These days hybrids are gradually replacing gasoline-only cars as the bulk of what consumers buy, driven by the forces of tightening emissions regulations, increasing demand and growing selection in the economy. Traditional hybrids are much more affordable than pure electric cars or plug-in hybrids while still offering plenty of fuel funds. And the lowest-worth hybrid, particularly the hatchbacks and sedans, are some of the best values around, regardless of powertrains. Factor in the impressive funds from improved fuel economy, and the cheapest hybrid cars, SUVs and trucks all assist open room in the distribution.

To demonstrate just how much room, we’ve included the EPA’s Average Annual Fuel funds data for each vehicle. This statistic shows gasoline expense funds, when compared to the typical 2024 vehicle’s 28 mpg EPA average. Even the least miserly vehicle on this list of cheapest hybrids shows a funds of hundreds of dollars per year.

12. 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid | $33,985

Somewhat surprisingly, the 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid’s strengths include better handling than many other crossover SUVs. The Escape Hybrid also offers impressive fuel economy (up to 42 mpg in the city), notable all-up driving range, and an available 13.2-inch infotainment screen, helping making it overall a genuinely excellent alternative under $35,000, even if some other hybrid SUVs are cheaper. That said, the cheapest Ford hybrid SUV is let down by its lower-standard interior and skimpy passenger and cargo space.

12. 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Spry handling
2. Available large-screen tech
3. Great fuel economy and driving range

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Cons

1. Plasticky interior
2. Cargo capacity is a bit limited
3. Buzzy ride standard

Specifications:

• worth: $33,985
• Engine: 2.5L I-4 plus electric motor, 192 hp/155 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 42/36 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $1,200
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $500
• Legroom (front/rear): 42.4/38.9 inches
• Cargo Volume (seats up/down): 37.5/65.4 cubic feet

11. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | $33,295

The worth quotient peaks early in the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid range, though its powertrain is noticeably better than its gasoline-only counterpart no matter the trim level. The RAV4 Hybrid is one of the cheapest hybrid compact crossovers, and it’s one of the best, but the competition has largely caught up. That said, fuel economy is great, cargo and passenger space are substantial, and the crossover has grabbed excellent safety ratings from NHTSA and safety awards from IIHS. Its handling is fine, but you’re best off buying a lower-trim model to get the most for your dollar.

11. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. excellent fuel economy
2. Quicker than the gas model
3. charitable cargo capacity

Cons

1. Choppy ride over some surfaces
2. Infotainment screens on the tiny side
3. Could use a more competent trail-ready trim

Specifications:

• worth: $33,295
• Engine: 2.5L I-4 plus two electric motors, 219 hp/163 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 41/38 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $1,200
• EPA Average Annual Fuel: $500
• Legroom (front/rear): 41.0/37.8 inches
• Cargo Volume (seats up/down): 37.6/69.8 cubic feet

10. 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | $32,150

Gas mileage in the low to mid 50-mpg range is impressive for any car, let alone a midsize sedan like the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Beyond that, the Sonata is supremely soothing inside, and the outside has a sleekness uncommon among the cheapest hybrid sedans. Even the steering is excellent, making for predictable handling. That said, rear legroom is somewhat lacking. According to the EPA, Sonata Hybrid owners would save upward of $700 a year on fuel, compared to the average 2024 model year car that gets a solid 28 mpg. The more than 50 mpg the Sonata Hybrid is capable of is nearly double that while remaining very inexpensive to buy up front.

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10. 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Excellent fuel economy
2. Plush, composed ride
3. Modern exterior design

Cons

1. Not quick
2. Rivals have roomier back seats
3. Transmission resists sporty driving

Specifications:

• worth: $32,150
• Engine: 2.0L I-4 plus electric motor, 192 hp/139 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 44/51 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $1,000
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $700
• Legroom (front/rear): 46.1/34.8 inches
• Cargo Volume (seats up/down): 16.0 cubic feet

9. 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid | $29,965

As one of the cheapest hybrid SUVs from a brand packed of highly affordable options, the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid brings plenty of worth for a $30,000 vehicle. Most of that worth is in sheer spaciousness, especially in terms of back-seat space. With 41.3 inches of rear legroom, there’s more space in the back row of the Sportage Hybrid than there is in the front row of some other tiny SUVs, and cargo capacity is similarly capacious. Fuel economy in the second-cheapest hybrid SUV from Kia (if the Niro counts as an SUV) isn’t exemplary for a modern hybrid, with EPA mpg numbers in the low to mid 40s. That said, according to the EPA this distribution SUV will still save you $600 a year in fuel costs compared to the average recent 2024 car.

