The best hybrid cars in the UK 2023

Benefiting from an excellent tax advantage, the purchase of a hybrid car, rechargeable or not, currently represents nearly 2.5% of the automobile market. Between full hybrid, mild hybrid or micro hybrid, choosing the right model seems rather complex at first. To help you make the right choice, here's a look at this type of car, which is both ecological and revolutionary.

Kia Niro Hybrid 1
8/10

Best value for your money

Kia Niro Hybrid

The best hybrid car in 2021

The Kia Niro, in its hybrid livery, is one of the very first compact hybrid cross-overs. With it, you won't have to worry about recharging the battery anymore and enjoy your trips in complete peace of mind.

24 800€ (-14%) on Elite-Auto

Certainly the best non-plug-in hybrid SUV, the Kia Niro Hybrid comes in at about the same size as the Nissan Qashqai models, at 4,355 mm. Very comfortable, this model is equipped with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine of 1.6 L and an electric motor that can provide up to 141 hp. This car is distinguished by its elegant lines, but exceptional sobriety.

In addition to its low fuel consumption during urban trips, the Kia Niro Hybrid also has the advantage of a very welcoming rear space. It also comes with a trunk with a total capacity of 1,434 L. You will enjoy its UVO CONNECT telematics services as well as a 7-year manufacturer's warranty.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L 2
7/10

Best value for your money

Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L

The best entry-level hybrid car

Available in several finishes, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L is a real revolution in the automotive world. Indeed, it has a completely new style while offering you an unmatched driving comfort.

21 800€ on Elite-Auto

With its new engine system, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L abandons the NiMh technology in favor of a more innovative model that is the lithium-ion for a better energy density. It considerably improves its performance and at the same time reduces its consumption. This hybrid car is relatively more compact compared to the previous version, despite the fact that it is a little wider.

Its main advantages are mainly technical. Indeed, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L has a 3-cylinder petrol engine of 1.5 L Atkinson associated with a torque of 120 Nm. In addition, it is also equipped with a generator and an electric motor offering a total power of 116 hp.

DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 3
8/10

Best value for your money

DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225

The best premium hybrid car

Want to drive around town without polluting? We recommend the Citroën DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225. This plug-in hybrid is a great performer and stands out for its refined lines.

47 400€ (-5%) on Elite-Auto

The DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 from Citroën offers a good power, 225 hp, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in less than 9 seconds. Its fuel consumption ranges from 1.4 to 1.6 L/100 km, which is bound to seduce you. In terms of CO2 emissions, this plug-in hybrid promises an average of 31-36 g/km. Note its 55 km range in 100% electric mode.

The DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 plug-in hybrid is one of the quietest and most comfortable in terms of driving. Its cyan colored LED will warn you when the electric mode is activated. The designers of this model show great ingenuity in equipping it with a trunk volume of 555 L.

Hybrid car - Peugeot 3008 4
7/10

Excellent

Hybrid car - Peugeot 3008

The benchmark for plug-in hybrids

Peugeot's star SUV, the 3008 is aimed at people looking for a plug-in hybrid car that's not too expensive. It offers both great power, great driving versatility and a great driving experience.

38 600€ (-14%) on Elite-Auto

Released on the market back in 2016, the Peugeot 3008 has been reinvented around 2020 to keep the first day's excitement alive. This plug-in hybrid SUV boasts many qualities, including its dashboard. With nothing to envy from the competition, it announces itself with a mini steering wheel, a remote meter and a central console that benefit from an imperial quality of design.

The Peugeot 3008 is a true reference in the field of dynamism. It is also a model that allows you to benefit from an excellent level of ride comfort. Making the reputation of the firm, it convinces by its reinforced mechanics.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best hybrid car

Any specific needs?

