Top 10 best hybrid cars to buy 2024

Written by Graham King Published: 19 January 2024 Updated: 7 February 2024

Hybrid cars have enjoyed an upturn in popularity among buyers recently because they’re a good first step towards electrification, offering lower running costs without the hassle of EV charging logistics. Hybrids cover every type of car from superminis, to family-friendly SUVs, even the odd sports car.

There are different types of hybrid powertrain, too. Mild hybrids have small batteries that help take some of the load off the engine, bringing some improvement in efficiency and CO2 emissions. Self-charging hybrids have slightly bigger batteries and limited EV driving range, they’re generally very economical, too.

Alternatively, there are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). They have bigger batteries and more EV range – well over 50 miles in some cases – but they work best when regularly plugged in to recharge. The most efficient claim fuel economy of over 200mpg on the WLTP cycle (so long as you recharge regularly), with ultra-low CO2 emissions.

As more and more new hybrids hit the roads, there are ever more used hybrid cars to choose from. So you can still get on board the electrification train even if you can’t stretch to a brand new car.

Below, you’ll find our pick of the best hybrid cars on sale in the UK in 2024. No matter what sort of car you need or size of budget you have, there’s a car recommended here to suit you.

Top 10 best hybrid cars of 2024

Types of hybrid car

There are three main types of hybrid powertrain on the market.

Mild hybrid systems feature a small electric motor mounted on the engine that harvests electrical energy when you lift your foot off the accelerator. That energy is stored in a small battery and deployed to give the engine a boost when setting off from a standstill or under hard acceleration. There’s only a minor improvement in fuel economy, and virtually no mild hybrid cars can run on electric power alone.

Self-charging hybrids work in much the same way but the battery is bigger and most of them also have an electric motor mounted inside their gearbox. Put the two together and self-charging hybrids are able to run on electric power alone for short but consistent bursts. The system automatically switches between the car’s engine and electric motor as you drive along, to eke out the most mileage from a gallon of petrol.

Plug-in hybrids have a bigger battery again, and a more powerful electric motor which, in some cases, powers the car’s wheels directly rather than being attached to the gearbox. Like a self-charging hybrid, the system automatically switches between engine and battery power, or you can lock the car into EV mode. Most of the latest plug-in hybrids can travel for at least 30 miles on battery power and have ultra-low CO2 emissions.

What are the advantages to buying a hybrid car?

Electric cars are becoming more common, but it’s only in recent years that they’ve started to offer the sort of range motorway-hardened commuters demand. Even then, cold weather, using lots of the car’s electrical features and changes in driving style can reduce an EV’s maximum range. That leaves you at the mercy of the UK’s decidedly less than perfect charging infrastructure when you’re on the road.

Hybrid cars are more predictable and convenient if you need to cover a lot of miles. For example, if your plug-in hybrid car runs out of electricity, you don’t need to wait for several hours for the battery to recharge. The car’s engine simply takes over and you carry on with your journey. As an added bonus, the engine can recharge the battery as you drive.

There are a few incentives for buying a hybrid car, too. The most obvious benefit is improved fuel economy, hybrids also incur lower vehicle excise duty charges and benefit-in-kind taxes. You may also get discounted – or even free – access to low-emission zones.

What’s the downside of buying a hybrid car?

Hybrid cars have an internal combustion engine and gearbox, plus an electric powertrain, all of which makes them rather heavy. This is a particular problem with plug-in hybrids, which have big batteries. Once you’ve exhausted the electrical energy, the engine is left to haul around all the extra weight by itself and that kills fuel economy.

However, this is only an issue if you’re covering hundreds of miles in one hit and don’t bother or forget to plug the car in to recharge. Plug-ins shine in town, though, where the electric powertrain operates at its best. Mild hybrids and self-charging hybrids fare much better on long journeys.

Is it worth buying a hybrid car in 2024?

That depends on the type of driving you do. If you’re a local driver, you’ll probably get more out of a hybrid car than a motorway commuter will, as you’ll rarely rely on the car’s engine. But it’s reassuring that it’s still there on those occasions you do need to go further.

It also depends on where you live. If you’re a local driver and there are loads of public charging points in your area, or you’re able to have a wallbox charger installed at home, you might be better served by an electric car. Of course, if you mostly drive longer distances, a petrol or diesel car may well be the better bet.

It’s worth noting that there are fair few cars that are only available with hybrid power: the Toyota Yaris, for instance. If such a car floats your boat, there’s no reason not to get one just because it’s a hybrid.

The cost difference between hybrid and petrol/diesel cars has more or less equalised at this point, as well. For example, the entry-level Toyota Yaris Hybrid actually costs a bit less than the equivalent, petrol-powered Volkswagen Polo.