If you’re on the hunt for a cheap car, then a hybrid electric vehicle should be a strong contender when sizing up possibilities, since the savings continue well after you decide to drive one home.
For those unfamiliar with the term, a hybrid is a vehicle that uses both a diesel or petrol-powered internal-combustion engine (ICE) with a battery-powered electric motor, the two working in tandem, or sometimes independently, to offer you the greatest fuel efficiency possible.
This, of course, results in you being able to save on fuel costs, as well as basking in the glow of knowing you’re putting fewer harmful tailpipe emissions into the atmosphere.
It’s also worth knowing that there are three types of hybrids available to choose from: a mild hybrid, where the ICE receives only a small amount of electricity assistance, a standard hybrid with a self-charging battery, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which needs to be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery (the reason being it has a bigger battery, enabling, on average, between 50-60km of all-electric driving range between charges).
Prices for new hybrids start from as low as $27,395, plus on-road costs, and hybrids have been around long enough on the Australian market that you should also be able to pick up a bargain on the second-hand market, if that’s the route you want to go.
Cheap hybrid cars in Australia
1. Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid
Price: From $27,395, plus on-road costs
As of the end of 2021, the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid is the cheapest hybrid car that’s for sale in Australia, with an efficient fuel consumption of 4.2L/100KM. The five-door hatch is ideal as a city run-about, and is a breeze to park.
2. Toyota Yaris Cross GX Hybrid
Price: From $28,990, plus on-road costs
This two-wheel drive (2WD) small SUV from Toyota comes with a pre-collision safety system that features autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and a whole lot more. Fuel consumption is an excellent 3.8L/100km.
3. Audi A1 30 TFSI Hybrid
Price: From $33,200, plus on-road costs
Zippy and agile, the Audi A1 30 TFSI small hatchback comes with Audi’s signature luxury and style, in a very compact form. It comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km.
4. Toyota Camry Ascent Hybrid
Price: From $33,490, plus on-road costs
The hybrid version of this reliable Toyota workhorse comes with a 2.5-litre engine and a combined fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km. A sedan that still remains a popular choice amid the sea of SUVs on Australian roads.
5. Subaru XV Hybrid L AWD
Price: From $35,490, plus on-road costs
Subaru has been pumping out well-loved SUVs since the late-1990s, with its current line-up featuring a number of fuel-efficient, cheap hybrid cars. The XV Hybrid SUV combines a 110kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine with a 12.3kW/66Nm electric motor.
6. Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid
Price: From $36,800, plus on-road costs
This medium-size SUV is one of the best-selling cars in Australia, and it’s sure to remain so in 2022 and beyond. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine offers up a combined fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km. You might need to queue to get one, however.
7. Toyota C-HR Koba Hybrid
Price: From $37,665, plus on-road costs
Although the petrol version of the C-HR Koba small SUV is all-wheel drive (AWD), the hybrid version is 2WD, and comes with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. The combined fuel consumption is 4.3L/100km.
8. Kia Niro HEV S Hybrid
Price: From $39,990, plus on-road costs
The Kia Niro is the only range of SUVs in Australia that offers a choice of three electrified drivetrains: hybrid, PHEV, and all-electric. The HEV S hybrid variant has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, and a combined fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km.
9. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Premium
Price: From $40,390, plus on-road costs
Hyundai’s Ioniq Hybrid Premium may not be the cheapest hybrid car in Australia, but it’s certainly one of the best. The Korean brand knows how to do a fine line in stylish, affordable cars that handle well, and the Ioniq Hybrid Premium is no different. Combined fuel consumption is 6.7L/100km.
10. Subaru Forester Hybrid L
Price: From $41,390, plus on-road costs
This Suburu rival to the RAV4 is an AWD, meaning it has decent off-road ability, unlike a lot of the other small SUV hybrids on this list. The Forester Hybrid L has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 12.3kW/66Nm integrated electric motor, with a combined fuel consumption of 3.9L/100km.
Keyword: The ten cheapest hybrid cars in Australia