3 of the Most Reliable Used Hybrid Cars Under $10,000 Are Not a Toyota Prius
Including the Toyota Prius in any discussion about reliable used hybrid cars is almost expected. However, other models with outstanding reliability ranked higher in one list of used hybrid vehicles. So, what are three other reliable and affordable hybrid cars, and where did the Prius rank among them?
Should you buy a reliable used hybrid car?
With the ever-rising new car prices, buying a reliable used car is one surefire way to save money. Additionally, buying a used hybrid car is a great way to save even more cash on fuel costs. Fortunately, U.S. News ranked the “Best Used Hybrid Cars under $15K for 2023,” simplifying the search for a reliable used hybrid car.
2011 Chevrolet Volt
In reviewing the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, U.S. News favored the front-wheel drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) four-seater handling characteristics and “futuristic” interior. The Volt’s high ranking comes from perfect scores in the Critic’s Rating, Performance, and J.D. Power Reliability categories. However, while the Volt scored high for safety, its interior score represented its lowest rating due to its uncomfortable and cramped passenger space.
While the Volt’s electric-only range is 50 miles max, its 1.4-liter engine gets 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway on gasoline power for an mpg equivalent (MPGe) of 95/90 mpg city/highway. U.S. News reports the average price for a used 2011 Chevrolet Volt is $7,109.
2010 Ford Fusion
Reviewers mentioned the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid’s fuel economy, safety scores, and “spacious, high-quality interior” in their list of things in the Fusion’s favor. However, its interior score represents the lowest number on the U.S. News scorecard, with most critics pointing to the hybrid’s lack of trunk space compared to the non-hybrid Fusion. The Fusion scored well in the Critic’s Rating and got a top score for reliability from J.D. Power but fell short of the Volt in the Performance category.
As a midsize car, the Fusion Hybrid’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) combination return an impressive EPA-estimated 41 mpg city 36 mpg highway rating. Average used prices for a used 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid hover at $7,066, according to U.S. News.
2010 Mercury Milan
The 2010 Mercury Milan received U.S. News scores similar to the nearly identical Ford Fusion Hybrid for the Critic’s Rating, Performance, and Interior categories. While the Milan’s Safety score is missing, it should be comparable to the Fusion’s. Interestingly, Milan lost a half point in the J.D. Power predicted reliability rating, dropping it to a 4.5 compared to perfect 5 of 5 scores for the Volt and Fusion.
The Milan’s 2.5-liter I4, CVT, and electric motor hybrid powertrain return 41 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway. U.S. News lists the average price for a used 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid at $6,990.
Did a Toyota Prius make the top 10?
In the spirit of full disclosure, the 2010 Toyota Prius tied with the 2010 Mercury Milan for third place in the rankings, with an average used price ranging between $7,281 and $9,188. Additionally, the 2010 Prius gets superior estimated fuel economy ratings than the other top-three hybrids, with 51 city mpg and 48 highway mpg ratings. Other Prius models in the top 10 include the 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years.
Toyota dominated the top 10 with the 2011 and 2012 Camry Hybrid on the list, in addition to the Prius models. Besides the Volt, Fusion, and Milan mentioned earlier, the only other brand in the top 10 is Hyundai with its 2013 Sonata Hybrid, and if you’re keeping score, that makes 12 hybrids in the top 10 due to a six-way tie for seventh place.
