The Best Hybrid Cars 2024
First established in 1900, the hybrid car has shown a major interest the recent years with financial and environmental benefits. More and more drivers across the UK are opting for a hybrid vehicle, with incentives from the UK government and a wider variety of hybrid options, these cars have made a movement within the automotive industry benefitting the majority.
Let’s get an understanding of a hybrid vehicle and then dive deeper into the top 10 hottest hybrids of 2024.
What’s the Definition of a Hybrid Vehicle?
Hybrid cars have both an electric motor and a combustion engine. Choosing a hybrid means using electric power where possible without sacrificing the convenience of the global fuel station infrastructure. The electric motor supports the engine and lowers your driving emissions significantly. Whether you pick a full hybrid (which charges as you drive and which can travel short distances on electric propulsion alone) or a plug-in hybrid (also called a PHEV, which can travel typically 20-40 miles without the use of an engine). They can offer sensible, practical and cost-effective motoring.
Petrol and Diesel Car Ban UK
If you are on the search for a hybrid or fully electric vehicle, you might be wondering ‘Are petrol and diesel cars going to be banned in the UK?’. You may have heard that the plan is to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This is true for manufacturers, as they will no longer be able to produce petrol or diesel cars. From 2030, all new cars will either be hybrid or fully electric vehicles.
It is important to note that if you have a petrol or diesel car, you are still able to drive your vehicle during and after 2030.
Top 10 Hybrid Cars for 2024
For us, the top 10 Hybrid cards are chosen for their smart, efficient and desirable aspects. You will find the choice of interesting and practical hybrids is huge.
Choosing a hybrid doesn’t limit you to any specific type of car: there are city cars and supercars - and everything in between - which use hybrid technology. So, we’ve picked our best hybrid cars of 2024.
10. Lexus NX
The Lexus NX Hybrid offers luxury, efficiency, and reliability in one sleek package. Its hybrid system provides impressive fuel economy and low emissions, with a quick 2.75-hour charge time on a 220-volt outlet. It covers around 37 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for shorter trips. With its upscale interior and smooth driving experience, it stands out in the luxury hybrid SUV market, offering both eco-friendliness and luxury in one.
9. Toyota Corolla
Toyota has been associated with building the best hybrid cars for almost a quarter of a century and while much of the technology is common across different models, we’ll plump for the Corolla Hatchbackor Touring Sports hybrid. We like the look, the interior space, and the no-nonsense hybrid tech just getting on and doing its thing. Available with either 1.8or more powerful 2.0-litrepetrol hybrid engines.
8. Renault Clio
The Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid has a quick charging time of 4 – 6 hours with a standard household outlet, it's convenient for daily use. On a combined range, it can typically cover around 550 miles. The Clio's compact size and nimble handling make it ideal for navigating city streets with ease. Overall, the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid is a practical and eco-friendly option for those seeking a stylish and efficient urban car.
7. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport, with its plug-in hybrid system offers remarkable fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, coupled with the convenience of a quick charging time of around 5 hours with a 220V. With a full charge, it can typically cover around 75 miles solely on electric power, providing a green and cost-effective option for shorter journeys.
6. Toyota Yaris Hybrid
The Toyota Yaris Hybrid offers a blend of fuel efficiency, reliability, and compact versatility. Its hybrid system ensures excellent mileage, reducing fuel expenses and emissions. The Yaris Hybrid's compact size makes it agile in urban environments while still offering a comfortable ride for passengers.
5. Hyundai Santa Fe
This 7-seater SUV is the 5th generation of the vehicle. This new Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers a winning combination of fuel efficiency, eco-friendliness, and advanced technology. Its hybrid system delivers impressive mileage, reducing fuel costs and emissions. With seamless integration between its gasoline engine and electric motor, it provides a smooth and quiet driving experience.
4. Honda CR-V
It’s hard to believe the first-generation CR-V is over 27 years old. Today, the CR-V has arguably become the supercar in the list of best small hybrid cars. All-wheel-drive and 148hp, this hybrid isn’t about compromise but performance. Beautifully made and with a fine-handling chassis, the CR-V is an absolute delight.
3. Volkswagen Golf
The benchmark for the mid-sized do-everything car, the eighth generation of the Volkswagen Golf now joins the hybrid gang. Gently sporty, definitely practical and now partly electric as a PHEV, the Golf GTE promises a 40-mile electric range with the smooth 1.4 TSI petrol engine for longer drives.
2. Dacia Jogger
The Dacia Jogger hybrid is known for being one of the best 7-seater cars for families or those transporting goods. The car only requires 4 to 6 hours of charging time which can last for around 56.5miles per gallon. It is known to be popular, specifically for town and city drivers.
1. Mercedes GLC 300e
If you are seeking a luxury drive with the convenience of hybrid technology, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e plug-in hybrid will deliver a cosseting interior, graceful looks and up to 80 miles on battery power alone. The GLC is one of the few hybrids to be offered both as a petrol (e) or diesel (de) version. The de is also offered as one of the best hybrid estate cars, too.
What is Best, Hybrid or Electric?
For some, the appeal of the PHEV is simply the lower benefit-in-kind tax when compared to standard petrol or diesel cars, but they can also keep running costs down by using low-cost charging. And of course, while you are utilising their electric-only range, tailpipe emissions are zero.
Also remember that PHEVs are slightly heavier than their engine-only alternatives due to battery weight. This makes them slightly less efficient when not used in EV mode. The good news is that for many drivers, much of their motoring can be done in EV mode.
In fact, with the average commute being around 25 miles, most PHEVs will allow most if not all regular drives without using a drop of petrol or diesel.
The important message is to keep costs and emissions down, you really do need to charge hybrid and electric vehicles rather than defaulting to using the petrol or diesel engine.
When looking at the statistics of a hybrid vs electric cars environmental impact, it is clear to say it is more environmentally friendly to drive on electric alone. Hybrids still require fuel, but only if you are driving further than 25 miles a trip.
One way to keep an eye on your carbon footprint is by checking the emissions when leasing hybrid or electric vehicles. You can check this in the technical spec of each make and model of vehicle on our site.