Top 10 best hybrid hatchbacks 2024
A hybrid hatchback is just as practical as a normal hatchback, but with even lower running costs. These are the best on sale in 2024
Not everyone is ready to make the switch to fully electric cars, and the best hybrid hatchbacks - whether full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or mild hybrid - offer a versatile compromise. These hybrid hatches combine the low running costs of electric power with the familiarity of petrol, making them an excellent choice for family car buyers. However, with so many now on sale, how do you choose the best hybrid hatchback for you?
Plug-in hybrid hatchbacks are a good option for some as these allow for travel on electric power alone for certain distances - often over 30 miles with some even getting close to 100 miles. When fully charged, plug-in hybrid hatchbacks also offer sky high fuel efficiency. PHEVs do require plugging in to get the most out of the car as they can’t fully self-charge, and when the battery is depleted, the efficiency figures can be negatively affected by the weight of the batteries and the engine.
Full hybrid hatchbacks use an electric motor and battery to assist the engine but can't run on electric power alone for long distances. Full hybrids do still offer better fuel economy than most petrol cars, though, and don't require plugging in. Mild hybrid hatchbacks are the least complex of the three. They use a small electric motor to support the engine, enhancing fuel economy slightly without the need for charging and without offering electric-only driving. Each hybrid hatch option suits different driving habits and budgets.
The best hybrid hatchbacks on sale now
We’ve tested every plug-in hybrid and full hybrid hatchback on today’s market and come up with this handy list of the best hybrid hatchbacks on sale today. Alternatively, if you feel ready to make the leap to a full EV then take a look at our list of the best electric family cars.
1. Skoda Octavia
- Prices from £28,815
- Maximum WLTP combined mpg: 57.3mpg
The Skoda Octavia has been a long-time favourite with buyers looking for a hatchback with saloon styling and which offers great value for money. Unlike the previous versions, the most recent iteration is only available in standard petrol, diesel or mild hybrid form with no PHEV options. The mild hybrid version uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a small electric battery, offering competitive fuel economy of 57.3mpg.
Like most Skodas, the Octavia majors on offering a comfortable driving experience with supple suspension and light steering. Also, if it's your family's safety that is your primary concern, you can't get much better than the Skoda after receiving a 5-star Euro NCAP testing result.
Read our full review of the Skoda Octavia iV to find out more.
2. Honda Civic
- Prices from £35,005
- Maximum WLTP combined mpg: 56.5mpg
The Civic seems to have been around forever, and this 11th generation sees the model continue its tradition of successfully reinventing itself to stay relevant. Like the rest of the Honda range (including the Jazz below), it's now hybrid only, but instead of the plug-in setup with a fairly large battery favoured by many rivals, the Civic has a small battery that's constantly topped up on the move by both the engine and a regenerative braking system. An electric motor, rather than the engine, drives the wheels most of the time, resulting in a smooth, EV-like driving experience.
Read our full review of the Honda Civic to find out more.
3. Toyota Corolla
- Prices from £30,505
- Maximum WLTP combined mpg: 64mpg
The Toyota Corolla is available in both hatchback and Touring Sports estate forms and was significantly updated for 2022. Buyers have a choice of an economical 1.8-litre powertrain that can return 64mpg or a 2.0-litre unit that offers identical fuel economy despite outputting a punchy 193bhp.
All versions of the Corolla are great to drive - if you ignore the clunky CVT automatic gearbox - and standard equipment is strong across the range, too. We appreciate the revised Corolla’s 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s fitted to all cars and comes installed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Read our sister site Auto Express' review of the Toyota Corolla to find out more.
4. Renault Clio E-Tech
- Prices from £18,395
- Maximum WLTP combined mpg: 67.3mpg
The Clio E-TECH is one of the more recent additions to the hybrid hatchback club, but unlike its Captur SUV sibling, it’s not a plug-in hybrid. Instead, Renault has introduced a clever system that comprises a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.2kWh battery; power makes its way to the road through a Formula 1-inspired automatic gearbox.
