Hybrid has become the buzzword of Australia’s new car market – and cheap hybrid cars have never been more plentiful.
In 2024, sales of hybrid vehicles in Australia were up 75%, while sales of EVs cooled slightly.1 And Toyota led the way, selling a massive 118,081 hybrid cars in Australia in 2024, led by the hugely popular RAV4 Hybrid medium SUV,2 and other models such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid and hybrid Toyota Camry.
“Toyota’s hybrid know-how is hard to beat – it was one of the first companies to offer hybrid tech, and does so across a broad range of body styles,” says David McCowen, Motoring Content Director, News Corp Australia.
“Toyota had the market cornered until relatively recently – now there are many alternatives from dozens of brands.”
Apart from Kia and Hyundai, many of those brands are relatively new Chinese manufacturers such as MG, GWM and BYD – all competing sharply on price.
Plug-in hybrids, meanwhile, are growing even faster than conventional hybrids. A total of 13,698 plug-in hybrids were delivered in the first quarter of 2025 – a 300% increase on the same time last year.3
So why are hybrids so popular in Australia?
“Hybrids are an easy solution, cheaper to buy than an electric car and cheaper to run than petrol models,” says McCowen. “Even supercar manufacturers such as Ferrari, McLaren and Lamborghini have embraced hybrid tech.”
Whether you’re eyeing an affordable new hybrid hatchback, SUV or even a hybrid ute, you may wish to consider your car insurance options as part of your buying process.
What does hybrid mean?
Put simply: a hybrid vehicle can run on both petrol or diesel and electric power.
The Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide defines hybrids as a cheaper alternative to fully electric vehicles, while still providing the benefits of better fuel economy and reduced environmental impact compared to petrol or diesel cars.4
There are two types of hybrid cars:4
Non-plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use the electricity generated by driving the car, such as from the braking system or kinetic energy when you stop accelerating, to recharge the battery.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have a battery pack that can be plugged into a power outlet or charging station, as well as a petrol or diesel engine, allowing you to refuel at a traditional service station.
Why get a hybrid and not an electric vehicle?
Other than the generally cheaper price tag, hybrid cars might appeal to motorists with ‘range anxiety’ – the fear that your electric car won’t have the capacity to reach your destination without a recharge.
They might also be a good option for people who don’t have ready access to charging infrastructure, such as apartment dwellers. “EVs work best if you can charge them at home – especially for those who have solar panels on the roof,” says McCowen.
What are some cheap hybrid cars in Australia?
Looking for a new hybrid car? Although it’s a fast-moving market and this list – including prices – may change as new models become available, we’ve uncovered some of the cheapest new hybrid cars on the market as of June 2025.
(Note, prices are subject to change and are based on each manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the lowest-priced variant, quoted for postcode 2000 in June 2025, and may not include costs such as stamp duty, other government charges and options.)
Suzuki Swift Hybrid from $24,4905
The compact Swift hatchback combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with a modest electric motor and 12-volt lithium-ion battery for fuel consumption as low as 3.8L/100km (for the manual).6 CarsGuide says of the Swift Hybrid, “as inexpensive city cars continue to fade, the new Swift continues 41 years of providing an affordable and dependable solution, in a vibrant and desirable package.”7
MG3 Hybrid from $27,9908
Another compact hatchback, the hybrid MG3 pairs a relatively large 1.8kWh battery with a 100kW electric motor and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. MG’s claimed fuel consumption is as low as 4.3L/100km (combined).9 “Cheap and cheerful? You bet – but it’s also compelling and competitive for this class too,” says CarExpert.10
Toyota Yaris Hybrid from $28,99011
With a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, hybrid motor and CVT transmission, the Yaris Hybrid compact hatchback uses just 3.3L/100km (combined) of fuel, according to Toyota.12 “As a cheap-to-run, comfortable city runabout – which doesn’t need to carry more than two people regularly – the Toyota Yaris will tick the boxes for many buyers,” says Drive.13
Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid from $31,79014
The compact Toyota Yaris Cross crossover SUV comes in both 2WD and AWD versions, with hybrid fuel economy as low as 3.8L/100km (combined).15 CarExpert says “while the powertrain is a vocal one, it’s pretty smooth in the way it switches between EV and petrol modes, and if you really need to get on the move, it hustles along quicker than you’d expect.”16
Toyota Corolla Hybrid from $32,11017
A size up on the other vehicles above, the small Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatchback still uses just 4.0L/100km (combined) of fuel, thanks to its efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine and hybrid powertrain.18 “If it’s for a single person or a couple, this car makes plenty of sense,” says carsales. “It’s proof there’s still life beyond SUVs and utes.”19
What are the cheapest plug-in hybrids in Australia?
How about a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)? More models are arriving in Australia, as with hybrids, and it’s a fast-moving feast – with prices constantly fluctuating. If it’s easy for you to charge a vehicle overnight at home, here are five of the most affordable hybrid plug-in cars in Australia as of June 2025.
