Consumer Reports Says These Are The Best Hybrid Cars For Less Than $35,000 In 2024

We've come a long way since the second-generation Toyota Prius took the world by storm. With its innovative hybrid powertrain it was able to get 46 mpg combined at a time when the most fuel-efficient Camry only got 24 mpg combined. These days, automakers' lineups are full of hybrids. Heck, Ford even introduced a hybrid version of the F-150.

Unfortunately for consumers, the average transaction price on a new car is currently almost $50,000, and wages haven't increased nearly enough to compensate for that. The good news is, you don't have to spend $50,000 to get a high-quality, fuel-efficient hybrid. Recently, our friends over at Consumer Reports published a list of the best hybrid cars that you can get for less than $35,000. Let's take a look at what made the list.

The 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid will get an EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined if you go for the Camry LE. Adding more options drops that figure to a still-impressive 46 mpg combined. And with a base price of $28,895, it's well within budget. In fact, even the top-of-the-line XSE Hybrid slides in at $34,295.

This generation of Camry has been around since 2018, so it's not going to feel as fresh as some of the competition. Still, it remains a competitive family sedan that Consumer Reports praised for being comfortable, quiet and very reliable. It might not be the most exciting choice, but you really can't go wrong with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. (A new generation of Camry that's hybrid only recently debuted for the 2025 model year, but pricing has yet to be announced.)

The EPA rates the 2024 Honda Accord at 48 mpg combined, but like the Camry, the gas mileage drops on higher-end models. Still, 44 mpg combined isn't bad considering you get extra features. Instead of selling a separate Accord Hybrid, Honda has simply made all but the two lowest trim levels hybrids. That means the least expensive hybrid Accord starts at $32,895.

Honda redesigned the Accord for 2023, which means it's one of the newest midsize family sedans on the market. Consumer Reports praised the Accord's comfort and responsive handling, as well as its spacious rear seat and big trunk. Some of the previous Accord's sportiness may be gone, but for most owners, the better fuel economy is going to be worth the tradeoff.

The Toyota Prius gets an EPA-estimated 57 mpg combined if you go with the most fuel-efficient version, but even a loaded Prius Limited with all-wheel drive gets a plenty-efficient 49 mpg combined. The base Prius LE starts at $27,950, but if you want all-wheel drive, it's going to cost you a minimum of $29,350.

Ever since it was first introduced, the Prius has had awkward styling that no one would consider attractive. When Toyota redesigned the newest Prius, though, it decided to change that. In addition to its new good looks, Consumer Reports praised the new Prius for having better-than-expected handling, as well as being significantly quicker than before.

In its most efficient form the Kia Niro gets an EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined, but higher trim levels reduce that rating to 49 mpg combined. With no gas-only version to choose, the base Niro starts at $26,840, and only the top-of-the-line Niro SX Touring crosses the $35,000 mark.

The 2024 Kia Niro is designed to look like a small crossover, but really, it's just a tall, practical hatchback. If you can find one at MSRP, there's also a plug-in hybrid version that starts just under $35,000 and has a 33-mile all-electric range. Consumer Reports praised the Niro's acceleration and handling, as well as its comfort and functionality.

Hyundai sells two versions of the Elantra Hybrid. The most affordable is the Blue, which starts at $24,550 and gets an EPA-estimated 54 mpg combined. The Limited comes with more features and a higher $29,150 price tag, but gas mileage drops to 50 mpg combined.

The Elantra received a refresh for 2024, and according to Consumer Reports, the Elantra Hybrid is the best version thanks to a better ride and quieter cabin than the gas-only version. It also handles well, and the upgraded seats on the Limited are likely worth the higher price tag.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid can be bought with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The former starts at $23,500, but adding all-wheel drive only adds $975 to the base price. In its most efficient form, it's rated at 50 mpg combined, while a high-end version with all-wheel drive drops as low as 44 mpg combined.

Like the Camry, the Toyota Corolla was last redesigned back in 2018. It's not especially quick or sporty, but it's still one of the most affordable hybrids that you can buy new. Consumer Reports also praised the Corolla Hybrid's comfortable ride and quiet cabin, as well as its handling compared to some of its competitors.

When the 2024 Hyundai Sonata goes on sale early this year, the SEL Hybrid will start at $30,800. Expect it to match the 2023 Sonata Hybrid's 47 mpg combined. The fancier Limited Hybrid, however, will cost you more than $35,000, so it won't fit this budget.

While the front and rear of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata look different, it's just a refresh, so you can expect about the same experience as the 2023 Sonata, only with updated styling. Even though Consumer Reports thought the ride was stiff, it praised the Sonata Hybrid's handling and long list of standard safety features.