Best hybrid cars on sale 2024
With more hybrid cars on the market than ever before, these are the best ones to buy
As car makers continue their efforts to cut their emissions, hybrid cars are an increasingly popular alternative for buyers who aren’t quite ready to make the switch to an electric car. The best hybrid cars on sale offer better efficiency than regular combustion-powered cars, and our experts have thoroughly tested every hybrid car you can buy in the UK in order to decide which are the very best.
Best hybrid cars
- Honda Civic
- MG3 Hybrid+
- Renault Clio E-Tech
- Hyundai Kona Hybrid
- Toyota Yaris
- Dacia Jogger Hybrid
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Qashqai e-Power
- Lexus NX
1. Honda Civic
- Prices from £35,000
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A large part of the reason why the Honda Civic is one of our favourite family hatchbacks is down to its brilliant petrol/electric powertrain, so it’s no surprise that it’s also managed to scoop the top spot in our hybrid category, too. Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre petrol engine that works alongside a pair of electric motors and a 1.06kWh battery. Not only does that mean there’s a very healthy 181bhp on tap, but around town it’ll also spend the majority of its time driving in full-electric mode.
Inside, the latest Civic combines high-quality materials and a much slicker infotainment system than its predecessor. The notchback bodystyle – with a spacious cabin and 401-litre boot – also offers plenty of space for four people and their luggage.
2. MG3 Hybrid+
- Prices from £18,500
- Best value for money
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The supermini market is dwindling, but the new MG3 looks set to create shockwaves given that it offers a full-hybrid powertrain capable of returning over 60mpg, a huge amount of on-board tech and a genuinely fun driving experience. The best news, though, is that all of this starts from less than £19,000.
It’s because of this that the MG3 bagged our Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year gong at our 2024 New Car Awards, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see it become a big seller for the rejuvenated brand.
3. Renault Clio E-Tech
- Prices from £21,600
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On the outside, the Renault Clio is very much an evolution of its predecessor, especially following its latest facelift. But big changes under the skin have brought it right to the sharp end of the supermini market. The Renault Clio E-Tech features a full-hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to generate 143bhp.
The E-Tech achieves over 60mpg and sprints from 0-62mph in under 10 seconds, plus the rest of the package is a marked improvement over the old car. The Clio is relatively engaging along twisting roads, and the well judged suspension offers a decent blend of precision and comfort. Cabin quality is particularly strong, too, and the five door-only bodystyle provides enough rear legroom for adults, and a large 391-litre boot.
4. Hyundai Kona
- Prices from £30,400
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Although the Hyundai Kona Hybrid’s rivals are starting to catch up, our 2023 Car of the Year is still a top buy. Not only does this small SUV offer an impressive level of practicality for its size, but its low running costs and distinctive appearance also help to make it an appealing family car.
It certainly won’t set pulses racing with its 127bhp power output or 12-second 0-62mph time, but the Kona Hybrid more than makes up for its lack of driving excitement with some impressive efficiency figures. We achieved an average of 58.4mpg when we tested the Kona Hybrid against the Honda HR-V in a twin test.
5. Toyota Yaris
- Prices from £22,600
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The basic template for the Toyota Yaris’s petrol/electric set-up is largely similar to the brand’s first production hybrid, the Prius: an Atkinson Cycle petrol engine (in this case a 1.5-litre unit) drives a CVT transmission with assistance from an electric motor and a small battery.
But constant honing of that formula has resulted in a superbly smooth, lively and efficient small car. Officially it’ll hit as much as 70.6mpg, and we achieved a figure very similar to that during testing. Better still, the Yaris is among the more fun cars to drive in its class. While it’s more suited to getting around town, the small supermini can also hold its own on the motorway, making it a sensible all-rounder.
6. Dacia Jogger Hybrid
- Prices from £23,000
- Best for families
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There’s no doubt about it, the Dacia Jogger offers incredible value for money. If you want a seven-seater car, it’s much cheaper than almost any other brand-new alternative. You will miss out on some of the luxuries in pricier rivals, but it’s not short on tech under the bonnet.
A 1.6-litre petrol engine works alongside electric motors and a clever multimode gearbox to deliver reasonable performance and return up to 58.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. According to Dacia, the Jogger Hybrid can run in pure-electric mode for up to 80 per cent of the time when you’re driving in town. There’s only one downside here; the base petrol model is thousands of pounds cheaper, so unless you do huge miles (or you really need an automatic car), you’re unlikely to recoup that cost with lower fuel bills. But as hybrids go, it’s still a star.
7. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
- Prices from £35,600
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Its bold styling won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but there’s no denying the Hyundai Tucson’s deep-seated quality as a family SUV. In fact, it’s so good that we’ve named it our Mid-size SUV of the Year for four years on the trot now at our New Car Awards. The Tucson Hybrid utilises a 1.6-litre electrically assisted powertrain with 212bhp, and its efficiency figures are respectable for what is a roomy, tech-packed machine.
Like the Kia Sportage, the Tucson drives with finesse without veering towards sportiness, and its relaxed gait makes it a pleasant companion for long trips. Inside you’ll find a well built, attractive cabin that offers a generous level of standard kit.
8. Toyota Corolla
- Prices from £30,500
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Much like the Yaris that also appears on this list, the Toyota Corolla is another model that’s now powered by the brand's tried-and-tested ‘self-charging’ petrol-electric hybrid technology.
The British-built hatch is offered in 1.8 and 2.0-litre guises, both of which automatically shuffle between their two power sources and use the car’s petrol engine to charge the battery. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) takes the place of a traditional automatic gearbox, and this helps to make the most of the drivetrain’s power. Those craving a little more punch will be best catered for by the 2.0-litre model. With 177bhp on tap, 0-62mph takes just 7.9 seconds. Fuel economy and emissions do take a slight hit as a result of the increased power, but this model still offers a great balance of performance and low running costs.
9. Nissan Qashqai e-Power
- Prices from £34,400
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The Nissan Qashqai is a firm favourite among mid-size SUV buyers, and the latest model takes a big step up from its predecessor. Not only does it look far more distinctive than any Qashqai before it, but this family-friendly SUV also comes with a sizable helping of kit thrown in as standard. It isn’t too horrifying when it comes down to price, either.
Although the standard petrol models are reasonably refined, it’s the e-Power that’s the star of the Qashqai show. Its unique range-extender hybrid powertrain still uses a petrol engine, but this only provides charge to the electric motors, which drive the wheels. The result is a smooth driving experience combined with lower emissions and a headline fuel economy figure of 54mpg.
10. Lexus NX
- Prices from £44,500
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Outgunning BMW in the premium or luxury SUV sector is no mean feat, but Lexus has done exactly that with the NX. The firm has always drawn in customers with its exceptional comfort, superb build quality and impeccable dealer network, and the NX embodies these qualities in an X3-beating package that’s won our Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year award three times in a row.
The NX wraps the Toyota RAV4's powertrain tech in a more opulent, refined SUV, and while the Lexus is objectively the superior car, the more affordable Toyota is better value. Nevertheless, buyers will appreciate the NX's hushed road manners and suave interior, which features the slickest tech suite we've used in a Lexus. With the optional 14-inch touchscreen set-up, you certainly won't be wanting for more pixels.
How to choose the best hybrid car
Choosing a hybrid car of any kind rather than a conventionally powered alternative needn’t be the big step that many might fear.
As with the purchase of any new vehicle, it’s sensible to assess your annual mileage, and to consider what you’ll use your car for. If you’re a lower-mileage driver, the running costs of a conventional petrol hybrid could make it a sound alternative to a petrol or diesel car, but if you plan to rack up motorway miles, a regular diesel or even a diesel hybrid might make more financial sense.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) tend to be more expensive than self-charging hybrid models, but you could well recoup the extra if you regularly travel shorter distances purely on electric power, thanks to their bigger batteries. If your budget allows, a PHEV makes a lot of sense as a zero-emissions, zero-fuel commuter, all the while offering the option of covering longer distances with acceptable fuel economy once the engine has kicked in. Just be warned that driving a PHEV for extended periods without charging the battery can lead to very poor efficiency.
Current industry trends mean that SUV buyers are spoilt for choice, but those after other forms of hybrid transport have a little less to choose from. Our list covers most bases, but you won’t find many hybrid city cars or sports cars, for example.
As hybridisation spreads through more car makers’ ranges, it’s likely that choice will continue to expand exponentially. If you’re buying your next family car and want to take a step towards a lower carbon footprint, or just lower running costs, there’s a lot to get excited about.
Now read our list of the best electric cars to buy...
