Hybrid Cars Australia - 10 Best Hybrid Cars Arriving in 2022/2023

Did you know that from 2020 to 2021, Australian hybrid car sales increased by 99.4%? With growing popularity, hybrid cars are a viable option for those looking to become more sustainable road users.

 So, what exactly is a hybrid car? Which are the best hybrid cars Australia has to offer in 2022 and in 2023? And, why should you go hybrid?

What Is a Hybrid Car?

Hybrid cars are an excellent compromise between traditional combustion engines and electric cars. A hybrid car might be your best option if you're unsure about transitioning to a fully electric vehicle.

A hybrid car has at least one electric motor with a petrol engine. It's more environmentally friendly than traditional cars as it recaptures energy with regenerative braking. Therefore, the electric battery self-charges. As you drive, the car switches between the petrol engine and the electric motor. At times, they work together.

Many Aussies' biggest hesitation about EVs is the thought of running out of juice with no charging station in sight. A hybrid vehicle allows you the best of both worlds. The green, guilt-free driving experience and the peace of mind that a tank full of petrol will get you home.

What Is a Plug-in Hybrid Car?

A plug-in hybrid car is more like a fully electric vehicle. As with an EV, you plug your car in to charge. Most plug-in hybrids recharge the batteries with regenerative braking, but you also have the added luxury of charging your car at home.

 Plug-in hybrid cars primarily use a large battery-powered electric motor. However, they also have petrol or another combustion engine. Yet, they only use this when the car runs out of battery power.

Essentially, you can treat your plug-in hybrid as a fully-electric car with less dependence on the petrol engine. However, plug-in hybrids are typically more expensive than traditional hybrids.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work?

Let's briefly explain how hybrid cars work without getting into the nitty, gritty, technical aspects. As we mentioned, hybrid vehicles use the combination of an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. The electric motors use energy stored in batteries.

Plug-in hybrids allow owners to recharge their batteries manually. However, traditional hybrids use regenerative braking to recharge the batteries. The extra electric power typically allows for a smaller engine, power auxiliary loads, and minimises engine idling. Therefore, hybrid vehicles result in better fuel economy and environmental sustainability without sacrificing performance.

What Are the Pros of Buying a Hybrid Car in 2023?

Should you buy a hybrid car? What are the advantages, and is it the right vehicle for you? Electric cars and hybrids aren't for everyone. Here are the pros and cons.

Pros of Buying a Hybrid

• Warranties: Generally speaking, warranties on hybrid cars last up to eight years (or longer) and cover the entire hybrid system. If you're concerned about whether the new technology might fail, rest assured that your warranty will likely cover your new purchase.
• Conserve fuel: With their electric abilities, hybrid cars use less fuel. Therefore, it's more economical and sustainable. With ever-increasing fuel prices, saving petrol won't hurt.
• Environmentally friendly: By using less fuel, you'll do your bit to protect the environment and conserve fossil fuels.
• Government incentives: Depending on your state, some governments offer incentives, rebates, and credits to buy hybrid or electric cars. With the right deal, buying a hybrid vehicle may cost you less than purchasing a classic car.

Cons of Buying a Hybrid

• Speed: While hybrid cars can technically go as fast as a traditional car, the point is to drive slowly and use regenerative braking to recharge the batteries. If you push your hybrid vehicle to its top speeds, you will use more fuel and spend more money.
• More expensive: Unfortunately, hybrid cars are more costly than traditional engines. You could expect to pay a minimum of $20,000 for a new hybrid vehicle. Whereas, you can find petrol engines for under $10,000. That said, remember that hybrid and electric vehicles cost less to maintain.
• More to repair: Hybrid engines are more complex than traditional combustion engines. Therefore, if your car breaks down, you may need to pay more for repairs. However, most warranties will cover all scenarios.

10 Best Hybrid Cars Australia 2023

Convinced? Without further ado, here are the ten best hybrid cars to purchase in Australia in 2023.

1.    Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

• Price: From $36,800
• Battery: 245 V lithium-ion
• KMPL: 5.8 L/100km

Toyota's RAV4 is one of Australia's top-selling SUVs. While you can get a combustion engine model of the RAV4, 72.3% of Toyota's sales had electric motors in 2021. Therefore, the RAV4 was Australia's top-selling hybrid vehicle in 2021.

It's a fuel-efficient model, with up to 40km/hr on the electric motor. If you're looking for a family-friendly car for city use and school runs, the RAV4 is an excellent choice.

2.    Range Rover PHEVs

• Price: Starting from $105.060

The Range Rover PHEVs are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that use a petrol engine and an electric motor to power the drivetrain. They have different battery sizes and ranges depending on the model, such as:

• The Range Rover Sport P400e, which has a 19.2kWh battery and a range of 43km. It has a fuel consumption rating of 3.1 L/100 km, which is equivalent to 32.26 kmpl.
• The Range Rover Evoque P300e, which has a 15kWh battery and a range of 66km. It has a fuel consumption rating of 2.0 L/100 km, which is equivalent to 50 kmpl.
• The Range Rover Velar P400e, which has a 19.2kWh battery and a range of 53km. It has a fuel consumption rating of 2.8 L/100 km, which is equivalent to 35.71 kmpl.
• The all-new Range Rover P510e, which has a 38kWh battery and a range of 100km (80km in real-world conditions). It has a fuel consumption rating of 3.3 L/100 km, which is equivalent to 30.30 kmpl.