The best hybrid car in 2021

The best entry-level hybrid car

The best premium hybrid car

The benchmark for plug-in hybrids

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best hybrid cars

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Kia Niro Hybrid 5
8/10
Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L 6
7/10
DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 7
8/10
Hybrid car - Peugeot 3008 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Kia Niro Hybrid
Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L
DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225
Hybrid car - Peugeot 3008
The Kia Niro, in its hybrid livery, is one of the very first compact hybrid cross-overs. With it, you won't have to worry about recharging the battery anymore and enjoy your trips in complete peace of mind.
Available in several finishes, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L is a real revolution in the automotive world. Indeed, it has a completely new style while offering you an unmatched driving comfort.
Want to drive around town without polluting? We recommend the Citroën DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225. This plug-in hybrid is a great performer and stands out for its refined lines.
Peugeot's star SUV, the 3008 is aimed at people looking for a plug-in hybrid car that's not too expensive. It offers both great power, great driving versatility and a great driving experience.
Excellent ride comfort
Low noise
Optimal insulation of the spacious cabin
Soundproofing
Smooth engine and transmission ideal for urban driving
Good reliability
Customizable interior
Relatively comfortable ride
Passable design
Pleasant to drive outside of urban centers
Very good performance and better electric range
Comfortable seats

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - hybrid car

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How to choose your hybrid car

A hybrid car is a great alternative for those who are hesitant about buying an all-electric car. It's easy to drive, yet it's available in a variety of versions depending on the technology on board and the price. If you're having trouble choosing the model that best suits your needs, here are the essential parameters to consider:

#1 - Travel

The hybrid car will offer you its full potential in urban areas , especially since it has an electric motor. The starting mode allows you to avoid consuming gasoline because the engine uses the energy accumulated during braking. On the other hand, the internal combustion engine allows you to drive safely on highways even though consumption is higher.

#2 - Reliability

The hybrid car is one of the most reliable. Indeed, the presence of the electric motor coupled with the combustion engine does not reduce its performance. On the contrary, the marriage between these two motorization systems limits to a minimum the risks of joint wear and tear. However, it should be noted that this type of vehicle is mainly used in the city. The 2 engines will have to be used often at the risk of seeing one of the batteries lose its capacity.

#3 - Fuel type

The combustion engine generally runs on gasoline, which allows you to choose between unleaded 95, unleaded 95 E10 or unleaded 98. Some models, quite rare, however, run on diesel as is the case of the large SUVs. It should be noted that other hybrid models can use bioethanol, but this option requires an ethanol conversion via a box to benefit from E85.

#4 - Ecological recovery

Actually,

a non-rechargeable hybrid car does not benefit

from

any ecological bonus

. On the other hand, if you have a classic hybrid, you are likely to receive a malus in case the CO2 emission goes beyond 117 g/km. On the other hand, your hybrid vehicle will be able to take advantage of the "Crit'Air" certificates. As a class 1, you will be allowed to drive in restricted areas or during pollution peaks.

#5 - The type of hybrid car

The plug-in hybrid car (with excellent autonomy in 100% electric mode) is perfectly suited to people who regularly make long journeys. On the other hand, you will always be able to choose between micro-hybrid (the electric motor does not allow the car to move) and full hybrid (needing no recharge).

"A hybrid car is a Beetle with gullwing doors." - From Le-balaise (Internet user)

How does a hybrid car work?

A hybrid car has two engines, the combustion engine and the electric motor. In most cases, it is the gasoline engine that drives the wheels. It is assisted by the electric motor when driving in 100% electric mode, but at low speed. The vehicle will save fuel as long as you do not exceed 50 km/h.

Generally, the battery is located under the floor, under the rear seat or in the trunk area. The electric motor can be recharged during braking or deceleration and provides the energy needed to keep the hybrid car running smoothly.

The distribution of effort between the two types of motors varies according to the hybrid technology used. On some models, they drive the same axle, while others are equipped with independent motors (one at the front and the other at the rear).

The different types of hybrid cars

When you hear the term "hybrid car", you immediately think of plug-in vehicles. In reality, there are two main categories of models in the world of hybridization: the classic hybrid and the plug-in hybrid.

Classic hybrid car

A classic hybrid car or full hybrid does not require any connection to an electrical outlet. It consists of two separate engines: thermal and electric. In all-electric mode, the "clean" vehicle offers a very modest range, which could be suitable for city trips. Its capacity to evolve alone in various circumstances such as starting or travelling at low speed is its greatest advantage. The electric motor recovers energy only through braking and deceleration

.

