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Standard hybrid

Gasoline iconGasolineElectric iconElectricNo plug iconNo plug

Hybrid electric vehicles, or HEVs, operate in electric-only mode at low speeds and use an internal combustion engine (ICE) beyond that, but they never need to be plugged in.

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Is a standard hybrid right for you?

An HEV could be right for you if you want improved fuel economy over a traditional ICE-only vehicle but don’t want to worry about charging.

Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Never need to plug-in
  • Readily available
Cons
  • Some have an odd driving feel
  • Electric-only for very short distances
  • Greater mechanical complexity

Standard hybrids near you

Best used hybrids

Wondering which standard hybrids are driver favorites? Check out the top 3 from the 10 most popular EVs with CarMax customers.

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See the top 10
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2021 Toyota Prius Prime XLE

1. Toyota Prius

CarMax owner rating

4.7

Price range*$12,998—$38,998
Estimated combined MPG52 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Good acceleration
  • Advanced driver aids

Cons

  • Limited rear seat room
  • New dashboard layout difficult to see
  • Noisy gas engine
Shop Prius modelsSee more details
2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE

2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

CarMax owner rating

4.7

Price range*$20,998—$43,998
Estimated combined MPG40 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Excellent fuel economy estimates
  • Smooth ride
  • Good cargo capacity

Cons

  • Uncomfortable front seats
  • Mushy brake pedal
  • Unpleasant engine noise
Shop RAV4 Hybrid modelsSee more details
2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum

3. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

CarMax owner rating

4.8

Price range*$22,998—$51,998
Estimated combined MPG35 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

(data not available)

Pros

  • Welcome hybrid fuel figures
  • Generously equipped with standard and available driver assistance
  • Pleasant ride experience

Cons

  • Tight third-row dimensions
  • Prominent engine noise at full power
  • Limited cargo space
Shop Highlander Hybrid modelsSee more details
See the top 10

Learn more about standard hybrid vehicles

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Explore other EV types

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Editorial content contained on this page comes from Edmunds.com, Inc., a subsidiary of CarMax Enterprise Service, LLC, and information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

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