Looking for a hybrid car on a £20,000 budget?
When you hear the phrase 'hybrid car' you may not be aware there are actually three different types of hybrid vehicles; a mild hybrid (MHEV), a self-charging hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Understandably, it can be confusing trying to determine which type of hybrid car is the most suitable for you, so we have a separate blog that highlights the differences between these hybrid vehicles.
As years have gone by, more and more hybrid cars have entered the used car market and there are now plenty of options available, even if you have a budget of under £20,000. Below, we highlight 5 used hybrid cars you could get behind the wheel of for less than £20k.
Lexus CT 200h
Launched in 2011, the Lexus CT 200h was the world's first compact full hybrid luxury car to be developed. Enhancements were made to the interior and exterior in 2017 when the hatchback received a significant update. However, with a £20,000 budget, you will likely be looking at the pre-facelift models.
With this self-charging hybrid, you'd be receiving excellent value for what is still a technologically advanced and comfortable luxury vehicle.
Standard specification has always been high on Lexus models, and the CT is no different with all models featuring alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, push button start and privacy glass.
All Lexus CT models are powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor. As with all HEVs you can only get a CT with an automatic gearbox. You'll be looking at between 53 and 55mpg (WLTP), depending on the size of the alloy wheels, which is a decent fuel economy figure.
Toyota Auris Hybrid
A year before the CT 200h, the Toyota Auris Hybrid was launched in 2010 as the first C-segment (family hatchback) to feature a full hybrid drivetrain courtesy of the same 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor used in the Lexus HEV.
Given that it was a Toyota and not a Lexus branded product, prices were lower and that's reflected in the used market, where plenty of examples reside for under the £20,000 price point we are looking at here.
You can expect plenty of safety features as standard across the range such as lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, automatic high-beam and traffic sign recognition.
Low running costs are a huge advantage of the Auris Hybrid and you should achieve a fuel consumption figure of over 60mpg easily, much higher than the Auris powered solely by a petrol internal combustion engine (ICE).
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Toyota Yaris Hybrid
There are plenty of used examples of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid for under £20,000 as it was first released back in 2012, making it a great value full hybrid car. The specification you choose will ultimately determine the final price, but there's a wide variety to choose from, all for under £20k.
Toyota were very clever when developing the hybrid variant of the Yaris as they placed the batteries under the rear seats, which was a master-stroke in terms of keeping the cabin and boot roomy, only slightly reducing rear legroom.
Fuel economy is of course the big advantage of self-charging hybrid technology, and you should see over 55mpg from the 1.5-litre petrol-electric Yaris.
Another big benefit is that they are all automatic, making them very easy and smooth to drive.
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Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid
Although this car is another self-charging hybrid, this time it's from Hyundai. The IONIQ is actually available in three guises; HEV, PHEV and as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). However, for under £20,000 it's likely you'll be looking at the HEV models.
Utilising a combination of a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, the IONIQ Hybrid is super sleek and stylish, it also offers plenty of space and comfort on the inside. Positioning the battery underneath the rear seats ensures the car has a large luggage space, as well as offering plenty of head and legroom in the front and the rear.
You get plenty of kit as standard across all models such as alloy wheels, heated and electric mirrors as well as parking sensors. Higher specification models will bring extras such as heated seats and cruise control.
MINI Countryman
For SUV lovers, the MINI Countryman is a great option. Combining MINI's iconically British design with hybrid technology, the Countryman gives you all the enjoyment of a MINI vehicle with a more efficient and greener powertrain.
The Countryman's interior boasts modern features and a well-crafted cabin, ensuring a comfortable and connected driving experience. Whether you're navigating city streets or setting off on a road trip, the MINI Countryman is a great option for a used hybrid vehicle.
For under £20k, you're likely to only see the entry level specification 'Classic', but even this trim comes with a whole host of features and equipment as standard.
Find your perfect cheap hybrid car at Evans Halshaw
As time goes on, more and more used hybrid cars are making it to the market, and we're starting to see more available at a lower price point.
It won't be long before more used PHEVs are available for under £20,000, so it's always worth double-checking our extensive stock list.
Perhaps you're considering a used fully electric car? If that's the case, why not check out our top 10 best used electric cars.
