10 Top Hybrid Cars under $30,000

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid profile ・ Photo by Kia

Want to slash your fuel costs, without compromising the quality of your daily commute? The latest hybrid sedans deliver phenomenal fuel economy, oodles of comfort and ample amenities, and the full gamut of advanced safety technology. The 2017 model year offers an expanding array of hybrid vehicles with a sticker price under $30,000 and the newest models promise eye-popping MPGs. For the utmost efficiency, you may want to consider a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). PHEVs have larger battery packs and are notably more expensive than conventional hybrid vehicles, although generous tax credits reduce overall ownership costs. Our list of 10 hybrids under $30,000 primarily consists of conventional hybrids, with one notable PHEV exception.

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

The 2017 Chevy Malibu Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $27,875 and is offered in one trim level. The Leather option package ($2,140) adds heated front bucket seats and 6-way passenger seat power adjustment with lumbar support, in addition to leather upholstery and a 9-speaker Bose audio system. The Driver Confidence option package ($1,195) includes blind spot mirrors with lane change alert, lane keep assist, low-speed front automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, rear cross traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The 2017 Malibu Hybrid is EPA rated at 49 city/43 highway MPG. The hybrid drivetrain mates a 122-horsepower 1.8-liter engine with a pair of electric motors to produce 136 horsepower.

Photo by General Motors

Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid squeaks just under our list’s $30,000 threshold, with a starting MSRP of $29,605. It’s offered in three trim levels: Base ($29,605), EX-L ($32,905), and Touring ($35,995). All versions are equipped with the Honda Sensing safety technology suite and Honda’s unique Lanewatch right side rearward camera. The EX-L model adds leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The Touring model adds LED headlamps, parking sensors, satellite navigation, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Accord Hybrid is one of the most efficient conventional hybrid sedans on our list, with an EPA estimated 49 city/47 highway MPG. The Accord Hybrid’s drivetrain uses a lithium-ion battery pack and produces 212 total system horsepower.

Photo by Honda

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $26,790 for the base LE model. The sporty Hybrid SE is priced at $27,995, while the top-of-the-line Hybrid XLE slips over the $30,000 threshold with a $30,140 MSRP. The 2017 Camry Hybrid LE is EPA rated at 42 city/38 highway MPG, while the SE and XLE models are rated at 40/37. The hybrid drivetrain uses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a net system rating of 200 horsepower. Step up to the XLE model and choose the top level option package ($3,735) to add dynamic radar cruise control and other advanced safety technologies.

Photo by Toyota

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is the best-selling hybrid of all time and was revised significantly in 2016. The Prius is offered in six models for 2017: Two ($24,685), Two Eco ($25,165), Three ($26,735), Three Touring ($28,115), Four ($29,135), and Four Touring ($30,015). The 2017 Prius Two Eco is the second most fuel efficient entry on our list of hybrids under $30,000, with an EPA rating of 58 city/53 highway MPG. The base Prius Two is rated at 54 city/50 highway. Adaptive cruise control, active lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection is standard on all Prius models. Blind spot mirrors and rear cross traffic alert are standard on the Prius Four and Four Touring.

Photo by Toyota

Toyota Prius C

The subcompact 2017 Toyota Prius c is the least expensive entry on our list of hybrids under $30,000. With an impressive EPA fuel economy rating of 53 city/46 highway MPG, the Prius C is a best bet to slash the total cost of your daily commute. Five models are offered: One ($19,560), Two ($20,360), Persona Series Special Edition ($21,355), Three ($21,785), and Four ($24,495). Toyota Safety Sense C (lane departure alert, automatic high beams and a pre-collision system) is optional on the Prius C Three and Four. The hybrid drivetrain pairs a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery pack to produce 99 net system horsepower.

Photo by Toyota

Ford Fusion Hybrid

The handsome and roomy 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid is offered in four trim levels: S ($25,185), SE ($25,990), Titanium ($30,520), and Platinum ($37,020). The 2017 Fusion Hybrid’s 2.0-liter engine, lithium-ion battery pack, and electric motor produce a combined total of 188 horsepower, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 43 city/41 highway MPG. Enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise control, active lane keep and other advanced safety technologies are standard in the Platinum and optional in the SE and Titanium. Ford also offers a plug-in version of the Fusion Hybrid, starting at $31,120. Hankering for a hybrid hatchback? The 5-door C-Max Hybrid is EPA rated at 42 city/38 highway miles per gallon. A PHEV version is offered, as well.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The stylish 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid shines with an attractive starting MSRP of $26,000, but you’ll need to add the Limited Ultimate option package ($4,500) to the Hybrid Limited trim level ($30,100) to gain the full suite of advanced safety technology. The Sonata Hybrid’s drivetrain benefits from a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 56 kW lithium-ion battery pack. The 2.0-liter engine and electric motor produce 193 horsepower net. The 2017 Sonata Hybrid is EPA rated at 39 city/45 highway MPG, with an exceptionally low 0.24 coefficient of drag providing a high level of efficiency on the open road. Hyundai also offers a plug-in version of the Sonata Hybrid, at $34,600, with an electric range of up to 27 miles.

Photo by Hyundai

Kia Optima Hybrid

The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Premium is an excellent value, with a starting MSRP of $25,995. The Hybrid EX model ($30,990), trips over our $30,000 target price, but adds leather upholstery, heated front buckets, a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar support, and a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system. The Optima Hybrid’s drivetrain pairs a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor to produce 193 net system horsepower, with an EPA rating of 39 city/46 highway miles per gallon. An advanced safety technology package is optional on the EX. Kia also offers a plug-in version of the Optima Hybrid. The Niro compact crossover hybrid joins the Kia lineup in 2017, with Niro FE leading the way at an EPA-estimated 52 city/49 highway.

Photo by Kia

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

The remarkably efficient 2017 Hyundai Ionic is the newest entry on our list of affordable hybrids. While Hyundai has not released pricing on the Ioniq, we expect it to be priced significantly under $30,000. The Ioniq Blue tops the charts as the most fuel efficient conventional hybrid on our list, with an EPA rating of 57 city/59 highway miles per gallon. The base Ioniq is rated at 55 city/54 highway. The Ioniq’s hybrid drivetrain uses a lithium-ion battery pack and pairs a 1.6-liter direct injected 4-cylinder engine with a 32 kW electric motor for a net system rating of 139 horsepower. Hyundai will also offer plug-in hybrid and full electric versions of the Ioniq.

Photo by Hyundai

Toyota Prius Prime

The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime is the only PHEV on our list of hybrids under $30,000. It’s offered in three models: Plus ($27,100), Premium ($28,880), and Advanced ($33,100). Given the federal tax credit, it’s a compelling option, with a range of up to 25 miles in EV mode on a full charge. Once the Prius Prime’s lithium-ion battery has been drained, it delivers an EPA-rated 55 city/53 highway MPG. The battery pack charges in slightly over two hours with a 240V charger and under five and a half hours on 120V house current. Full speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection are standard.

Photo by Toyota