The Range Rover PHEVs offer lower fuel consumption and emissions than conventional petrol or diesel models, as well as the ability to drive on electric power alone for a certain distance. They also have luxurious and spacious interiors, with advanced technology and safety systems.

3.    Honda CR-V Hybrid

• Price: Not announced as of yet, but likely to be higher than the current CR-V range, which starts from $35,900.
• Battery: 1.4-kWh lithium-ion 
• KMPL: 6.0 L/100km

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a hybrid SUV that uses a petrol engine and two electric motors to power the drivetrain. It has a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that stores the energy generated by the engine and the regenerative braking system. It has a fuel consumption rating of 6.0 L/100 km, which is lower than most of its rivals. It also has a spacious and comfortable interior, with various features such as leather seats, a touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and Honda Sensing. It is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. It is expected to arrive in Australia in 2023, as part of the new-generation CR-V that has been revealed in North America. The CR-V Hybrid is a good option for drivers who want an SUV that is eco-friendly, powerful, and versatile.

4.    Nissan X-Trail e-Power

• Price: From $40,000
• Battery: 2.1 kWh battery
• KMPL: 6.1 L/100KM 

The Nissan X-Trail e-Power is a hybrid SUV that uses a petrol engine as a generator to charge a battery that powers two electric motors. It always drives like an electric car, without needing to plug in. It has a twin-motor all-wheel-drive system, a 2.1 kWh battery, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. It has a fuel consumption of 6.1 L/100 km, and a range of features such as leather seats, a sunroof, a touchscreen, and wireless phone charging. It is one of the most advanced SUVs in the market, and a great option for eco-friendly drivers who want performance and comfort.

5.    Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

• Price: From $47,990
• Battery: 300 V lithium-ion
• KMPL: 9.1 L/100km

As our first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of Australia's top-selling models. With an award-winning design, the Japanese hybrid car is a strong contender. It's a highly reliable and dependable plug-in hybrid. The Outlander is feature-rich, with seven or five-seat configurations in this compact SUV.

6.    Hyundai Ioniq

• Price: From $41,390
• Battery: 240 V lithium polymer
• KMPL: 4.1 L/100km

The Hyundai Ioniq is Korea's most popular EV. The hybrid model offers similar fuel economy to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid but with an extra-plush, premium design. It has an impressive range of standard features and many optional extras that ensure this vehicle stands out against the competition.

7.    MG HS Plus EV

• Price: From $46,990
• Battery: 16.6kWh lithium-ion
• KMPL: 1.7 L/100km

The MG HS Plus EV is one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids. With a sizeable touchscreen, satellite navigation, Apple and Android connections, a comprehensive safety suite, LED lights, keyless entry, and electronic parking brake, the MG HS is a heavily-featured, luxurious car that doesn't break the bank.

8.    Lexus LS

• Price: From $195,325
• Battery: 650 V lithium-ion
• KMPL: 12.9 L/100km

The Lexus LS is a premium-range hybrid for those with a little more to spend. If you're looking for a luxury ride with an array of comfort, convenience, and safety features, the LS should top your list. However, if you fancy a more affordable option, the Lexus NX200h or Lexus IS300h are also available choices.

9.    BMW 330e

• Price: From $77,900
• Battery: 354 V lithium-ion
• KMPL: 9.4 L/100km

The BMW 330e is a plug-in hybrid model. But, don't worry if you forget to plug your car in overnight. The 330e's petrol tank will last you most journeys; you get the best of traditional engines and electric vehicles. Furthermore, the BMW offers excellent driveability, a luxurious look, and a five-star safety rating.

10.    Volvo XC90 Recharge PHEV

• Price: From $116,990
• Battery: 270 V lithium-ion
• KMPL: 8.8L/100km

Our final hybrid car, the Volvo XC90 Recharge PHEV, is another plug-in and slightly more costly. It's a premium SUV, perfect for families of all shapes and sizes. It's well-equipped, with diamond-cut alloy wheels, four-zone climate control, and many other standard features. The Volvo XC90 is comfortable, fuel-efficient, spacious, practical, and delightful to drive.

Financing Your New Hybrid Car

Purchasing a hybrid car prepares you for a future of Evs and sustainable driving. With many highly competitive hybrid vehicles available on the market, choosing the right car for you and your family may seem challenging.

One of your considerations should be the cost. How much can you comfortably afford? Use our car loan calculator to determine your budget. Hybrids are a little more expensive than traditional vehicles. Think about how you will finance your new purchase. Ausloans help match car buyers with car loans to help you purchase your dream car.