What are the best hybrid cars?

Electric cars are almost certainly the future but, right now, hybrid cars look like a great option for many of us. More fuel-efficient than a pure petrol or diesel car but cheaper than an electric car – and without any range and charging woes – the best hybrid cars offer an excellent compromise. 

We’re focusing on conventional, or ‘self-charging’ hybrid cars here, rather than mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars. A conventional hybrid combines a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor (or motors) to drive the car. Most can run on electric power alone for a short distance, but usually the two power sources work together. There’s no need (and no way!) to plug in a conventional hybrid – all you need to do is keep it topped up with fuel. And because the electric motor is there to share the load, hybrid cars usually give you great mpg!

How we chose these cars

Using our expertise, we’ve selected what we think are the best hybrid cars you can buy. All of these are available to buy new, but most have been around for a few years so you can find used examples that will cost you a bit less. We’ve included options to suit a variety of budgets, with everything from small hatchbacks to family-friendly SUVs.

1. Renault Clio

The Renault Clio has always been one of the most chic and sophisticated small cars and the latest version is all that and more. Go for the Clio E-Tech model and it’s also one of the best small hybrid cars around, offering a smooth drive, good acceleration and average fuel economy of almost 70mpg, according to official figures.

Stylish inside and out, the Clio is also very well equipped and has an excellent touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. There’s decent space for four adults inside and although the hybrid has a smaller boot than petrol versions it still has a more  generous capacity than most other small cars.

2. Lexus NX 350h

Lexus has been making hybrid SUVs longer than any other car brand and it shows – the latest Lexus NX 350h is a luxurious mid-size SUV that feels brilliantly engineered. It’s quiet and comfortable to travel in, and gives you all the equipment and performance you’d expect of a premium-badge SUV.

While it’s not cheap, the NX feels like a high-quality product that’s built to last. Chances are it well, because Lexus cars have a reputation for reliability that’s second to none. On top of that, its new cars come with a market-leading ten-year/100,000-mile warranty if you have them serviced every year by a Lexus dealer.

3. Dacia Duster

If you’re one of those canny shoppers that can’t resist a bargain look no further than the Dacia Duster. Since the first model arrived in the UK in 2012 it’s been arguably the best-value SUV in the UK, giving you a mid-size SUV for the price of a small hatchback. 

The third-generation Duster went on sale in 2024. It’s the best yet and the first to be available with hybrid power. Although it costs a bit more than before it remains outstanding value and brings this budget-priced family car bang up to date in terms of design and tech.

4. Toyota Yaris

Toyota has been a pioneer in hybrid technology, selling more than six million Toyota Prius models since the model went on sale way back in 1997. Yep, that’s nearly thirty years ago (don’t we feel old)! All of that know-how feeds into the latest Yaris, a compact hatchback that’s only available with hybrid power. 

Thanks to its dinky dimensions (and a standard rear-view camera) the Yaris is dead easy to park and makes a great city car. Better still, the electric motor can power the car for short, low-speed journeys so you may be able to nip to the shops and back without using the petrol engine at all. Although it's small the Yaris feels solid and sturdy on the road and, because it’s a Toyota, it’s likely to be very reliable. It also comes with warranty cover for up to 10 years from new, as long as you have it serviced every year at a Toyota dealer.

5. Kia Niro

Unusually, you can buy the Kia Niro as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure-electric car so there’s a version to suit everyone. The Niro Hybrid costs the least to buy and is as easy to recommend. 

It doesn’t hurt that the Niro looks great, with a sharp-edged exterior design that blends hatchback and SUV elements and is available in some appealing colour combos. It’s just as smart inside, as well as being especially comfortable and spacious. The Niro is also good to drive and very well priced, while the seven-year warranty it comes with when new is a lot longer than the three-year cover you get with many rival cars.

6. MG 3

MG has become well-known for its budget-priced pure electric models but it now offers the cheapest new hybrid car on sale in the UK – the MG 3. It’s not just a bit cheaper, either. As of February 2025 the starting price for an MG 3 is £3,000 less than the next-cheapest, the Renault Clio.

Although arguably not as stylish as the Clio, the MG 3 offers similar space inside and it’s quick and smooth to drive. The interior has a smart touchscreen infotainment system and even the most-basic model has support for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing sensors and a rear-view camera. Running costs should be low and you get the reassurance of a (much) longer-than-average seven-year warranty from new.

7. Dacia Jogger

A second Dacia model has made its way onto this list because we simply couldn’t overlook the amazing value that the Dacia Jogger represents. It’s the cheapest brand-new seven-seater car in the UK and although the hybrid model costs a fair bit more than the petrol version it still has a remarkably low price considering how much it gives you for the money. 

You certainly get a lot of practicality, with space for seven adults across the three rows of seats. The pair of third-row seats can be folded to give you a larger load space, or removed altogether to create a boot that’s bigger than you get with most estate cars and mid-size SUVs. Having a large family can be an expensive business, but while many seven-seat family cars are costly to buy and run, the Jogger is just the opposite.

8. Toyota C-HR

Toyota is known for its eminently sensible hatchback and SUV models, but it also produces the C-HR – a futuristic mash-up of coupe, hatchback and SUV that’s one of the most striking compact crossovers around. 

The C-HR is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a stylish, compact car with a bit of pizazz. That wild styling means things feel a bit claustrophobic in the back, but the C-HR has space for four adults and a decent boot. There’s a choice of two conventional hybrid C-HR models, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. Stick with the entry-level conventional hybrid and you still get decent performance, along with official fuel economy of more than 60mpg.

9. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is one of those cars that keeps reinventing itself and the latest version is its best incarnation yet. Introduced in 2022 (fifty years after the first one!), this Civic is a hybrid-only model with sleek and sporty looks.

It’s longer than rival cars such as the Volkswagen Golf and has lots of legroom in the back, while it’s also got a larger-than-average boot. The interior is a cut above most hatchbacks’ too, with a premium look and feel and easy-to-use layout. To top it all, it’s really rather excellent to drive, with great acceleration, a responsive feel through corners and a smooth ride. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey, but every version is well-equipped and very fuel-efficient.

10. Hyundai Kona Hybrid

You can get the Hyundai Kona with a petrol engine or with pure-electric power but the Kona Hybrid is arguably the best of the bunch. More powerful and more fuel-efficient than the petrol version, it’s a brilliant little SUV that offers enough space for families and excellent value for money.

The exterior has an appealingly futuristic look and the interior is similarly high-tech, with a touchscreen display and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cheapest version is very well equipped, while mid-range models have a wireless phone charging pad, heated front and rear seats and even a heated steering wheel.