Plug-in hybrid car

In contrast to

the previous model, the plug-in hybrid car, as its name suggests, will need regular recharging. You will thus enjoy a nice autonomy in all-electric mode, and this, on a longer distance up to 50 to 100 km. It also combines 2 engines (electric and thermal) and can be recharged from a terminal or at home. To take advantage of an optimal power, it is possible to use simultaneously these 2 motorization systems.

Micro-hybrid or mild hybrid

The battery in this type of hybrid car is small. As a rule, it only assists the combustion engine in order to reduce fuel consumption. You will also reduce the ecological penalty due to the low CO2 emission. It should be noted that the electric motor of the hybrid car cannot drive it alone and does not allow for an all-electric drive.

Classic hybrid or electric car?

Classic hybrid car

As its name suggests, the classic hybrid car combines two distinct technologies in one: the combustion engine (fuel) and the electric motor (electricity). Its mode of operation is based on the same principle. Indeed, it consists of a high-capacity battery that accumulates the kinetic energy generated by the action of deceleration or braking. As a result, you'll be able to drive in "zero emission" mode in urban areas. It's more versatile, but it can't handle long journeys because its range is still quite short.

Electric car

This type of car is mainly aimed at those who prefer to save energy and maintenance costs. The particularities of its electric propulsion make it better in many areas. The purchase price is indeed high because it is powered exclusively by electric recharging. On the other hand, it offers an average range of about 100 km and has no combustion engine. The energy cost is reduced by 4 times compared to diesel or petrol engines. The same applies to maintenance costs, which are reduced by about 40%.

Verdict

If you have a charging station at your disposal, love to drive in urban areas and want to drive in an environmentally friendly way, we strongly recommend the electric car. The hybrid car, on the other hand, is particularly suitable for people on a tight budget. It can handle long journeys and is equipped with a dual engine capable of supporting each other.

Why buy a hybrid car?

To feel the power of two different engines

A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses a combustion engine and an electric motor. The first one drives the wheels while the second one helps when you accelerate. The hybrid nature of your car guarantees its performance.

To reduce fuel consumption

Hybrid cars are more economical than those that run exclusively on a combustion engine. When you drive at low speeds, your car runs on electricity alone. At high speeds, however, it uses both gasoline and electricity. So you save fuel when you're in a parking lot or in traffic.

To have an autonomous battery

Many people mistakenly think that the battery in a hybrid car needs to be recharged from a mains socket. In reality, the battery automatically regenerates its energy. When you drive on petrol, the electric motor takes the opportunity to recharge, giving the battery a large capacity. As a result, the car can be driven longer by using kinetic energy during braking and deceleration.

To protect the environment

By driving a hybrid car, you are doing something good for the environment. Thanks to the presence of the electric motor, you drive less often on gasoline. As a result, you reduce CO2 emissions. Even if it cannot compete with an electric car on certain points, a hybrid model is less polluting than a conventional vehicle.

For optimum comfort of use

The electric motor of the hybrid car has the advantage of being extremely quiet. When driving in the city, at low speed, you benefit from absolute silence. In addition, hybrid cars have no clutch pedals. So you don't need to shift gears. The engine just follows the rhythm of your acceleration to deliver power according to the journey.

The best brands of hybrid cars

In our opinion, the best brands of hybrid cars in 2022 are :

Kia Niro
Toyota
DS
Lexus

Kia Corporation was founded in May 1944 and is Korea's oldest automaker. From humble origins manufacturing bicycles and motorcycles, Kia has grown as a member of the dynamic global Hyundai-Kia automotive group to become the world's fifth largest automaker.

Toyota Motor Corporation produces vehicles under five brands, including the Toyota brand, Hino, Lexus, Ranz and Daihatsu. Toyota has been a reliable car brand for many years and has been on several reliability charts. ReliabilityIndex has them in 4th place, with a reliability index of 59. This is an impressive score, as the industry average is 118 and the lower the score the better.

