As automakers continue striving to reduce vehicle emissions, hybrid cars are becoming an increasingly popular choice for buyers who aren’t quite ready to transition to fully electric vehicles.
The best hybrid models offer improved efficiency over traditional petrol or diesel cars by integrating a combustion engine with one or more electric motors.
Although many petrol-powered vehicles now include mild-hybrid technology, full hybrids deliver the most significant benefits.
These cars can operate solely on electric power at lower speeds, such as in congested traffic, with the combustion engine only activating when absolutely necessary. This setup leads to considerable savings in both fuel consumption and emissions.
Even better, there is now a broader selection of hybrid cars available than ever before. Whether you’re looking for a compact hatchback or a spacious family MPV, there’s a hybrid option to suit nearly every type of driver.
To simplify your search, our team of experts has thoroughly tested every hybrid car currently available in the UK to determine the very best options.
1. Honda Civic
Prices from £35,005
Pros
- Efficient hybrid powertrain
- Enjoyable driving dynamics
- Improved interior quality
Cons
- Firm ride at lower speeds
- Noticeable road noise
- Infotainment system slightly outdated
One of the key reasons the Honda Civic remains one of our favorite family hatchbacks is its exceptional petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. It’s no surprise that it has also claimed the top spot in our hybrid category.
Under the hood, the Civic houses a 2.0-liter petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.06kWh battery.
This combination delivers an impressive 181bhp while allowing the car to run predominantly in electric mode during urban driving.
Inside, the latest Civic features high-quality materials and a more refined infotainment system compared to its predecessor.
The notchback design provides a spacious cabin, along with a 401-liter boot, offering ample room for four passengers and their luggage.
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2. MG3
Prices from £18,495
Pros
- Engaging to drive
- Best-in-class performance
- Strong fuel efficiency
Cons
- No reach adjustment for the steering wheel
- Hybrid system can experience occasional lag
- MG brand’s low Driver Power rating
With the supermini market shrinking, the new MG3 is set to make waves.
It offers a full-hybrid powertrain capable of achieving over 60mpg, an impressive range of in-car technology, and an engaging driving experience. The standout feature, however, is its affordability with prices starting at under £19,000.
Thanks to these attributes, the MG3 secured the Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year award at our 2024 New Car Awards. Given its strong value proposition, we anticipate it will become a significant success for the revitalized MG brand.
3. Dacia Duster
Prices from £24,350
Pros
- Comfortable ride at all speeds
- Spacious and well-designed interior
- Strong desirability
Cons
- High boot lip
- Noticeable wind noise at higher speeds
- Average Euro NCAP safety rating
The latest iteration of the Dacia Duster is more appealing than ever while still maintaining its budget-friendly pricing. Despite its affordability, the Duster comes equipped with a solid range of features, especially in the Expression trim.
This version includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing convenience and connectivity.
Thanks to its thoughtfully designed interior, this rugged and cost-effective SUV is more than capable of serving as a practical family car.
Powering the hybrid Duster is a 1.6-litre engine, sourced from parent company Renault and shared with the Dacia Jogger Hybrid, ensuring a well-proven and reliable setup.
Drivers should find it relatively easy to achieve an average fuel economy of over 50mpg, making it an efficient choice for those seeking a balance between affordability and performance.
4. Renault Clio
Prices from £21,695
Pros
- Bold and modern exterior styling
- Generous level of standard equipment
- Engaging driving dynamics
Cons
- Rear passenger space is somewhat limited
- Hybrid models have a noisy petrol engine
- Slow acceleration in the petrol-only variant
While the latest Renault Clio retains a familiar look following its recent facelift, significant improvements beneath the surface have positioned it as a strong contender in the supermini segment.
The Renault Clio E-Tech features a full-hybrid powertrain, pairing a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver 143bhp.
This hybrid setup allows the Clio to achieve over 60mpg, while also offering a 0-62mph time of under 10 seconds.
The updated model brings noticeable refinements over its predecessor, providing a well-balanced combination of precise handling and ride comfort, especially on winding roads.
The cabin quality has also been significantly improved, with premium materials enhancing the overall feel.
Additionally, the five-door-only design ensures practicality, offering enough rear legroom for adults and a generous 391-litre boot.
5. Hyundai Kona
Prices from £30,685
Pros
- Comfortable and refined ride
- Spacious interior for its class
- Available with petrol, hybrid, and EV powertrains
Cons
- Lacks driving excitement
- Hybrid and 1.0-litre versions feel underpowered
- Futuristic styling may not appeal to everyone
Although rivals are closing the gap, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid our 2023 Car of the Year remains a standout choice.
This compact SUV delivers impressive practicality for its size, while its low running costs and eye-catching design enhance its appeal as a family-friendly option.
With 127bhp under the hood and a 0-62mph time of 12 seconds, the Kona Hybrid isn’t built for thrilling performance. However, it compensates with exceptional fuel efficiency.
