What are the best small hybrid cars in 2025?
By Ben Welham
Last updated: 21 February 2025
A new breed of small hybrid cars is looking to regain the crown of the most popular motors on British roads after the rise of SUVs, but what are the best picks?
Sure, SUVs might be all the rage, but it’s hard to beat the all-rounder nature of the humble hatchback or the nippiness of a little city car – especially if you’re on a budget.
And, with a hybrid, you’ll crank those savings up to 11 with cheaper running costs while getting extra poke from the added electric power.
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The best small hybrid cars you should buy:
Mazda 2 Hybrid
MG3 Hybrid
Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
Peugeot 208 Hybrid
Honda Jazz e:HEV
Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid
CUPRA Leon e-HYBRID
Best small hybrid cars
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Mazda 2 Hybrid
Self-charging hybrid – 74.3mpg
If you’re after a compact yet stylish city car, you can’t go wrong with a Mazda 2.
There are a range of different trims on offer, from the cheaper (but slightly more basic) SE-L to the Sport.
As for its hybrid setup, it’s powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and can achieve more than 70mpg, which isn’t to be sniffed at.
Read our Mazda 2 review
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MG3 Hybrid
Self-charging hybrid – 62.8mpg
After recently undergoing a drastic change, the MG3 is now one of the best small hybrid cars on sale today.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine that can achieve up to a properly frugal 62.8mpg.
Plus, later versions from 2024 are very highly equipped with features such as a large screen and updated switchgear, and drive very well for such a small car.
Read our MG3 review
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Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid
Self-charging hybrid – 54.3mpg
Renault has been selling the Clio since 1990, and it’s been one of its most popular models ever since.
But what makes this one different – despite looking the same as the standard one – is that hybrid power.
Speaking of which, power comes from a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a solid self-charging hybrid system operated by a small 1.2kWh battery.
The battery might not sound like much but it’s enough to help the engine out and to set off in pure electric mode, helping it achieve up to 54.3mpg.
Read our Renault Clio review
Best Small Cars To Buy 2025 | 12 Top Hatchbacks
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Toyota Yaris Hybrid
Self-charging hybrid – 68.8mpg
Pretty much the whole point of buying a hybrid is to be as fuel efficient as possible, and that’s also a big part of why you buy a Toyota – more specifically, a Yaris Hybrid.
Toyota’s Yaris is a hatchback that’s been around for decades, so why should you care about this one? Well, because now it’s a hybrid, and it’s ideal for those who enjoy driving and appreciate efficiency.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor that add up to 116hp. This should get you up to 68.8mpg, which is very impressive.
Read our Toyota Yaris review
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Peugeot 208 Hybrid
Mild hybrid – 58.2mpg
Peugeot has long been the king of the small car, and since it started making the 208 in 2012, it’s continued to shine.
The 208 Hybrid, in either Allure or GT trim, is spot-on for anyone in need of a small car to get around in that’s handsome and great on fuel.
Plus, the small steering wheel and sporty seats give it that classic go-kart feel.
Read our Peugeot 208 review
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Honda Jazz e:HEV
Self-charging hybrid – 62.8mpg
You can only buy a new Honda Jazz as a hybrid now, but that isn’t a bad thing. The Jazz has been popular on British roads for years – just ask your nan, she’s probably owned one.
The Jazz is only offered with one engine option now, and that’s a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to two electric motors and Honda’s e:HEV battery pack, creating a total of 109hp.
The Jazz is a self-charging hybrid, so you don’t need to worry about plugging it in, but you can still travel short distances on electric power alone – pretty impressive. Equally impressive is the 60mpg you’ll get from this plucky little Honda.
Read our Honda Jazz review
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Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid
Mild hybrid – 60.1mpg
Since the Fiesta went off sale in 2023, the Vauxhall Corsa has been given a huge opportunity to shine, and it’s grabbed it with both hands.
Available as a petrol, hybrid or electric car, it’s more versatile than ever, without compromising on what’s made it a mainstay for over 40 years. It’s affordable, charming and gets the job done.
Our pick of the bunch is the Corsa mild hybrid, which is powered by a 1.2-litre engine and can achieve up to 60.1mpg.
Read our Vauxhall Corsa review
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CUPRA Leon e:HYBRID
Plug-in hybrid – 217.3mpg*
At first glance, you may think that the Cupra Leon is just any other hatchback, but you’d be mistaken. This is actually part of a new breed of plug-in hybrid hot hatches – one of the first of its kind.
It’s similar to the Volkswagen Golf in that it’s powered by a 150hp 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to a 114hp electric motor for a healthy total of 245hp.
Being a plug-in hybrid, the CUPRA Leon is capable of up to 37 miles on a single charge, which places it near the top of its class.
Is there anything this stylish Spanish hatchback can’t do?
*This is based on electric power alone, so in the real world, you can expect around 40mpg.
Read our CUPRA Leon review
Used hybrid cars for sale
If you’re in the market for a used hybrid car, we have plenty of options available.
With a 14-day money back guarantee and a 90-day warranty, you’re getting a faff-free motor entirely online.
Want to come and see us in person? Head down to a cinch Store to see a car in the metal.
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Read more about hybrid cars:
Small hybrid car FAQs
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