BYD Sealion 6 from $42,99020
The cheapest plug-in hybrid in Australia (for now),21 the BYD Sealion 6 mid-size SUV can travel up to 92km on electricity alone, and up to 1,092km with a full charge and full tank of petrol.22 CarsGuide says the Sealion 6 “may not be the obvious class-leader in any particular area, but it does a good job in almost every measurable aspect and doesn’t possess any major flaws.”23
Leapmotor C10 from $43,88824
Leapmotor is a newer brand hailing from China. Its C10 ‘Range Extender Electric Vehicle’ (REEV) claims up to 145km of EV range, and up to 970km in petrol-electric hybrid mode.25 “It’s a good-looking SUV, with a comfortable cabin and plenty of standard equipment, and that definitely catches the attention of the budget-minded family buyer,” says Drive.26
Jaecoo J7 SHS from $47,99027
Another mid-size SUV, the Jaecoo J7 Super Hybrid System has an 18.3kWh battery providing up to 106km of EV-only range – and up to 1,200km when fully charged and fully refuelled.28 CarExpert says the J7 SHS “blends the EV characteristic of providing zippy, instant power with the reliability and dependability of a petrol engine when required.”29
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from $47,79030
Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross small SUV has a 13.8kWh battery and can travel 54km in EV mode, with a 2.4-litre petrol engine for when you want to go further. It’s the cheapest PHEV on this list with standard all-wheel drive.31 “On the road, the Eclipse Cross PHEV is largely inoffensive with a smooth and relatively quiet driveline that switches seamlessly between electric and petrol operation,” says GoAuto.32
GWM Haval H6GT from $55,99033
With a generous 180km of pure electric range, the GWM Haval H6GT also has plenty of power – 321kW and 762Nm from its petrol-electric powertrain. Coming standard with all-wheel drive, its combined petrol-electric range is 1,000km.34 “The 2025 GWM Haval H6GT PHEV offers a breadth of performance, economy and EV driving range that make a good case for having a plug-in hybrid,” says carsales.35
If you’re thinking of getting a plug-in hybrid vehicle, make sure you consider your individual circumstances to get the best out of the car.
“Plug-in hybrids offer a good degree of flexibility but require a thoughtful owner,” says McCowen. “If you’re the type of person who leaves the oven on or forgets where you left house keys, a plug-in hybrid might not be for you – they work best when you stay on top of charging and energy use.”
With the ever-expanding range of new hybrids and cheap electric cars available in Australia, there are more and more opportunities to slash fuel costs while reducing your environmental footprint.
If that appeals, our make and model pages provide a useful indication of what you might pay to insure your new hybrid with Youi while out on the road.36
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of June 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant vehicle manufacturer websites for price and specification updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: The Guardian – Electric v hybrid: which vehicle should you buy in 2025?, January 2025
2 Source: GoAuto – Toyota hybrid sales break records in 2024, January 2025
3 Source: CarExpert – Australia’s best-selling PHEVs in 2025 so far: BYD dominates the sales charts, April 2025
4 Source: Australian Government Green Vehicle Guide – Hybrid vehicles
5 Source: RedBook – Suzuki Swift Hybrid
6 Source: Suzuki Australia – Swift Hybrid
7 Source: CarsGuide – Suzuki Swift 2024 review: Hybrid, June 2024
8 Source: RedBook – MG3 Hybrid
9 Source: MG – MG3 2025 brochure
10 Source: CarExpert – 2024 MG3 Hybrid+ review, June 2024
11 Source: RedBook – Toyota Yaris Hybrid
12 Source: Toyota – Yaris Hybrid specifications
13 Source: Drive – 2024 Toyota Yaris ZR Hybrid review, February 2024
14 Source: RedBook – Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid
15 Source: Toyota – Yaris Cross Hybrid specifications
16 Source: CarExpert – 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross GXL Hybrid review, February 2025
17 Source: RedBook – Toyota Corolla Hybrid
18 Source: Toyota – Corolla Hybrid specifications
19 Source: carsales – Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid 2024 Review, January 2024
20 Source: RedBook – BYD Sealion 6
21 Source: CarExpert – The 10 cheapest PHEVs in Australia, March 2025
22 Source: BYD – Sealion 6 2025 brochure
23 Source: CarsGuide – BYD Sealion 6 2024 review, July 2024
24 Source: RedBook – Leapmotor C10
25 Source: CarsGuide – Leapmotor C10 2025 review: REEV - International first drive, April 2025
26 Source: Drive – 2025 Leapmotor C10 REEV review: International first drive, April 2025
27 Source: RedBook – Jaecoo J7 SHS
28 Source: Jaecoo – J7 SHS
29 Source: CarExpert – 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV review, April 2025
30 Source: RedBook – Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
31 Source: Mitsubishi – Eclipse Cross
32 Source: GoAuto – The Eclipse Cross remains a solid offering despite more appealing competition, November 2024
33 Source: RedBook – GWM Haval H6GT
34 Source: GWM Haval – H6 GT
35 Source: carsales – GWM Haval H6GT PHEV 2025 Review, March 2025
36 See the Car PDS for full details.
