Hybrid cars are cheaper than ever as buyers turn to them for better fuel economy over petrol cars. Here are the most affordable hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on sale in Australia right now.
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Australia's best hybrid and PHEV cars, SUVs, and utes of 2024
If you’re interested in electrified vehicles rather than fully electric, here's our pick of the best new hybrid and PHEV cars, SUVs, and utes on sale in Australia.
Australian interest in petrol-electric hybrids has been growing strongly. And more recently, sales of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have steepled, albeit off a low base. If you’re wondering what hybrid and plug-in hybrids are and what they do, you’re not alone.
A hybrid – or strong hybrid as some people now refer to them to distinguish them from mild hybrids like the 48v Toyota HiLux that we tested recently - can’t be plugged in like an electric car and it can only run briefly on electricity alone.
However, hybrid does provide palpable fuel economy and performance gains because the electric motor (or motors in some cases) assists the petrol engine (hybrids are usually petrol rather than diesel), especially at slow speeds – most obviously when you’re in busy traffic.
PHEVs are like EVs in that they can be recharged externally and run on electricity alone emissions-free for as little as 15km to over 100km depending on the size of the battery.
Both hybrid and PHEV vehicles offer the reassurance of an internal combustion engine, which can help drivers avoid the range anxiety associated with EVs. Here’s our pick of the best new hybrid and PHEV cars, utes and SUVs currently for sale in Australia.
The best hybrid and PHEV cars, SUVs, and utes on sale in Australia
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid boasts impressive fuel economy in the small compact SUV category.
Best small compact hybrid vehicle: Hyundai Kona Hybrid
Many of the features that we rate in the standard Hyundai Kona petrol models translate to the hybrid version, so it’s a hard small compact SUV to go past.
And then it adds impressive fuel economy to the mix from its petrol-electric hybrid powertrain to sweeten the deal. It’s claimed to be even more economical than its arch-rival, the Toyota Corolla Cross.
You pay extra for the hybrid’s frugality compared to the standard petrol Hyundai Kona, so it’s swings and roundabouts on the financial side. There are four Kona hybrid models to choose from, so there’s a good spread of pricing starting from under $40,000.
One of the coolest things about the Hyundai Kona is it’s a big vehicle for the small compact SUV segment that is a big enough to comfortably fit a family of four plus a reasonable amount of luggage. There’s also a solid amount of equipment even in the entry-level model, especially safety equipment.
Note: The Hyundai Kona misses out on the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating because it was marked down for both pedestrian protection and its drive assist function.
The Hyundai Kona range also has an overspeed monitor that bing-bongs away incessantly. It's an annoying meander through the infotainment screen to turn it off every time the car is turned on. A fix in the form of a shortcut button is coming soon.
Also consider this small SUV: Toyota Yaris Cross
The smallest Toyota SUV is also its cheapest. It is an acceptable drive that brings with it more space and useability than its close relation, the slightly cheaper Toyota Yaris hatch.
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid mid-size SUV has been eagerly awaited by Australian car buyers.
Best medium hybrid vehicle: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
There’s a reason Australians have been willing to wait years to get their hands on the current generation Toyota RAV4 - one of Australia's best-selling cars. It's a great medium SUV.
Not that long ago, Toyota bit the bullet and made its entire RAV4 range petrol-electric hybrid, which reflected what buyers wanted. Rather than being a bit of an after-thought in the line-up (like the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V), the Toyota RAV4 hybrid comes in a comprehensive range of front- and all-wheel drive models spread over nearly $20,000.
That pricing is not uncompetitive with its rival either. And it’s backed up by excellent rate of depreciation and servicing pricing that make it even better value.
While the economy of the hybrid – another cost saver - is one of the Toyota RAV4’s primary talking points, the rest of the driving package shapes up very well in terms of ride and handling. It’s a lovely drive.
