The only problem, though, is that some of the first generations of hybrid vehicles were only produced by a relatively small number of manufacturers, and the prices were quite high.
Now, though, major manufacturers are beginning to flood the market with affordable hybrid cars in 2022.
Considering the lower running costs and the flow-on benefits for the planet, this is a great thing, so with that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 cheapest hybrid cars you’ll find on the market here in Australia through 2022 and beyond.
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Request a quoteTop 10 Cheapest Hybrid Cars in Australia
1. Toyota Corolla Ascent Sedan & Hatch Hybrid - $27,395
Our list kicks off with the iconic Toyota Corolla Ascent Hybrid, which can be optioned in both sedan and hatchback form at a price of $27,395.
The Corolla Ascent Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor that produces 90kW of power, which offers perky acceleration with the added benefit of fuel economy figures totalling just 4.2L per 100km in the hatch, and 3.5L/100km in the sedan.
Standard equipment for the Corolla Ascent Hybrid includes a set of 15-inch aero-cap alloys, automatic bi-LED headlights with LED tail lights and daytime running lamps, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, climate control and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
2. Toyota Yaris Cross GX Hybrid - $28,990
Toyota has taken its hybrid engine technology and added it to the stylish Yaris Cross compact SUV platform, with the GX Hybrid priced at $28,990, while the higher-spec GXL and Urban variants can all be optioned with the hybrid engine.
The Yaris Cross GX Hybrid features a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors producing 85kW of power and an unknown torque figure that adds an all-wheel drive system option to the range.
Fuel economy figures for the Yaris Cross Hybrid range stand at 3.8L/100km for the entry-level front-wheel drive variant, while the all-wheel drive Yaris Cross return fuel economy figures of 4.0L/100km.
3. Toyota Yaris SX Hybrid - $29,130
The Toyota Yaris SX Hybrid is one of the most affordable hybrids you’ll find here in Australia, with prices kicking off from $29,130.
For the money, you’ll get a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor that produces 85kW of power, with power to the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission that is perfectly suited to smooth, comfortable commutes.
Fuel economy figures for the Yaris SX Hybrid stand at a hugely impressive 3.3L per 100km on a combined cycle, while boot space is rated at 270L.
Standard equipment for the Yaris SX Hybrid includes 15-inch steel wheels, LED tail lights & daytime running lamps, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, emergency steering assist and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ radio.
4. Mazda 3 G20e - $32,490
Mazda’s cheapest entrant to the world of hybrid motoring comes in the form of the Mazda 3 G20e Evolve M Hybrid, which is priced at $32,490.
The G20e lineup pairs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with a mild-hybrid 24V system producing 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque, while the higher-spec X20 lineup features a 2.0-litre supercharged petrol engine paired with a 24V mild hybrid system producing 132kW of power and 224Nm of torque.
Fuel economy figures for the G20e sedan stand at 5.9L per 100km on a combined cycle, while the G20e hatch is rated at 6.0L/100km. Opting for the X20 sedan and hatch drop fuel consumption to 5.5L/100km.
5. Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid - $33,490
Priced from $33,490, the Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid is a great option for buyers looking for a spacious, well-equipped, practical and fuel-efficient hybrid sedan without breaking the bank.
The Camry Ascent Hybrid pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with two electric motors that produce a combined 160kW of power, while the fuel economy figure stands at 4.2L per 100km on a combined cycle.
Standard equipment for the Camry Ascent Hybrid includes 16-inch alloys, a set of LED headlights, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, AEB braking, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry & start as well as a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
6. Subaru XV Hybrid L - $36,790
Subaru’s charismatic and adventure-ready XV compact SUV has received a hybrid powertrain in recent years, with the XV Hybrid L priced at $36,790.
The XV Hybrid L comes powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a high-voltage battery that produces 110kW of power and 196Nm of torque, which is transferred to all four wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
Fuel economy for the XV Hybrid L stands at 6.5L per 100km on a combined cycle, while the boot space stands at 310L.
Standard equipment for the XV Hybrid L includes a set of 17-inch alloys, premium cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8.0-inch infotainment system, while the XV Hybrid S gains a heap of active safety equipment and leather upholstery.
7. Subaru Forester Hybrid - $41,140
Subaru’s main entrant to the hybrid SUV playing field comes in the form of the Forester Hybrid L which is priced at $41,140.
The Forester Hybrid L is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor producing 112kW of power and 262Nm of torque, which is thrown to all four wheels via a CVT automatic.
Fuel economy figures for the Forester Hybrid L stand at 6.7L/100km on a combined cycle, while standard equipment includes 17-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, front and side cameras and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
8. Kia Niro Hybrid - $44,380
There’s a brand-new Kia Niro in town, and it remains one of the best options for buyers looking for an affordable hybrid sedan that can be optioned with a standard, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully-electric variant.
Priced from $44,380, the entry-level Kia Niro Hybrid EV S comes powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor producing a combined 104kW of power and 265Nm of torque, which returns fuel economy figures of 4.0L/100km for the Niro Hybrid S.
There’s also a Niro option with a pure electric powertrain producing 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque, which is paired with a 64.8kWh battery pack that offers a claimed 460km of all-electric driving range.
9. Honda HR-V e:HEV - $45,550
For those looking for a sleek and stylish compact SUV with a clever hybrid engine, the HR-V e:HEV is a great option that comes priced from $45,500 here in Australia.
Powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, the HR-V e:HEV produces 96kW of power and 253Nm of torque which translates perfectly to a smooth and perky drive around town.
Fuel economy figures for the HR-V e:HEV stand at 4.3L/100km on a combined cycle, while boot space stands at 304L in total.
Standard equipment includes a set of active LED headlights, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera with parking sensors and a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
10. MG HS Plus EV - $47,990
The MG Plus EV is a clever little plug-in hybrid SUV that is priced at $47,990 drive-away.
The HS Plus EV features a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor and decent-sized 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack that produces an impressive 189kW of power and 370Nm of torque.
Fuel economy figures for the MG HS Plus EV stand at 1.7L/100km on a combined cycle, which also offers 63km of all-electric driving range.
Standard equipment for the MG HS Plus EV include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 18-inch alloys, powered boot lift, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
You can think of a hybrid car as any vehicle that features an engine, otherwise known as a powertrain, that combines the power from a petrol and electric source, and delivers this to the wheels.
What is a Plug-in Hybrid Car?
A plug-in hybrid car works in much the same way as a traditional hybrid vehicle, although the lithium-ion battery is typically larger and can be recharged to help deliver power to an electric motor, reducing the fuel use of the petrol engine.
What is the Difference Between Hybrid & Electric Cars?
The main difference between a hybrid and an electric car is that a hybrid vehicle is powered by two sources of energy that work in ‘hybrid’ to deliver power to the wheels, while an electric car uses one or more electric motors that are powered by a larger battery pack.
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