15) 2020 Nissan Leaf
$31,600 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
Value: The Nissan Leaf is the least expensive all-electric vehicle on the market today. However, it has the second-most expensive projected five-year cost of ownership on our list. This is due in part to its average predicted reliability rating, along with its subpar efficiency when compared to most electric cars. In addition, in its base configuration, the Leaf only offers 150 miles of range, which means you’ll be charging it often. This practice could lead to early battery degradation.
The Leaf qualifies for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
Quality: The Leaf was completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. It delivers eager acceleration and poised handling. It also offers impressive passenger and cargo space for a compact car. The Leaf features an impressive regenerative braking system that allows one-pedal driving. It comes equipped with desirable standard features, such as an 8-inch touch screen, smartphone app integration, and several active safety aids. However, its cabin does feature some low-grade materials.
14) 2020 Honda Clarity
$33,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
Value: The Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid is more expensive than many hybrid vehicles, though its average transaction price is more reasonable than its MSRP. This means you may be able to find a good deal on this midsize sedan. Still, it’s one of the priciest hybrid cars to own over the long term. While the Clarity is highly efficient and offers a longer electric-only range (47 miles) than any other PHEV available today, its only slightly better-than-average predicted reliability rating holds it back.
Unlike most PHEVs, the Clarity qualifies for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit.
Quality: The Clarity features a premium cabin, comfortable seats, and a pleasant ride, but its powertrain feels weak at highway speeds. Its front seats are roomy and most adults will have enough space in back. Its trunk space is on par with other midsize cars, too. The Clarity comes standard with a full suite of advanced driver assistance aids, as well as an 8-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity.
13) 2020 Ford Fusion Energi
$37,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
Value: Ford’s Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid with only 26 miles of all-electric range. Nonetheless, it has a higher starting price than all other plug-in hybrid cars. The Toyota Prius Prime, for instance, offers the same electric range and costs over $9,000 less than the Energi. Moreover, all-electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt have lower starting prices than this Ford. In terms of five-year ownership cost, it’s also one of the most expensive plug-in hybrids available today.
The Fusion Energi qualifies for a federal EV tax credit of $4,609.
Quality: The Fusion Energi suffers from limited cargo space, leisurely acceleration at highway speeds, and lackluster handling. However, it does have some redeeming attributes, including a high-quality cabin, an intuitive infotainment system, and a healthy array of standard tech and safety features.
12) 2020 Chevrolet Bolt
$36,620 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
Value: Only two other vehicles in our Best Hybrid and Electric Cars for the Money competition have a higher starting price than the Chevrolet Bolt EV. In addition, its five-year cost of ownership exceeds all other cars in this slideshow. However, it’s reasonably efficient, and offers a whopping 259 miles of electric range – longer than most rivals.
GM electric vehicles are only eligible for a federal tax credit of $1,875. Beginning on April 1, 2020, GM will no longer qualify for any federal tax credit money.
Quality: The Bolt provides lively acceleration, engaging handling, and a spacious and versatile cabin. It comes equipped with an attractive standard feature set that includes a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 10.2-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GM’s Teen Driver monitoring system. Its interior quality is lacking compared to classmates’, and its seats could use thicker cushions. The Bolt has a history of good crash test ratings, but you have to pay extra if you want any active safety aids.
11) 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
$36,850 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
Value: The Toyota Avalon Hybrid is the most expensive conventional hybrid featured here, though that’s to be expected of a large car with a hybrid powertrain. It’s actually a decent bargain, since it only costs about $1,000 more than the non-hybrid Avalon and will save you $600 annually on fuel. With that said, its total five-year cost of ownership is high, but that’s primarily due to its high sticker price.
Quality: The Avalon Hybrid features a luxury-grade cabin, expansive seats, and a spacious trunk. It also provides composed handling and a cushioned ride. On the downside, it’s not very agile, and its powertrain doesn’t deliver strong acceleration.
The Avalon Hybrid comes with many standard niceties, such as synthetic leather upholstery, a 9-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a full set of active safety technologies. This Toyota comes from a generation of cars that earn outstanding crash test ratings. These factors help the Avalon Hybrid secure a spot near the top of our ranking of hybrid and electric cars.
10) 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid
$28,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
Value: The Ford Fusion Hybrid will cost you more than non-hybrid midsize cars, but it’s competitively priced compared to other hybrids of the same size. In terms of five-year ownership costs, it’s more expensive than all other hybrids, aside from the larger Avalon and less expensive Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This is due in part to it trailing behind other hybrids in the fuel-efficiency department.
Quality: If you’re in the market for an upscale and sporty hybrid car with plenty of passenger space, the Fusion Hybrid is worth a look. However, its powertrain isn’t going to win many races, and its trunk is on the small side. The Fusion Hybrid comes equipped with a robust suite of advanced safety aids, an 8-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation, and Ford’s MyKey driver monitoring system. It also has a history of solid crash test results.