9. 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. excellent fuel economy
2. Spacious interior
3. Little or no worth boost this year

Cons

1. Unusual switchable climate and audio controls
2. Middling act
3. Light steering wheel

Specifications: (Front wheel drive)

• worth: $29,965
• Engine: 1.6L turbo I-4 plus 44-kW electric motor, 227 hp/258 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 42/44 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $1,100
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $600
• Legroom (front/rear): 41.4/41.3 inches
• Cargo Volume (seats up/down): 39.5/73.7 cubic feet

8. 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid | $29,845

Toyota and Honda remain the effective masters of traditional hybrids, and the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is a great example of Honda’s prowess. Powerful for its class, with purposeful acceleration and genuinely great handling, the Civic Hybrid punches far above its weight and worth class. Despite being the cheapest hybrid Honda makes, there’s nothing overly cheap-feeling about how the Civic drives or looks, inside or out. For those looking for something sleeker yet cheaper than the bulkier hybrid SUVs, Honda has managed to pack a decent amount of passenger and cargo space in a vehicle that can save you $750 or more annually on fuel compared to the average recent car.

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8. 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Based on the excellent Civic platform
2. Fantastic fuel economy
3. Handsome interior design

Cons

1. Late to the game
2. RIP Insight for the third period
3. Hybrid limited to higher trim levels

Specifications:

• worth: $29,845
• Engine: 2.0L Atkinson pattern I-4 plus two electric motors, 200 hp/232 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 50/47 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $950
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $750
• Legroom (front/rear): 42.3/37.4 inches
• Cargo Volume: 14.8 cubic feet

7. 2025 Toyota Prius | $29,585 (est)

The 2025 Toyota Prius hasn’t dropped just yet, but we expect it to essentially match the 2024 model. How about that? The Prius grew up and got drop-dead gorgeous. It’s no longer leisurely, either. After looking out the windows to view if pigs are flying, you’ll be further impressed to view the incredible efficiency numbers the Prius still puts up: 57/56 mpg city/highway. Add to that great pricing and genuinely excellent driving dynamics, and you can view why this is one of our favorite compact hybrids and our 2024 Car of the Year. That sultry shape does have the downside of iffy rear visibility, and the regen braking structure could be better, but this Toyota is easily one of the best all-around vehicles on the economy, hybrid or otherwise. The Prius PHEV ups the ante even further, but at a higher worth.

7. 2025 Toyota Prius | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Class-leading efficiency
2. Satisfying driving dynamics
3. Intriguing design

Cons

1. Less cargo space than previous Prius
2. Noisy cabin
3. Gauge cluster’s odd orientation

Specifications: (Front wheel drive)

• worth: $29,585 (est)
• Engine: 2.0L I-4 plus two electric motors, 194 hp/139 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 57/56 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $850
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $850
• Legroom (front/rear): 43.2/34.8 inches
• Cargo Volume: 23.8 cubic feet

6. 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid | $29,535

A solid do-everything midsize sedan, the 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid combines great gas mileage (51/53 mpg city/highway) with an eye-poppingly low starting worth. The sedan can be optioned to either blend in with traffic or stand out, as the bodywork is much more aggressive than Camrys of yesteryear. Ride standard in this $30,000 midsize sedan is better than on some six-figure luxury vehicles. Handling isn’t as excellent as the more expensive Honda Accord Hybrid, but if economical cruising with plenty of space is your aim, this Toyota remains a great selection. All the more so with $800 of annual fuel funds over the baseline recent car, which might make this Toyota the most recent-car-for-the-dollar you can get.

