If you’re aiming to cut down on fuel consumption and lower your running costs but aren’t quite ready to make the leap to a fully electric vehicle, a hybrid car might be the ideal middle ground. But let’s set aside the best hybrid cars for a moment—what if your main priority is simply finding one of the cheapest hybrid cars available?
Fortunately, the hybrid market has expanded significantly, offering options in various forms—from compact superminis to spacious family SUVs.
And the good news is, modern hybrid technology doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Keep reading as we break down the most affordable hybrid cars currently for sale.
Hybrid vehicles provide many of the advantages of electric cars, such as short-distance electric-only driving, while still offering the range and convenience of a traditional petrol or diesel engine.
Now that hybrid tech has been in mainstream use for over 30 years, opting for a budget-friendly hybrid doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or fuel efficiency.
There are three primary types of hybrid vehicles on the market today: mild hybrids, full hybrids, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Nearly every car featured in this list is a full hybrid—often referred to as a ‘self-charging’ hybrid—which means you won’t need to rely on public charging infrastructure or install a charger at home.
To keep things straightforward, we’ve left out mild hybrids, since this tech is now commonly found across many manufacturers and models.
Each car on this list has been comprehensively tested, with close attention paid to elements such as overall quality, driving dynamics, and day-to-day practicality. Our detailed impressions are included below to help you figure out which affordable hybrid car might be the best fit for your needs.
10. Honda Jazz – £26,885
Honda skipped the trend of equipping its smaller vehicles with small turbocharged engines and instead went straight to hybrid power for the latest Jazz model. It’s powered by a self-charging hybrid system that pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors.
Transitions between pure electric drive and petrol engine power are almost imperceptible. However, where the Jazz really shines is in its practicality.
Like earlier versions, the new Jazz is smartly packaged and features Honda’s innovative ‘Magic Seat’ system. These allow the seat bases to flip up, opening up a large vertical space behind the front seats.
It comfortably seats four adults and still leaves a fair amount of boot space—304 litres to be exact—for their belongings. The entry-level version doesn’t skimp on tech, either. Standard equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and LED lighting.
9. Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid – £26,699
In the crowded small SUV segment, the Suzuki S-Cross often gets overlooked in favour of better-known names like the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Kamiq. Still, it holds its own when it comes to value for money—especially in hybrid form.
The S-Cross has a sharp exterior design, but its practicality takes a hit as a result. Rear seat passengers may find space a bit tight, and the boot, at 430 litres, is merely average.
For reference, the Qashqai offers more than 500 litres of luggage space, making it a stronger contender for family buyers who frequently travel with cargo. That said, the S-Cross does come well equipped, boasting a solid lineup of in-car tech and a full range of safety features right from the base model.
It’s also impressively light and nimble for its class, making it enjoyable to drive, and it’s capable of returning up to 54.3mpg. For those who enjoy a bit of off-road capability, a four-wheel-drive version of the S-Cross Hybrid is available, though it comes at a significantly higher price.
8. Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid – £26,199
The Suzuki Vitara sets itself apart from other models in the brand’s lineup by steering clear of Toyota’s tried-and-tested hybrid tech. Instead, everything under the skin of this compact SUV has been developed solely by Suzuki.
The result is a 133bhp 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain capable of delivering up to 53.2mpg. However, it falls short in terms of smoothness and refinement when compared to Toyota’s hybrid systems.
One major drawback of the Vitara Full Hybrid is its automated manual gearbox, which often responds sluggishly at exactly the wrong time.
That said, if you’re willing to overlook these shortcomings, the Vitara still has a lot going for it. It boasts attractive styling, solid build quality, and comes generously equipped as standard.
Features like adaptive cruise control, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are all included. Suzuki’s reliable ALLGRIP four-wheel drive system also provides confidence behind the wheel, particularly in challenging weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice.
7. Toyota Yaris Cross – £24,840
Toyota has long been a leader in crafting efficient small hybrids, and the Yaris Cross continues that legacy with a fresh perspective. It combines the strengths of the Yaris hatchback with a larger, more versatile body style, offering increased practicality without sacrificing efficiency.
This blend makes the Yaris Cross a standout option for small families. It’s cost-effective too, capable of achieving fuel economy well above 60mpg and keeping emissions under 100g/km of CO2. Even the base-level Icon trim is well-equipped.
On the road, the Yaris Cross retains the easy-driving character of its smaller sibling, and with its standard reversing camera, parking is a breeze—even in tighter urban spaces.
6. Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid – £24,895
The second-generation Renault Captur has maintained its position as one of our top picks among small SUVs. In fact, it was named Small SUV of the Year at the Auto Express New Car Awards in both 2020 and 2021.
The hybrid variant, known as the Captur E-Tech, shares its drivetrain with the Clio supermini, along with a number of other components.
The system is made up of a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors—one of which can power the wheels directly, while the other assists with gear changes to make them smoother.
To accommodate this hybrid technology, a bit of the Captur’s practicality has been compromised, but the E-Tech version still comfortably fits a family of four along with their luggage.
5. Mazda 2 Hybrid – £23,955
If the Mazda 2 Hybrid looks suspiciously like the Toyota Yaris to you, you’re not wrong—this model is essentially a rebadged Yaris. The similarities extend beyond appearance too, as both cars feature the same 114bhp 1.5-litre full hybrid powertrain.
