Three Used Hybrid Hondas to Look For
Honda has always been at the forefront of automotive technology. It’s one of the reasons we love this brand so much. While some might think of other names when they think of pioneers in the hybrid space, did you know that Honda has been making hybrids for well over 20 years now and was the first manufacturer to offer a hybrid for sale in America? That’s right. Honda has been innovating in the electrified powertrain space for decades now. It’s why we’re able to carry so many used hybrid vehicles for sale from Honda.
Every day, we welcome shoppers who want to drive a hybrid-electric vehicle, but not all have the same taste or needs out of their model. So, we strive to keep a diverse selection of pre-owned hybrid Hondas on our lot. Today, we’d like to talk about three Honda hybrids to look for when shopping for an efficient used vehicle. What they do all share, though, is gas-electric powertrains that let them achieve excellent fuel economy. And who doesn’t love that? Let’s dive in and see which one could fit your needs.
#1 – The Accord Hybrid
Since 1976, Honda has been bringing the Accord to its loyal customers. It started as a little three-door hatchback, and many of today’s Accord drivers wouldn’t even recognize the original. Over the years, it evolved into the stylish, spacious, and smooth-handling midsize sedan that many know and love today.
When we say people love it, we mean it. The Accord has been among the best-selling vehicles in America for five decades and has been recognized in Car and Driver’s 10 Best lists 38 times, which is more than any other model.[a][b] As for the hybrid variant that got its start in 2005, its two-motor system won the “Ward’s 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” award for 2023.[c]
The Accord Hybrid left the Honda lineup between 2008 and 2013, but when it came back in 2014, it was available as a coupe or sedan—an interesting era in the Accord’s history. Today, it’s back to just being a sedan and a really comfortable one at that. We particularly like the 2021 model, which saw an update with more tech features. The Accord also has tons of trims with all sorts of personalities. We recommend luxury lovers check out the Touring, which gets you leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and 19-inch wheels.
We can say that many professionals like the Accord because of its sophisticated styling and spacious backseat. Anybody would be proud to pull up to an important meeting in the Accord. In addition to great style, it’s important to note that tall passengers would be content in the second row. As for the million-dollar question on every hybrid shopper’s mind: what sort of fuel economy does the Accord get? The EPA estimates that Honda Accord Hybrid models built from 2017 through the 2024 model year have a combined fuel efficiency rating of 47-48 MPG.[d]
#2 – The CR-V Hybrid
Honda introduced the CR-V to American drivers in 1997. Little did the brand know it would be kicking off a legend in the compact SUV space, with the CR-V becoming a pillar in the Honda lineup. However, it wouldn’t be until 2020 that CR-V fans finally got a hybrid offering. Since then, the hybrid has been a very fun addition to the Honda family. In fact, the CR-V Hybrid was the first Honda hybrid to have all-wheel drive, combining show stopping fuel economy with impressive traction for drivers who cover a lot of ground.
If you hop in a CR-V Hybrid and you’ve driven the traditional gas-engine variant, you’ll instantly notice that the hybrid has a little more kick. That’s because the CR-V Hybrid gets a slight horsepower boost compared to the gas option. We like showing this to drivers because many have the misconception that hybrid variants will always be weaker than their traditional gas siblings, but the CR-V busts that myth. In fact, it surprises performance-minded drivers again with its Sport mode, which boosts engine performance and handling. As you’d expect, this performance doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency, with the 2020 CR-V Hybrid getting an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined.[d]
The 2020 CR-V Hybrid has four trims: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. We feel that the EX gives you the best bang for your buck. It costs only slightly more than the base-level LX but adds 18-inch wheels, a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, a sunroof, and some other goodies we’ll show you in person. The good news is that all trims enjoy Active Noise Cancellation for a quiet, peaceful drive.
#3 – The Insight
You’ll notice we didn’t add the descriptor “hybrid” after the name because it would be redundant. The Insight was Honda’s first dedicated hybrid model and was never offered with a traditional gasoline powertrain. Sadly, Honda discontinued this peppy little vehicle in 2022 after 22 great model years, but it’s still a great buy when shopping used.
The original Insight, which was released for the 2000 model year, had just two doors and a hatchback body style. Rear-seat passengers would have to crawl past the first row to get settled. Luckily, Honda remedied that, and after a brief hiatus between 2007 and 2009, the Insight returned to the lineup as a four-door sedan with a liftback design.
What it’s always been, though, is a compact vehicle that’s easy to park and maneuver in congested streets. The Insight is known for smooth handling and delivering a pleasant behind-the-wheel experience. The 2022 model has just two trims: the EX and Touring. As with the CR-V EX, the Insight EX brings tons of great standard features, so we believe drivers will like the value-per-dollar this model delivers.
Used Insight models are very well-priced, so shopping pre-owned options can gain you access to serious savings. The 2022 variant has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 52 MPG combined and an amazing 55 MPG in the city, the best of any Honda model from that period.[d] We must say those are some impressive figures, and you can thank the vehicle’s small frame and powerful pair of motors for that.
Explore Honda’s Hybrid Lineup at Klein Honda
Ready to find the perfect used hybrid model for your lifestyle? We carry a huge inventory of pre-owned Honda hybrid models for every driving style and need. We would love to show you just how diverse Honda’s gas-electric powertrain vehicles are. In a world where fuel prices are so unpredictable, we understand the value of driving a hybrid, and that’s why we’re working around the clock to bring in more efficient used models.
Whether you want the smallest of sedans or an all-wheel drive SUV, we have plenty of hybrid Hondas for you to check out. If you already love a particular Honda model, visit us and see if we carry a hybrid variant. If you’re new to Honda, we can help you find the right model because we’re experts on this brand’s lineup. We can’t wait to see what other hybrids Honda is working on, but for now, there are plenty of older vehicles to explore. Visit us and drive off in a used Honda hybrid today!