10 Cheapest Hybrid Cars to Buy in the UK

As concerns about environmental sustainability and fuel efficiency continue to rise, the demand for hybrid cars is steadily increasing in the UK.

The use of electric motors alongside a combustion engine results in lower CO2 emissions and greater fuel efficiency, so not only will the cheapest hybrid cars save you big money on the purchase price, but you’ll also enjoy low running costs.

With a growing array of options available to consumers, finding an affordable hybrid car that meets both budgetary constraints and eco-conscious preferences can be a daunting task.

Here are 10 of the cheapest hybrid cars to buy in the UK.

Renault Clio E-Tech

Starting Price: £21,295

The Renault Clio E-Tech stands out as the most affordable hybrid car available to buy and it is truly impressive.

Under the hood lies a sophisticated hybrid system comprising a 1.6-litre petrol engine coupled with two electric motors.

This combination propels the car with remarkable power, delivering up to 143 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels.

Its exceptional mid-range torque capability surpasses expectations, making it feel much swifter than Renault’s advertised 0-62 mph acceleration time of 9.3 seconds.

But as with every car, there are cons.

In the Renault’s case, agility comes at the cost of a nimble ride.

Compared to other infotainment systems, the one in the Renault is not the most modern.

Nevertheless, it currently remains the UK’s cheapest hybrid car.

Dacia Jogger

Starting Price: £22,995

The Dacia Jogger emerges as not only one of the cheapest hybrid cars but it is also one of the most versatile.

Sporting seating for seven passengers, it boasts an impressive storage capacity of 2,085 litres when the second and third rows are folded down.

This makes it very practical for families or those requiring more cargo space.

Equipped with the same hybrid system found in the Clio, Renault Captur and Renault Arkana, the Dacia Jogger has a relaxing demeanour and plenty of power.

This hybrid setup ensures a smooth driving experience and ample performance across various driving conditions.

But if maximising fuel efficiency is your primary concern and you don’t need the additional interior space, the Dacia Jogger might not be the best choice.

With a fuel efficiency rating of 56.5 mpg, it is not as fuel-efficient as other hybrid cars.

Toyota Yaris

Starting Price: £22,630

These days the Toyota Yaris is hybrid-only and this car offers a combination of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a single electric motor.

This hybrid powertrain generates either 114 horsepower or 128 horsepower, providing quality performance around town and making it great for city use.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Yaris excels, consistently achieving over 60 mpg in real-world driving conditions.

Its emissions are also notably lower compared to the Renault Clio, emitting only 92 grams per kilometre of CO2.

However, potential buyers should be mindful of the Yaris’s ride quality, which can be quite harsh, especially when equipped with the larger wheels available on higher trim levels.

Its practicality is also somewhat limited compared to other vehicles in its class.

Renault Captur

Starting Price: £24,795

The Renault Captur E-Tech shares its hybrid powertrain with several other models including its compact counterpart, the Clio.

Although the Captur offers slightly more interior space and a higher driving position, it comes with a heftier price tag, costing £3,500 more than the Clio.

The Captur also sacrifices 7 miles per gallon in fuel economy and emits an extra 10 grams per kilometre of CO2 emissions compared to its smaller sibling.

Therefore, while the Captur may offer some minor advantages in terms of space and driving position, the higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency make the Clio a better choice for many buyers.

Toyota Yaris Cross

Starting Price: £25,500

The Yaris Cross is similar to the Captur, serving as the taller counterpart to an established supermini.

However, it outperforms its French rival in terms of fuel economy, effortlessly achieving more than 60 miles per gallon in real-world urban driving conditions.

According to Toyota, the Yaris Cross can return up to 55mpg in all-wheel-drive form, while the front-drive versions can reach up to 64mpg.

But if driven carefully on slower roads, the figure can reach up to 100mg.

Despite its impressive efficiency, the Yaris Cross is nearly £3,000 more than the regular Yaris.

