10 Worst Hybrid Cars if You Hate to Spend Money on Maintenance [2026]

Chris AdamSun, March 29, 2026 at 2:05 PM UTC

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One of the smart money moves if you own a car is to buy a car with low repair costs. You can get a good idea of how much maintenance and repairs may cost by looking at a car model's reliability ratings.

If you're in the market for a hybrid vehicle and prefer to spend less money on maintenance, here are some hybrid versions of popular autos to avoid, along with their manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).

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1. Ford F-150

Ford F-150 lightning electric truck

Mike Mareen/Adobe

MSRP: $39,330

This beloved vehicle gets little love from Consumer Reports, which gives it a reliability score of just 7 out of 100. Critics have also taken the F-150 to task for its noisy hybrid powertrain.

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2. Hyundai Santa Fe

hyundai santa fe hybrid

Courtesy of Hyundai

MSRP: $36,400

When it comes to reliability, the Santa Fe has some catching up to do before it matches peers in its segment: Consumer Reports gives the vehicle a reliability score of 46.

Reviewers have also complained that the Santa Fe doesn't handle well and that it can be a bit noisy on windy days.

3. Lexus TX

lexus tx

Courtesy of Lexus

MSRP: $81,760

The TX is a luxury midsize SUV. J.D. Power gives the vehicle an 81 out of 100 score for quality and reliability.

Reviewers say this vehicle does not offer the luxury of some other vehicles and that it doesn't have great acceleration.

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4. Honda CR-V

honda cr v hybrid on the run

Courtesy of Honda

MSRP: $35,630

You may be surprised to see this popular vehicle on the list. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports says drivers can expect just average reliability with the car, giving the CR-V a 54.

Reviewers have complained that the interior is nothing special and that the vehicle is a bit short on new technology.

5. Toyota Highlander

toyota highlander hybrid

Courtesy of Toyota

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MSRP: $47,320

Consumer Reports gives the Highlander a 75 score for reliability. Reviewers have also noted a lack of space in the third row and a ride that is not always smooth.

6. Mazda CX-50

Mazda CX-50

Courtesy of Mazda

MSRP: $34,750

Consumer Reports comes down hard on the CX-50, giving it a reliability rating of 47.

Reviewers criticize the vehicle for a lack of passenger space and the fact that it is a bit pricier than some of its competitors.

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7. Lincoln Nautilus

white lincoln nautilus hybrid

Courtesy of Lincoln

MSRP: $53,955

Consumer Reports expects the Nautilus to be less reliable than the average car, giving it a reliability score of 57. That should give shoppers pause before purchasing the vehicle.

Reviewers lament that the most desirable features are only available in the vehicle's top trim. They also have criticized the car's controls as being overly fussy.

8. Kia Sportage

kia sportage hybrid

Courtesy of Kia

MSRP: $30,490

The Sportage earned just a 56 reliability rating from Consumer Reports. Critics are not impressed with the Sportage's design and its lack of zip.

9. Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tuscon

Courtesy of Hyundai

MSRP: $32,450

The Tucson's reliability score is just 53, according to Consumer Reports. Reviewers say the Tucson lacks horsepower and that fuel economy lags compared to some of its competitors.

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10. Ford Escape

ford escape hybrid

Courtesy of Ford

MSRP: $33,890

Consumer Reports says the Escape is likely to be less reliable than the average car. Its reliability score is in the basement, 21. Reviewers have been critical of the hard plastic interior that gives the vehicle a "cheap" look.

Bottom line

Steering clear of the less-than-reliable cars on this list might help you to keep more money in your pocket over the years.

If you want to cut your car costs even further, save on car insurance by shopping around for the best deal. Buying a vehicle with a good reputation for reliability might also lower your insurance costs.

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Source: “AOL Money”