It’s good at shuffling between power sources and will officially return up to 67.3mpg. A recent facelift for 2023 has revealed a sharp new front-end design, inspired by the fully-electric Renault Megane E-Tech, as well as a cabin redressed in high-quality sustainable materials.
Read our full review of the Renault Clio to find out more.
5. Toyota Yaris
- Prices from £22,640
- Maximum WLTP combined mpg: 68.9mpg
Yet another ‘self-charging’ hybrid Toyota, the latest Yaris comes with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine working alongside an electric motor. A power output of 114bhp means performance is reasonable, while scaled-down Corolla underpinnings ensure it’s good to drive and comfortable on the move. Plenty of standard kit and updated infotainment are also good news. If you like the idea of the Yaris’ low running costs, but fancy a high driving position and a little extra space, Toyota also offers the mechanically-similar Yaris Cross SUV, too.
Read our full review of the Toyota Yaris to find out more.
6. Mercedes A 250 e
- Prices from £41,055
- Maximum WLTP electric range: 52.8 miles
If you fancy a touch of luxury without the bulk of the Mercedes S-Class, the latest A-Class offers a genuine alternative that’s surprisingly similar in terms of prestige, albeit in a more compact package. The interior of the A-Class is simply one of the finest that you can currently find in a small car, with sheer quality to be found throughout.
The A-Class is practical, too, and will seat four in comfort. Opt for the A 250 e plug-in hybrid and while the boot space drops slightly from 370 to 310 litres, you get a claimed fuel economy of 282mpg. Admittedly, the real-world figure is very likely to be less, but Mercedes does claim its hybrid hatchback will be able to travel up to 52.8 miles on electric power alone.
Read our full review of the Mercedes A 250 e to find out more.
7. Peugeot 308 Hybrid
- Prices from £31,795
- Maximum WLTP electric range: 37 miles
Barely recognisable as a Peugeot, the latest 308 hatchback has undergone a sharp and aggressive visual transformation to become one of the most distinctive mainstream cars on the road. It also offers bang up-to-date plug-in hybrid engine options, while also being available in fully electric e-308 form too. It's pricey and perhaps not the most practical hatchback you can buy – the mechanically-similar Vauxhall Astra Hybrid-e is slightly cheaper – but many buyers will be won over by those looks alone.
Read our full review of the Peugeot 308 to find out more.
8. Honda Jazz
- Prices from £26,885
- Maximum WLTP combined mpg: 62.8mpg
The Honda Jazz has been electrified for its third generation and packs a lot of technology into a small yet clever package. Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a pair of electric motors, linked to a small battery and a CVT gearbox. The drivetrain feels well engineered and is very refined, with a focus on efficiency that'll please private owners and company-car users alike. It's a little pricey, but you get a lot of practical hybrid supermini for your money, plus the Crosstar version even boasts fashionable SUV styling and a raised driving position.
Read our full review of the Honda Jazz to find out more
9. Audi A3 TFSI e
- Prices from £39,750
- Maximum WLTP electric range: 88 miles
The Audi A3 has been a company-car stalwart for years, but the formerly favoured engine choice, an efficient diesel, has now been usurped by this 'TFSI e' petrol-electric plug-in hybrid model. The latest facelifted A3 TFSI e promises low BiK tax along with strong performance and the brand states that its capable of a massive 88 miles on electric range alone. The TFSI e also offers the traditional plus points of the A3: five-door hatchback practicality (a saloon model is also offered) combined with a premium-car badge and high-quality interior.
Read our full review of the Audi A3 to find out more.
10. DS 4 E-Tense
- Prices from £40,430
- Maximum WLTP electric range: 41.6 miles
DS is the up-and-coming premium-car arm of the Franco-Italian Stellantis Group, and while some of its previous models have felt a bit too close to the Citroen brand it emerged from, the DS 4 is its most convincing effort to date. Sporting a taut, handsome design and efficient plug-in hybrid power under the bonnet, it sets itself apart with exceptional interior quality and a focus on comfort rather than sportiness.
Read our full review of the DS 4 E-Tense to find out more.
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