’s IMA – integrated motor assist – mild hybrid system.
There are no other Hondas in this list, because IMA is, frankly, not worth the bother. But the CR-Z is, purely because this 21st century car feels delightfully retro in how it handles and delivers driver involvement. Not only does it look quirky and quick, it’s got a manual gearbox, low stance and wide track. Outright performance is not the goal, with 124bhp and 10.1 seconds to 62mph. Rather, the CR-Z’s grin-inducing nature on British country roads comes from the sharp handling and race-car seating, plus the electric motor’s ability to even out the gaps in VTEC power delivery.
Emissions aren’t great at 116g/km, and there’s no EV-only mode, but this is one hybrid worth buying for how the car looks and drives, rather than the tax advantages and green credentials.
CAR verdict: ‘An impractical hybrid that is out-eco’d by plenty of ‘normal’ cars, yet out-handles most of them too. Buy it for the looks, or the handling, or even just the hybrid badge, and love it’
Read CAR’s Honda CR-Z long-term test (2012) and full reviews
It’s a new entrant in the hybrid stakes, but it’s one that shows how spicy ‘mild’ hybrid can be if you can find the 153bhp EcoBoost 155. The three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo is already a delightful engine, but with a 48V battery and starter-alternator it has an extra reserve of power for overtaking, and the ability to cut consumption dramatically at cruising speeds. The result is a simple, yet engaging small car that would rank higher if it weren’t so expensive – in part due to being so new to the used market.
For many buyers a new Fiesta on finance may work out cheaper than buying used, but time is running out as the Ford Fiesta’s story comes to an end in June 2023. When production ends, the Fiesta, and Ford’s small hatchback leaves forever; current plans suggest an electric Ford based on VW’s MEB take its spot in the Cologne factory, and the Puma will be Ford’s entry-level car. Unless something dramatic happens, that means the cheapest new Ford will be nearly £25,000 at the end of 2023 – so buy a used Fiesta or Puma hybrid before prices rise further.
CAR verdict: ‘a Fiesta that can reach 62mph in 8.6 seconds would once have merited an XR badge – now it’s the eco-friendly choice. Ford’s supermini bows out before it fades away, but as a best-seller there’s plenty of used stock’
Read CAR’s full review of the facelifted Ford Fiesta Mk8.5 range
Suzuki’s Swift has always been a car that appeals to two distinctly opposing forces in the motoring world; serious but open-minded petrolheads, and people who really don’t care about cars but just want cheap, reliable transport. It’s not even about marketing – Suzuki has no trouble reaching enthusiasts – but it’s been the case for as long as the Swift name has been applied to both super-cheap three-cylinder ‘Sky’ economy models and hot-hatch slaying 16-valve GTis.
Today’s Swift Sport keeps up the big thrills, small budget legacy, but the lower-cost mild-hybrid Boosterjet and DualJet models can comfortably exceed 50mpg, have an attitude that feels more like a classic Mini than, well, a MINI, and can be found with AllGrip four-wheel drive. As with the Fiesta, it’s a 48V mild-hybrid that takes the high-consumption sting out of stop/start traffic and overtaking – and combined with a manual box, it’s simple and effective. Used models offer a real saving over new as well – Suzuki’s finance deals are high APR and obscurity keeps demand (and used values) low.
CAR verdict: ‘Suzuki’s Swift isn’t particularly, er, Swift in basic form and it never has been, but it’s enjoyable to drive, quick enough, and delivers on the promised 55mpg potential’
Read CAR’s Swift full review and long-term test of the Swift 1.0 BoosterJet SHVS and Swift Sport
It seems obvious to blend city-friendly zero-emissions local driving with diminutive supermini dimensions, yet there’s only one truly small, true hybrid. Unsurprisingly, it’s from Toyota, and comes in the form of the Yaris; a Fiesta-sized, fun car that’s been popular the world over. In hybrid form, it’s closely related to the original Prius self-charging hybrid, but with vastly improved batteries and technology; the NiMH battery pack has no impact on the Yaris Hybrid’s interior packaging, and the 1497cc Atkinson-cycle engine, plus 60bhp motor, combine to provide 98bhp, 62mph in under 12 seconds and 1.2 miles of pure-EV driving.
It works, too – we achieved 78mpg in real-world driving, and it’s a fantastic city car, easy to drive with a planted, robust feel, though it’s far from a hot hatch. An already futuristic interior suits the transition to hybrid instrumentation, and the T-Spirit even has reasonably luxurious trim. A popular car new, there’s a good selection of used examples to choose from.
