Hybrid cars run on two different engines to minimize air pollution and enable drivers to cover more mileage. The average sports car covers 19-22 miles per gallon of gas in the city while owning a hybrid enables you to drive at least 27 miles using the same amount of fuel. That’s great, isn’t it? So, today, let’s look at the best hybrid cars under $30k.
1. What is the best hybrid to buy under $30,000?
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1. 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Did you know that it’s possible to own a hybrid SUV for less than $30k? Well, thanks to the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, you can own cruise around your city in a 305 horsepower hybrid engine. Just like most high-performance SUVs, this hybrid uses the new V6 engine.
How many miles does it cover per gallon of gas? Drivers who reside and work in the same vicinity might travel at least 28 miles while those who regularly use the freeway do approximately 30 miles. It’s an ideal family car thanks to its spacious interior and quite safe when you look at the safety features.
2. 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Why is this hybrid so popular nationwide? Because the LE model enables you to cover approximately 40 miles on just one gallon of gas! Basically, you can cover twice the distance a sports car owner driving a 320 horsepower engine covers. Toyota Camrys also appeal to first-time car owners due to their low maintenance costs.
Inside, you’ll find a touch-screen infotainment system that serves several functions. Top of the list is navigation where you can access GPS maps straight from the screen. It also supports hands-free phone support while driving. Motorists can also plug in their phones or tablets to enjoy listening to their favorite albums or podcasts.
3. 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Here’s a mid-size sedan that’s ideal for your family’s everyday ride. Below the front bumper is a set of powerful LED fog lights to enhance your visibility when driving in bad weather. It’s protruding fenders and overall shape hint a sporty aura to this hybrid. You won’t feel out of place pulling up in this hybrid on campus or a date thanks to this brilliant design.
Do you own an Android device? The good news about the 2017 Chevy Malibu Hybrid is that it uses an Android infotainment system. That means you can access Google Maps directly on the screen as long as you have a reliable internet connection.
This is perhaps one of the best hybrid cars on this list that you might end up buying. Especially if you spend at least thirty minutes driving from home to work or school. Why? Because this hybrid can cover an impressive 38 miles within city limits and 40 miles on the highway.
4. 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 2017 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is great in terms of fuel consumption and cargo carrying capacity, making it to the list of ideal hybrid family cars. It’s also quite safe thanks to the height from the ground, which enhances its stability when driving offroad. It comes with an all-wheel-drive system to ensure optimum torque distribution when your car gets stuck in the mud.
It covers at least 35 miles per gallon of gas when driven on the highway. Despite its large size, this SUV has a modest 195 horsepower engine. The infotainment system is basic, making it easy to use for first-time RAV4 owners.
5. 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Here’s a good alternative to the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid as well as the Toyota Camry. Both have a similar size as well as mileage per gallon. It’s also a nice family car because it can accommodate five passengers while proving each with ample leg room. The roof is high enough even for tall people to travel on bumpy roads without hitting their heads on the ceiling.
If you’re planning to own this hybrid, keep in mind that it has a four-wheel-drive system. That’s a great feature especially for a midsize sedan because you won’t get stuck driving in some random back roads while out on road trips.
6. 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
Are you looking for a car with a corporate look? Owning this Kia Optima Hybrid helps you to cover long distances without inflating your company’s expenses. One of the fuel-saving features you’ll like is the smart cruise control. A gallon of gas on the highway will last for 46 miles.
On a long ride, you can download Spotify directly to the Google Android system on your dashboard. The steering wheel has a nice smooth finishing to prevent your wrists from straining. It also has several controls that enable a driver to answer calls, control windows, just to name a few.
7. 2017 Kia Niro
If you’re considering downgrading from a fuel-guzzling SUV to a pocket-friendly ride, the 2017 Kia Niro is your solution. Why is it so popular? Because it covers 48 miles per gallon of gas in the city. Just imagine how many road trips you can enjoy annually on this hatchback.