This French brand was born in Paris. DS Automobiles' ambition is to embody French luxury know-how in the automotive industry. Driven by the spirit of avant-garde and endowed with an exceptional heritage, that of the 1955 DS, the DS brand combines refinement and technology in each of its creations.

The first car bearing the name PEUGEOT was unveiled in 1889, making Peugeot the second oldest car manufacturer in the world and the oldest continuous car brand. Peugeot is one of the most reliable brands in the automotive industry.

Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota. The Lexus brand is sold in more than 70 countries and territories worldwide. It is the best-selling premium car brand in Japan and ranked among the top 10 Japanese brands worldwide by market value.

What is the price for a hybrid car

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20000 £ to 40000 £
Mid-range
40000 £ to 50000 £
High-end
more than 50000 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Avoid turning on the heater if your hybrid car is cold

A case that often arises in winter time, you are recommended to drive a few miles before turning on your heating system.

Activate the Eco mode

In

Eco mode, you'll save energy while making optimal use of your battery. While preventing heavy acceleration, this option optimizes the use of the heating and air conditioning system, among other things.

Avoid hard braking

Braking

or accelerating suddenly will cause you to lose speed. To avoid this, stabilize your speed as much as possible.

Brake regularly

On

conventional descents, remember to brake lightly and evenly. Thanks to the electric braking, there is no risk of overheating. On the other hand, for the descent of a pass or a hill, use the engine brake.

Get your hybrid car ready for winter

In order to

face the winter in the best conditions, you must prepare your hybrid car beforehand. Start by using a coolant or antifreeze. If it's a good one, it will provide excellent protection for your vehicle even if the temperature drops to -35°C. Also, use new motor oil to protect moving parts and check tire pressure.

FAQ

What is the best hybrid car?

The best hybrid car depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out what's best right now.

Can I tow another vehicle with a hybrid car?

The hybrid car, although it has no trailer hitch, has the capacity to tow another vehicle such as a caravan or a trailer. You just have to pay attention to the GVW or total allowable load weight and not to exceed it.

What happens if the hybrid vehicle is immobilized for a long time?

When the hybrid car is put in the garage for a long time, you may have problems when starting it. In addition to a dead battery, tires can also deflate and components can rust or break.

How long does the battery last in a hybrid car?

For a non-rechargeable hybrid car, you benefit from a longevity ranging from 5 to 10 years. On the other hand, a rechargeable model promises a minimum life of 10 years. With periodic checks, your battery can last up to 15 years.

How do you recognize a battery at the end of its life?

It is at the end of its cycle as soon as its storage capacity (expressed in kWh) no longer exceeds 70%. Furthermore, be vigilant when you notice a palpable lack of energy at start-up and a lack of performance.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , maif.fr
  2. , auto-moto.com
  3. , quechoisir.org
  4. , lesfurets.com
  5. , dossierfamilial.com
  6. , paycar.fr
  7. , hellogova.com
  8. , lesnumeriques.com
  9. , automobile-magazine.fr
  10. , quechoisir.org
  11. , largus.fr
  12. , aramisauto.com
  13. , auto-moto.com
  14. , renault.fr
  15. , caradisiac.com
  16. , automobile-propre.com
  17. , automobile-magazine.fr
  18. , automobile-propre.com
  19. , auto-moto.com
  20. , peugeot.fr
  21. , toyota.fr
  22. , caradisiac.com
  23. , fiat.fr
  24. , largus.fr
  25. , autosphere.fr
  26. , quechoisir.org
  27. , fiches-auto.fr
  28. , automobile-magazine.fr
  29. , fr.wikipedia.org
  30. , watt-voiture.com
  31. , toutvert.fr
  32. , fr.wikipedia.org
  33. , lavoiturehybride.com
  34. , pour-ma-voiture.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Kia Niro Hybrid 9
Kia Niro Hybrid
Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L 10
Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5L
DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225 11
DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 225
Hybrid car - Peugeot 3008 12
Hybrid car - Peugeot 3008

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