► The most effective second hand hybrid vehicles
► What to look out for when shopping for a used hybrid
► They’re extra easy than you assume
There’s rising stress to vary to electrical vehicles – each in deliberate laws, and in advertising – however battery EVs don’t swimsuit everybody’s life-style. On prime of that, they’re costly to purchase used. Luckily for drivers searching for lowered CO2, not flexibility, a used hybrid automobile can price much less to purchase and run than even the most affordable electrical possibility.
Latest fashions use gentle hybrid or self-charging hybrid methods to nice impact with out the complexity and alter of habits a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can demand to get the perfect outcomes. The mix of an inner combustion engine (ICE) and electrification permits the simple refuelling and vary for long-distance drivers, with considerably decrease emissions.
Second-hand hybrid vehicles’ decrease CO2 normally means cheaper VED (street tax), lower-cost entry to many Clear Air zones, and most provide considerably improved financial system in congested, slow-speed site visitors. More moderen designs deal with efficiency as effectively, with gentle hybrids offering a turbo-style enhance with out the penalty on the pumps.
Selecting a used hybrid automobile is smart for anybody searching for the refinement of a petroleum automobile and the financial system of a diesel, and in comparison with older or increased mileage trendy diesels they’re normally extra dependable and cheaper to run and keep.
Drivers have loads of alternative, starting from small vehicles similar to the favored Ford Fiesta and intelligent Honda Jazz Crosstar, older fashions such because the prescient Toyota Prius, and even upmarket Lexus RX450h and BMW ActiveHybrid fashions. Learn on for our prime used hybrid suggestions.
The most effective used hybrid vehicles to purchase in 2023
Hybrid vehicles are available all sizes and shapes now, so we’ve grouped completely different fashions collectively, naming our favorite picks in every section. Totally different driving kinds and environments will swimsuit completely different powertrains: in the event you often do long-distance journeys, it’s possible you’ll be higher off sticking with an environment friendly trendy diesel or downsized petrol engine, fairly than lugging round a heavy battery; in the event you largely drive round city, why not take into account a pure electrical automobile?
In case your typical driving falls someplace between these extremes and you’ve got house to cost at dwelling, a used plug-in hybrid automobile could also be extra appropriate.
The highest 10 finest used hybrids
We’ve chosen 5 of the perfect hybrids to swimsuit the wants of a rising household, and 5 to swimsuit younger drivers, commuters or households searching for a cheap-to-run second automobile. Whereas financial system is vital, we’ve additionally checked out what else they convey when it comes to intelligent options or driver enjoyment. Almost-new fashions needs to be in contrast with new PCP/finance offers to see which provides the bottom month-to-month price and finest worth.
Ones to observe for later within the 12 months embrace the Clio E-Tech, Nissan Qashqai, Mercedes mild-hybrids (notably the C Class) and the newest Yaris and Yaris Cross. They’re not fairly plentiful sufficient or low cost sufficient used, but, to make it to the highest ten.
5 superminis: small hybrid vehicles
Why are these your best option for a lot of city drivers? They’re small, straightforward to park, and in contrast to an electrical automobile or plug-in hybrid, there’s no have to take care of the dilemma of the right way to cost it as much as get the perfect financial system. On the time of writing, they’re additionally cheaper to run by a big margin than an electrical automobile on commonplace charges, not to mention public charging prices. A lot of the optimisation is targeted on slicing CO2 in metropolis site visitors – they’re merely the perfect instrument for the job, in the true world.
5. Honda CR-Z (2010-13)
Uncommon sci-fi type coupe excellent for cities
Used value: £3,500 – £9,000
It’s not as sensible as a Yaris, and it’s additionally not that small given the direct hyperlinks it has to 2 iconic Honda fashions – the CRX, and the unique hybrid Perception. Nevertheless, this 2+2 coupé is likely one of the most attention-grabbing used hybrid vehicles you’ll discover, with a 1.5-litre VTEC engine boosted by Honda’s IMA – built-in motor help – gentle hybrid system.