CAR verdict: ‘It shouldn’t work, given how good a conventional supermini can be – but the Yaris Hybrid is really effective’
Compare CAR’s opinions of the original Toyota Yaris with the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hybrid (also Mazda 2 Hybrid) and related Yaris Cross in these reviews.
It’s a new entrant in the used hybrid hatchback stakes, but Honda’s Jazz Crosstar and less-rugged Jazz leap straight to the top of the class thanks to impressive economy, a genuinely different atmosphere behind the wheel and stunning results at the pumps. Real-world economy approaching 65mpg, and enough electric range when the battery is full to handle the crucial ‘last mile’ of slow, urban traffic where pollution needs the most action taking – it’s a polished package.
Where it really stands out though, is in the packaging elsewhere. The Jazz has made the move to hbrid without sacrificing the clever engineering that ensured it, rather than the Mercedes A-Class, survived the evolutionary battle for tall supermini supremacy. Magic seats allow the full height of the cabin to be used (and that height makes it roomy for passengers) while a revised approach to the A-pillar framing means visibility is excellent (and feels like a space shuttle).
CAR verdict: ‘Jazz and space go hand-in-tentacle – just ask the Mos Eisley Cantina Band – but the Jazz Crosstar is a truly harmonious blend of different ideals’
Read CAR’s full review of the Honda Jazz, and Tom Wiltshire‘s report on living with a long-term Honda Jazz Crosstar in Parkers.
Okay, we’re as tired of it as you are – everything is called an SUV now, and none of them is remotely like the Ford Bronco II and 1984 Jeep Cherokee that combined the words ‘sports’ and ‘utility’ and added them to ‘vehicle’. Few are even like the original RAV4, which misunderstood ‘sports’ and delivered a 4×4 tall hot hatch instead of a hunting, shooting & fishing carryall.
The used market encompasses the world before tall hatchbacks took over, however – and some hybrid models snuck in. If you want a proper big 4×4-style family car with low CO2, that’s where the plug-in hybrid found a natural home.
A more conventional upright-hatchback shape and Prius underpinnings combine with Lexus premium finishes for an upmarket hybrid rival to the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It should be a winning formula, but the rather dated and dowdy styling ensured the cutting edge tech was more appealing to the older generation; an advertising campaign starring Kylie Minogue further alienated Gen X’ers and millennials. Pitching a near-£24K, 1.8-litre petrol car that took over 10-seconds to reach 60mph as ‘sporty’ may also have been a touch wide of the mark.
Sales make have been equally slow, but it’s been around so long there’s a decent selection on offer; you can get leather, fancy stereos and sat nav but all share the same powertrain. As a second hand buy, the Lexus CT200h makes more sense than new, and nearly-new examples with low mileage offer impressive savings compared to other hybrids.
Don’t be fooled – this Lexus is definitely more Partridge than premium. But it’s damn good value, well made and well-equipped.
CAR verdict: ‘This really isn’t a sporty hatchback, and it doesn’t feel as futuristic as you’d expect from a Lexus – but it is a well-equipped hybrid-by-stealth’
Read the Lexus CT200h range review
If Toyota set out to make the Prius distinctive and futuristic, the Auris set out to replace the Corolla without scaring loyal customers away. Which makes the Auris Touring Sports, the compact estate variant, with Hybrid Synergy Drive such an interesting machine.
There’s little to separate the Auris and Prius technically; both feature the 1.8-litre petrol engine, short-range EV capability and CVT transmission, and claim fuel economy and performance comparable to a 2.0-litre diesel in a car of the same size but without the emissions. Where the Auris wins out is in space – the Touring Sports has 530-litres of luggage capacity, expandable to 1,658 litres with the rear seats folded, and the load sill is lower too. A more restrained interior design makes taking the plunge into the 21stcentury less scary, and as the Auris isn’t a plug-in, just add fuel and let the tech do the work.
Sounds dull, and frankly, it is. It’s a very practical family car, and like the Prius, it just works. The electric motor and regenerative braking reduce servicing costs and improve longevity of the car overall. Make sure the Auris you’re looking at has a good service history though, and we recommend buying from a Toyota dealer for the best used car warranty and after-sales support for the hybrid system.
CAR verdict: ‘Forget virtue-signalling futurism – the Auris is just boringly effective. The Prius could have been this, but no-one would have noticed’
Check out how this car fares in CAR’s Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports full review. For a lower-cost options that’s also the original Auris HSD hatchback.
