Best hybrid cars 2026
High quality hybrid cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best hybrid cars for sale in 2026
With diesel prices currently through the roof and the fact that hybrids are now available in every body style you can think of, the best hybrid cars are now the go-to if you’re looking for fuel economy and all-round practicality.
Big, seven seater SUV? Tick, with the Jaecoo 8 and MG S9 PHEV to consider. Small hatchback? Look no further than the BYD Dolphin G or the Toyota Aygo X. The Chery Tiggo 4 offers a lot of car for very little money, as does the MG3, while the sporty Honda Prelude is as fuel efficient as it is fun to drive.
Our expert reviews team have spent time behind the wheel of every hybrid car on sale, comprehensively testing them in real world conditions to bring you this list of their ten favourites:
1. Jaecoo 8
Jaecoo 8 review
Best for: being posh, loaded with kit and very comfortable
The Jaecoo 8 is the biggest, poshest car that Jaecoo sells in the UK - and it’s the best one, too. Not only is it a powerful plug-in hybrid, but it’s plush inside and comes with plenty of standard kit for a reasonable price - though the back seats are pretty tight and the six-seat version is not worth the money.
You’d never guess that the Jaecoo 8 is a value-for-money proposition just from looking at it, though. It’s massive, and the huge front grille, sculpted bumpers, massive wheels and two-tone paint finishes give the big SUV a touch of poshness to its styling. The sides and rear end are all a touch generic, that being said.
The interior is even more of an occasion, with the design head-and-shoulders above any other Jaecoo on sale. You’ll find loads of plush, padded materials on the dashboard and in easy to reach places, though the lack of physical controls for the climate settings and infotainment is pretty annoying.
Everything is routed through the central display. While it has crisp, clear graphics, there are far too many fiddly menus and submenus to navigate through.
Space up front is generous, even with a chunky centre console which leaves you feeling pleasantly cocooned in the high-set driver’s seat. Storage space is plentiful, too, but things in the back aren’t quite as roomy. There isn’t all that much headroom in the middle row, and the third row is particularly tight. It’s also a nightmare to get people in the last pair if you opt for the six-seater layout as the middle seats don’t fold.
With all the seats in place there’s a small but usable-enough 110 litre boot capacity, but with the rear seats stowed away there’s a generous 738 litres of space to fill. That’s about average for a car of this size.
You get just a single engine option - a 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid with up to 83 miles of electric-only range, which is very impressive.
It’s comfortable to drive thanks to soft suspension and standard-fit cameras mean it’s surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in town. The Jaecoo is also very cushy on the motorway, but it’s a little wobbly on a country lane on account of the body lean.
The Jaecoo 8 is the biggest, poshest car that Jaecoo sells in the UK - and it’s the best one, too. Not only is it a powerful plug-in hybrid, but it’s plush inside and comes with plenty of standard kit for a reasonable price - though the back seats are pretty tight and the six-seat version is not worth the money.
You’d never guess that the Jaecoo 8 is a value-for-money proposition just from looking at it, though. It’s massive, and the huge front grille, sculpted bumpers, massive wheels and two-tone paint finishes give the big SUV a touch of poshness to its styling. The sides and rear end are all a touch generic, that being said.
The interior is even more of an occasion, with the design head-and-shoulders above any other Jaecoo on sale. You’ll find loads of plush, padded materials on the dashboard and in easy to reach places, though the lack of physical controls for the climate settings and infotainment is pretty annoying.
Everything is routed through the central display. While it has crisp, clear graphics, there are far too many fiddly menus and submenus to navigate through.
Space up front is generous, even with a chunky centre console which leaves you feeling pleasantly cocooned in the high-set driver’s seat. Storage space is plentiful, too, but things in the back aren’t quite as roomy. There isn’t all that much headroom in the middle row, and the third row is particularly tight. It’s also a nightmare to get people in the last pair if you opt for the six-seater layout as the middle seats don’t fold.
With all the seats in place there’s a small but usable-enough 110 litre boot capacity, but with the rear seats stowed away there’s a generous 738 litres of space to fill. That’s about average for a car of this size.
You get just a single engine option - a 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid with up to 83 miles of electric-only range, which is very impressive.
