5 of Our Favorite Hybrids for Under $40,000

There’s really no reason you shouldn’t be shopping for a hybrid in 2026. A full-on EV we get. But a hybrid? The technology has been around long enough that automakers have worked out the kinks, and prices are becoming increasingly affordable. Case in point? You can get some great hybrid cars for less than $40,000.

Now is as good a time as ever to get into one, especially given the staggeringly high fuel prices that don’t seem like they’re headed downward anytime soon. Fortunately for you, we drive tons of hybrids here at MotorTrend, so we know which ones are the best to buy and the best to drive. To that end, we’ve assembled this list of five of our favorite new hybrids under $40,000 that you can buy right now.

The Civic Hybrid is presently one of our long-term test vehicles, and we can’t say enough good things about it. We drove it across the country last year, and it’s earned its keep as a reliable and affordable daily driver ever since. Average real-world fuel economy sits right around 43 mpg, and we pay about $30 each time at the gas station. The hybrid Civic sedan starts at just over $30,000, and none get above $40,000. We recommend the Sport Touring Hatchback, which gives you the nicest interior and the extra practicality that body style affords. Prices for those start at $34,790. You can thank us later.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Honda Civic Hybrid

The Corolla Cross Hybrid is a top model to consider if you don’t have a ton of stuff you regularly need to transport. For the 2026 model year, it received sharpened looks and upgrades to its functional and attractive interior. This isn’t one of those cutting-edge futuristic-tech models, it’s a subcompact SUV that simply gets the job done. There’s a quiet dignity in that, which makes the Corolla Cross Hybrid one of our favorites. If you want the top grade, the XSE starts at $35,080, and AWD is standard across the range.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

If you like the Civic Hybrid’s layout, just take that and basically drop it into a compact SUV, and you’ve got yourself the CR-V Hybrid. With added passenger and cargo volume, as well as the option of AWD, the CR-V remains a popular choice that drives and rides better than ever. Its starting price of just over $37,000 gets you into the base front-wheel-drive version, but if you want AWD, you can still stay under $40,000 with its $38,580 starting price.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Honda CR-V Hybrid

Mechanically and practically, the Crosstrek Hybrid is aces. How could it not be? The regular Crosstrek is already a perennial MotorTrend favorite. Extra low-end power from the hybrid powertrain (which also maintains mechanical all-wheel drive) makes it even better. Its only real downside is that it still uses Subaru’s outdated infotainment screen and system. Subaru keeps it simple by only offering two trims, the Sport Hybrid or the Limited Hybrid. Both stay under $40,000, so if you have $1,000 extra, go for the higher grade and treat yourself to some nicer cabin comforts.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

If you want a little more style to go with your practicality, the Tucson Hybrid is a great option that starts around $34,000. Not only do we think the hybrid is the Tucson’s best version of itself, but a very, very mild update in 2025 gave it streamlined headlights and new bumpers. Hyundai played it smart otherwise and stuck with the same impressive dual digital display, physical temperature knobs, and comfortable seats as before. Rear-seat passenger legroom is slightly compromised in favor of a big trunk, however, so keep that in mind.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid