Hybrid Finds for Budget-Savvy Shoppers

March 10th, 2023 by

A grey 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is shown from the front at an angle.

As the automotive industry moves toward an all-electric future, drivers are quickly adapting. Automakers like Honda, Toyota, and many others make adopting this electric future easier with exceptional hybrid models like the Accord, Camry, and Prius. These hybrids offer a unique advantage on our Atlanta used car lot by blending the innovation and efficiency of the hybrid industry with outstanding affordability.

Hybrid models are an excellent stepping stone toward an all-electric lifestyle. These vehicles build on what we know––internal combustion engines––and add electric motors to heighten efficiency without compromising performance. While electric cars are becoming more common, there are still many questions about practicality and recharging. However, since hybrid vehicles still rely on fuel, this isn’t a concern and makes hybrids a popular alternative among drivers hesitant to jump headfirst into a segment that’s still evolving to meet our driving needs.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hybrid models to choose from on our used lot. We’re thrilled to show you our top hybrid picks. These hybrids are less than five years old, making them young enough to offer relevant technology that often matches what you’ll find on their newer siblings. It’s a win-win that leads to more savings.

2020 and 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The Accord has been a staple in the Honda lineup since the late 1970s, evolving to meet the needs of drivers with every new generation. This evolution makes the Accord Hybrid an exceptional find on the used lot. It blends everything drivers love about the Accord with a hybrid powertrain that delivers outstanding efficiency and agile handling. We especially like the 2020 and 2021 models, as the Accords offer the latest technologies and have earned high safety ratings.

The 2020 Accord Hybrid made history with its debut, skyrocketing its value on the used lot since it comes with the renowned Honda Sensing suite and offers 212 horsepower without compromising its average fuel economy rating of an EPA-estimated 48 MPG in the city and on the highway.[a] In addition, the model earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2020 but saw that rating increase in 2021 to a Top Safety Pick+ rating after a round of integral performance and safety updates.[b][c] Even more appealing is the Accord Hybrid Touring trim, which offers every feature in the Honda suite to transform the hybrid sedan into a modern and luxurious chariot.

A white 2021 Toyota Camry TRD is shown from the front at am amgle after leaving an Atlanta used car lot.

2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry has been a favorite in the Toyota lineup since its introduction in the early 1980s. Over the years, it’s transformed from a compact car into a midsize sedan with a hybrid variant that adds to its appeal among a new generation of drivers. Toyota guarantees as much with models like the 2020 Camry Hybrid that relies on a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, 88-kW electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack to produce 208 horsepower for an outstanding output of power. Moreover, this horsepower doesn’t compromise the Camry Hybrid’s efficiency, with the sedan living up to its name and averaging an EPA-estimated 51 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway on trims like the LE.

Toyota makes harnessing the Camry Hybrid’s power easy by equipping the sedan with driver-selectable modes. Drivers can tailor the hybrid’s performance using Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV drive modes. Normal mode balances power and efficiency, while Eco mode prioritizes efficiency. EV mode relies solely on the Camry’s electric motor, and Sport mode uses both power sources for an engaging experience with instant acceleration and responsive handling. Whether driving in Normal, Sport, Eco, or EV, you can always rest easy knowing the Camry Hybrid makes safety a priority, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its high-strength build and expansive suite of active and passive safety features.

2019 and 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Like the Accord and Camry, the Sonata has been around for decades and keeps getting better with age. The Sonata’s hybrid variant appeals to drivers who appreciate the midsize sedan’s distinct style and sport-like handling. The 2019 and 2020 models do an exceptional job of delivering, with a few distinctions. The 2019 model marks the end of the Sonata’s seventh generation, but it goes out strong by earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2020 Sonata Hybrid introduces the sedan’s eighth generation, which sees numerous improvements and earns a Top Safety Pick rating.

A Top Safety Pick rating is still excellent, and with the 2020 Sonata Hybrid’s many other features, makes the sedan an incredible find on the used lot. For example, the Sonata Hybrid Blue offers a class-leading fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 50 MPG in the city and 54 MPG on the highway. The hybrid also has one of the most expansive cabins in the segment and a host of features that range from a Solar Roof System that increases the sedan’s driving range to Hyundai’s SmartSense safety technologies that equip the Sonata with a forward collision alert, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, smart cruise control, and many other features that enhance the user experience.

2019 and 2020 Toyota Prius

Toyota made history in 1997 when it debuted the Prius in Japan as the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The Prius made its global debut three years later and hasn’t looked back since. Today, the Prius remains an integral player in the compact car segment, renowned for its efficiency, well-equipped trims, and high-value packaging. These characteristics define every generation, but the 2019 and 2020 models are especially attractive if you’re looking for the latest technologies to keep you connected and informed from behind the wheel.

The 2019 Prius introduces a facelift for the fourth-generation Prius with modern headlights and updated design elements. The 2020 Prius shares these details but adds Toyota’s seven-inch touchscreen display across the lineup and makes Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa standard on every trim. In addition, the 2020 Prius sees the inclusion of the Safety Connect suite, which adds to its appeal and earns it a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

A white 2020 Toyota Prius is shown from the front at an angle.

2019 Chevrolet Volt

Not to be confused with the Bolt, Chevrolet debuted the Volt in 2011 to widespread acclaim because of its exceptional range and engaging driving demeanor. The compact car quickly built its reputation and earned numerous awards, like the 2011 Green Car of the Year title and the 2011 North American Car of the Year Award.

Chevrolet discontinued the Volt in 2019, making it an excellent find on the used lot today. The 2019 Volt offers an all-electric range of 53 miles, class-leading for 2019, and an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 106 MPGe. Moreover, Chevy made vast improvements to the Volt’s charging system by introducing a 7.2-kW setup that reduces the Volt’s charging time by nearly half, which means completely recharging the Volt with a 240-volt outlet can take less than three hours. With other features like Low and Regen on Demand, the Volt constantly works to conserve energy and extend its range so you spend less time recharging and more time on the road.

Make Your Drive Worthwhile

Where will the road take you? Hybrid models like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Prius, Chevrolet Volt, and Hyundai Sonata transform our driving experience into something extraordinary. They give us the opportunity to explore electric capability without adopting a fully electric lifestyle. In doing so, they’ve proven that hybrid powertrains don’t compromise when it comes to power, performance, or handling. Instead, they take everything we know about models like the Accord, Camry, and Sonata and exceed our expectations by defying convention and giving us more opportunities to explore and adventure without settling for less.


[a]Based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Mileage will depend on model year, trim, and condition of the vehicle. Your mileage will also vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
[b]The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For more information, visit (https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/accord-4-door-sedan/2020). IIHS is a registered trademark of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.
[c]The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For more information, visit (https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Honda/accord-4-door-sedan/2021). IIHS is a registered trademark of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.