Best affordable hybrid cars
Hybrid cars can really take the edge of your fuel bill - but which ones are the best on a budget?
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Hybrid cars are incredibly appealing – the thought of being able to get maybe 60mpg or more sounds like a dream to many buyers.
Fortunately, that needn’t be just a dream because the number of affordable hybrid cars is growing, and whether you’re after a new, nearly-new or used model, there’s more than ever to pick from.
Below, we outline some of the most affordable hybrid models, including hatchbacks, mini-people carriers and crossovers.
Toyota Yaris
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While the Prius might be Toyota’s most famous hybrid, the Yaris is one of its most popular hybrid cars thanks to its budget-friendly price.
It belongs to a class of cars called superminis, which means it’s about the same size as a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, but thanks to the way it’s shaped, it’s roomy in the back and has a decent boot.
Whether you’re after the previous-generation Yaris or the newer 2020-onwards model, you can expect a 286-litre boot, which is the same as the petrol and diesel versions.
Because it uses a smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine (the Prius had a larger 1.8-litre unit), and the car’s a lot smaller in general, it can be very efficient.
Toyota reckons more than 70mpg could be possible depending on the version, and we think 60mpg should be easily attainable.
Standard specification is strong, as with most Toyotas, so you shouldn’t have to look for a car with something like a reversing camera or driver aids like lane assist.
Ford Mondeo
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Saloons like the Ford Mondeo offer more space than a typical family hatchback but for less money than premium rivals like the Audi A4.
The Mondeo is made even more practical by the fact that the four-door saloon is joined by an identical-looking five-door variant, which has a more practical hatchback-style boot. It’s also available in estate format.
The hybrid uses a large 2.0-litre petrol engine, so it feels pretty quick but offers the potential of low running costs and a reasonable car tax bill.
Because it’s only available in higher trim levels like Titanium Edition and ST-Line Edition, you’ll get loads of kit like a powered tailgate, a sunroof, self-parking and heated seats, depending on the version you go for.
It's worth noting that the hybrid versions, available in saloon and estate forms only, have a smaller boot.
For example, the estate has a 633-litre boot, compared with 755 litres for the diesel version.
Still, that’s more than the 560 litres you’d get in a Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer.
Honda Jazz
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The Honda Jazz is popular among those looking for something reliable and affordable to buy and run, and goes up against the likes of the Hyundai Yaris.
In reality, it’s noticeably bigger and more similar in size to the Nissan Note and other small people carriers.
The 1.5-litre petrol hybrid setup is best used for driving gently around town because, as with the vast majority of hybrids, the CVT gearbox can make the engine noisy under harsh acceleration.
There are two versions of Jazz to pick from, and undoubtedly, the latest version launched in 2020 is much more desirable, with a modern-looking interior filled with practical touches like cupholders on the dashboard and physical dials alongside the usual touchscreen.
Hyundai IONIQ
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So far on this list, the cars have been made up of hybrid versions of regular cars. The IONIQ is different because it was built to be sustainable from the get-go – it’s only available in regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric forms.
The regular hybrid is an exceptional example of a great all-rounder, and it can easily achieve more than 60mpg under regular driving conditions.
Every version gets loads of standard equipment, but because the IONIQ is much cheaper than something like a BMW 330e, top-spec Premium SE models are great value.
They come with all the modern car tech you’d want, including heated and cooled seats and a reversing camera.
The hybrid model is the one to go for if you don’t have the facility to plug in regularly for the plug-in hybrid model, but if you do have a home charger, the electric model makes more sense, with its almost 200 miles of range.
It’s a shame that Hyundai stopped selling the IONIQ in 2022 because it was such an excellent car, but if you’re after something newer, the same hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology lives on in the brand’s other models like the Tucson and Santa Fe.
Kia Niro
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Kia and Hyundai are part of the same company, which means that the Kia Niro is almost mechanically identical to the IONIQ.
It too is available in the same choice of three flavours.
What makes it slightly more appealing is that it’s a crossover – these high-riding mini-SUVs are incredibly popular among new and used car buyers.
Both the Niro and the IONIQ above use a dual-clutch transmission rather than a CVT – there’s no clutch pedal, but the car shifts gear much more smoothly than a regular automatic, which makes them good for acceleration.
The Kia also benefits from a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which is one of the best in the business and is only beaten by Toyota and Lexus, which offer up to 10 years’ cover, providing you service the car annually at one of their dealerships.
The Hyundai has a shorter five-year cover, but there’s no mileage restriction.
Lexus CT
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If you’re after something a bit more premium, buying a Lexus is a great option.
Besides a declining number of petrol models and a growing number of electric ones, the company specialises in hybrids, which make up the majority of its lineup.
It is part of the same company as Toyota, and the 1.8-litre petrol engine used inside the Lexus CT 200h is the same as you’d get in the Prius.
The interior is reasonably spacious and, unlike some models, you don’t have to make a trade-off in terms of practicality when going for a hybrid.
The 375-litre boot is about the same size as most other hatchbacks, including the Volkswagen Golf.
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