It’s comfortable to drive thanks to soft suspension and standard-fit cameras mean it’s surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in town. The Jaecoo is also very cushy on the motorway, but it’s a little wobbly on a country lane on account of the body lean.
2. Mg S9 PHEV
MG S9 review
Best for: seven-seater value for money
The MG S9 PHEV is another seven-seater SUV, but it’s even bigger than the Jaecoo 8 with even more room inside. It comes loaded with kit as standard, plenty of all-electric range and has a whopping great boot, but it’s a bit uncomfortable in town and the cabin feels cheap in places.
It’s a pretty imposing looking thing, that being said. The silhouette is a touch generic, but the wide, spindly front grille resembles a Cheshire Cat and gives the S9 a distinct look. A full-width rear light bar and lashings of chrome hide the bargain-basement price tag pretty well.
Climb up into the high-set driver’s seat and you’re treated to a handsome dashboard layout. It looks smart; minimalist without going too far. The twin 12.9-inch screens sit in a neat binnacle, though the graphics are poor and it’s woefully slow to respond to your inputs.
If you want to turn on the heated seats or massage function it’ll take you a few presses through the display’s clunky menus, but at least there’s a row of physical climate buttons which means you don’t need to poke and prod the infotainment too much.
While it looks posh enough, get a bit handsy with the surfaces and you’ll soon see - or rather feel - MG’s cost cutting. The leather steering wheel feels premium, but scratchy door card and dashboard plastics let things down.
The S9 scores big in passenger space. The middle row slides and reclines for heaps of legroom, while the third row even gets adjustable backrests. Tight headroom means seats six and seven are best reserved for kids, but adults will manage in an emergency.
Boot capacity is huge, measuring 332 litres with all seven seats up and an enormous 1,026 litres in five-seater mode - which is larger than most other seven-seater alternatives.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid setup paired with a 24.7kWh battery, for an official electric-only range of up to 62 miles. Its sheer bulk is evident when navigating narrow streets and the stiff suspension jiggles you around over bumpy roads.
The S9 settles into a quiet and well-insulated motorway cruise, and while it stays composed on twisty back roads, big potholes thud through the cabin.
The MG S9 PHEV is another seven-seater SUV, but it’s even bigger than the Jaecoo 8 with even more room inside. It comes loaded with kit as standard, plenty of all-electric range and has a whopping great boot, but it’s a bit uncomfortable in town and the cabin feels cheap in places.
It’s a pretty imposing looking thing, that being said. The silhouette is a touch generic, but the wide, spindly front grille resembles a Cheshire Cat and gives the S9 a distinct look. A full-width rear light bar and lashings of chrome hide the bargain-basement price tag pretty well.
Climb up into the high-set driver’s seat and you’re treated to a handsome dashboard layout. It looks smart; minimalist without going too far. The twin 12.9-inch screens sit in a neat binnacle, though the graphics are poor and it’s woefully slow to respond to your inputs.
If you want to turn on the heated seats or massage function it’ll take you a few presses through the display’s clunky menus, but at least there’s a row of physical climate buttons which means you don’t need to poke and prod the infotainment too much.
While it looks posh enough, get a bit handsy with the surfaces and you’ll soon see - or rather feel - MG’s cost cutting. The leather steering wheel feels premium, but scratchy door card and dashboard plastics let things down.
The S9 scores big in passenger space. The middle row slides and reclines for heaps of legroom, while the third row even gets adjustable backrests. Tight headroom means seats six and seven are best reserved for kids, but adults will manage in an emergency.
Boot capacity is huge, measuring 332 litres with all seven seats up and an enormous 1,026 litres in five-seater mode - which is larger than most other seven-seater alternatives.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid setup paired with a 24.7kWh battery, for an official electric-only range of up to 62 miles. Its sheer bulk is evident when navigating narrow streets and the stiff suspension jiggles you around over bumpy roads.
The S9 settles into a quiet and well-insulated motorway cruise, and while it stays composed on twisty back roads, big potholes thud through the cabin.
3. Honda Prelude
Honda Prelude review
Best for: a genuinely sporty drive
The Honda Prelude manages what a lot of cars haven't done over the years: being great to drive while also looking after your wallet at the petrol pump thanks to its hybrid engine. It looks great and it’s super composed on a good road, but it’s far from practical and it could really do with a bit more power.
At least it looks the part with a low and swoopy silhouette. The pointy nose is a touch busy from dead-on and the rear haunches slightly bulbous from certain angles, but the overall shape is undeniably sleek and gives the Prelude genine kerb appeal.
Drop down into the low-slung driver's seat and the cabin feels appropriately driver-focused for a two-door coupe. Okay, the designers have been slightly too generous with scratch-prone gloss black plastic trim, but everything is properly screwed together and in a case of classic Honda common-sense, the physical climate controls are very easy to use.
Unfortunately, the Prelude’s low, sloping roofline severely impacts interior space. Tall drivers might find their hair ruffling the roof, while the back seats are barely even big enough for young children. The boot is a miniscule 264 litres, too, but you’re better off keeping the back seats folded down and using the larger 760-litre load space instead.
Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre hybrid engine sending 184hp to the front wheels via an automatic gearbox with some added trickery. You don’t get any dedicated EV-only range here as the Prelude isn’t a plug-in hybrid, but Honda claims a respectable 54mpg.
Around town the slinky Honda is pretty easy to drive. It’s nippy, agile and really rather comfortable, too. On the motorway it effortlessly settles into a high-speed cruise, but the Prelude is best on a twisty road. It’s composed and features clever simulated gearshifts to mimic a conventional transmission, which is fun, but it lacks the acceleration you might expect from a sporty coupe - which is not fun.
The Honda Prelude manages what a lot of cars haven't done over the years: being great to drive while also looking after your wallet at the petrol pump thanks to its hybrid engine. It looks great and it’s super composed on a good road, but it’s far from practical and it could really do with a bit more power.
At least it looks the part with a low and swoopy silhouette. The pointy nose is a touch busy from dead-on and the rear haunches slightly bulbous from certain angles, but the overall shape is undeniably sleek and gives the Prelude genine kerb appeal.
Drop down into the low-slung driver's seat and the cabin feels appropriately driver-focused for a two-door coupe. Okay, the designers have been slightly too generous with scratch-prone gloss black plastic trim, but everything is properly screwed together and in a case of classic Honda common-sense, the physical climate controls are very easy to use.
Unfortunately, the Prelude’s low, sloping roofline severely impacts interior space. Tall drivers might find their hair ruffling the roof, while the back seats are barely even big enough for young children. The boot is a miniscule 264 litres, too, but you’re better off keeping the back seats folded down and using the larger 760-litre load space instead.
Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre hybrid engine sending 184hp to the front wheels via an automatic gearbox with some added trickery. You don’t get any dedicated EV-only range here as the Prelude isn’t a plug-in hybrid, but Honda claims a respectable 54mpg.
Around town the slinky Honda is pretty easy to drive. It’s nippy, agile and really rather comfortable, too. On the motorway it effortlessly settles into a high-speed cruise, but the Prelude is best on a twisty road. It’s composed and features clever simulated gearshifts to mimic a conventional transmission, which is fun, but it lacks the acceleration you might expect from a sporty coupe - which is not fun.
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4. BYD Dolphin G
BYD Dolphin G review
Best for: a tiny plug-in hybrid
The BYD Dolphin G is the smallest and cheapest plug-in hybrid on sale, costing the same as even smaller petrol-powered cars while offering the interior space and standard kit of more expensive hatchbacks. It isn’t all that refined on the move, though.
It’s not ugly by any means, but the Dolphin G’s soft edges, lightbars at both ends and featureless flanks mean it’s really rather generic to look at. Opt for a bold colour option if you don’t want to lose it on your street.
Not only is the cabin largely trimmed in plush leatherette, it als feels solidly assembled. There are quite a lot of hollow, silver accents to remind you where costs were saved, but the chrome detailing on the steering wheel and expensive-feeling air vents add some poshness.
There’s ample headroom and legroom for four six-foot adults, too, which isn’t always a given in a car of this size. The 425-litre boot comfortably eclipses larger cars, too, though a steep even if there’s a big boot lip to contend with.
