Hybrid cars are the most popular type of vehicles in the US market. In the American car market of 2023, hybrid cars have surpassed both pure electric cars and plug-in hybrid cars in terms of sales volume and growth rate. Japan has been at the forefront of technology research and market promotion in the field of hybrid cars in the international automotive industry. So, which Japanese brands offer the best value for hybrid cars?
Hybrid cars mainly use a combination of fuel engines and electric motors to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining vehicle power. The advantages of hybrid cars are not only reflected in energy savings and environmental protection but also in reliability and flexibility. The advanced structure and sophisticated manufacturing of these vehicles have greatly improved their driving performance.
According to data from the research website Edmunds, hybrid cars sell on average in 25 days from dealers, almost three times faster than electric cars and twice as fast as gasoline-powered cars.
Cox Automotive predicts that the share of hybrid cars in the U.S. market will reach 14% in 2024, surpassing pure electric cars at 10%. Standard & Poor’s Global Mobility Company forecasts that hybrid car sales in the US will more than double in the next 5 years, reaching over 24% of new car sales by 2028.
In the development of hybrid car models, Japanese automakers have provided consumers with a wider range of styles and comprehensive features, offering customers an increasingly better driving experience.
Toyota leads the hybrid car market. Up to now, Toyota has introduced 26 hybrid models in the US, with almost all popular models having hybrid versions. In 2023, Toyota’s global sales reached 11.23 million vehicles, a 7.2% increase compared to the previous year. Toyota has been the world’s highest-selling car manufacturer for four consecutive years, with hybrids playing a crucial role. In 2023, Toyota’s hybrid car sales surpassed 3 million for the first time, a 31.4% increase from the previous year, reaching 3.42 million vehicles, becoming the main driver of Toyota’s sales growth.
For those considering purchasing Japanese hybrid cars, here are the five most valuable Japanese hybrid cars recommended by the GoBankingrate website.
Starting Price: $29,045
Miles per Gallon: 57 city/56 highway
Toyota’s Prius introduced hybrid technology 20 years ago, becoming one of the most well-known hybrid cars with outstanding fuel efficiency and reliability. Known for its Toyota Hybrid System (THS) technology, the Prius has been the top choice for eco-conscious drivers. The Prius starts quietly and smoothly, allowing drivers to experience advanced hybrid technology.
“All About Wheels” automotive expert Blake Shaw told the GoBankingrate website: “It offers excellent fuel economy, a proven track record, and spacious interior.”
According to RepairPal, the Prius’s yearly maintenance and repair costs are only $408, much lower than the average for mid-sized cars.
Starting Price: $29,495
Miles per Gallon: 44-51 (estimated)
The next generation of America’s best-selling sedan, the Toyota Camry, will all be equipped with a hybrid system, a bold move by Toyota to push hybrid technology into the core of the US market. The 2025 Camry will combine a 2.5-liter gas engine with an electric drive system, providing more power for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.
Shaw points out that the Camry, both the hybrid and non-hybrid versions, is known for its balanced performance and excellent fuel economy. As a mid-size sedan, the Camry offers comfort and efficiency.
Starting Price: $26,855
Miles per Gallon: 55 city/49 highway
The Honda Insight, originating from the 2007 FCX Clarity concept car, combines a 1.3-liter gas engine and a thin, brushless electric motor for efficient and eco-friendly performance. This 5-seater sedan cleverly combines the 1.3L i-VTEC engine with the IMA electric motor, achieving a balance between power output, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. The Insight is a reasonably priced and reliable daily driver.
The Honda Insight also receives praise for its maintenance and repair due to its ease of servicing.
Starting Price: $28,990
Miles per Gallon: 51 city/48 highway
The Accord hybrid made its debut in the 2023 model year and remains a highly refined, spacious, and practical vehicle. Throughout years of competition in the midsize sedan market, the Accord has proved its dominance alongside the Toyota Camry.
Overall, the Accord is a well-built, easy-to-drive vehicle that runs quietly. It is a comfortable and fuel-efficient car, perfect for long road trips. Like many Japanese hybrid cars, the Accord exhibits a relatively low depreciation rate, with good resale value.
Starting Price: $43,190
Miles per Gallon: 43 city/44 highway
Compared to the other four models, the Lexus ES hybrid has a higher starting price but is still much cheaper than other luxury brands. Global average annual sales of the ES hover around 150,000 units, respectable but in line with its positioning.
Equipped with both a 2.5L and a 2.4T hybrid engine, the ES showcases a luxurious and tech-savvy design. Standard features include a wide range of connectivity and convenience options such as in-car cloud navigation, dual Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay integration, Sirius XM, and more. Additionally, the ES offers ample interior space, ideal for long-distance travel.