There’s also plenty to like about the cabin. Space is generous including the boot, and Toyota has finally caught up on infotainment tech, with good functionality.
Perhaps spec-for-spec the RAV4 gives up some equipment to rivals, but that’s one of its few detractions.
Also consider this medium SUV: Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai really wants to bite into Toyota’s massive sales success with the RAV4 Hybrid with its Hyundai Tucson mid-size SUV.
But as good as the Tucson is, it’s not going to do it on vehicle quality alone. Hyundai’s resorting to a serious discounting campaign to increase attention.
So, keep an eye out. The best value Tucson hybrids are the lower-priced front-wheel drives and one of those at a good price would be worth considering.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid large SUV looks big and boxy in a traditional way.
Best large hybrid vehicle: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The new Hyundai Santa Fe large SUV looks big and boxy in a very traditional way. But its petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain is very much new-age. It delivers a level of frugality these big seven-seaters wouldn’t have dreamed of achieving only a few years ago.
It combines that with a very comfortable on-road driving experience and well-presented cabin that is also spacious and comfortable.
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes in a variety of well-specced models, starting off with the entry-level two-wheel drive. The other models in the range are all-wheel drives.
Also consider this large sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Much maligned as an Uber fleet car, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is actually an impressive all-round vehicle. This four-door sedan is economical, comfortable, spacious and enjoyable to drive. No wonder the Uber drivers love them.
The MG3 is Australia's cheapest petrol-electric hybrid car on sale.
Best value hybrid vehicle: BYD Sealion 6
The BYD Sealion 6 medium SUV is not on this list because it’s a great vehicle, but because it’s got a great powertrain offered at a very competitive price. Essentially, it’s a plug-in-hybrid on offer at hybrid money.
It’s equivalent to the less sophisticated Toyota RAV4 hybrid and thousands of dollars less than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, nominally its closest rival based on technology.
In the real world, it realistically can travel for about 70km on electricity alone and that means – if you’re zealous with your recharging - plenty of round-town commuting can be completed with zero emissions. That saves you more money and aids the planet at the same time.
On top of that, the BYD Sealion 6 has a spacious and nicely presented interior, along with a long list of standard equipment that includes the BYD-signature rotating infotainment screen.
Some other aspects of the BYD Sealion 6 are less impressive. It launched with a wallowing ride and blowsy handling. But to its credit, BYD has already delivered a retune that has helped improve things, if not resolve the issues completely.
Also consider this affordable light hatch: MG3 hybrid
The new MG3 small car is Australia’s cheapest petrol-electric hybrid car and that is why it’s included.
It has its issues, including a small battery that depletes really quickly, leaving you with an over-worked and under-powered petrol engine chugging up hills. But that’s how the low pricing is achieved.
A three-star ANCAP rating is sub-standard, but it was recorded against the latest, toughest criteria and reflects a shortage of driver assistants rather than fundamental structural flaws.
More: 2024 Suzuki Swift hybrid vs 2024 MG3 hybrid specs comparison
The Lexus ES 300h is one of two luxury hybrid vehicles worth considering in Australia.
Best luxury hybrid vehicle: Lexus LS 500h
In petrol-electric hybrid form, the Lexus LS 500h combines a V6 engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Much here is exactly what you would expect from a big luxury saloon. Lots of equipment, lots of comfort, lots of space, lots of lovely trims and materials, lots of quiet, and lots of money.
The original LS400 was the first model from Toyota’s luxury sibling way back in 1990. This fifth generation LS continues the tradition of exceptional build quality.
There aren’t many hybrid luxury saloons on sale in Australia. The German brands that dominate the space have tended to go all the way to battery electric. But there is a swing coming towards hybrids, and you can expect plenty of new competition over the next 12 months.
Also consider this luxury sedan: Lexus ES 300h
There is another Lexus worth considering if petrol-electric hybrid is a prerequisite. The Lexus ES300h tries to capture the same essence as the LS, but for about $130,000 less. It falls short, but it’s still a nice, quiet and soothing place to be.