6. 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Upgraded hybrid drivetrains
2. Enhanced safety suite
3. Improved tech offerings

Cons

1. Mediocre styling changes
2. Fuel economy unlikely to enhance
3. No plug-in hybrid offered yet

Specifications: (Front wheel drive LE)

• worth: $29,535
• Engine: 2.5L I-4 plus two electric motors, 225 hp/TBD lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 51/53 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $900
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $800
• Legroom (front/rear): 42.1/38.0 inches
• Cargo Volume: 15.1 cubic feet

5. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | $29,320

We expect the 2025 model year Corolla Cross to be broadly similar to the 2024 model. Calling the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid an SUV is a bit of a stretch, but this taller Corolla’s impressive fuel economy (returning upward of 45 mpg combined) is an objective truth. It’s a practical, inexpensive, handle-everything runabout, and its array of standard driver assistance features and generally serene ride make life very straightforward for a $30,000 crossover. The powertrain engineering seems fine, but the interior materials are even cheaper than they should be at this worth point, while back-seat space is especially constrained.

(2024 model pictured.)

5. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Cheap to buy, cheap to own
2. Spacious cargo hold
3. Available hybrid powertrain

Cons

1. Some unpleasant driving habits
2. Noisy, unrefined base powertrain
3. Cramped back seat

Specifications:

• worth: $29,320
• Engine: 2.0L I-4 plus electric motor, 196 hp/150 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 45/38 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $1,150
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $550
• Legroom (front/rear): 42.9/32.0 inches
• Cargo Volume (seats up/down): 22/62 cubic feet

4. 2025 Kia Niro | $28,365

Coming in at slightly less expensive than the Prius, the 2025 Kia Niro is a compact hatch with sharp lines and a surprisingly large amount of interior space. Unfortunately, the Niro is visibly and audibly built to a worth, with a harsh ride and pronounced road noise. Mileage is great at 53/54 mpg city/highway, and prices are low enough that the rough edges are acceptable. In a vacuum the cheapest hybrid from Kia is a decent alternative, but the competition simply offers more for effectively the same money — with the exception of interior space. The hybrid Niro is massive on the inside for a hatchback, more so than many SUVs, but in terms of the amount of engineering you get for the money, it’s no Prius.

4. 2025 Kia Niro | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Eye-catching exterior design
2. Three efficient powertrains
3. Bigger than the previous Niro

Cons

1. FWD only
2. noisy, harsh ride
3. Cheap-feeling interior plastic

Specifications: (LX)

• worth: $28,365
• Engine: 1.6L I-4 plus electric motor, 139 hp/195 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 53/54 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $900
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $800
• Legroom (front/rear): 41.5/39.8 inches
• Cargo Volume (seats up/down): 25.4/71.1 cubic feet

3. 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid | $27,890

Even cheaper than the least expensive compact hybrid hatchbacks, the 2025 Ford Maverick brings utility to spare as the cheapest hybrid pickup by a huge markup. Its fuel economy — 42 mpg city for the 2024 model — would be impressive in a tiny aerodynamically slick car. But it’s shocking in the cheapest hybrid truck you can get. In habit and with careful driving, you can easily surpass that number around town, an exercise made surprisingly fun thanks to the vehicle’s regen braking coach. However, the Maverick’s most impressive event trick is how it turns cheap into cheerful: Its plasticky interior is colorful, tactile and highly functional. It’s even somewhat fun to drive. Unlike larger frame-based trucks, there is only one cab/bed configuration, and its payload/towing specs are “Home Depot run” modest, but it’s all the pickup most people will ever require.

3. 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Mostly fun to drive
2. Looks like a truck
3. excellent worth

Cons

1. One cab/bed configuration
2. Santa Cruz can tow more
3. Waiting for early 2025 delivery

Specifications: (Front wheel drive)

• worth: $27,890
• Engine: 2.5L I-4 plus electric motor, 191 hp/155 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 42/33 mpg (2024)
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense (MY2024): $1,300
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds (MY2024): $2,000
• Legroom (front/rear): 42.8/35.9 inches
• Capacities: 1,500-lb payload; 4,000-lb towing

2. 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | $26,250

The second-cheapest hybrid but No. 1 in our compact hybrid sedan rankings, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a high-worth machine. Returning fuel economy high in the 50s, at prices in the $20,000s, while providing TARDIS-like interior space and great available tech features, it’s no wonder the Elantra our favorite tiny hybrid car. The only thing missing from this tour of high marks is something admittedly few compact hybrid buyers put at the top of their list: driving character. Sure, Hyundai’s cheapest hybrid isn’t a sports car, but the $800 dollars it’ll save you annually on fuel over the average 2024 car are exciting enough.

2. 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Fantastic fuel economy
2. Spacious interior, comfy ride
3. Many standard features

Cons

1. Some plasticky interior materials
2. Base trim lacks desirable features
3. Tough competition from Prius, Civic Hybrid

Specifications: (Hybrid Blue)

• worth: $26,250
• Engine: 1.6L I-4 plus electric motor, 139 hp/195 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 51/58 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $900
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $800
• Legroom (front/rear): 42.3/38.0 inches
• Cargo Volume: 14.2 cubic feet

1. 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid | $24,760

The cheapest hybrid car you can get for 2025 is the 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. In terms of character and capability, you can ponder of the Corolla Hybrid as the less chic but more practical sibling of the recent Prius. Interior space is very impressive, efficiency up to 53 mpg is nearly as excellent as in the uber-slippery Prius, and there are no visibility quirks. Passengers in the rear seat will be happiest with the extra interior dimensions compared to the Prius. But the driver won’t exactly be scintillated with the driving encounter or act: The Corolla Hybrid’s base model is one of the slowest cars on sale. But it’s also one of the most efficient, one of the most practical, and absolutely the cheapest hybrid you can get your hands on recent.

1. 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Pros and Cons

Pros

1. America’s cheapest hybrid
2. Impressive efficiency
3. Comfortable suspension tuning

Cons

1. Less space than Elantra Hybrid
2. Problematically leisurely
3. Higher trims’ diminished appeal

Specifications: (Front wheel drive)

• worth: $24,760
• Engine: 1.8L I-4 plus two electric motors, 138 hp/105 lb-ft comb
• Fuel Economy (City/Highway): 53/46 mpg
• EPA Average Annual Fuel expense: $950
• EPA Average Annual Fuel funds: $750
• Legroom (front/rear): 42/34.8 inches
• Cargo Volume: 13.1 cubic feet

What is the cheapest hybrid car?

That would be the 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and with a 53 mpg city EPA rating, the costs to keep it going are as affordable as the purchase worth. Additional funds can be had from the lighter weight of hybrid cars, especially hybrid compacts, over their heavier SUV compatriots. Additional weight generally means more wear and tear in normal use, with consumables like tires and brake pads costing more over period. For more space than the already surprisingly capacious Corolla sedan, consider the midsize Sonata or Camry hybrids.

What is the cheapest hybrid SUV?

Depending on your definition, the least expensive hybrid SUV is either the Sportage or Niro, but either way it’s a Kia. Considering the Sportage is only about a thousand dollars dearer than the noticeably more spartan-feeling Niro, it seems the more expensive alternative is actually the better worth of the two. That said, the hatchback-style, front-drive-only Niro still offers plenty of space and great looks.

What is the cheapest hybrid truck?

There’s no competition here: The Ford Maverick blows every other hybrid truck out of the water in every worth metric. Unless you’re routinely getting airborne over the dunes or hauling more than two tons, there’s little practical rationale to get another truck besides the correct-sized and correct-priced Maverick. Incredible gas mileage and whole-truck-for-half-a-truck-worth make the cheapest hybrid truck a no-brainer, and not just for a niche spectators.

The cheapest recent hybrids for 2025

• 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid | $24,760
• 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | $26,250
• 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid | $27,890
• 2025 Kia Niro | $28,365
• 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | $29,320
• 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid | $29,535
• 2025 Toyota Prius | $29,585 (est)
• 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid | $29,845
• 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid | $29,965
• 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | $32,150
• 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | $33,295
• 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid | $33,985

Photos by MotorTrend Staff, Manufacturer, Alan Muir