9) 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
$25,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
Value: The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is priced well for a hybrid midsize car, but it may cost you the same to own over the long term as the Ford Fusion Hybrid. This is because it will cost you more to fuel up than most other hybrids.
You can save some money on fuel by opting for the plug-in hybrid version of the Sonata, which offers 28 miles of all-electric range and starts at $33,400. The Sonata PHEV is eligible for a federal EV tax credit of $4,919.
Quality: The Sonata Hybrid is spacious, safe, comfortable, and easy to drive, but doesn’t offer much cargo space. Its powertrain also feels sluggish at highway speeds. The Sonata Hybrid comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen, smartphone app integration, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. Like other Hyundais, the Sonata Hybrid is covered by one of the longest warranties in the industry.
8) 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid
$29,310 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
Value: The Kia Optima Hybrid is the priciest hybrid midsize sedan available today, but its five-year cost of ownership doesn’t reflect that. In fact, it will cost you less to own than all other hybrid midsize cars that have lower starting prices. Like Hyundai, Kia covers its vehicles with an industry-leading warranty.
Kia also offers the Optima as a plug-in hybrid that starts at $36,090. It has 28 miles of electric range, and it’s one of the most expensive plug-in hybrids on our list. However, it does qualify for a $4,919 federal EV tax credit.
Quality: The Optima Hybrid is safe, easy to drive, and packed with features. It offers a modern cabin with respectable legroom in both rows, though it’s short on cargo space and rear-seat headroom. While the Optima Hybrid won’t wow you with its performance, it provides a relaxed ride and respectable power. Its standard feature set impresses with niceties like leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. You also get a decent medley of safety systems and a touch-screen interface with smartphone support.
7) 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
$22,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
Value: The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid has the lowest starting price among all contenders in this article. However, its total cost of ownership is undercut by several rivals. On the plus side, it comes with a long warranty and earns an above-average predicted reliability rating. The conventional Ioniq Hybrid is also one of the most efficient vehicles you can buy, with an EPA-estimated 58 mpg combined city/highway.
If you want to save even more money on fuel, the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid offers 29 miles of electric range and carries an exceptional starting price of just $25,350. Hyundai also makes an all-electric version of the Ioniq that returns a superb 136 MPGe. For the 2020 model year, Hyundai is upgrading the Ioniq Electric’s range from the current 124 miles to 170 miles.
The Ioniq PHEV qualifies for a federal EV tax credit of $4,543. The Ioniq Electric is eligible for the full $7,500 credit.
Quality: Thanks to the Ioniq’s hatchback configuration, it features excellent cargo volume for a compact car, though its rear seats are cramped. While it accelerates and corners well, its ride and handling is bouncy. The Ioniq Hybrid includes a 7-inch touch screen and smartphone app integration. It receives high marks for safety, but you’ll have to move up at least one trim level from the base to get active safety aids.
6) 2020 Toyota Prius Prime
$27,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
Value: The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of 25 miles. While that’s less range than most PHEVs, the Prime has a very low starting price compared to rivals. In addition, its five-year ownership costs are the lowest in this competition. As a result, the Prime will cost you less to own than the cheaper Prius and Corolla conventional hybrids. To top it off, the Prius Prime boasts an impeccable predicted reliability rating.
As far as the federal EV tax credit is concerned, the Prius Prime is eligible for $4,502.
Quality: Aside from its exceptional efficiency, the Prius Prime’s chief strengths include its above-average cargo capacity and high-quality, futuristic cabin. Similar to many Toyota vehicles, it comes equipped with the Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Other standard niceties include heated front seats, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and navigation.
5) 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid
$25,470 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
Value: The Honda Accord Hybrid is priced low for a hybrid midsize sedan. In fact, Honda only charges $1,600 more for the hybrid over the gas-powered Accord, and the hybrid will save you $2,000 in fuel costs over five years. Overall projected five-year ownership costs for the Accord Hybrid are not as low as some rivals, but impressive nonetheless.
Quality: The Accord Hybrid features an attractive cabin, a spacious trunk, and roomy and supportive seats. It also comes from a generation of vehicles that earns top-notch ratings for safety. This Honda delivers adequate power and a pleasant ride, but some competing models offer better overall driving dynamics. In terms of standard equipment, the Accord Hybrid includes a 7-inch infotainment display and the Honda Sensing suite of active safety technologies. It holds a position near the top of our hybrid and electric car rankings.
4) 2020 Honda Insight
$22,930 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
Value: The Honda Insight is one of the least expensive hybrids on the market today. However, this isn’t reflected in its five-year cost of ownership. Some hybrid cars with higher starting prices will cost you less to own. Still, when it comes to gas mileage, the Insight is one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road. It also earns an above-average rating for predicted reliability.
Quality: The Insight has lots of room for cargo, a history of positive crash test results, and a long list of attractive features. The Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance aids comes standard, but you’ll have to step up a trim to get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Insight handles well and delivers enough power for most driving situations. Its front seats are roomy and its interior is stylish and well-built, but headroom in the rear seats may be an issue for taller adults.
3) 2020 Toyota Prius
$24,325 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
Value: A finalist for our Best Hybrid and Electric Car for the Money award, the Toyota Prius has a reputation for being one of the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy. It’s also one of the most inexpensive hybrids available. Its total cost of ownership is low as well, though a few other models are cheaper to own over the long term. The Prius is also a solid choice due to its outstanding predicted reliability rating.
Quality: The Toyota Prius may not be a blast to drive, but it’s one of the most sought-after hybrid cars for many reasons. It provides a cushioned ride, confident handling, and abundant cargo space, plus it's available with all-wheel drive. The Prius seats five passengers with reasonable space and comfort in both rows, and the cabin’s build quality is top-notch. In addition to the Toyota Safety Sense suite, the Prius includes a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hot spot as standard.
2) 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
$28,430 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
Value: The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a finalist for our Best Hybrid and Electric Car for the Money award, and it has a base price that's in line with most other hybrid midsize cars. However, it costs less to own over five years than most rivals, including the less expensive Honda Accord Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid provides terrific fuel economy that nearly matches smaller cars like the Toyota Prius. Moreover, it boasts a first-rate predicted reliability rating.
Quality: The Camry Hybrid tops our hybrid and electric car ranking, just above the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Avalon Hybrid. It features expansive seats, a large trunk, a coddling ride, and a premium cabin. The Camry Hybrid also delivers sporty overall performance. To top it off, it’s an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ and comes packed with standard driver assistance tech. Other standard features include heated front seats, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
1) 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
$23,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
Value: The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is an all-new model for 2020, and the winner of our 2020 Best Hybrid or Electric Car for the Money award. It has the second-lowest starting price of any vehicle in this slideshow, bested only by the Honda Insight. Additionally, its five-year cost of ownership undercuts all other hybrid cars. Only the Toyota Prius Prime (a plug-in hybrid) will cost you less to own. The Corolla Hybrid earns a perfect predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power.
Quality: In addition to its outstanding gas mileage, the Corolla Hybrid features a coddling ride, fantastic crash test ratings, and a healthy list of standard features. Despite its bargain price, it comes equipped with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, and the Honda Sensing suite of high-tech active safety aids. The Corolla Hybrid’s only notable faults are its small trunk and weak powertrain.
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If you’d like to see other Best Cars for the Money, check out our Best Cars for the Money slideshow. Also, visit our new car rankings to research further and see how these hybrid and electric cars stack up.
Once you’ve decided which vehicle is right for you, use our Best Price Program to save the most money on your new car purchase. Shoppers who have used the program saved an average of over $3,000 off MSRP.
15 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars for the Money in 2020
- 15) 2020 Nissan Leaf: $31,600 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
- 14) 2020 Honda Clarity: $33,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
- 13) 2020 Ford Fusion Energi: $37,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
- 12) 2020 Chevrolet Bolt: $36,620 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
- 11) 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: $36,850 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
- 10) 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid: $28,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
- 9) 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: $25,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10
- 8) 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid: $29,310 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
- 7) 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: $22,400 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
- 6) 2020 Toyota Prius Prime: $27,750 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
- 5) 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid: $25,470 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.4/10
- 4) 2020 Honda Insight: $22,930 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
- 3) 2020 Toyota Prius: $24,325 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
- 2) 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid: $28,430 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10
- 1) 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: $23,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
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Here's the Ranking From the U.S. News Best Hybrid and Electric Car for the Money Award
We know it’s not easy to decide on a new car. If you’re considering making the switch to a hybrid or electric vehicle, it can be even tougher. Likewise, if you’re upgrading from your current hybrid or electric model – or used to own one – the segment’s massive growth may throw you for a loop.
Regardless of which type of vehicle you’re planning to buy, one of the most significant considerations is the car’s overall combination of quality and value. While hybrid and electric vehicle shoppers are typically aware of vehicle efficiency and fuel costs, there are other variables that should factor into your final choice. No matter what car you end up choosing, you have to ask yourself: Does the vehicle align with your priorities, and does it offer the qualities that make you look forward to owning and driving it regularly?
The methodology for our Best Cars for the Money awards was designed to help you make an educated buying decision. We rank vehicles in each class using a composite score based on a combination of each vehicle’s value and quality. Our value component comes from TrueCar average transaction prices and Vincentric five-year total cost of ownership data. To determine quality, we use U.S. News overall scores from our rankings, which are compiled from expert reviews from the automotive press, safety scores, and predicted reliability data. We regularly update our scores as new expert reviews and data become available. So, the scores in this slideshow may not match the scores in our rankings and individual vehicle reviews.
Keep in mind that while conventional hybrid vehicles don’t qualify for any federal tax credits, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 if you purchase a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Some state and local governments offer incentives and tax rebates in addition to the federal credit. These incentives can help bring down the cost of transitioning to an electric car. However, be sure to check with a tax professional to determine your incentive eligibility before moving forward with your purchase.
Now, let’s take a look at how these hybrid and electric cars stack up when it comes to the best overall combination of quality and value.