Hybrid cars have been on UK roads for more than two decades, but for many drivers they still feel like relatively new technology. Sales have grown steadily in recent years, and with fuel prices, tax rules and environmental concerns all shaping how we choose our next car, hybrids are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional petrol and diesel models. But are they the right choice for you, or would a diesel still make more sense?
There are several different types of hybrid systems on the market, and each works in slightly different ways with its own strengths and downsides. To help you decide what’s right for you, we’ll run through the main hybrid options and how they compare with diesel – so you can see which fits your driving needs best.
How do hybrid cars work?
Hybrid cars combine a traditional combustion engine (usually petrol) with an electric motor and a small battery. The two work together to boost efficiency: the motor can help the engine under acceleration, while regenerative braking recovers energy to recharge the battery as you slow down.
For many drivers, a hybrid feels like a middle ground between a conventional car and a full electric vehicle. You don’t get the zero-emission range of an EV, but you also don’t have to worry about plugging in (depending on the type of hybrid you choose) or limiting how far you travel.
What are the different types of hybrid cars?
Mild-hybrid (MHEV)
Mild-hybrids are the simplest type. They use a small electric motor to assist the petrol or diesel engine – for example, when pulling away from traffic lights. The battery charges itself as you drive, but it’s too small to power the car on its own. In reality, mild-hybrids won’t drastically change the way you drive; think of them as slightly more efficient petrols or diesels rather than full hybrids.
Full or ‘self-charging’ hybrid (HEV)
This is what most people picture when they think of a hybrid. A self-charging hybrid can run short distances on electric power alone, usually at low speeds, and automatically switches between petrol and electric to save fuel. Cars like the Toyota Yaris Hybrid or Honda Civic e:HEV are good examples, and they work best for town and mixed driving where stop-start traffic plays to their strengths. The trade-off is a limited electric range, and on long motorway journeys they offer little advantage over a diesel.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrids have a much larger battery that you recharge using a wallbox or public charger. They can usually drive 20–40 miles on electric power before the engine takes over, which makes them a great choice for company car drivers benefiting from low tax, or commuters who can recharge regularly. The downside is that they’re more expensive to buy, heavier than other hybrids, and if you don’t plug them in often the fuel economy quickly suffers.
What’s the VED car tax on hybrid cars?
Hybrid cars used to benefit from lower rates of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) compared with traditional petrol and diesel models, thanks to their lower CO₂ emissions and a small annual discount. However, since April 2025, this discount has been scrapped – meaning hybrids and plug-in hybrids are now taxed in the same way as petrol and diesel cars. It’s still worth checking a car’s CO₂ emissions before you buy, as this continues to decide how much you’ll pay in the first year.
How much do hybrid cars cost to buy?
Hybrids usually cost more to buy than an equivalent diesel, whether you’re paying outright or on monthly finance. On new cars, the difference can still be up to around 15–20%, especially with plug-in hybrids that use larger batteries. That said, the price gap has narrowed in some segments as more hybrids come onto the market and diesel demand has fallen.
It’s worth thinking about how you’ll fund the car, too. Leasing and PCP deals often favour hybrids, because strong demand and decent residual values mean monthly payments can be competitive, sometimes not much higher than a diesel.
If you’re looking at the used market, hybrids can still command a premium, but with diesels falling out of favour in some areas (due to tax and emissions restrictions), the difference isn’t always as stark as it used to be.
In short, hybrids generally cost more up front, but the gap is shrinking — and depending on your mileage, tax position, and how you finance the car, you may not need to do quite as many miles as before to recoup the extra.
Pros and cons of hybrid cars
Pros
- Lower emissions than petrol or diesel alternatives, especially in towns
- Strong tax benefits for company car drivers (mainly plug-in hybrids)
- Quiet and smooth to drive
- Can be very efficient if used for the right journeys
Cons
- Higher purchase price than diesels or petrols
- Real-world mpg can drop sharply if you don’t plug in a PHEV
- Limited electric range compared with EVs
- Limited benefit on long motorway runs compared with diesel
Pros and cons of diesel cars
Pros
- Best choice for high-mileage drivers, especially on motorways
- Cheaper to buy than hybrids in most cases
- Refuelling takes minutes instead of hours recharging batteries
- Excellent fuel economy on long runs
Cons
- Higher CO₂ and NOx emissions mean higher tax and more restrictions in cities
- ULEZ and clean air zones make them less attractive for urban drivers
- Residual values are falling as demand drops
- Often noisier around town than petrol or hybrid alternatives
Should I get a diesel car instead of a hybrid?
It really depends on the kind of driving you do. If most of your mileage is long motorway journeys, a diesel still makes a lot of sense. They’re generally cheaper to buy than hybrids, very efficient at steady speeds, and they don’t need charging or short runs to get the best out of them. For high-mileage drivers, diesel remains the most economical option.
But for town driving, short commutes or mixed use, a hybrid is usually the smarter choice. They’re quieter and smoother, more efficient in stop-start traffic, and for company car drivers, plug-in hybrids in particular can bring significant tax savings. The trade-off is a higher purchase price and, for PHEVs, the need to plug in regularly to get the full benefit.
Ultimately, it’s about matching the car to your lifestyle. If you’re clocking up big miles on the motorway, diesel still has the edge. If not, a hybrid is likely to suit your needs better — and may future-proof you against tightening emissions rules.
FAQs
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Are hybrid cars cheaper to run than diesel?
It depends on your driving. Hybrids tend to be more efficient in town and on short journeys, while diesels usually win on fuel economy for long motorway trips. Factor in tax, insurance, and servicing when comparing costs.
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Do hybrid cars hold their value better than diesels?
In today’s market, hybrids generally have stronger residual values because demand is high and diesel sales have fallen. This can make hybrids more attractive on PCP or leasing deals.
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Which is better for motorway driving: hybrid or diesel?
Diesel is usually the better choice for regular motorway driving thanks to strong fuel economy and range. Hybrids can do motorway miles, but they don’t usually offer much advantage at higher speeds.
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