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Purchasing a used plug-in hybrid, also known as a PHEV, has many benefits. For starters, you will save a lot of money on gas, especially if you tend to drive long distances. In addition, used plug-in hybrid vehicles are typically more affordable than buying a brand-new PHEV or going the full-electric route. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book put together a list of the best used hybrid plug-in models for sale for under $20,000. Let’s see which models made the cut. 

1. 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in

It might be challenging to find the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In for under $20,000, but according to Kelley Blue Book, it’s a used PHEV worth hunting for. It gets 119 MPGe and 52 mpg in hybrid mode. Plus, it can drive up to 29 miles on electric power only and has up to 630 miles of total range. Add in features such as Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, and navigation, and it’s no wonder the 2018 Ioniq Plug-in landed the top spot on Kelley Blue Book’s list.

2. 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in

A light green 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in parked in front of a building
2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in | Toyota

Even though the 2015 model is a bit older, the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-in is still an excellent vehicle to consider buying used. It can travel 11 miles on its battery and a total of 540 miles. It also gets 95 MPGe or 50 mpg combined when it’s in hybrid mode. Kelley Blue Book also lauded the PHEV for its “legendary popularity and reliability of the Prius hybrid line.”

3. 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is the oldest model on Kelley Blue Book’s list of the best used plug-in hybrid vehicles under $20,000 and may be hard to come across. However, according to the outlet, it’s one of the most efficient used cars on the list, getting 115 MPGe and 46 mpg in hybrid mode. Plus, it has a total range of up to 570 miles. 

4. 2016 Chevy Volt

While the 2016 Chevrolet Volt doesn’t have “plug-in hybrid” in its title, it’s still an efficient vehicle that landed a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s list of the best used plug-in hybrid cars under $20,000. The 2016 Volt delivers 106 MPGe, 53 miles of electric range, and 42 mpg in hybrid mode. All in all, you’ll get an impressive 420 miles of total range behind the wheel of this PHEV. 

5. 2017 Ford C-Max Energi

A red C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicle parked
Ford C-MAX Energi | Ford

The Ford C-Max Energi is a hatchback model that gets 95 MPGe, 20 miles of all-electric range, and 39 mpg when in hybrid mode. In total, it delivers a total range of 570 miles. As a bonus, some used Ford C-Max Energi models come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

6. 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

You might have a hard time finding the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid priced under $20,000, reports Kelley Blue Book, but much like other used plug-in hybrid vehicles on the list, it’s worth the search. This compact crossover gets 105 MPGe, 46 mpg, 26 miles of electric range, and a total range of 560 miles. It also comes outfitted with features like a UVO3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a rearview camera.

7. 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid

The 2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid is sleek from the inside out, says Kelley Blue Book. This model delivers 103 MPGe and 40 mpg combined, 29 miles of all-electric range, and 610 miles of total range. This used plug-in hybrid also comes equipped with many standard features, including a 5-inch LCD screen with a rearview camera, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth, and more.

Is buying a used plug-in hybrid worth it?

Yes, a used plug-in hybrid is undoubtedly worth the investment. Kelley Blue Book states, “They blend the green, quiet, around-town driving of an EV with the road-trip range and capability of a gasoline- or diesel-powered car thanks to their generally high overall efficiency, even when operating in hybrid mode.”   

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