While gas prices have dipped somewhat in recent years¹, hybrid cars are still a popular choice for anyone interested in reducing their fuel costs without fully committing to an electric vehicle. 

Opting for used hybrid cars helps these customers save money and minimize their environmental impact in one go. This means dealerships have a unique opportunity to take advantage of hybrid sales. 

However, not all hybrid vehicles are created equal, and customers prefer some models over others. You won’t want to get caught without the models your customers are looking for, so here’s a list of the best used hybrid cars to stock based on reliability and popularity. They’re all under $30,000, too, for vehicle shoppers on a budget. 

5 Reliable Hybrid Cars Dealers Should Always Keep in Stock

1. 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The first RAV4 hybrid models were introduced in the 2016 model year², and since then, they have remained a popular choice for anyone who wants a fuel-efficient crossover vehicle.

All-wheel drive is standard on the RAV4 hybrid, and it’s powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 219 horsepower³. The hybrid model is not just more efficient than the gas RAV4 — it’s also faster⁴. Several RAV4 hybrid trims, including the Prime SE and Prime XSE, are plug-in hybrids with impressive driving ranges³. 

As a hybrid compact SUV with a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)⁵, the RAV4 hybrid will likely appeal to shoppers looking for a family car. 

2. 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Honda CR-V hybrid is a fuel-efficient, comfortable compact SUV that will appeal to any vehicle shoppers looking for a practical option. It’s available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and powered by a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower⁶. 

Buyers can choose from three CR-V hybrid trims⁶, but the most affordable EX hybrid will likely also be the most popular with your dealership customers. A comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology comes standard, including adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. While the CR-V hybrid isn’t the fastest or most powerful, it’s a spacious, capable hybrid option with broad appeal. 

3. 2022 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid car⁷, and it remains one of the most popular hybrids on the market today. What helps set the Prius apart is its incredible fuel economy, reliability, and strong safety features⁸. 

The 2022 model is available in five trims⁸, any of which would suit a vehicle shopper looking for a practical and comfortable compact car. It gets a combined 56 miles per gallon from the 121 horsepower engine⁸. For shoppers who strongly value safety, the vehicle has a five-star NHTSA crash test rating and safety technology like a pre-collision system⁸. 

4. 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid is another one of the best used hybrid vehicles, thanks to its smooth ride, spacious interior, and strong acceleration. Though it’s not the fastest or most fuel-efficient hybrid available, the Honda Accord Hybrid will draw in shoppers who want an affordable hybrid that’s fun to drive while commuting or dropping off the kids. 

The 2-liter four-cylinder engine has a combined 212 horsepower, and the base and EX-L models get 48 miles per gallon⁹. Driver-assistance safety features like lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control come standard⁹. 

5. 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid

Finally, you can’t go wrong in stocking the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid to round out your inventory of the best used hybrid cars. This compact SUV offers excellent value for its price and makes an ideal family car. It has plenty of cargo room, a smooth ride for comfortable driving, and a strong fuel economy¹⁰. 

Low projected ownership costs make the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid appealing to cost-conscious customers, even with the higher-end plug-in trims¹⁰. And for those who are extra safety-conscious, the Ford Escape Hybrid also comes with a long list of standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and SOS post-crash alert system¹⁰. 

Find the Best Used Hybrid Vehicles for Your Dealership at ACV Auctions

Sourcing reliable vehicles your customers want in a tight auto market is challenging. ACV Auctions changes the game. With ACV, you can access wholesale inventory from dealerships across the country right from your phone or computer. Bid on inventory 24/7 with no surprises. With ACV, our full-time vehicle inspectors conduct comprehensive condition reports for each vehicle you bid on — checking for everything from a vehicle’s tire measurements and paint meter readings to undercarriage view and more, so you know exactly what you are bidding on. Find out why dealers across the country buy with us. Join ACV today.

Sources

1. (February 2025). U.S. All Grades All Formulations Retail Gas Prices. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/leafhandler.ashx?f=m&n=pet&s=emm_epm0_pte_nus_dpg 
2. (5 August 2016). 2 Full Decades of Toyota RAV4 History. Miller Toyota. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.millertoyota.com/2-full-decades-of-rav4-history/ 
3. Dorian, D. (2021). 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Car and Driver. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/rav4-hybrid-2021 
4. Brady, D. (2021). 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Expert Review. MotorTrend. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.motortrend.com/cars/toyota/rav4-hybrid/2021/ 
5. (2025). 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. NHTSA. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/TOYOTA/RAV4%252520HYBRID/SUV/AWD 
6. Stafford, E. 2022 Honda CRV. Car and Driver. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/cr-v-2022 
7. (4 August 2017). The Evolution of the Prius. Toyota. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://global.toyota/en/prius20th/evolution 
8. Brandt, E. (30 January 2025). 2022 Toyota Prius Review. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/toyota/prius/2022/ 
9. Johnson, D. (30 August 2024). 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid Review. U.S. and World Report. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/accord-hybrid/2022 
10. Clarke, W. (5 September 2023). 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Review. U.S. and World Report. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ford/escape-hybrid/2021