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Are you a retiree shopping for a new ride? Well, there’s good news. You can find several reliable used cars with affordable prices, but if you’re a savvy shopper, you might want to consider a hybrid. With a hybrid vehicle comes gas savings that can make one worth buying. But retirees need to be vigilant when searching for the best used vehicle because not every hybrid model is created equally. The reality is, several hybrid models can be considered terrible options for a retiree. These cars typically have low consumer ratings and subpar reliability scores. But they can also lack value. In other words, for the money, they don’t offer the features, comfort, or longevity you expect.
Researching a vehicle you want to buy before you head to the dealership is the best way to determine if it has what you need to feel confident taking it home. Here, you’ll find details about the five worst hybrid cars for a retiree, which are the 2018 Chevy Malibu Hybrid, 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e, 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, 2022 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid, and 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid. Some of these vehicles may have year models that offer a better value, while others aren’t a good buy regardless of the year they were released. Knowing the details about these hybrid models will help you see why they’re cars you probably want to skip over at the dealership.
1. 2018 Chevy Malibu Hybrid
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The Chevy Malibu has spanned nine generations on America’s highways, but in 2024, GM announced that production of the long-standing sedan would cease in 2025. Of course, there are still lots of used options available, so it’s possible to find an older Chevy Malibu Hybrid. However, the 2018 Malibu Hybrid is a model you may want to avoid. Although it gets exceptional fuel economy, at an estimated 49 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on highways, the car has its shortcomings. According to Consumer Reports (CR), the Malibu Hybrid is less reliable than other models from 2018. And yes, everyone wants a reliable car, but for retirees on a fixed income who don’t plan to replace their car any time soon, reliability is vital.
You could pay over $10,000 for a used Chevy Malibu Hybrid, per estimates from CR, which isn’t a great deal for a car this old. Owners have complained about fuel and emissions system problems with the car that cause error codes to come on and require expensive repairs to the vehicle’s related components. Other complaints from owners involve problems with the heating and cooling system, something retirees shouldn’t have to deal with, especially if they live in a location with extreme weather. CR reports that the Malibu Hybrid has six recalls, some of which relate to key safety components like seat belts and airbags.
2. 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e
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Some cars are bound to instantly drain your retirement savings, and the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e is one of them. On Cars.com, the GLC 350e gets very low ratings for reliability from consumers, with only 57% of owners saying they would recommend this SUV. Complaints from drivers state that the car is a lemon and requires constant repairs. If you choose this vehicle, you may have problems with everything from the engine to the electrical system. The verdict on CR is that the 2019 Mercedes-Benz 350 GLCe is less reliable than other vehicles from the same year, not to mention it reportedly has 14 recalls. These recalls are for a wide range of issues, including a leaky fuel line that increases the risk of a fire, structural hazards that can cause a crash, and problems with the airbags that reduce passenger safety.
The average price for this hybrid SUV can range from $14,000 to more than $38,000. And if the vehicle requires constant repairs and maintenance, you’re looking at a huge, potentially ongoing expense for this as well. Plus, the GLC 350e’s fuel economy isn’t what you’d expect from a hybrid, at only an estimated 24 mpg combined, according to CR. So, you won’t even enjoy the gas savings that are the whole point of purchasing a hybrid in the first place.
3. 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
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If you have grandkids or friends you want to transport or hobbies that require a vehicle with plenty of cargo space, you might be considering a minivan for your next ride. However, the 2020 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid might not be the ideal choice. While the Pacifica Hybrid ties for third place on J.D. Power’s list of best minivans for its model year, it’s really not saying much since you have limited options in this vehicle class. In fact, this Chrysler minivan has a low overall rating, especially where reliability is concerned. Owners complain that the Pacifica Hybrid is difficult to get in and out of, something many retirees value in a vehicle.
Another aspect that Chrysler Pacific Hybrid drivers don’t like is that, as far as minivans go, this one doesn’t offer a lot of convenient storage spaces for personal items in the cabin. It’s possible to find used versions of this hybrid for around $15,000, but some buyers pay more than $25,000 for one. This isn’t the best value considering its numerous problems, which include the need for an electric coolant heater replacement. CR says that the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is less reliable than other vehicles in this model year, but the vehicle isn’t considered reliable for most of its model years.
4. 2022 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid
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BMW is a luxury car brand that retirees frequently regret buying. Whether it’s the rapid depreciation, expensive insurance, or high repair and maintenance costs, BMWs aren’t a cheap car to own. Retirees living on a tight budget will especially want to avoid the 2022 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid. Although the IIHS gives the X5 Plug-In Hybrid a superior score for front crash prevention, certain models receive a poor score for headlights. Because the ability to see well in low-light or in the dark is vital for retirees, this hybrid is one of the worst cars you can buy. Combine this with the fact that the lane-keep and lane departure systems aren’t great, and it can make for a very stressful drive.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid only gets an estimated 30 miles of electric-only range and just 20 combined mpg, neither of which is an impressive number for a high-end, luxury vehicle. The SUV is less reliable than its competitors from the same year, too, with owners complaining about electric drive failure and several issues related to the engine. On Edmunds, prices for a used 2022 X5 Plug-In Hybrid are close to $40,000, which is nearly $20,000 off the hybrid’s original MSRP, but by no means cheap for a budget-minded shopper.
5. 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
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For the 2023 model year, the Lexus RX Hybrid got a complete redesign. Unfortunately, this didn’t help with the car’s overall quality. Although the car looks sleek and sporty, it suffers from reliability issues and a lack of cargo space. Check Consumer Reports, and you’ll discover the 2023 RX Hybrid is less reliable than its competitors. And with only a few years under its belt, having two recalls doesn’t bode well for this car’s future. The backup camera could fail to display an image on the infotainment screen, increasing the potential for an accident, not to mention making you have to crane your neck to look around. CR also mentions the airbags in the Lexus RX Hybrid are problematic, putting your safety at risk when you’re behind the wheel.
Kelley Blue Book states that only 50% of consumers would recommend this car, so you should definitely think long and hard before bringing a 2023 RX Hybrid home. Another reason retirees may want to avoid this particular Lexus model is that it doesn’t come cheap. CR reports the average price for an RX Hybrid could run you close to $50,000, and while a 2023 car might last you for many years, you don’t want to be saddled with one that’s plagued with problems requiring constant repairs. Paying out of pocket for costly repairs isn’t conducive to living frugally in retirement or stretching your dollars to make them last.