When tested against the Honda HR-V in a direct comparison, we recorded an average fuel economy of 58.4mpg, reinforcing its status as an economical choice.
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6. Toyota Yaris
Prices from £23,140
Pros
- Outstanding fuel efficiency
- Generous suite of standard safety features
- Well-equipped entry-level models
Cons
- Less spacious than some competitors
- Engine noise becomes noticeable under hard acceleration
- Firm suspension setup
- Small boot capacity
The Toyota Yaris follows a familiar blueprint, using a petrol-electric hybrid setup similar to that found in Toyota’s pioneering hybrid, the Prius.
The system consists of a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine, a CVT transmission, and an electric motor with a small battery, working together to optimize fuel efficiency.
Years of refinement have made this formula incredibly effective, resulting in a smooth, responsive, and fuel-efficient small car. Official figures suggest it can achieve up to 70.6mpg, and our real-world tests confirmed a figure close to that.
While primarily designed for urban driving, the Yaris also performs well on the motorway, making it a versatile and well-rounded choice within its segment.
7. Dacia Jogger
Prices from £23,100
Pros
- Exceptional affordability
- Spacious interior with seven seats
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Hybrid model has an inconsistent brake pedal feel
- Limited towing capacity for the hybrid version
- One-star Euro NCAP safety rating
When it comes to value for money, few cars can match the Dacia Jogger. If you’re in the market for a seven-seater, this model is significantly more affordable than almost any other brand-new option.
While it lacks some of the premium features found in pricier alternatives, the Jogger isn’t short on clever technology beneath the hood.
Powering the hybrid model is a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with electric motors and a multimode gearbox, delivering respectable performance while achieving up to 58.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.
According to Dacia, the Jogger Hybrid can drive in pure-electric mode for up to 80% of the time when used in urban settings.
However, there is a catch: the standard petrol version is significantly cheaper. Unless you cover a high annual mileage or require an automatic transmission, the fuel savings may not be enough to justify the extra cost. Still, as hybrids go, the Jogger remains an outstanding choice.
8. Hyundai Tucson
Prices from £35,990
Pros
- Hybrid technology enhances efficiency
- Impressive onboard tech
- High-quality, premium interior
Cons
- Plug-in hybrid version is expensive
- Engine becomes noisy at high revs
- Lacks an engaging driving experience
While its bold exterior design may not appeal to everyone, there’s no denying the Hyundai Tucson is one of the most well-rounded family SUVs on the market.
So much so that it has been crowned Mid-size SUV of the Year for four consecutive years at our New Car Awards.
The Tucson Hybrid features a 1.6-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor, delivering a combined 212bhp. For a spacious and tech-laden SUV, its fuel efficiency remains impressive.
Much like its Kia Sportage sibling, the Tucson focuses on ride comfort rather than sportiness, making it a relaxed and enjoyable companion for long-distance driving.
Inside, the cabin feels premium, with high-quality materials and a generous range of standard features, reinforcing its appeal as a practical yet stylish SUV.
9. Toyota Corolla
Prices from £30,505
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Sharp and precise handling
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Rivals offer more cargo space
- Rear passenger area is a bit cramped
- No plug-in hybrid variant available
Similar to the Toyota Yaris, which also earns a spot on this list, the Toyota Corolla is powered by the brand’s well-established ‘self-charging’ hybrid system, delivering a seamless blend of petrol and electric power.
Manufactured in the UK, this hatchback is available with either a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain, both of which intelligently switch between power sources while using the petrol engine to recharge the battery.
Instead of a conventional automatic gearbox, the Corolla features a continuously variable transmission (CVT), optimizing power delivery for efficiency.
For those seeking a stronger performance, the 2.0-litre model is the better choice. With 177bhp, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds.
Although this added power slightly reduces fuel efficiency and increases emissions, the Corolla Hybrid still manages to maintain an excellent balance between performance and affordability.
10. Lexus NX
Prices from £44,445
Pros
- Efficient hybrid system
- Advanced infotainment technology
- Comfortable and refined ride
Cons
- Plug-in hybrid model is expensive
- Some optional extras are costly
- CVT transmission may not suit all drivers
Taking on the BMW X3 in the luxury SUV segment is no easy feat, but Lexus has successfully done so with the NX.
The brand has long been known for its outstanding ride comfort, impeccable build quality, and top-tier customer service, and the NX encapsulates all of these attributes.
This award-winning SUV has now been crowned Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year for three consecutive years. Built upon the Toyota RAV4’s hybrid powertrain, the NX elevates the experience with a more refined design and an opulent interior.
While the Toyota RAV4 may offer better value for money, the NX makes up for it with superior refinement, whisper-quiet road manners, and luxury features.
Inside, the NX boasts one of the most advanced infotainment systems Lexus has ever produced. With the optional 14-inch touchscreen, drivers benefit from a high-resolution display, ensuring a modern and premium digital experience.