Best value hybrid cars
Those who aren’t quite ready for full-electric vehicle ownership may want to consider a cheap used hybrid for two reasons.
The first is they are cheaper to buy, and the second is they might suit your current lifestyle better because you have an engine to back you up.
If you're not ready to ditch fuel completely, having an engine to supplement your electric power can offer peace of mind.
Here are 10 of the best, cheapest hybrids you can buy in 2024:
Toyota Auris
When it comes to buying a hatchback, Brits often overlook the Auris because we don’t know it all that well, but it’s actually one of Toyota’s finest.
In many ways, the Auris a smaller version of the RAV4 SUV, which is no bad thing. Power comes from a 1.8-litre petrol engine that’s mated to an electric motor to produce a combined 135hp.
This means the Auris in hybrid form returns 74.3mpg – very impressive for a family hatch.
BMW i3
The i3, which is the smallest car BMW makes, also happens to be one of the best. It's a Range Extender electric car, which essentially makes it a hybrid.
Power comes from a 125kW electric motor that’s mated to a two-cylinder petrol engine that acts as the range extender.
BMW claims its official economy rating is 471mpg, which would make it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on British roads today.
Plus, you can find plenty of used BMW models at impressive prices.
Lexus CT 200h
When Lexus launched the CT 200h hybrid, a handful of German carmakers began to panic because another really good hybrid hatchback had entered the scene.
It’s powered by the same setup as the Toyota Auris, allowing it to perform well, maintain efficiency, and produce up to 55.3mpg.
Inside, the CT offers a sportier and more luxurious look than the Toyota – after all, it is the car giant’s luxury sister brand.
Learn more about electric car charging:
Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid
We’re all familiar with the standard Renault Clio, and the only thing that separates the E-Tech apart is its electrical assistance.
Powering the E-Tech is the usual 1.6-litre petrol engine you’d expect to find under a Renault Clio’s bonnet but with the addition of two electric motors and a small 1.2kWh battery.
This is a mild hybrid, which means one of the electric motors helps the car to accelerate and the other helps the engine to start. It’s a very clever system that also helps out with fuel economy.
Hyundai Kona Hybrid
Self-charging hybrids suit most people, and the Hyundai Kona Hybrid is no different. It’s powered by a 105hp four-cylinder petrol engine that’s mated to a 43hp electric motor.
Hyundai claims the Kona Hybrid will return up to 60mpg and that it can launch itself from 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds – pretty impressive for a large hatchback that’s nearing a small SUV.
What’s more, it comes with some excellent interior technology and features to improve your driving experience.
Toyota C-HR
Small crossovers have taken the UK by storm in recent years, with the Toyota C-HR leading the charge.
Not only does it offer great bang for your buck, but this hybrid family car is also very economical, offering up to 60mpg. This is thanks to its reliable power setup that either comes as a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engine.
As for its hybrid side, the C-HR runs the same self-charging/full hybrid system as the Prius, making it very reliable and a car to drive around towns and cities.
Watch our BMW 3 Series Hybrid review:
Hyundai IONIQ
The Hyundai IONIQ comes as either a fully electric car or a plug-in (PHEV) hybrid. The PHEV variant is the one to go for if you aren’t ready to jump into full EV ownership because it’s still economical and has the backing of an engine when you need it.
On electric power alone, the Hyundai IONIQ can travel up to 39 miles on a single charge, thanks to its 8.9kWh battery.
On top of its great efficiency, the IONIQ comes with some excellent kit as standard, including a touchscreen display and smartphone connectivity.
Mitsubishi Outlander
If you like the size of an SUV but want the efficiency of a smaller car, then the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a car you should consider.
Not only does this Mitsubishi have one of the largest cabins of any affordable hybrid, but the Outlander is also cheap to run and highly efficient.
Powering it is a 2.4-litre petrol engine that’s mated to an electric motor to produce a combined 230hp, which is plenty to shift its mass.
Additionally, thanks to the electric motor, it’s capable of travelling up to 28 miles in full-EV mode – an impressive figure for a car weighing just shy of two tonnes.
Honda Jazz
You may have heard of the Honda Jazz before, but if you haven’t, then check your nan’s driveway – nans love them, and rightly so.
Honda has given the mighty Jazz a splendid petrol-electric hybrid system that uses two electric motors that work alongside its 1.5-litre engine.
Like the Toyota Yaris, the Jazz has a self-charging hybrid system, which means it can drive on electric power at slow speeds but not for long periods of time at higher speeds like a plug-in hybrid.
Toyota Prius
If you go to any major city in the UK, you will notice that the streets are littered with Toyota Prius, and that’s for one very good reason – they’re great hybrids.
For less than £20,000, you can pick up a great used example that’s powered by a splendid self-charging hybrid system. This comprises a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor that produces a combined 122hp and returns up to 83mpg, according to Toyota.
It’s also very practical, which is reflected in its boot space and clientele of mostly taxi drivers, which once again proves the Prius’s efficiency, low running costs, and space.
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