Which Used EVs and Hybrids Are the Best Value For Your Money?

Environmentally speaking, many prefer hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) to conventional diesel and gasoline vehicles. The question for many, however, is which models offer enough value for the money. Today, many hybrid and electric cars are not just low-priced and economical but accessible to drive and filled with convenient cabin features.

Our staff of professionals at Performance Kings Honda in Cincinnati, Ohio, is here to help you find the vehicle of your dreams. Check out our guide below on which used EVs and hybrids are the best value, and be sure to browse our website for the best new and pre-owned hybrid or full-electric vehicles.

2015 Honda Accord Hybrid

Honda Hybrid by Razvan Orendovici is licensed with CC BY 2.0

The 2015 Accord Hybrid can drive an incredible 743 miles, reaching 50 city and 45 highway MPGe. You’ll get a standard of infotainment that isn’t far behind current models. In 2015 specifically, a Honda HomeLink remote control system was standard on the EX-L and EX-L Navi sedan or coupe, and EX coupe models can use a LaneWatch side-view monitor. Honda paused the used model’s plug-in hybrid capability this year, but even so, the Accord has long been a competitive compact hybrid vehicle.

2012-2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In

Until the 2012 editions and later in the United States, Toyota produced only conventional hybrid systems with no plug-in charging capability under the name Prius Prime. During the 2012-2015 generation, you could find a Prius or Prius Prime at a lower price than a comparable gasoline car of the same model year. In hybrid mode, most versions get 95 MPGe, and you’ll get 50 mpg on solely gasoline power.

You can get up to 540 miles on gasoline and electric power with these versions of the Prius and up to 11 miles drivable on battery power. If you’re prepared to follow a frequent charging schedule and only use your car for short trips around Cincinnati, you should be able to get the most out of an older plug-in Prius.

2015-2018 Volkswagen e-Golf

The Volkswagen e-Golf has the same enjoyable driving characteristics as the gasoline Golf, but it has a 35.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor that generates 134 horsepower. Early e-Golf models have an all-electric range of 83 miles, significantly increasing to 125 miles beginning with the 2017 model year. With a 126 city/111 highway MPGe rating and a $0.92 cost per mile, the e-Golf is an upper-level but economical choice without entering luxury car territory.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

You may know the Volt as an electric car. But in 2011, the Chevrolet Volt launched with a manageable electric-only range and a gasoline engine working together. The Volt can travel 25 to 50 miles solely on electricity and up to 350 miles with a full tank and charged battery.

The Volt’s MPGe rating with the battery alone is 95/90 for city/highway driving. It also achieves 35/40 mpg city/highway using only fuel, making it energy efficient from both ends. It should take around four hours to completely charge the Volt’s battery using a 240-volt charging station or up to 12 hours using a 120-volt household outlet.

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

You’ll find the most advanced capabilities on the new generation CR-V Hybrids, but from the 2021 model year onward, the CR-V had a mild-hybrid powertrain that Honda released in America starting in 2020. This marked a refresh to the fifth generation that started in 2016. If you opt for a 2020 edition, you’ll get the advanced safety suite of driver guidance features, as it became standard on all trim levels that year. These features include adaptive cruise control and automatic braking functions.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

If you need a used vehicle with plenty of space, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will likely be within your budget. It also comes standard with rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, and traction control. A continuously variable transmission mates to a four-cylinder engine and an electric generator, outputting 156 horsepower. The combination offers the best fuel economy ratings for a 2010 midsize car at 41/36 city/highway mpg. Though other options are more efficient, the Ford Fusion is an excellent example of a worthwhile older hybrid you can find at a low price.

2016-2017 BMW i3

If a luxury EV is more your speed, the luxurious BMW i3 has a futuristic design and an athletic attitude. The 60 amp-hour battery powers the 2016 and 2017 models at the base level, offering 81 miles of range on a full charge. The battery rates at 137 city/111 highway MPGe, and it has an average cost of $0.88 per 25 miles.

Or, on 2017 editions, you can use a 114-mile range battery pack with a slightly lower 129/106 MPGe rating and a higher $0.94 energy cost per 25 miles. Some i3s also have a compact gas motor as a slight range extender.

2015 Honda Civic Hybrid

Last but far from least, the Honda Civic added even more value to a top-selling compact car with its hybrid trim levels. Despite being small and sleek enough for compact city environments, the Civic Hybrid offers a spacious back seat with 37 inches of headroom and 36 inches of legroom. Even frequent commuters can use the 581-mile maximum range, with 41 city/45 highway MPGe. Many value the Civic and the Civic Hybrid for being fun to drive and accessible for first-time car buyers.

Find the Right EV or Hybrid at Performance Kings Honda

A Honda electric car won’t be available until the 2024 Prologue debuts, but several appealing hybrids are available from the brand. If you’re open to EVs and hybrids, a Honda pre-owned hybrid may be one of the best choices, but many have competitive ranges and capabilities. Feel free to browse our current new vehicle inventory for electric and hybrid models.

There’s no better place to go than Performance Kings Honda if you’re looking to buy a new Honda or a used vehicle in Cincinnati. You’ll find hassle-free automotive services for purchasing, financing, or maintaining a new, used, or certified Honda or a vehicle from any other manufacturer.