There aren’t any different Hondas on this listing, as a result of IMA is, frankly, not definitely worth the hassle. However the CR-Z is, purely as a result of this twenty first century automobile feels delightfully retro in the way it handles and delivers driver involvement. Not solely does it look quirky and fast, it’s bought a guide gearbox, low stance and broad observe. Outright efficiency isn’t the purpose, with 124bhp and 10.1 seconds to 62mph. Slightly, the CR-Z’s grin-inducing nature on British nation roads comes from the sharp dealing with and race-car seating, plus the electrical motor’s means to even out the gaps in VTEC energy supply.
Emissions aren’t nice at 116g/km, and there’s no EV-only mode, however that is one hybrid value shopping for for a way the automobile seems and drives, fairly than the tax benefits and inexperienced credentials.
CAR verdict: ‘An impractical hybrid that’s out-eco’d by loads of ‘regular’ vehicles, but out-handles most of them too. Purchase it for the seems, or the dealing with, and even simply the hybrid badge, and adore it’
Learn CAR’s Honda CR-Z long-term take a look at (2012) and full critiques
4. Ford Fiesta mHEV (2020-)
Potent supermini with spectacular financial system
Used value: from £20,000
It’s a brand new entrant within the hybrid stakes, however it’s one which exhibits how spicy ‘gentle’ hybrid will be if you’ll find the 153bhp EcoBoost 155. The three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo is already a pleasant engine, however with a 48V battery and starter-alternator it has an additional reserve of energy for overtaking, and the power to chop consumption dramatically at cruising speeds. The end result is a straightforward, but partaking small automobile that might rank increased if it weren’t so costly – partially because of being so new to the used market.
For a lot of patrons a brand new Fiesta on finance may fit out cheaper than shopping for used, however time is operating out because the Ford Fiesta’s story involves an finish in June 2023. When manufacturing ends, the Fiesta, and Ford’s small hatchback leaves ceaselessly; present plans counsel an electrical Ford based mostly on VW’s MEB take its spot within the Cologne manufacturing unit, and the Puma will probably be Ford’s entry-level automobile. Except one thing dramatic occurs, which means the most affordable new Ford will probably be almost £25,000 on the finish of 2023 – so purchase a used Fiesta or Puma hybrid earlier than costs rise additional.
CAR verdict: ‘a Fiesta that may attain 62mph in 8.6 seconds would as soon as have merited an XR badge – now it’s the eco-friendly alternative. Ford’s supermini bows out earlier than it fades away, however as a best-seller there’s loads of used inventory’
Learn CAR’s full evaluation of the facelifted Ford Fiesta Mk8.5 vary
3. Suzuki Swift DualJet/BoosterJet (2019-)
One of many most cost-effective trendy gentle hybrids, small and enjoyable
Used value: from £11,000
Suzuki’s Swift has all the time been a automobile that appeals to 2 distinctly opposing forces within the motoring world; critical however open-minded petrolheads, and individuals who actually don’t care about vehicles however simply need low cost, dependable transport. It’s not even about advertising – Suzuki has no bother reaching lovers – however it’s been the case for so long as the Swift identify has been utilized to each super-cheap three-cylinder ‘Sky’ financial system fashions and hot-hatch slaying 16-valve GTis.
In the present day’s Swift Sport retains up the large thrills, small finances legacy, however the lower-cost mild-hybrid Boosterjet and DualJet fashions can comfortably exceed 50mpg, have an perspective that feels extra like a basic Mini than, effectively, a MINI, and will be discovered with AllGrip four-wheel drive. As with the Fiesta, it’s a 48V mild-hybrid that takes the high-consumption sting out of cease/begin site visitors and overtaking – and mixed with a guide field, it’s easy and efficient. Used fashions provide an actual saving over new as effectively – Suzuki’s finance offers are excessive APR and obscurity retains demand (and used values) low.
CAR verdict: ‘Suzuki’s Swift isn’t notably, er, Swift in fundamental type and it by no means has been, however it’s pleasing to drive, fast sufficient, and delivers on the promised 55mpg potential’
Learn CAR’s Swift full evaluation and long-term take a look at of the Swift 1.0 BoosterJet SHVS and Swift Sport
2. Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2012-2020)
Head begin on hybrid, plus ten 12 months guarantee?
