10 Best Used Hybrids That Offer Luxury Without the High Price

Hybrid have been slowly but surely taking over the market the last couple of years, offering a pretty good blend of practicality, efficiency, and performance. However, if you’re looking for something a little more upscale, you may find new offerings a little too far out of your budget.

Luckily, the used market is full of fantastic, affordable options. There are plenty of luxury hybrid vehicles that have been treated well by previous owners that can be had for a fraction of the price that they cost when new. You can get modern technology, upscale cabins, and efficient powertrains for less than the price of the average new car.

We explore ten models which we believe offer incredible value for money. We outline what helps these models stand out against their competition as well as what kind of performance you can expect. We have ranked these models from the most affordable to the most expensive and detail just how efficient they can be.

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10

2017 BMW 330e

Average Used Price: $16,103

Front 3/4 shot of a 2016 BMW 330e

If you’re looking for a compact luxury sedan, then the 3-Series should almost always be at the top of your list. It is the ultimate modern sports sedan, blending a fantastically upscale interior with thrilling driving dynamics. The plug-in hybrid 330e can also be had for a steal on the used market.

Performance Specifications

A turbocharged four-banger combines with an electric motor in the 330e to produce plenty of pep. It also makes use of a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery that allows it to travel up to 14 miles on electric power alone. It also manages to do 30 miles per gallon combined when you deplete the battery.

9

2018 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid

Average Used Price: $17,746

Front 3/4 action shot of a 2018 Infiniti Q50

One of the better-looking hybrid sedans that you can pick up for cheap on the used market is the Q50. The hybrid variant is somewhat lesser known, but it offers a pretty impressive mix of sportiness and efficiency. On the inside you’ll find all the upscale materials you would expect from the premium Japanese brand.

Performance Specifications

For the price that you pay, you get quite a lot of performance out of Infiniti’s compact sport sedan. Be aware, though, that the Q50 is tuned more for comfort than anything else, prioritizing a plush ride over precise athleticism. Rear-wheel drive models manage 29 miles per gallon combined while all-wheel drive models are rated for 28 miles per gallon combined.

8

2018 BMW xDrive40e

Average Used Price: $21,255

Front 3/4 shot of a 2016 BMW xDrive40e

Considering the hybrid X5 had an MSRP in the mid-$60,000 range when new, paying a third of that price feels like a pretty good deal. The X5 is the quintessential luxury SUV and even though the 2018 model year shows its age a little bit, it is still more comfortable and enjoyable to drive than a number of cars on the market today.

Performance Specifications

While this iteration of the X5 isn’t quite as playful as some other generations, it still inspires plenty of confidence when hitting twisty roads. The plug-in hybrid powertrain also delivers more than enough power, making highway merging easy. It can travel up to 13 miles on all-electric power, after which its gas engine manages 24 miles per gallon combined.

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7

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e

Average Used Price: $22,665

Front 3/4 shot of a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC

If the C-Class sedan appeals to you, but you need a little more ground clearance, then the GLC is the way to go. It is a competent luxury crossover with all the style and substance of its C-Class sibling. It is also much more modern than you’d expect from a car that is over five years old.

Performance Specifications

The plug-in hybrid GLC 350e makes use of a four-cylinder engine which pairs with an electric motor to produce a pretty impressive amount of power. The GLC focuses more on delivering a comfortable ride than a thrilling one, and its rivals are the better choice for those looking for something sporty. It can travel up to 10 miles on electric power and 25 miles per gallon combined when the battery is depleted.

6

2019 Lexus UX 250h

Average Used Price: $26,814

Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Lexus UX 

Lexus’ subcompact luxury crossover is a fairly new model and goes up against models like the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA. Unlike its rivals, though, it is a pretty complete model, coming with all the most desirable upscale features you’d want. It really is one of the most comfortable options in the subcompact segment.

Performance Specifications

Don’t expect the UX to blow you away with stunning performance figures. This little subcompact focuses on the smooth ride that you’d expect from something with a Lexus badge as well as stoic levels of reliability. It is also absurdly efficient, with the most economical model achieving up 42 miles per gallon combined.

5

2019 Lexus ES 300h

Average Used Price: $28,842

Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Lexus ES

The ES has consistently been one of the most popular models in Lexus’ lineup, and for good reason. This silky smooth and stylish sedan oozes class and is loaded with upscale materials and plenty of tech features. The hybrid model adds plenty of efficiency in to the already sublime mix.

Performance Specifications

Like many of Lexus’ other models, particularly the hybrids, the ES 300h leaves performance by the wayside. It isn’t particularly quick or athletic, but its ride quality is in a class of its own. It’s reputation for reliability is also superb. The ES 300h is also super efficient, managing 44 miles per gallon combined.

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4

2019 Volvo S60 Hybrid

Average Used Price: $29,153

Front 3/4 shot of a 2019 Volvo S60 

The S60 entered a new generation for the 2019 model year, with a brand-new look and plenty of modern updates. Volvo is traditionally seen as a somewhat boring brand, but we believe that the subtlety and minimalistic approach to luxury that the Swedish brand takes is quite refreshing.

Performance Specifications

The S60 T8 plug-in hybrid features much more power than you’d expect based on its subtle sheetmetal. It is quick off the line, but don’t expect its performance prowess to go much further beyond that. The S60 makes use of an 11.6 kWh battery that allows it to travel on electric-only power for up to 22 miles. Otherwise, the sedan manages 33 miles per gallon combined.

3

2019 Volvo XC60 Hybrid

Average Used Price: $29,467

Front 3/4 shot of a 2018 Volvo XC60 

If the S60 appeals to you but you need more ride height and a more spacious interior, the XC60 is a fantastic alternative. It offers the same luxe interior and is loaded with plenty of safety features, bolstering Volvo’s reputation for safety. It’s classy and minimalist interior will also appeal to more grown-up buyers.

Performance Specifications

As long as you’re not expecting outright sportiness, you’ll be more than satisfied with the driving dynamics of the plug-in hybrid XC60. It is plenty quick and offers a smooth and compliant ride. It features the same battery layout as the S60, allowing for 17 miles of all-electric range. It is also good for 26 miles per gallon combined.

2

2018 Lexus RX 450h

Average Used Price: $29,959

Front 3/4 actino shot of a 2016 Lexus RX 

The RX was the first model that Lexus ever imbued with hybrid power, and ever since it has been one of the most popular luxury compact SUVs on the market. It may not appeal to enthusiasts in the same way options from BMW or Audi do, but its plush interior and soft ride make it extremely attractive.

Performance Specifications

The RX 400h makes use of Lexus’ sturdy V-6 and some electric power to produce plenty of power for a compact SUV. It isn’t quite as spry as some of its direct competitors, but it rides extremely well and is pretty light on fuel. The EPA rates the RX 400h for 30 miles per gallon combined.

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1

2020 Acura MDX Hybrid

Average Used Price: $30,118

Front 3/4 shot of a 2017 Acura MDX

For a luxury SUV, the Acura isn’t the most head-turning model on the road. However, there is still plenty to love about the crossover. It is spacious and loaded with high-end materials and features driving dynamics that are more enjoyable than you’d expect from something on the budget end of the market.

Performance Specifications

The Hybrid Sport MDX is surprisingly quick off the line and features a well-balanced chassis that offers some genuine driving thrills. It is agile and handles corners with confidence, with the only real downside being its below-par stopping power. The hybrid MDX manages 27 miles per gallon combined.