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