Used value: £7,000 – £19,000
It appears apparent to mix city-friendly zero-emissions native driving with diminutive supermini dimensions, but there’s just one actually small, true hybrid. Unsurprisingly, it’s from Toyota, and comes within the type of the Yaris; a Fiesta-sized, enjoyable automobile that’s been fashionable the world over. In hybrid type, it’s intently associated to the unique Prius self-charging hybrid, however with vastly improved batteries and know-how; the NiMH battery pack has no affect on the Yaris Hybrid’s inside packaging, and the 1497cc Atkinson-cycle engine, plus 60bhp motor, mix to offer 98bhp, 62mph in beneath 12 seconds and 1.2 miles of pure-EV driving.
It really works, too – we achieved 78mpg in real-world driving, and it’s a unbelievable metropolis automobile, straightforward to drive with a planted, sturdy really feel, although it’s removed from a scorching hatch. An already futuristic inside fits the transition to hybrid instrumentation, and the T-Spirit even has moderately luxurious trim. A well-liked automobile new, there’s a wide selection of used examples to select from.
CAR verdict: ‘It shouldn’t work, given how good a traditional supermini will be – however the Yaris Hybrid is actually efficient’
Examine CAR’s opinions of the unique Toyota Yaris with the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hybrid (additionally Mazda 2 Hybrid) and associated Yaris Cross in these critiques.
1. Honda Jazz Crosstar (2020-)
Child SUV attraction, however genuinely modern use of house
Used value from: £19,000 (£15,000 for Jazz)
It’s a brand new entrant within the used hybrid hatchback stakes, however Honda’s Jazz Crosstar and less-rugged Jazz leap straight to the highest of the category due to spectacular financial system, a genuinely completely different environment behind the wheel and gorgeous outcomes on the pumps. Actual-world financial system approaching 65mpg, and sufficient electrical vary when the battery is full to deal with the essential ‘final mile’ of sluggish, city site visitors the place air pollution wants essentially the most motion taking – it’sa polished bundle.
The place it actually stands out although, is within the packaging elsewhere. The Jazz has made the transfer to hbrid with out sacrificing the intelligent engineering that ensured it, fairly than the Mercedes A-Class, survived the evolutionary battle for tall supermini supremacy. Magic seats enable the complete peak of the cabin for use (and that peak makes it roomy for passengers) whereas a revised strategy to the A-pillar framing means visibility is superb (and appears like an area shuttle).
CAR verdict: ‘Jazz and house go hand-in-tentacle – simply ask the Mos Eisley Cantina Band – however the Jazz Crosstar is a really harmonious mix of various beliefs’
Learn CAR’s full evaluation of the Honda Jazz, and Tom Wiltshire‘s report on residing with a long-term Honda Jazz Crosstar in Parkers.
5 used hybrid household vehicles and SUVs
Okay, we’re as bored with it as you’re – every thing is known as an SUV now, and none of them is remotely just like the Ford Bronco II and 1984 Jeep Cherokee that mixed the phrases ‘sports activities’ and ‘utility’ and added them to ‘automobile’. Few are even like the unique RAV4, which misunderstood ‘sports activities’ and delivered a 4×4 tall scorching hatch as an alternative of a searching, capturing & fishing carryall.
The used market encompasses the world earlier than tall hatchbacks took over, nonetheless – and a few hybrid fashions snuck in. If you’d like a correct huge 4×4-style household automobile with low CO2, that’s the place the plug-in hybrid discovered a pure dwelling.
5. Lexus CT200h (2011-2019)
Upmarket small hybrid household hatchback
Used value: £7,000 – £31,000
A extra standard upright-hatchback form and Prius underpinnings mix with Lexus premium finishes for an upmarket hybrid rival to the BMW 1 Sequence and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It needs to be a profitable system, however the fairly dated and dowdy styling ensured the innovative tech was extra interesting to the older era; an promoting marketing campaign starring Kylie Minogue additional alienated Gen X’ers and millennials. Pitching a near-£24K, 1.8-litre petrol automobile that took over 10-seconds to achieve 60mph as ‘sporty’ may additionally have been a contact broad of the mark.
Gross sales make have been equally sluggish, however it’s been round so lengthy there’s an honest choice on provide; you may get leather-based, fancy stereos and sat nav however all share the identical powertrain. As a second hand purchase, the Lexus CT200h makes extra sense than new, and nearly-new examples with low mileage provide spectacular financial savings in comparison with different hybrids.
Don’t be fooled – this Lexus is certainly extra Partridge than premium. Nevertheless it’s rattling good worth, effectively made and well-equipped.
CAR verdict: ‘This actually isn’t a sporty hatchback, and it doesn’t really feel as futuristic as you’d anticipate from a Lexus – however it’s a well-equipped hybrid-by-stealth’
Learn the Lexus CT200h vary evaluation
4. Toyota Auris Touring Sports activities (2013-2018)
Sensible and economical hybrid property automobile
Used value: from £3,400
If Toyota got down to make the Prius distinctive and futuristic, the Auris got down to substitute the Corolla with out scaring loyal clients away. Which makes the Auris Touring Sports activities, the compact property variant, with Hybrid Synergy Drive such an attention-grabbing machine.
There’s little to separate the Auris and Prius technically; each function the 1.8-litre petrol engine, short-range EV functionality and CVT transmission, and declare gas financial system and efficiency corresponding to a 2.0-litre diesel in a automobile of the identical measurement however with out the emissions. The place the Auris wins out is in house – the Touring Sports activities has 530-litres of baggage capability, expandable to 1,658 litres with the rear seats folded, and the load sill is decrease too. A extra restrained inside design makes taking the plunge into the 21stcentury much less scary, and because the Auris isn’t a plug-in, simply add gas and let the tech do the work.
Sounds uninteresting, and admittedly, it’s. It’s a really sensible household automobile, and just like the Prius, it simply works. The electrical motor and regenerative braking scale back servicing prices and enhance longevity of the automobile total. Be sure the Auris you’re taking a look at has a great service historical past although, and we advocate shopping for from a Toyota vendor for the perfect used automobile guarantee and after-sales help for the hybrid system.
CAR verdict: ‘Neglect virtue-signalling futurism – the Auris is simply boringly efficient. The Prius may have been this, however no-one would have observed’
Take a look at how this automobile fares in CAR’s Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports activities full evaluation. For a lower-cost choices that’s additionally the unique Auris HSD hatchback.
3. BMW 5-series ActiveHybrid (2012-2015)
Stealthy, delicate saloon is uncommon, however efficient
Used value: from £17,0000
The BMW 5-series is, arguably, top-of-the-line vehicles you should buy for combining household wants and nonetheless having fun with your time behind the wheel. Most patrons will lean in the direction of the diesel, however not all fashions are ULEZ-friendly, and older diesels can get costly to take care of. So the existence of a hybrid BMW 5-series is all of the sudden very attention-grabbing in 2023, even when it wasn’t that thrilling in 2013. Notably the ActiveHybrid 5 previewed a technical resolution extra premium hybrids are providing now, with a traditional automated gearbox carrying an built-in motor as an alternative of the CVT that dominates early hybrid efforts.
Efficiency is spectacular, meriting a 535-badged trace at 3.5-litre equivalence; the three.0-litre turbocharged straight six isn’t fairly the tiny engine plus huge electrical motor you anticipate of a contemporary hybrid; all the trouble is targeted on enhancing financial system and decreasing emissions – it’s fairly highly effective sufficient as it’s. And that is the place the ActiveHybrid is smart as a used automobile – you get BMW 535i efficiency, however a lot decrease operating prices in city areas and in congestion. The most important draw back is that it’s solely out there as a saloon. Oh, and it’s fairly uncommon.
