Best used hybrid cars

Hybrids are often seen as something of a ‘Goldilocks’ vehicle for many drivers. They offer the ability to run on electric power for short periods of time, yet have a combustion engine to rely on for those longer journeys, or when the battery power is all depleted.

They’ve been around for a little while, too, and because of that, there’s plenty of choice in the second-hand market. Let’s take a look at some of the best examples to check out today.

BMW i8

The i8 truly was a groundbreaking car for BMW. With an innovative design, it looked like something from the future, while its hybrid engine setup delivered a great blend of efficiency and performance. The three-cylinder petrol engine - which you’ll also find in a lot of Mini models - combines with an electric motor to create a car which is both quick when it needs to be but also silent around town.

In fact, with a fully charged battery, the i8 will manage around 23 miles on electric power alone, so more than enough for meandering around the city in this striking-looking sports car.

Toyota Prius

You’ll have no doubt seen a Toyota Prius in action as an Uber or taxi - they’re fearsomely popular with drivers due to their rock-solid reliability and efficient around-town running. However, they’re great for day-to-day drivers too, particularly those who do low-speed journeys where the Prius’ hybrid setup is allowed to run at its most efficient.

Though the Prius has been on sale since 1997, it’s the second-generation model which is the most recognisable. The latest examples are even cleaner and greener than before, too.

Kia Niro

When it debuted in 2016, the Kia Niro arrived with a three-pronged approach to engine choices with a ‘regular’ hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric model giving buyers a great range of options. With its efficient running and no-nonsense approach, the Niro really struck a chord with buyers.

It’s packed with standard equipment regardless of trim level, too, while Kia’s great reputation for reliability means that the Niro is a reliable choice for everyday drivers.

Volkswagen Golf GTE

The Golf has been on sale for decades, providing reliable transportation to the masses. One of its most famous variants is, of course, the GTI, but in 2014 Volkswagen took an electrified slant on its go-faster hatchback with a new GTE variant.

Combining performance and an electric-only range of up to 31 miles, the GTE offers a great compromise between low running costs and performance. It’s all wrapped in the same good-looking design as the standard Golf, too.

Hyundai IONIQ

In a similar vein to the Kia Niro, Hyundai’s IONIQ was offered with three types of electrified powertrain when it went on sale in 2016. Since that time it has continued along an upward path of popularity, with the quality and robustness of this clever model shining through.

Be it a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric the IONIQ makes for a very sensible buy, but with good levels of in-car tech it’s a fine choice for keen gadget fans as well.

Volvo XC90 T8

Volvo’s XC90 has always come out on top in the family car stakes, with this seven-seater’s excellent build quality and smart, timeless looks making it a good choice for all types of buyers. Volvo has recently had a big push on electrified powertrains, but the XC90’s plug-in story starts back in 2015 when it was released with a clever combination of a four-cylinder petrol and electric motor.

In fact, Volvo supercharged and turbocharged the 1.5-litre petrol which means that when combined with electric power this plug-in hybrid XC90 - badged T8 - is far quicker than you might expect a car of this size to be.

Toyota Yaris

Superminis are often pretty efficient anyway, but Toyota made things even more fuel-sipping for its Yaris with the introduction of a hybrid engine. It’s both great on fuel and very easy to live with, while the Yaris’ compact proportions make ti an absolute breeze.

The Yaris has been kitted out with a hybrid powertrain since its third generation, which means that there are currently plenty to choose from on the second-hand market.

Lexus NX

Lexus is one of the most hybrid-focused car brands about, with its current crop of vehicles being mostly driven by a battery-assisted setup. One of its most standout models in recent times has been the NX. however, and while this mid-size SUV might’ve originally been sold with a petrol engine, Lexus soon made it into a hybrid-only model.

Thanks to the striking design that Lexus is known for the NX still looks fresh today, while its futuristic appeal continues inside where you’ll find all manner of screens and displays. It’s all put together beautifully, too, with lots of high-end materials used throughout.

Audi Q7 e-tron

Hybrids are, more often than not, linked up to a petrol engine but some brands have tried creating battery-assisted diesel cars too. One example is Audi, with its Q7 e-tron SUV. Quiet and refined, this e-tron version brought all the same plus points as the regular car but with even lower running costs.

In fact, Audi claims that you could see up to 34 miles of electric-only range which can help to make this big SUV a little easier on the finances. It’s a rare car to find, however, but search one out and you’ll be rewarded with a very efficient SUV.

BMW i3 REX

While the i3 may be best known as a solely electric model, BMW also aimed to quash range anxiety fears with a ‘range extender’ version of its compact city car. Unlike other cars here, the petrol engine aboard the i3 range extender is used as a back-up for the electric motors, rather than solely for powering the wheels.

In doing so, you can get up to 200 miles from an i3 range extender - through a combination of petrol and electric power - but you still get the same futuristic design and cleverly packaged interior as the regular car.

Prices correct at time of publication [04/2024].