Best hybrid cars in Australia 2025

By: Toby Hagon

Electrification is gathering pace but there’s an increasing desire for tech that doesn’t come with many compromises, something hybrid vehicles deliver.

And with more plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) infiltrating the market, new car buyers have never had so much choice.

But which is best for those looking for a hybrid?

We’ve previously covered the best hybrid SUVs, but for this piece we’ve broadened the field to include anything powered by a combination of petrol and electricity.

Best hybrid overall

Toyota Camry, from $39,990 plus on-road costs

The Toyota Camry has never strayed far from its conservative roots but that puts it in a good position for those wanting a spacious, sensible sedan packed with value.

The latest iteration has refined that successful formula and wrapped it in a skin that’s more adventurous design-wise than we’ve ever seen in a Camry.

It’s also the first Camry that comes exclusively with hybrid propulsion.

The 2.5-litre engine is a familiar unit but has been tweaked and teamed with a newer generation electric motor. Combined, the two make a thoroughly useful 170kW.

More impressive is its low fuel use, with claimed consumption of 4.0 litres per 100km.

For a large four-door with generous back seat space it’s a frugal way to cover the country.

And while there’s some wind and tyre noise, it’s generally comfortable and composed, easily eating up the miles on a big trip.

Best hybrid under $50,000

Toyota Corolla, from $32,110 plus on-road costs

The Prius is the car that set the hybrid template in Australia and around the world.

While the nameplate has been retired, the Prius spirit lives on in the latest Corolla, now hybrid-only (at least if you ignore the hotshot GR models).

Sure, the Corolla doesn’t quite have the tech focus of the Prius, but its hybrid system is shared.

That means a 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid system making a combined 103kW.

That maximum power is modest by small car standards, but the additional torque of the electric motor makes for more meaningful acceleration than the numbers may suggest

And, of course, it’s fuel savings are at the heart of the Corolla, with claimed average consumption of 4.0L/100km.

As well as the basic Ascent Sport ($32,110 as a hatch or $32,320 as a sedan, each before on-road costs) you can also get an SX ($35,260 for the hatch, $34,920 for a sedan) or ZR ($39,100 hatch/$40,260 sedan), the latter adding partial leather trim, head-up display and heated sports front seats, among other trinkets.

Best hybrid over $50,000

Lexus ES300h, from $65,540 plus on-road costs

A new ES has just been revealed ahead of its 2026 arrival, but the current iteration of the Lexus large sedan still stacks up well as a value proposition laced in luxury.

There’s plenty of Camry lurking beneath the skin, including the core of its hybrid system. A 2.5-litre engine and 88kW electric motor make 160kW combined. The effortless pull of the electric motor (it makes 202Nm) ensures easy performance in everyday driving.

There’s the occasional grumble when the engine first awakens, but it’s generally refined and quiet.

The cabin, too, oozes the class and quality the brand is known for. Fit and finish is superb and there’s an authenticity to the luxury finishes and materials that lift it above the ordinary.

The ES is also a spacious machine. Rear seat legroom is excellent, although headroom isn’t quite as forthcoming. And those up front are also blessed with ample space and adjustability.

The ES is calm and comfortable to drive but lacks the dynamic sharpness of some rivals.

Think of it as a cruisy tourer or accomplished around-town sedan with hints of limousine thinking.

Best small hybrid (non-SUV)

Honda Civic, from $49,990 drive-away

The Civic was once a value-packed small car that played with the masses.

These days it’s more of a niche machine that’s headed towards the entry level of the prestige market with a price tag that starts at $49,900 drive-away.

It’s also a hybrid-only option, at least if you exclude the red-hot Type R that appeals to the enthusiast buyer.

Fortunately, the garden variety Civic packs plenty in, including leather-look trim, heated front seats and steering wheel, a long list of safety gear and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. The classy cabin presentation is also a step up from what some may expect from a mainstream brand (and in some ways a return to Honda form of years ago).

The hybrid system also works beautifully, with a seamless integration between the two power sources. A 2.0-litre engine teams with two electric motors to make 135kW and 315Nm, the latter on tap almost immediately when you press the throttle. It’s responsive and smooth and keeps things moving nicely.

Claimed fuel use is just 4.2L/100km, or even less around town, making for seriously frugal motoring.

Best hybrid SUV

BYD Sealion 6, from $42,990 plus on-road costs

The Sealion 6 is a mid-sized SUV that provides a plug-in hybrid alternative to heavy hitters such as the Toyota RAV, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester.

Priced from $42,990 plus on-road costs it offers up to 92km of electric range as well as a petrol tank to extend that to something like 1000km.

The 18.3kWh battery can be charged in about nine hours from a household powerpoint or less using a wallbox EV charger.

Most of the driving is done by an electric motor (or two in the case of the all-wheel drive variant).

That makes for more of an EV-like driving experience, but with the back-up of a petrol engine to charge the batteries for longer journeys.

It’s an impressive hybrid system that will suit many buyers who can charge at home.

Less endearing is the way it tackles corners and bumps. The steering is a tad muddy and successive imperfections can leave the suspension struggling to settle.

But as a value-focused all-rounder, the Sealion 6 deserves consideration.

Best hybrid for towing

Volkswagen Touareg R, from $133,490 plus on-road costs

We once towed with large sedans and wagons, but these days it’s the domain of utes and SUVs.

The new breed of plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) utes is designed to haul heavy loads, with the BYD Shark 6 capable of lugging up to 2500kg.

Its soon-to-arrive rival, the GWM Cannon Alpha matches mainstream utes with its 3.5-tonne tow capacity.

But we’re also packing some luxury into our recommendation here with the Volkswagen Touareg R, another PHEV that can two up to 3500kg

Sure, it’s the performance version of the large SUV but it also has a green side courtesy of a 17.9kWh battery.

That gives it a claimed 51km of EV range, although in electric mode you’re limited to a modest 100kW and 400Nm. In 2.4 tonnes of performance SUV, it makes for acceptable acceleration, but it’s far from scintillating.

For the latter you’ll have to wake the V6 turbo engine that boosts combined outputs to 340kW/700Nm.

At $133,490 plus on-roads it’s not cheap but comes brimming with luxury kit, including plush leather seats, quality finishes, adjustable ambient lighting and a vast glass roof. The mass of pixels across the dash reinforces the tech.

There’s also a spacious and comfortable five-seat body riding on supple air suspension. It’s quiet, confident on the road and lives up to the luxury price tag in all but badge.

Best hybrid for families

Kia Carnival, from $76,210 plus on-road costs

The Carnival dominates the people mover market for good reason.

Three rows of seats provide accommodation for up to eight people - and even adults can relax comfortably throughout.

And even with all eight seats in play there’s loads of boot space, making the Carnival a genuinely practical vehicle.

Since 2024 there’s also been a hybrid option adding to the V6 petrol engine and four-cylinder turbo diesel that have long been part of the Carnival equation.

A 1.6-litre turbo is matched to a 54kW electric motor to deliver a combined 180kW.

Despite the e-motor’s modest power it pumps out 304Nm of torque for great pull when engine revs are low.

Combined fuel use is 5.8L/100km or less around town.

None of this comes cheap. The Carnival hybrid is currently only offered as a top-of-the-range GT-Line, at $76,210 plus on-road costs. That makes it $3,300 more than the equivalent diesel model.

Kia has promised more affordable variants for those who don’t want the powered front seats, head-up display and Bose audio system.

Best value hybrid

Toyota Yaris, from $28,500 plus on-road costs

If minimising your financial outlay on a car is a high priority it’s difficult to go past the Toyota Yaris.

Now hybrid only, the diminutive five-door hatch is the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of a petrol-electric Toyota, priced from $28,500 for the Ascent Sport.

It’s fairly basic motoring with cloth trim, manual air-conditioning and steel wheels with plastic covers.

But the centre 8-inch screen incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

And while the most expensive variant gets blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, the more affordable models miss out. The ANCAP safety rating was earned in 2020 allowing it to achieve five stars.

A 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid system makes a combined 85kW, albeit with decent pulling power due to the light body and electric assistance when you first press the accelerator.

Claimed fuel use is just 3.3L/100km of regular unleaded. Services are needed every 12 months and 15,000km with prices capped at $250 for each of the first five services.

Data giant Redbook forecasts a Yaris will hold up to 74 per cent of its original purchase price after five years and 80,000km. That’s among the best cars on the market for estimated residuals.