Even though Mazda has recently refreshed the 2 Hybrid’s styling, the core elements remain nearly identical to its Toyota counterpart, with pricing and trim level differences being the main distinctions.
Across the board, the Mazda is the more expensive option. That said, the 2 Hybrid performs well in city environments—it’s fun and hassle-free to drive, and it spends a good portion of time running in electric-only mode, which helps it return over 65mpg with little effort.
.While the Yaris might initially look more appealing due to its lower price, it’s wise to explore finance or leasing offers for both models before making a decision.
Just bear in mind that neither the Mazda 2 Hybrid nor the Yaris excels in terms of high-speed refinement, so if you regularly drive on the motorway, you may want to consider alternative options.
4. Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140 – £22,995
The Dacia Jogger stands out not only as one of the most affordable hybrid cars on the market today but also as one of the least expensive seven-seaters available.
It offers families generous interior space, low running costs, and a fair amount of in-car equipment for a very competitive price. What’s most impressive, however, is that this fuel-efficient hybrid system doesn’t compromise the car’s practicality in any way.
Admittedly, the Jogger’s utilitarian, van-like styling won’t win any beauty contests, especially compared to some of the sleeker SUVs on this list.
But if you’re shopping for a hybrid family vehicle, few can rival the versatility this car delivers—especially at this price point. It can even achieve over 55mpg according to the WLTP combined cycle.
When the battery begins to run low or the car exceeds 43mph, the 1.6-litre petrol engine seamlessly takes over. The handover between electric and petrol power is handled smoothly, with no noticeable jolt or disruption.
3. Toyota Yaris – £22,640
Unlike many of its rivals that treat hybrid technology as an optional upgrade, the latest Toyota Yaris comes exclusively as a hybrid. That turns out to be a great fit for this compact car, especially in urban environments where it operates in electric-only mode more often than you’d expect.
We compared the Toyota Yaris head-to-head with the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid in our hybrid supermini twin test and managed to record a real-world fuel economy figure of 56.2mpg.
While the Yaris’s 114bhp can feel a little underpowered on motorway journeys, it truly excels around town thanks to sharp and responsive steering. If you’re considering a supermini—whether hybrid or not—the Yaris deserves serious attention.
2. Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid – £21,495
The newest Renault Clio is available with an ‘E-Tech’ hybrid setup, and prices kick off at just under £22,000. Despite this competitive entry price, the Clio is generously equipped with a broad range of features.
You get LED headlights, cruise control, a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital driver display, and a solid selection of safety features—all as standard.
The hybrid system pairs Renault’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, delivering an official fuel economy of up to 64.2mpg.
In our own real-world testing, where we compared the Clio hybrid with the Toyota Yaris, the Clio achieved 58.5mpg. On the road, it offers brisk acceleration—138bhp helps it go from 0-62mph in under 10 seconds, which makes motorway merging smooth and stress-free.
With its precise steering and comfortable ride quality, the Clio stands out as one of the most competent options in the small hybrid class.
The Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid is a well-rounded and efficient small hatchback that combines practicality with impressive fuel economy. At its core, the E-Tech system uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors, creating a full hybrid setup.
This configuration allows the car to run in electric-only mode at lower speeds and seamlessly switch to petrol power when needed.
On paper, the Clio E-Tech can return up to 64.2mpg, while real-world testing typically sees figures closer to 58.5mpg, putting it on par with other top-performing hybrids in its class.
Despite being one of the more affordable hybrids on the market—starting at just under £22,000—the Clio doesn’t feel like a budget option.
It comes well-equipped as standard, offering features like LED headlights, cruise control, a seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital instrument cluster behind the wheel. There’s also a strong showing on the safety front, with numerous driver-assistance systems included.
Performance is brisk for a hybrid supermini, thanks to the combined output of 138bhp, which enables a 0-62mph time of under 10 seconds. This makes motorway driving relatively easy, while the Clio’s sharp steering and smooth ride quality shine in urban and suburban settings.
The hybrid setup doesn’t overly compromise interior space either, meaning it remains a solid choice for small families or commuters looking for low running costs and everyday usability.
1. MG3 – £18,495
At present, the MG3 holds the title of the UK’s most affordable hybrid car by a noticeable margin. But being the cheapest doesn’t mean skimping on features, comfort, or equipment—far from it.
As standard, the MG3 is one of the best-equipped, most economical, and most enjoyable-to-drive models in its category.
Unlike many of its competitors, the MG3 places a strong emphasis on electric motor usage over the petrol engine, making the overall driving experience feel more like an EV than a traditional hybrid. Even when the petrol engine steps in, the switch is subtle and barely noticeable.
According to official figures, the MG3 hybrid can manage 64.5mpg, though in our real-world test drive, we achieved 55.4mpg. That puts it in line with budget-friendly rivals like the Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris.
Despite its compact footprint, the MG3 doesn’t feel cramped. Rear passengers benefit from generous head and legroom, and there’s ample in-cabin storage with various compartments spread throughout.
It also impresses on safety: all models include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. Build quality is solid overall, and it’s backed by a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind.