3 Long-Lasting and Flexible Used HEVs and PHEVs to Explore

Are you in the market for a pre-owned, highly fuel-efficient vehicle? Here at North Bay Ford, we have tons of used EVs for sale in various body styles to meet the demands of our diverse customer base, as we recognize that more drivers are taking an interest in models that don’t rely entirely on fuel. Given the ever-increasing price of gas and concerns about carbon emissions, we’ve welcomed a growing number of customers asking us about EV options, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Many of our customers are surprised to learn that models they might already be familiar with in their traditional gas engine forms are available with a hybrid option. While a new wave of electrification is sweeping the nation and bringing many new and expensive EV models with it, some of these models have been available with these alternative powertrains for a while, which means you can find great deals on used options. Let’s explore some of the top used hybrid options available on our lot and see if we can get you into a reliable, budget-friendly entry point into the world of electrified driving.

The Ford Escape PHEV: Commuter’s Dream

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that adventurers, commuters, and small families love, chiefly because its small footprint makes it easy to weave through crowded streets and squeeze into tight parking spots. Whether you live in the city, battling for street spots every day, or your office just stuck you with that tricky corner spot, the Escape will get in without much effort. Even as a traditional gas engine model, the Escape already sees tremendous MPGs, thanks to its small size. While the Escape toyed around with plug-in hybrid engines as far back as 2008, it wasn’t until 2020 that we saw the Ford Escape Hybrid reappear in its current and greatest incarnation.

Before we get into the specifics of the hybrid engine, the Ford Escape Hybrid is still a Ford Escape, and plenty of benefits can be found above the hood. Practical drivers love the configurable cargo spaces of the Escape; for such a small SUV, it offers big packing possibilities. When the rear seats go down in the Hybrid, you get up to 60.8 cu.ft. of space for your backpacks, foldable bikes, and more. Navigating various environments is also a breeze in the Escape, thanks to its standard five drive modes: Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery, or Deep Snow/Sand. Between these drive modes, you can confidently navigate powder-covered roads, rainy days, and even desert environments.

Now, let’s get to what you really want to know: what makes the PHEV so special? In addition to the five standard drive modes we discussed, the PHEV adds four EV modes: EV Now, EV Later, EV Charge, and Auto EV. EV Now delivers on-demand, instantaneous, all-electric operation that can completely substitute gas in a pinch. EV Later makes precise adjustments to conserve EV range while leaning more heavily on the gas for longer trips down the highway. EV Charge switches over to gas while allowing you to keep charging your battery while you’re driving. EV Auto is a smart mode that analyzes conditions and decides how best to balance your engine’s use of electricity and gas to provide the most consistent, efficient performance.

When fully using both electric and gas, a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid with front-wheel drive (FWD) can get an EPA-estimated combined 102 MPGe between city and highway driving. Even without electric, however, the Escape’s lithe frame can get you a combined city/highway 41 MPG on gas alone. According to the EPA, this same Escape Hybrid with this setup can save you upwards of $4,000 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle. If you’re a budget-savvy commuter looking for an easy entry into hybrids, a Ford Escape Hybrid from 2020 or newer can be a lifesaver.

The Ford F-150 HEV: Efficient & Powerful

Need the utility of a pickup truck but don’t want to deal with the traditional poor fuel economy of this body style? Consider looking into a hybrid Ford F-150! Introduced with the 2021 model year, select models of the fourth-generation F-150 can be equipped with a 3.5L turbocharged PowerBoost V6 HEV, which delivers the powerful capabilities of the F-150 that you’re likely already familiar with but with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. While most trim levels above the XLT can be equipped with this hybrid powertrain, the XLT delivers the most bang for your buck.

The F-150’s 3.5L HEV clocks in at 430 hp with 570 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to tow up to 12,700 lbs when properly equipped. This powertrain is available with both two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, but even with 4WD, it still gets an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 25 MPG. By and large, the most fuel-efficient way to drive an F-150, this setup is still ready to help you transport that massive piece of equipment across a job site or that trailer full of windsock between locations. Plus, with a payload of 2,120 lbs, it can hold all kinds of gear, tools, and materials in its sturdy pickup bed.

Beyond just fuel efficiency and power, one reason we recommend a hybrid XLT, in particular, is the ability to turn your truck into a power generator. When equipped with the 3.5L HEV, the F-150 XLT can deliver up to 7.2kW of power from the available Pro Power Onboard generator, the highest available power output across the whole lineup. That enables you to use appliances like a laser printer, hammer drill, or reciprocating saw on-site, even when all the power outlets are occupied. If you’re a worker who frequently works remote jobs away from conventional power sources, you can get immense value from your truck if you invest in this combination, and its availability stretches across used models as far back as 2021, saving you plenty of money on the sticker price!

The Toyota Prius Prime: Ultimate Technology

We’ve looked at a hybrid SUV and a truck, but what about a hybrid sedan? Let’s return to one of the original tastemakers on the EV scene, the Toyota Prius. Originally just an HEV, Toyota introduced the first generation of the Prius PHEV back in 2012, renaming it to the Prius Prime in North America for its second generation beginning in 2016. While 2023 brought us the latest and greatest third-generation Prius PHEV, the second-generation Prime from 2016 to 2022 has much to offer those drivers searching for better technology in an uber-efficient ride.

Like the Ford Escape HEV, the Prius Prime offers several EV modes: EV Mode, EV Auto, and HV. EV Auto will decide whether EV Mode or HV is best for your driving conditions. EV has you driving in all-electric mode. HV mode combines the power of the battery and gas engine for excellent fuel efficiency. The second generation Prime gets an EPA-estimated combined city/highway fuel economy of 133 MPGe when using electric and gas and 54 MPG on gas alone.

The Prius Prime’s interior will surprise you, too. Its cabin is spacious and comfortable, providing terrific legroom for all passengers. Newer used models can get you access to some amazing comfort and convenience features, such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless integration. Many describe the Prius PHEV as deceptively small because you won’t feel cramped once you’re inside.

One of the main advantages of the Prius Prime is its technology. It boasts a large touchscreen where you can view your smartphone apps. Available premium sound systems enable you to enjoy your audio files, like audiobooks, podcasts, and music, even more. Well-placed charging ports let everyone power up devices on the go, while an available wireless charging pad lets you leave the USB ports at home. We highly recommend this model to commuters who want a model that’s easy to park yet, spacious inside, and packed with technology.

Find Your Ideal Used EV at North Bay Ford!

Ready to take a used EV for a test drive? Visit us at North Bay Ford, where we’ll show you many options that fit your needs and budget! The Ford Escape PHEV is a terrific compact SUV ready for road trips, thanks to its neutral towing powers and flexible cargo space. The F-150 HEV delivers functional perks to industrial folks, with some serious towing and payload figures, as well as a handy onboard generator. The Prius Prims has commuters covered with a spacious, comfortable interior and tons of tech to keep you connected. Whatever your choice may be, you’ll never be lacking in affordable ways to get in on the electric evolution!