The best plug-in hybrids you can buy used for $25,000

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In the past few years, I’ve logged thousands of testing kilometres in various Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) models in a wide range of conditions. Of these, I figure three amounted to the most compelling choices for shoppers seeking their first plug-in powered vehicle.

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The Honda Clarity impressed with good highway manners, a striking cabin, pleasing power output, and a generous EV range of about 70 kilometres on a full charge. In my Northern Ontario locale, that all-electric range is sufficient to get many drivers completely off of gasoline for their daily commuting and errands.

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The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was another favourite. I plugged this AWD-equipped crossover in before bed every night, loaded it with camping gear, headed to the cottage, and toured around Northern and Central Ontario with it for two weeks. I found this to be another compelling plug-in for families, and reported that it was the most important vehicle I drove in 2019 since it put affordable PHEV power right where Canadians wanted it: into a high-value, AWD-equipped crossover. With a full battery, look for about 35 kilometres of all-electric driving range.

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Finally, the Toyota Prius Prime. This plug-in variant on the Prius nameplate gives drivers all-electric capability for shorter trips. Like the Outlander PHEV, Prius Prime lets drivers charge whenever they like, with a full battery good for about 40 kilometres of all-electric range. No other automaker has as much experience with hybrid cars as Toyota, making the Prius Prime a popular pick amongst shoppers looking for maximum long-term confidence in their investment.

Each of these machines will seat four adults comfortably, boasts a flexible and easy-to-use cargo area, and should satisfy the needs of shoppers after a fuel-free commuter, gas-sipping family-runabout, and the like. 

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If you’re wondering, each model includes a wide range of must-have safety and connectivity equipment, and of the three, I’d call the Outlander and Prius Prime the best picks for owners of larger dogs.

Below, let’s look at what $25,000 gets you on a used example of one of these machines, and at some useful tips and pointers to consider as you shop second-hand.

2017-2021 Honda Clarity: Maximum EV range and comfort 

Honda will discontinue the Clarity after model-year 2021, though at this writing, units still appear on their website with a starting MSRP of $44,505 before rebates and incentives. 

If you’re sold on the Clarity’s comfortable drive and generous EV range, your $25,000 will get you a two- to three-year-old unit with mileage between about 50,000 and 70,000 kilometres. Of the three used models on this page, the Clarity seems to be the most limited in supply, meaning shoppers set on one should plan to shop patiently and check often for availability of newer units.

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Some Clarity owners have reported issues with foul-smelling or non-functional air conditioning, inaccurate fuel tank readings, wonky windshield wipers, and difficulty connecting to certain chargers. Most have not.

On your test-drive, connect the Clarity to several chargers, confirming that each begins charging without error messages or other trouble signs. Confirm that the windshield wipers are not able to contact the windshield pillars when in use. Confirm proper operation of the air conditioner over a prolonged period, and note that a foul smell from the AC system has been reported by some owners as a sign that the system requires professional cleaning, and could be a sign of mould build-up.

Any concerns? Have the vehicle checked out professionally before you buy, as it could save you thousands.

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Note that numerous owners have reported that dealer software updates and diagnostics were key in eliminating electronic problems across multiple vehicle systems. For this reason (and others), a used Clarity that’s been regularly dealer-serviced is less likely to give you headaches.

PRO TIP: Did you know that some hybrid cars have an air filter for their battery pack? Not everyone does. That’s why you should always check your owner’s manual and get familiar with its specific maintenance requirements. If the battery air filter in your hybrid clogs, you could experience performance problems with your car, or incur damage. 

To learn how to keep your new-to-you hybrid ticking for the long haul, always familiarize yourself with all maintenance requirements in the owner’s manual.

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2018-2021 Toyota Prius Prime

From the world’s most popular hybrid car line comes the Toyota Prius Prime, adding PHEV convenience to the fuel-sipping Prius driving experience. At this writing, a 2022 Prius Prime has a starting price of $33,550, before rebates and incentives. 

Selection is fairly generous, with plenty of choices between about $23,000 and $27,000 on units with approximately 20,000 to 50,000 kilometres of service under their belt. Many units are available through a Certified Pre Owned (CPO) program at Toyota dealerships, which requires used cars to meet higher quality standards before they’re sold than units sold privately.

Some shoppers prefer to buy their used cars from CPO programs for added peace of mind. Others do not.

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Some owners have reported problems with leaky rear hatches, premature corrosion of braking system parts, inoperative cruise control, inoperative multimedia connectivity, and premature degradation of the vehicle’s standard 12-volt battery. Most have not.

On your test-drive, remove all items and covers from the cargo area, checking for water pooled down in the lower portion of the Prius Prime’s body, beneath the cargo area cover. Check all carpeting for signs of moisture. Double- and triple-check all electronic features, including safety features, keyfobs, Bluetooth connectivity, and all media connections.

PRO TIP: Like many hybrids, the Toyota Prius Prime has both a large hybrid ‘traction battery’, and a more familiar 12-volt battery that’s used to power certain on-board electronics. Numerous owners have reported disappointment with the lifespan of the factory-installed 12-volt battery, noting that cascading electronic gremlins are likely across multiple vehicle systems as the battery dies. 

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Ensuring the 12-volt battery in your Prius Prime is healthy, and connecting it to a battery conditioner when it’ll sit for extended periods, can improve its life-span, improve vehicle reliability, and save you money.

2018-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the only second-hand plug-in on our list to include both AWD and fast-charge capability, adding value for shoppers by way of winter-ready traction and the ability to recharge more rapidly on the go. 

Model-year 2021 sees a battery and driveline update that adds more power and range, though pricing starts around $44,000, before rebates and incentives. Second-hand shoppers will find decent selection around $25,000, usually on a unit that’s done between 30,000 and 60,000 kilometres.

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Some owners have reported trouble with charge doors, charging connections, and micro-switches used to operate the on-board charging system. Most have not. On your test-drive, connecting to multiple chargers and monitoring the response from the vehicle can reveal potential trouble that might cost you money.

Most owners rate their used Outlander PHEV highly, and systematic and worrisome complaints are relatively difficult to track down — which is encouraging given the Outlander PHEV’s high sales volumes. Translation? So far, owners seem to be experiencing few if any problems — though test-driving shoppers should still be sure to double-check all interior electronics, including the climate control system and all power door locks, for proper operation.

PRO TIP: Because of how hybrids work, braking system components such rotors and calipers may be at elevated risk of corrosion and wear depending on how the vehicle was driven, and how well the braking system was maintained. 

Especially when test-driving a used PHEV that’s been driven in a salty Northern climate, be sure to visually inspect exposed braking system components for signs of excess rust, and listen for any unwanted noises during braking on your test-drive.