5 Japanese Hybrid Cars That Are Worth the Money

The average price of a new car is $47,401, according to Kelley Blue Book. The average monthly car payment hovers between $533 and $726, depending on whether you get a new or used vehicle.

While car ownership can be expensive, there are still plenty of vehicles to choose from that are worth your money. This includes several Japanese hybrid cars.

Because of their design, these cars often get better gas mileage than non-hybrids. The best ones are also reliable and affordable, and they’re made to last a long time.

For those of you who are thinking about getting a Japanese hybrid car, here are some of the best ones that are worth the money.

• Starting price: $29,045
• Miles per gallon: 57 (city) and 56 (highway) for front-wheel drive

The Toyota Prius is a well-known hybrid with exceptional gas mileage and reliability. It is efficient, has a simple but sleek design, and can reach 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds. The interior is also comfortable, perfect for those long drives.

“It has excellent fuel economy, a proven track record and a spacious interior,” said Blake Shaw, automotive expert at All About Wheels.

It’s also cost-effective, as it comes with reasonably low maintenance costs. “I’ve had countless customers rave about their Prius, with some even clocking over 200,000 miles without major issues,” added John Lin, automotive expert and owner of JB Motor Works.

• Starting price: $29,495
• Miles per gallon: 44 to 51 (estimate)

Although the newest model isn’t yet available, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is another popular Japanese car that’s worth the money. Like other Toyota models, it is reliable, gets great gas mileage and makes for an all-around great everyday vehicle.

This hybrid is also notably more spacious than the Prius. The interior has plenty of headroom, a must for taller individuals, and comfortable seats. It even comes with dual-zone temperature controls and an array of other convenient features.

Shaw pointed out that this hybrid — as well as earlier models — is known for its balanced performance and great fuel economy. And as a midsize sedan, it’s comfortable and economical.

• Starting price: $26,855
• Miles per gallon: 55 (city) and 49 (highway)

“The Insight is another solid choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient hybrid,” Lin said. “It boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design and an impressive array of tech features.”

This hybrid can reach 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. It has great handling and suspension for a smooth ride. It’s also highly responsive, making for a solid everyday vehicle with a reasonably low price tag.

The Honda Insight doesn’t get quite as good of gas mileage as, say, the Toyota Prius. It also has a higher rate of depreciation than other hybrids in its class, so you might want to get it used for the best bang for your buck.

• Starting price: $28,990
• Miles per gallon: 51 (city) and 48 (highway)

The Honda Accord Hybrid is also affordable with competitive fuel economy. Like many other everyday Japanese hybrids, it also has a relatively low depreciation rate, meaning it tends to maintain its value better over time.

“[This model] combines the practicality and comfort of the traditional Accord with the added benefits of hybrid technology,” Shaw said. It also has a spacious interior and offers a refined driving experience that makes long road trips and shorter daily commutes that much better.

According to Shaw, many Honda Accord Hybrid owners also praise the vehicle for being able to smoothly transition between electric and gasoline power. It’s also got relatively low maintenance costs, so you won’t have to worry about spending a ton of extra money on repairs anytime soon.

• Starting price: $43,190
• Miles per gallon: 43 (city) and 44 (highway)

While the Lexus ES Hybrid has a higher starting price tag, it’s still much cheaper than other luxury brands.

This vehicle stands out for its stylish interior, excellent fuel efficiency and array of upscale features. It’s also roomy inside, so you’re not as likely to feel cramped after a long drive. Some models even come with all-wheel drive.

Overall, the Lexus ES Hybrid is a smooth ride. And while you might not get that same “wow” factor as you do with other luxury cars, it’s a great entry vehicle in that segment.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a new — or lightly used — car, consider one of these Japanese hybrid models. They all get great fuel economy and are reliable. Plus, they are generally very quiet and smooth rides. They’re also environmentally friendly when compared with non-hybrid options.

They’re also reasonably priced, especially compared with other models. And while you’ll still need to pay attention to things like depreciation and maintenance costs, proper upkeep can help keep long-term costs to a minimum.

Photo Disclaimer: Please note some photos are for illustrative purposes only and might not feature exact models, base models or the cars’ specific trim levels. As a result, some of the cars in the photos might have different starting prices and miles per gallon figures than the ones listed in this article.