4 Safe, Affordable Hybrid Cars To Give as Gifts in 2024

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If you’re shopping for a new car to give your teen, spouse, parent or another loved one this year, a hybrid model can be a good option. While the recipient will be happy to spend less on gas than with a traditional vehicle, you’ll benefit from a more budget-friendly sticker price than if you bought a fully electric car.

However, the hybrid you pick should be a safe and affordable vehicle that doesn’t compromise on comfort or basic entertainment features.

Here are four options based on picks from Kelley Blue Book and iSeeCars, along with safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Each has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $30,000.

2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

With a starting MSRP of $23,500 for the Hybrid LE trim, the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid tops both the KBB and iSeeCars lists for affordable hybrids. This sleek vehicle is a good basic pick, especially if you’re buying a car for your teen. While it’s not as efficient as more expensive hybrids, it still offers a combined 50 mpg.

This car comes with helpful technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen entertainment system and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system, which can warn about dangers on the road, improve visibility and make driving easier. Plus, the NHTSA gave this sedan a 5-star overall safety rating.

2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Coming in second on the iSeeCars list, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at a $26,250 MSRP for the Blue trim. This compact sedan has a modern, stylish look and offers an impressive combined 54 mpg. It also includes a large 10.25-inch touchscreen, which is appealing if you’re buying the car for someone who prioritizes convenience and entertainment.

There are some important standard safety features, including dual LED projector headlights, forward collision-avoidance assist and blind-spot warnings. The hybrid also has a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. 

2024 Toyota Prius Hybrid

Starting at a $27,950 MSRP for the LE trim, the 2024 Toyota Prius Hybrid came in second on KBB’s list and third on the iSeeCars list. This sporty compact comes with the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system, an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 5-star NHTSA safety rating. 

It stands out from the less expensive Corolla for its higher combined 57 MPG, and it packs more power. This makes the Prius Hybrid a good gift choice for someone who wants an efficient car that they can still have fun driving.

2025 Honda Civic Hybrid

KBB ranked the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid sedan fourth on its list and highlighted it as an efficient and reliable vehicle. The Sport Hybrid trim has a competitive starting MSRP of $28,750 and includes features like a sports driving mode, heated front seats, moonroof and LED headlights. Plus, it gets a combined 49 mpg and doesn’t disappoint in power or handling.

This hybrid would be a safe ride for your loved one since it has a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. The Honda Sensing system also helps with driving safely thanks to features that warn about road and lane departures, forward collisions, blind spots, traffic signs and more.

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