The interior consists of straightforward design and you’ll find it quite spacious. It has a push-to-start button and chrome pedals. If you’re looking for a family car, you’ll this Kia because it has huge trunk space. The back seat is foldable to create extra luggage room.
8. 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
If you’re hoping to buy a hybrid within the 200 horsepower range, have a look at the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid. This mid-size sedan can serve as a corporate or family car when you look at its friendly design and 5-passenger capacity. It covers over 45 miles per gallon on the highway.
Honda did a nice job when it comes to dashboard features. You can charge your phone wirelessly inside a retractable port. This feature prevents drivers from accidentally spilling drinks on their phones. It also has a Wi-Fi hotspot to enable you to update your maps and get the latest entertainment.
9. 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
You’ll notice a high degree of similarity at the rear end between this vehicle and the Honda Accord Hybrid. Its unique design positions the center of gravity closer to the ground for added stability. The large front grill and slanting headlights give it a sporty feel especially since its blue like a Subaru WRX.
Have you ever noticed how the sun might seem to glare into your eyes despite lowering your visor? You won’t experience that problem inside an Ioniq Hybrid because it comes with sliding visors. You can adjust them depending on the angle of sunlight. It also has an Android entertainments system that’s integrated with Apple music.
10. 2017 Toyota Prius
The 2017 Toyota Prius is an ideal alternative to buyers who want a car that has the features of a Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid but costs less. Despite being a recurring theme of standup comedy, the Prius covers an impressive 50 miles on the highway per gallon of gas. That’s why most car dealerships offer it to college students because it’s economical.
The center console features a simplistic black and white design. Unfortunately, it isn’t compatible with Android devices. Tall people might feel uncomfortable sitting in the back because the reclining roof design brings about uneven headspace.
11. Ford Fusion Hybrid
It comes in various options to suit different hybrid customers. The premium Fusion Hybrid has white leather seats and a push-to-start button. However, the driver’s legroom is small for tall drivers who are 5ft 9′ and above.
One cool feature about driving this car is using a knob to switch gears instead of the usual stick. It has better precision and less likely to suffer from damages because your engine is automated. You’ll notice just how spacious the back is despite being a midsize sedan with a slanting roof design.
12. 2015 Lexus ES
Here’s an amazing family sedan that might make you reconsider purchasing a Hyundai Sonata or Chevy Malibu Hybrid. Why? Because its spacious enough even for tall people to ride on bumpy roads without hitting their heads on the roof. Plus, it’s large enough to accommodate three adults in the backseat.
It’s amazing just how silent the interior is even while cruising at high speeds. Under the hood is a 268 horsepower V6 engine with a 6-speed transmission. You can drive it three modes; Eco, Normal, and Sports. The latter mode is best suited for long straight roads.
Suggested read: Long lasting cars that are worth checking out
13. 2016 BMW i3
Who would have guessed that the iconic German-based manufacturer BMW would one day manufacture subcompact eco-friendly cars? Well, the rising demand in more green-compliant cars globally led to BMW releasing the i3 that costs an average of $22,000.
It contains a 170 horsepower engine with a rear-wheel-drive system. The exterior is made from reinforced carbon fiber and has high nerd appeal. If your lithium battery runs out completely, you’ll need to charge it for 20 hours. A full battery will sustain you for 80 miles in normal driving situations.
Are you planning to buy a sports car that costs less than $50,000?
14. 2017 Lexus CT Hybrid
Here’s a luxurious hybrid that provides elegance and economical fuel consumption under one roof. It has a smartkey entry system and you activate your engine using a push-to-start button. You can cover at least 40 miles per gallon of gas while in the city riding around in this 2017 Lexus CT hybrid.
You’ll notice LED lights on your side mirrors to enhance visibility when driving through a fog. There’s also an extra pair of fog lights below the front grill. The interior features leather seats and dashboard controls mounted on a slanting panel.
Get your hybrid today!
There’s no shame in driving a Prius to campus or your place of work because you know how great it feels to spend 50% less on gas than you did when owning a fuel guzzler.
