You may have discounted electric vehicles beyond your budget if you're on the hunt for a cheap car. However, there are plenty of affordable hybrid cars available in Australia. With the EV market rapidly expanding, it's not impossible to find cheap hybrid cars.
EVs have a reputation for costing money and running out of juice. While technical advances mean this is no longer the case, you may still hesitate to switch to an electric car. Fortunately, hybrid vehicles offer the best of both worlds.
With an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor, hybrid vehicles provide the benefits of an EV while offering the stability of a fuel-powered car. Moreover, plug-in hybrids allow you to recharge your vehicle overnight. Standard hybrids use regenerative braking to recharge the battery and provide power for shorter journeys.
What do you need to know before buying a hybrid car? Hybrids are different from standard fuel-powered vehicles and EVs.
Traditionally, those looking for a cheap car look for used vehicles. However, the EV market is relatively recent. There are fewer used electric and hybrid cars available. Moreover, the most considerable cost of an EV is the battery. How can you guarantee that the battery will last if you buy a used hybrid?
You can score excellent deals on used hybrid cars. Yet, it's not always the best option—research whether there are any government incentives, subsidies or grants to help you purchase your new vehicle. Ask dealers whether skipping several trims will help cut the costs. Shop around for the cheapest hybrid cars Australia has to offer.
Finally, speak to a car financing broker about securing an auto loan to fund your purchase.
As with any big purchase, shopping around is vital. It may seem like a lot of effort, but you could save yourself significant sums by taking the time to look at other options. Fortunately for you, we've done the research on your behalf. Here are the cheapest hybrid cars available in Australia.
A few years ago, you may have struggled to find a hybrid for less than $30,000. Fortunately, as ever leading the EV game, Toyota has put forward the cheapest hybrid car for sale in Australia. The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid has an efficient fuel consumption of 4.2L/100KM—so you won't need to worry about running costs breaking the bank.
The Toyota Corolla is an excellent choice with five doors, a compact design, and family-friendly features.
Another gem from Toyota, the Yaris Cross GX Hybrid is a small two-wheel-drive SUV. It has pre-collision safety systems, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, anti-lock brakes, and plenty more top-of-the-range systems. It's an efficient vehicle, with a fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100KM.
As one of the cheaper hybrid options, the Yaris is a family-friendly car that provides plenty of advanced features as standard.
The Audi A1 30 TFSI is a small hatchback, perfect for zipping around your local town or city streets. With an agile feel, luxury style, and compact form, Audi's hybrid is well worth consideration. The hybrid is an efficient and cost-effective choice with a 1-litre three-cylinder engine and fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100KM.
Another valiant hybrid model from Toyota, the Camry Ascent is a popular vehicle in its traditional and hybrid forms. With a 2.5 litre engine and excellent fuel efficiency, the sedan is a strong and refreshing contender among many SUVs gracing Australia's roads.
Key features include LED headlights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
The Subaru Hybrid is a modern take on a well-loved vehicle if you're set on an SUV. Fuel-efficient and cheap, the XV Hybrid SUV has an 11kW/196Nm 2 litre four-cylinder boxer engine combined with a 12.3kW/66Nm electric motor. Key features include anti-lock braking, auto climate control, and adaptive cruise control.
Toyota is definitely leading the EV and hybrid scene with its range of cheap and efficient vehicles. This medium-sized SUV is one of Australia's most popular cars. It boasts a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and excellent fuel consumption. It's easy and comfortable to drive, with a range of safety features and a great entertainment system.
As one of the market's most affordable and best-performing hybrid vehicles, you may need to get in line to purchase the RAV4 GX.
While you may think of the petrol C-HR Koba as a small SUV with all-wheel drive, the hybrid version tells a different story. With two-wheel drive and a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, it's a high-performing vehicle at a reasonable price. Advanced safety features and an enjoyable ride come as standard. Perfect for city driving and using the petrol engine for those longer distances.
The Kia Niro is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or an all-electric model. As the only range of SUVs in Australia to offer such a choice, it's an excellent consideration if you're new to the EV world. The classic hybrid variant has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and excellent fuel efficiency. It's practical, spacious, well-equipped, and dependable.
Hyundai's Ioniq range are some of the most popular EVs available in Australia. While the Hybrid Premium isn't the cheapest hybrid car in the world, it's one of the best—and still reasonably priced. If you can stretch to the upper range of your budget, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Premium is a stylish vehicle with excellent fuel consumption, safety features, and a smooth ride.
Our final hybrid car, the Subaru Forester, is the most expensive vehicle on our list but certainly an affordable EV. It boasts its off-roading ability, a rare feature among other smaller SUV hybrids in this price range. With a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine and a 12.3kW/66Nm electric motor, the Subaru is well worth the extra fuel dollars if you're after fuel efficiency and power.
Is it worth it to buy a hybrid car? With an internal combustion engine and electric motor, you may think it's preferable to opt for one or the other. While traditional cars and all-electric vehicles have merits, hybrids are well worth considering. Here are the pros of buying a hybrid vehicle.
While the EV scene may seem expensive and daunting, it's surprisingly more affordable. Each year, technical developments and engineering feats push prices down. If you're looking for a cheap hybrid vehicle, plenty of options are available. To finance your new EV, consider speaking to a car financing broker.