The Kia Carnival is currently the best people mover on sale in Australia.
Best people mover hybrid vehicle: Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is hands-down the best people-mover on sale in Australia today - so it makes sense the new petrol-electric version is the best hybrid people-mover.
The only problem is the hybrid is available at the very top of the Carnival range in GT-Line trim, and it is also the most expensive Kia Carnival has ever sold in Australia. That makes it a hard-sell against the more affordable diesel Carnival models.
Putting that to one side, the marvellous thing about the Kia Carnival is its ability to fit seven adults comfortably across three rows and a heap of luggage as well.
Almost as marvellous is the Carnival's interior presentation, which has shaken off any downmarket odour from the bad old days. The way the Kia Carnival rides and handles also banishes any association with the commercial vehicles that inspired many people-movers.
Also consider this people-mover: Lexus LM
The Lexus LM is the only other petrol-electric people-mover on-sale today, which means Lexus picks up this mention by default. With pricing starting beyond $150,000 and stretching above $220,000, you would have to be very, very keen.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S has plenty of power from its hybrid engine.
Best sports hybrid vehicle: Mercedes-AMG C63 S
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S - once a booming V8 sports sedan - has controversially swapped to a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. While plenty of performance fans lament the departure of the evocative 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, the latest C63’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and e-motor is a memorable 500kW/1020Nm replacement.
If you want thrust, then there’s no shortage of it with this Mercedes-Benz. The new car is faster accelerating, uses less fuel and can even run for a few kilometres on electricity alone. That allies with a sports-tuned chassis that makes it incredibly fast around corners. The smoother the corner the better though, because it can be a rough rider.
The downer is the soundtrack. Decades of V8 models have developed an intrinsic expectation of a certain type of noise from an AMG with the ‘63’ numeric. This car sounds more like a hot hatch than a rumbling sports sedan.
Also consider this hybrid sports car: Ferrari 296 GTB
It’s a Ferrari mid-engined sports car and it’s a plug-in hybrid. Not much more need be said really - it's one of the best sports cars money no object.
The BYD Shark 6 could have a profound impact on Australia's dual-cab ute segment.
Best commercial hybrid vehicle: BYD Shark 6
It’s too early to know what ongoing impact the BYD Shark 6 will have on Australia’s popular 4x4 dual-cab ute segment. But it could be profound.
The heart of the BYD Shark 6’s appeal is its plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines two electric motors with a supporting petrol engine and a sizeable high voltage battery pack. It delivers substantial electric-only range up to and beyond 60km. Then it provides reduced fuel consumption once the engine does kick in to aid the motors and recharge the battery.
The substantial battery also allows a vehicle to load (V2L) function that can run appliances as varied as barbeques and power drills. So, very handy for the campsite or the worksite.
The driving experience is a refined world away from the traditional rough riding and clattery diesel ute experience. That’s in part due to the electric motor influence, but also an attempt to make this a pleasant vehicle to drive on-road as well as capable off-road.
That comfortable behaviour can be partly attributed to an independent coil rear suspension set-up. But it also has potential negative impacts for tackling difficult off-road challenges. The BYD Shark 6 also has a low 790kg payload and 2500kg braked towing capacity, which will deter some potential buyers.
But as we are already seeing, a sub-$60,000 price allied with a strong equipment list and that powertrain’s potential, is already attracting thousands of orders.
More: BYD Shark 6 first drive impressions
Also consider this ute: GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid
Another Chinese ute drops in here simply because it’s the only other hybrid or PHEV commercial on sale in Australia at the moment.
The challenge with the GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid is the specifications read well, but it is simply not tuned cohesively enough to gain the maximum reward from all those good mechanical bits. Unless there is substantial improvement, it will soon fall off this list, because there are more electrified utes and the first hybrid vans headed our way over the next 12 months - starting with the 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV.
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