Electric cars are great, but they’re still not very affordable, even used, and their battery packs and charging systems do impose limitations on longer road trips. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are vehicles that can run on electricity alone for limited ranges, can be plugged in to charge, and otherwise operate as hybrids. They blend the green, quiet, around-town driving of an EV with the road-trip range and capability of a gasoline- or diesel-powered car thanks to their generally high overall efficiency, even when operating in hybrid mode. Here are our picks for the 10 best used PHEVs available under $20,000.
1. 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in
The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid can be tough to find below the $20,000 mark, but diligence pays off — the Ioniq PHEV scores 119 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) and 52 mpg in hybrid mode, can travel up to 29 miles on electricity only, and has up to 630 miles total range. It’s also a solid all-around vehicle loaded with features. See used 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in models for sale near you
2. 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in
It’s a bit older, but the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has staying power, not to mention the legendary popularity and reliability of the Prius hybrid line. The Prius PHEV can travel 11 miles on its battery, up to 540 miles total, and scores 95 MPGe or 50 mpg combined in hybrid mode. See used 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-0n models for sale near you
3. 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid
Hard to find even when it was new, the limited-production 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is even scarcer now. However, those you do find will often fall within the grasp of a $20,000 budget. Despite being the oldest vehicle on this list, it’s one of the most efficient in MPGe terms at 115, as well as 46 mpg in hybrid mode. The Accord PHEV will drive up to 13 miles on electricity alone or up to 570 miles total range. See used 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid models for sale near you
4. 2016 Chevrolet Volt
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt doesn’t have “plug-in hybrid” in the name, but the original Volt was one of the very first PHEVs to enter production. It offers 106 MPGe, 42 mpg in hybrid mode, 53 miles of all-electric range, and 420 miles of total range. See used 2016 Chevrolet Volt models for sale near you
5. 2017 Ford C-Max Energi
The 2017 Ford C-Max Energi PHEV combines a useful hatchback form factor with 95 MPGe, 20 miles of all-electric range, 39 mpg in hybrid mode, and 570 miles of total range. Look for models fitted with the optional SYNC3 infotainment system to get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. See used 2017 Ford C-Max Energi models for sale near you
6. 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
Like the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid can be difficult to find for less than $20,000, and the cars you do find may be high-mileage. Still, with the practicality of a modern compact crossover and 105 MPGe/46 mpg, 26 miles of all-electric range, and 560 miles total range, finding a deal on the Niro PHEV is worth the work. See used 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In models for sale near you
7. 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid
The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid is also getting harder to find these days, precisely because it’s affordable, sharply styled, feature-filled, and efficient. The Optima PHEV’s 103 MPGe and 40 mpg combined hybrid rating pair with 29 miles of all-electric range and 610 miles of total range. See used 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid models for sale near you
8. 2016 Ford Fusion Energi
If you prefer a sleek midsize sedan to a hatchback or crossover, the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi PHEV might be the one for you. With 20 miles of all-electric range and 550 miles of total range, the Fusion Energi is still solidly mid-pack even among these newer models, as are its 88 MPGe and 38 mpg hybrid ratings. Unlike some of the cars on this list, the Fusion Energi is pretty easy to find, even below the $20,000 mark. See used 2016 Ford Fusion Energi models for sale near you
9. 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
Bearing the most luxurious nameplate on this list, the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is surprisingly easy to find under the $20,000 mark. The A3 e-tron scores 83 MPGe and 35 mpg in hybrid mode, with 16 miles of electric range and 380 miles total range. Look for models equipped with adaptive cruise control. See used 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron models for sale near you
10. 2015 BMW i3 w/Range Extender
The second-oldest vehicle on the list and easily the most unusual, the 2015 BMW i3 is less a true PHEV and more a short-range EV with a gasoline backup. That said, it scores well on the numbers against its newer competition, with 72 miles of all-electric range, 150 miles total range, 117 MPGe, and 39 mpg when driven as a hybrid. The i3’s fun design, unique interior, and futuristic feel stand out even seven years later. See used 2015 BMW i3 w/Range Extender models for sale near you
10 Best Used Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Under $20,000
- 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In
- 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In
- 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid
- 2016 Chevrolet Volt
- 2017 Ford C-Max Energi
- 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
- 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid
- 2016 Ford Fusion Energi
- 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
- 2015 BMW i3 w/Range Extender