Moreover, it doesn’t offer significantly more interior space.

Honda Jazz

Starting Price: £26,395

The Honda Jazz e:HEV has a 1.5-litre petrol engine and one electric motor, a similar set-up to the one found in the Yaris.

The Jazz has an average of 61mpg, surpassing the Yaris by 10mpg.

Additionally, the Jazz distinguishes itself with its surprising practicality, owing to a versatile rear seat arrangement that allows each cushion to fold up independently.

However, despite its strengths, the Jazz comes with a considerably higher price tag compared to its competitors.

Furthermore, it lacks the dynamic attributes that might appeal to enthusiastic drivers, ultimately limiting its overall appeal in the market.

Mazda 2 Hybrid

Starting Price: £24,130

The Mazda 2 Hybrid is essentially a Toyota Yaris with a different badge.

Despite sharing its name with the regular Mazda 2, the Mazda 2 Hybrid bears no relation to its non-hybrid counterpart.

While this arrangement does offer some advantages, such as access to the excellent hybrid system and the Mazda’s characteristic neat handling, there are drawbacks.

Its fuel efficiency is commendable and it provides a reasonably lively driving experience.

However, it is more expensive than other hybrid cars.

Nevertheless, it remains one of the UK’s cheapest hybrid cars.

Suzuki S-Cross

Starting Price: £27,249

To some extent, the Suzuki S-Cross is overshadowed by many of its rivals in the small SUV market.

However, the S-Cross makes a compelling case for itself, particularly in hybrid form, offering commendable value for money.

While the S-Cross boasts an appealing exterior design, its practicality as a family car is somewhat compromised.

Rear passengers may find themselves feeling cramped, and the boot capacity is modest, measuring just 293 litres.

Nevertheless, this hybrid car compensates with an array of onboard technology and a comprehensive suite of safety features included as standard.

Despite its compact size, the Suzuki crossover delivers a lightweight and agile driving experience, making it surprisingly nimble on the road.

Additionally, it boasts a respectable fuel economy rating, achieving up to 54.3 miles per gallon.

Hyundai Kona Hybrid

Starting Price: £26,315

If practicality is a priority for your hybrid car, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid emerges as a strong contender.

With a spacious 361 litres of boot space and ample rear legroom, it caters well to families with young children.

Underneath the bonnet is a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with a 32kW motor and a 1.56kWh battery.

Official tests indicate a CO2 output ranging between 90-99g/km, while fuel economy reaches up to approximately 58 mpg.

These figures are commendable for a vehicle of this size and shape. However, for those aiming for maximum savings on running costs, Hyundai also offers an electric version of the Kona.

While engine noise may be noticeable during acceleration, the Kona Hybrid impresses with its quietness when steadily cruising.

It handles corners adequately, and the SE Connect models, starting from just under £27,000, come generously equipped.

Suzuki Vitara

Starting Price: £26,599

Unlike other Suzuki models, the Vitara does not use Toyota’s established hybrid technology.

Instead, the engineering behind this compact SUV was developed entirely in-house.

While the 133bhp 1.5-litre powertrain is capable enough to achieve fuel efficiency of up to 53 miles per gallon, it falls short in comparison to the refinement found in Toyota’s hybrid offerings.

One notable drawback of the Vitara Full Hybrid is its automated manual gearbox, which often proves sluggish to respond at critical moments.

But if you can overlook these shortcomings, there are still numerous appealing aspects to consider.

The Vitara boasts an attractive exterior design and feels solidly constructed.

Furthermore, a generous array of safety features is included across the entire range, enhancing its overall appeal despite its imperfections.

The world of hybrid cars offers a diverse range of options for UK consumers seeking both affordability and environmental consciousness.

From compact hatchbacks to versatile SUVs, the top 10 cheapest hybrid cars demonstrate that eco-friendly driving doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

With advances in hybrid technology and an increasing focus on sustainability, there has never been a better time to consider making the switch to a hybrid car.