Hybrid cars have become increasingly common over the last few years, with sales vastly increasing along with the number of hybrid models available. In fact, many of the well-established family and executive cars now offer hybrid derivatives.
Combining either a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor, hybrids deliver fewer emissions and superior fuel economy when compared to cars with conventional engine set-ups.
But which are the best hybrid cars? In this guide we pick out five of the finest hybrids currently on the market, covering different classes including executive cars, family hatchbacks and superminis. This guide to our top 5 hybrid cars will provide you with all you need to know about the best hybrid cars available in the market.
If you’re interested in plug-in hybrid cars, then you can read our top five guide of the best plug-in hybrid cars (or PHEVs) on sale now.
Mercedes C-Class BlueTEC Hybrid saloon
The standard Mercedes C-Class saloon is already a popular and fine entry in the executive market, offering classy design, a luxurious cabin and nimble performance. The BlueTEC hybrid variants bring all the same strengths but add impressive efficiency and low company car tax to the mix.
The C-Class hybrid combines a 201bhp 2.1-litre diesel with a 27bhp electric motor for a 0-62mph sprint time of under eight seconds and an average fuel economy of 78.5mpg. Available across three trim levels, the hybrid versions are the only C-Class models which qualify for free Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), with CO2 of just 94g/km.
Starting from around £35,000, the hybrid C-Class specs are among the more expensive in the saloon’s range, but the potential long-term savings are huge. This is certainly one of the more luxurious and best hybrid cars available to buy in the market.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius will not only go down in history as the first ever mass-produced hybrid car, but the current-gen model remains a decent choice of family car. The sizeable hatchback has a roomy and solid cabin which feels well-suited for taking the family on long-distance trips
Combining a 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor, the Prius offers a total of 132bhp. The combined fuel economy is projected at 72.3mpg and CO2 emissions are at 89g/km, meaning free VED. Other plus points include the plentiful safety features and luxurious equipment, which is why it appears in our list of top 5 hybrid cars. The performance and handling of the Prius is nothing to shout about, but if you’re just looking for practical and cheap-to-run family transport than the Prius is well worth a look.
Lexus IS 300h
Another of the top hybrid cars is the Lexus IS 300h. The Lexus IS is a premium saloon which rivals the likes of the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series. Its set-up is less focused on sporty handling than its more illustrious rivals, but the IS impresses with its refinement and hybrid models.
The hybrid version, called 300h, is available across all of the IS’ trim levels and features a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an automatic gearbox as standard. It produces a combined 217bhp and can reach 62mph in just 8.3 seconds. Average fuel economy is 65.7mpg and free VED is achieved with a CO2 output of 99g/km. Starting from just under £30k, the Lexus is far cheaper than a lot of other hybrid executive models.
If you’re considering getting an alternative executive car, preferably with eye-catching running costs, than the Lexus IS has to be considered.
BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 saloon
The BMW 3 Series saloon is already one of the most sought-after, sporty executive cars around right now. The hybrid specifications, called ActiveHybrid 3, aim to offer all the same strengths, plus cost-saving benefits.
Available on SE, M Sport and Luxury trim levels, the ActiveHybrid 3 combines a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol and electric motor, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The strong output of 335bhp gives this hybrid executive a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.3 seconds, while average fuel economy and emissions are at 47.9mpg and 139g/km respectively. It is easy to see why it is one of the most sought after and best hybrid cars available in the market.
Priced from around £41,000, the 3 Series ActiveHybrid is far from being one of the cheapest hybrid executive cars around - but if you’re keen for a car in this sector which blends performance, efficiency and driving dynamics convincingly, then little can impress as much as the 3 Series hybrid.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
If you’re looking for an efficient hybrid car that’s small yet practical, than the Toyota Yaris can tick all the right boxes. At the top of the Yaris range are two hybrid specifications, which use petrol-electric powertrains that benefit from technology used for the larger Prius.
The engine in the Yaris Hybrid, a 1.5-litre unit, is smaller than what’s found in the Prius and is mated to a CVT automatic transmission. The Yaris Hybrid develops 98bhp and takes under 12 seconds to cover the 0-62mph sprint, which are reasonable figures for a car of this size. What really catches the eye though is its average fuel economy figure of 85.6mpg, while the CO2 output is a mere 75g/km. That latter figure means the Yaris Hybrid avoids the London congestion charge.
