As gas prices fluctuate, hybrid cars are becoming more popular. Currently, there are plenty of hybrid cars to choose from, and many will fit nearly any budget. If you only have $25,000 to spend, buy a Hyundai Ioniq. But if you have deep pockets, then we recommend the Lexus LC Hybrid.
If you want to check out nearly all of the hybrid vehicles that you can buy, TrueCar recently listed the cheapest models in the current market. Unsurprisingly, a Toyota came out on top, but you might be surprised to find out which one.
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The cheapest Toyota hybrid car that you can buy is not a Prius
2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Toyota
In case you’re dying to know, the cheapest hybrid car in the market is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. With a starting price of $22,645, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid undercuts other affordable hybrids like the Hyundai Ioniq and Honda Insight. But it’s also a lot cheaper than its stablemate, the venerable Toyota Prius.
And while it’s priced low, the Corolla Hybrid doesn’t skimp on the features. For the 2023 model year, Toyota added a couple of new trim levels (SE and XLE) to appeal to more buyers. Some of the most notable features on the upper trim levels include a sporty appearance package, a SofTex leather interior, power-adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control, and a JBL premium audio system.
One additional highlight of the Corolla Hybrid is that it’s available in a front and all-wheel drive configuration, so it can appeal to buyers in snowy states. Lastly, the Corolla Hybrid returns stellar fuel economy numbers as the EPA rates it at 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway.
Two Hyundai hybrid cars round out the top 3 cheapest hybrids
2023 Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai
If a Toyota Corolla Hybrid isn’t your thing, then maybe a Hyundai will suit you better. The second-cheapest hybrid car that you can currently purchase is the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq. According to TrueCar, the Hyundai Ioniq is a comfortable commuter car that comfortably seats up to five adults.
It has a starting price of $24,695, but with seven different trim levels, there are plenty of features to be had at different price points. Also, with a highway gas-mileage rating of around 60 mpg, you won’t be stopping to fill up too often.
The third cheapest hybrid on the list is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Some of its main highlights include a spacious interior, a long list of standard safety features, and a generous powertrain and hybrid battery warranty.
The Elantra Hybrid has a starting price of $21,595, but just like the Ioniq, there are seven different trim levels to choose from. TrueCar notes that the most popular one is the top-trim Limited. However, you can’t go wrong with any trim level, as each one comes with the same hybrid powertrain that can achieve up to 52 mpg on the highway.
What about the Toyota Prius?
2022 Toyota Prius AWD | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
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Don’t worry; the 2022 Toyota Prius is on the list as well. Unfortunately, with its 54 mpg city and 50 mpg highway fuel economy ratings, it is no longer the king of the hybrids. However, it’s still one of the cheapest. The Prius has a starting MSRP of $26,170, which undercuts many non-hybrid rivals. It also comes with a host of standard safety features and tech that are sure to age well.
There are plenty more cars on TrueCar’s list of the cheapest hybrids, although not all of them are all that cheap. Cars like the Acura NSX and Lexus LC Hybrid made the list, but if you want to stick to the lower end of the budget spectrum, the Corolla Hybrid should work just fine.