Hybrid cars combine petrol engines with electric motors, and play an important role in lowering CO2 emissions. When the hybrid-engined Toyota Prius first appeared in 1997, it was seen as a bit of a gimmick, a technology that would appeal to the eco-curious, who wanted to be seen to be doing something to help the environment. That was a view that wasn’t exactly undermined by the Hollywood set who prominently adopted the Prius as a badge of eco-honour.
More than two decades later, hybrid vehicles have in many ways already been overtaken by electric cars, which are now the frontline in the low-emissions battle against climate change. Indeed, now that electric vehicles are the present, rather than the future, it puts hybrids in an awkward place. However, if you need a car that will provide a degree of electric range with the backup of an internal combustion engine then a hybrid – whether it's a standard model with a relatively small battery and a short electric range, or a plug-in hybrid car (PHEV) with a far longer EV range – a hybrid still has much to offer. Our guide reveals some of the best hybrid cars available to buy in 2024.
Best Hybrid Cars 2024
- Kia Sorento (2020-)
- BMW X5 xDrive45e (2019-)
- Hyundai Tucson (2021-)
- Ford Kuga PHEV (2020-)
- Toyota Corolla (2019-)
- Skoda Superb iV (2020-)
- Honda Civic (2022-)
- Honda Jazz (2020-)
- Toyota Yaris Cross (2021-)
- Renault Clio E-Tech (2019-)
Best Hybrid SUVs
Kia Sorento (2020-)
It may be a big, heavy SUV, but the Kia Sorento is more environmentally conscious than it looks. Under the bonnet, you get the choice of both 'self-charging' full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, which makes it easy to select the type of hybrid engine that suits you best (though we think the traditional hybrid is better than the plug-in hybrid model to drive).
On top of this, the Sorento is a fantastic family car, with seating for seven, including a genuinely usable pair of seats in the third row. What's more, all seven seats get their own USB plug sockets, and all three rows get individual temperature controls, so every passenger remains comfortable. There's a decent boot, too, even when all seven seats are in use, and if you fold down the third row, it leaves behind a huge and usefully shaped boot. Throw in the rather stylish interior, the generous equipment list even on entry-level cars, and a long warranty, and it isn't hard to see why the Sorento is one of the best hybrid SUVs around.
Kia Sorento Review
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BMW X5 xDrive45e (2019-)
The latest version of the plug-in hybrid X5 is a good example of just how quickly automotive engineering is progressing at the moment. Compared with the previous PHEV in the X5 line-up, the xDrive45e has boosted its petrol engine to a six-cylinder unit, but at the same time managed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions (although a change in testing regime to WLTP has had a part to play here). At the same time, an increase in battery size to 24kWh means that the xDrive45e has a zero-emissions electric range of up to an impressive 54 miles (officially). Which means that this is, technically speaking, the most efficient X5 ever, with an official fuel consumption figure of 235.4mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 27g/km.
This new characteristic augments the many existing reasons for buying the large BMW SUV, namely the quality, comfort, practicality and driving manners of the car, all of which are reasons in themselves to invest in an X5. The hybrid nature of the xDrive45e, though, means that if you’re in the market for a premium plug-in hybrid SUV, this has to be one worthy of consideration. However, if a big SUV like the X5 isn’t for you, then BMW also offers plug-in hybrid versions of most of its smaller models, including the BMW 3 Series saloon and X3 compact SUV.
BMW X5 Review
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Hyundai Tucson (2021-)
The Hyundai Tucson is available as a mild hybrid, a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, giving varying levels of fuel efficiency. The plug-in model is capable of a theoretical 231mpg if you make the most of its electric driving range of around 31 miles, but if you regularly take on longer journeys, the real sweet spot in the range is the self-charging hybrid model.
With 227bhp, it’s got the sort of effortless shove that used to be the preserve of turbodiesel models in this sort of SUV, yet it’s still easily capable of achieving 50 mpg economy. Inside, meanwhile, there are swish-looking display screens (one for the driver and a large central touchscreen for the infotainment system), plus plenty of kit, including a leather seering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satnav, dual-zone climate control and cruise control – even on the entry-level model.
Hyundai Tucson Review
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Ford Kuga PHEV (2020-)
With an electric-only range of up to 35 miles, the Ford Kuga PHEV doesn’t offer the longest potential emissions-free range around: cars like the Mercedes GLC or BMW X5 PHEVs can go further, but most of these rivals are much more expensive.
The Kuga can also manage up to 85mph on battery power alone, which means short dual-carriageway or motorway blasts are well within its reach. It’s also one of the most dynamically accomplished SUVs, proving to be genuinely good fun to drive.
Ford Kuga Review
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Best Hybrid Family Cars
Toyota Corolla (2019-)
Toyota was a pioneer of hybrid models, with the Prius dominating the eco-car sector of the global car market since its launch in the late 1990s. Today, most of its models have variants that are what Toyota calls ‘self-charging’ hybrids: that is, cars with petrol engines, a small battery and an electric motor that don’t require plugging in.
The Corolla is a case in point, available with two hybrid units – one with a 1.8-litre engine, the other with a 2.0-litre unit – and in hatch, saloon and estate forms. Returning between 50mpg and 55mpg, the Corolla should be frugal enough for most owners and it’s also a well-equipped car, with all models being fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with DAB, USB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Toyota Corolla Review
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Skoda Superb iV (2020-)
To put it quite simply, no hybrid out there is as comfortable as the Skoda Superb iV. The reason for this is pretty simple: the iV, which is the plug-in hybrid version of the Superb - which uses the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain as numerous other cars from fellow Volkswagen-Group brands such as Audi, Cupra and VW itself - comes as standard with Skoda's brilliant adaptive suspension system, which gives it the sort of magic carpet ride more usually reserved for luxury saloons costing three times the price. Drive it short distances, and it'll run on electric power only, meaning you get no engine noise and, therefore, a remarkably quiet driving experience. Yet on longer trips, you also have the failsafe back up of a petrol engine to ensure range anxiety simply isn't an issue.
And of course, that incredibly pliant suspension turns every motorway schlep into a breeze. This is one of the smoothest and most hassle-free ways of getting into a hybrid, then, and if you've got a charger at home, it could also be come with some of the cheapest running costs.
Skoda Superb Review
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Honda Civic (2022-)
Honda was hot on Toyota’s heels as a pioneer of the hybrid movement with the first-generation Honda Insight, and these days, many of its cars are hybrids, and that includes the excellent eleventh-generation Civic. Aside from the racy Type R hot hatch version, all Civics are hybrids, and use the same HEV hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to develop a combined power output of 180bhp and deliver official fuel economy of 60.1mpg. It delivers that power smoothly and eagerly, aided by the car’s clever gearbox, and the car is generally a very relaxed and sophisticated-feeling thing to drive. Chuck in its high-quality interior, roomy cabin, large boot, generous equipment and excellent reliability record, and the Civic is one of the finest family cars on sale today, hybrid or otherwise.
Honda Civic Review
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Best Small Hybrid Cars
Honda Jazz (2020-)
The Honda Jazz is one of the most practical small cars around. Its MPV-like one-box styling might not make it the swishest-looking supermini around, but it does make it immensely spacious, and its clever seat folding mechanism only adds to its practicality.
For the current mk4 version of the Honda Jazz, hybrid power is the only engine option. It’s not quite as economical as a Toyota Yaris hybrid or as refined as a Renault Clio, but it’ll still achieve 55-60mpg in everyday driving conditions. Plus it’s more spacious than either.
Honda Jazz Review
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Toyota Yaris Cross (2021-)
The Yaris Cross offers all the benefits of the regular Yaris supermini (a reputation for reliability, plenty of standard equipment, a solid-feel to its build quality) but adds chunky off-roader styling and a higher driving position to the package.
You can even go for a bonafide four-wheel-drive model if you need the extra traction for muddy lanes or grassy sports fields – though you will lose around 5 mpg in economy to the regular front-wheel-drive car’s 55-60mpg real-world potential.
There are plenty of small crossovers available out there, but the Yaris Cross is the best with a hybrid powertrain.
Toyota Yaris Cross Review
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Renault Clio E-Tech (2019-)
It has taken some time for hybrid technology to trickle down to smaller models, with only Toyota and Honda previously producing smaller cars with petrol-electric engines. But Renault has joined the for-now exclusive club with the introduction of the Clio E-Tech, a family hatchback that adds hybrid technology to an already impressive list of qualities. The E-Tech uses a combination of a 1.6-litre petrol engine, a couple of small motors and a 1.2kWh battery pack, to return an official fuel consumption figure of 64.2mpg and emit 98-99g/km of CO2, both of which are good for consumers who are seeking a money-saving small new car.
The hybrid system works well, with plenty of power at the disposal of the driver and near-silent electric motoring with pleasing regularity in town. Along with this level of economy and performance, the Clio E-Tech has real presence, thanks to its sharp, modern styling, while an impressive combination of ride and handling abilities should make ownership a rewarding experience.
Renault Clio Review
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