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 sequence seems fairly interesting’
CAR reviewed the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 in 2012
2. Toyota Prius (2004-2009)
The essence of hybrid, confirmed over 21 years
Used value: £4000 – £8,000
The unique, and arguably top-of-the-line used buys if you wish to get an reasonably priced hybrid automobile. Though the know-how isn’t fairly as spectacular because the preliminary claims recommended – a great diesel automobile of comparable measurement and efficiency will use much less gas. Nevertheless, there’s a backlash in opposition to diesel, and restrictions on city-centre driving both applied or ‘coming-soon’, and the Prius – to date – has continued to qualify to be used in these zones.
Tens of hundreds of minicabs round Britain counsel {that a} used Prius is a doubtlessly sound purchase, and in addition {that a} used Prius have to be purchased extremely fastidiously to make certain it hasn’t been bashed and abused. We discovered one instance with over 250,000 miles, although that meant getting a 2010 mannequin for a similar value as a 2004 with 70K on the clock.
Don’t anticipate driving thrills, however easy progress is assured. If unsure, simply strive a provincial minicab. Later fashions of Prius are value exploring; there’s a seven-seat Prius Plus, and a plug-in variant as effectively, however the perfect worth is to be discovered within the profitable common Prius. The Hyundai Ioniq can be value a glance, however lacks the practicality of a hatchback.
CAR verdict: ‘1000’s of minicab drivers can’t be flawed; the Prius isn’t nice on motorways, however make cities virtually painless’
Toyota retired the Prius for the UK market in 2022; earlier than shopping for used, see how CAR bought on with a long-term Prius in 2018
1. Lexus RX450h (2009-2015)
Refined, massive hybrid SUV
Used value: from £9,000
One of many first SUVs to be seen silently creeping round London, the 2003 RX400h is now a £4,000 hybrid banger – however the later RX450h nonetheless seems recent, regardless of being launched a decade in the past, and the three.5-litre V6 petrol ensures efficiency from this huge SUV is greater than sufficient. Two miles of pure EV, as much as 25mph, give the RX its signature ‘massive automobile creeping up on folks’ transfer, and in addition enable zero-emissions motoring for the final mile.
Inside, the inside trim befits a £50,000 SUV, although the design is extra futuristic than conventional luxurious, and it’s higher to decide on the less-sporty fashions for an impression of floating consolation to hold all through the automobile; sports activities suspension, with energetic anti-roll spoils the experience with none actual profit. SE-L Premium fashions have air suspension, which is the perfect of each worlds however an added layer of complexity to take care of on a used automobile.
All-wheel drive is a part of the bundle, however it’s not an off-roader – it’s extra about improved traction in unhealthy climate. Refined, succesful and fairly economical for the scale of automobile, the RX450h is a superb used luxurious SUV value looking for out
CAR verdict: ‘Lexus do luxurious effectively, and the RX450h is every thing the CT200h isn’t – unapologetically costly and blessed with a decent-size of petrol engine’
First impressions depend? Right here’s what CAR thought in our 2009 Lexus RX450h evaluation
Ought to I purchase a used hybrid automobile in 2023?
Most drivers could have purchased sufficient used standard vehicles to have an concept of what they’re comfy with, when it comes to checking issues are as they need to be and trusting the vendor. Hybrid know-how raises a number of questions nonetheless, because it’s tougher to see what’s happening – higher OBD-II diagnostic cables may help however don’t reveal all of the manufacturer-specific secrets and techniques.
Fortunately, it seems that hybrids – like their EV counterparts – will be kinder on consumable objects than standard automobiles, and most will show very apparent warnings if there’s a difficulty with the electronics. The unique Toyota Prius (under) proved the validity, and the longevity, of EV tech to spice up financial system.
CVT gearboxes, optimised and lowered engine operating, and regenerative braking imply element put on is slower than on standard vehicles. Specialists can restore battery packs, and corporations like Toyota and Lexus are taking care of their self-charging hybrid patrons with transferable extendedwarranties (as much as ten years) and fixed-price repairs, eager to make sure the following era of hybrid house owners aren’t scared off.
If you wish to have a look at good-value new hybrid vehicles, take a look at our recommendation right here.