The BMW 5-series is, arguably, one of the best cars you can buy for combining family needs and still enjoying your time behind the wheel. Most buyers will lean towards the diesel, but not all models are ULEZ-friendly, and older diesels can get expensive to maintain. So the existence of a hybrid BMW 5-series is suddenly very interesting in 2023, even if it wasn’t that exciting in 2013. Notably the ActiveHybrid 5 previewed a technical solution more premium hybrids are offering now, with a conventional automatic gearbox carrying an integrated motor instead of the CVT that dominates early hybrid efforts.
Performance is impressive, meriting a 535-badged hint at 3.5-litre equivalence; the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six is not quite the tiny engine plus big electric motor you expect of a modern hybrid; all the effort is focused on improving economy and reducing emissions – it’s quite powerful enough as it is. And this is where the ActiveHybrid makes sense as a used car – you get BMW 535i performance, but much lower running costs in urban areas and in congestion. The biggest downside is that it’s only available as a saloon. Oh, and it’s quite rare.
CAR verdict: ‘BMW’s first hybrid made little sense to UK drivers in 2012 when diesel reigned supreme; now the DPFs are clogged and turbos choked, the clean-running 5 series looks rather appealing’
CAR reviewed the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 in 2012
The original, and arguably one of the best used buys if you want to get an affordable hybrid car. Although the technology isn’t quite as impressive as the initial claims suggested – a good diesel car of similar size and performance will use less fuel. However, there’s a backlash against diesel, and restrictions on city-centre driving either implemented or ‘coming-soon’, and the Prius – so far – has continued to qualify for use in these zones.
Tens of thousands of minicabs around Britain suggest that a used Prius is a potentially sound buy, and also that a used Prius must be bought incredibly carefully to be sure it hasn’t been bashed and abused. We found one example with over 250,000 miles, though that meant getting a 2010 model for the same price as a 2004 with 70K on the clock.
Don’t expect driving thrills, but smooth progress is assured. If in doubt, just try a provincial minicab. Later models of Prius are worth exploring; there’s a seven-seat Prius Plus, and a plug-in variant as well, but the best value is to be found in the successful regular Prius. The Hyundai Ioniq is also worth a look, but lacks the practicality of a hatchback.
CAR verdict: ‘Thousands of minicab drivers can’t be wrong; the Prius isn’t great on motorways, but make cities almost painless’
Toyota retired the Prius for the UK market in 2022; before buying used, see how CAR got on with a long-term Prius in 2018
One of the first SUVs to be seen silently creeping around London, the 2003 RX400h is now a £4,000 hybrid banger – but the later RX450h still looks fresh, despite being introduced a decade ago, and the 3.5-litre V6 petrol ensures performance from this large SUV is more than adequate. Two miles of pure EV, up to 25mph, give the RX its signature ‘large car creeping up on people’ move, and also allow zero-emissions motoring for the last mile.
Inside, the interior trim befits a £50,000 SUV, though the design is more futuristic than traditional luxury, and it’s better to choose the less-sporty models for an impression of floating comfort to carry throughout the car; sports suspension, with active anti-roll spoils the ride without any real benefit. SE-L Premium models have air suspension, which is the best of both worlds but an added layer of complexity to deal with on a used car.
All-wheel drive is part of the package, but it’s not an off-roader – it’s more about improved traction in bad weather. Refined, capable and reasonably economical for the size of car, the RX450h is a great used luxury SUV worth seeking out
CAR verdict: ‘Lexus do luxury well, and the RX450h is everything the CT200h isn’t – unapologetically expensive and blessed with a decent-size of petrol engine’
First impressions count? Here’s what CAR thought in our 2009 Lexus RX450h review
Most drivers will have bought enough used conventional cars to have an idea of what they’re comfortable with, in terms of checking things are as they should be and trusting the seller. Hybrid technology raises a few questions still, as it’s harder to see what’s going on – better OBD-II diagnostic cables can help but don’t reveal all the manufacturer-specific secrets.
Thankfully, it turns out that hybrids – like their EV counterparts – can be kinder on consumable items than conventional vehicles, and most will display very obvious warnings if there’s an issue with the electronics. The original Toyota Prius (below) proved the validity, and the longevity, of EV tech to boost economy.
CVT gearboxes, optimised and reduced engine running, and regenerative braking mean component wear is slower than on conventional cars. Specialists can repair battery packs, and firms like Toyota and Lexus are looking after their self-charging hybrid buyers with transferable extended warranties (up to ten years) and fixed-price repairs, keen to ensure the next generation of hybrid owners aren’t scared off.
If you want to look at good-value new hybrid cars, check out our advice here.
Used cars editor. Questionable taste in cars, music and hairstyles. Wears a lot of black
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