As a plug-in hybrid, power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Entry-level cars offer 25 miles of electric range, but the more expensive version stretches that to 65 miles. Once the battery runs flat, it still returns an impressive 69mpg on mixed roads.
The peppy electric motor and generous range means the Dolphin G is as quiet and composed in town as any EV, until you get to a rough stretch of road where it really jiggles you about. It’s more comfortable on a motorway cruise, though there’s plenty of wind and engine noise. You can chuck it into corners on a twisty road with a fair amount of confidence, too.
The BYD Dolphin G is the smallest and cheapest plug-in hybrid on sale, costing the same as even smaller petrol-powered cars while offering the interior space and standard kit of more expensive hatchbacks. It isn’t all that refined on the move, though.
It’s not ugly by any means, but the Dolphin G’s soft edges, lightbars at both ends and featureless flanks mean it’s really rather generic to look at. Opt for a bold colour option if you don’t want to lose it on your street.
Not only is the cabin largely trimmed in plush leatherette, it als feels solidly assembled. There are quite a lot of hollow, silver accents to remind you where costs were saved, but the chrome detailing on the steering wheel and expensive-feeling air vents add some poshness.
There’s ample headroom and legroom for four six-foot adults, too, which isn’t always a given in a car of this size. The 425-litre boot comfortably eclipses larger cars, too, though a steep even if there’s a big boot lip to contend with.
As a plug-in hybrid, power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Entry-level cars offer 25 miles of electric range, but the more expensive version stretches that to 65 miles. Once the battery runs flat, it still returns an impressive 69mpg on mixed roads.
The peppy electric motor and generous range means the Dolphin G is as quiet and composed in town as any EV, until you get to a rough stretch of road where it really jiggles you about. It’s more comfortable on a motorway cruise, though there’s plenty of wind and engine noise. You can chuck it into corners on a twisty road with a fair amount of confidence, too.
5. Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 review
Battery range up to 75 miles
Best for: a sturdy, spacious interior
The Toyota has - for good reason - earned a reputation for dependability and family-friendly practicality over the years. The new RAV4 still maintains the same qualities while now being a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid, but it’s become very expensive in the process.
It looks chunkier and more expensive than ever, with a chunky, purposeful aesthetic and some (not so) subtle design cues from the larger Land Cruiser. Take the flat bonnet, squared-off wheel arches and boxy LED headlights, for example, while the intricate taillights are especially fetching at night.
Shame the interior doesn’t look as smart, and it certainly doesn’t feel it once you start poking around. Most of the trims feel solid - both in build quality and plastic hardness - but there aren’t enough soft-touch surfaces to offset the overall scratchiness and occasional creak. It’s a shame.
Passenger space is generous for headroom and knee room across both rows, but the underfloor battery raises the floor which eats away at under-thigh support in the back. Luggage space is also compromised as a result, with the 446-litre boot trailing behind key rivals and a lack of under-floor storage - so the cables can get in the way.
The plug-in hybrid engine is the Toyota’s ace of spades. The 2.5-litre petrol is paired with a 22.7kWh battery for up to 85 miles of electric-only driving, which is a serious figure. Even with the battery depleted, it comfortably achieves 50mpg in the real world.
It can be a little noisy when you floor it, but the RAV4 is otherwise comfortable, easy to manoeuvre and quiet on the go. Just don’t expect it to be any fun on a country lane.
The Toyota has - for good reason - earned a reputation for dependability and family-friendly practicality over the years. The new RAV4 still maintains the same qualities while now being a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid, but it’s become very expensive in the process.
It looks chunkier and more expensive than ever, with a chunky, purposeful aesthetic and some (not so) subtle design cues from the larger Land Cruiser. Take the flat bonnet, squared-off wheel arches and boxy LED headlights, for example, while the intricate taillights are especially fetching at night.
Shame the interior doesn’t look as smart, and it certainly doesn’t feel it once you start poking around. Most of the trims feel solid - both in build quality and plastic hardness - but there aren’t enough soft-touch surfaces to offset the overall scratchiness and occasional creak. It’s a shame.
Passenger space is generous for headroom and knee room across both rows, but the underfloor battery raises the floor which eats away at under-thigh support in the back. Luggage space is also compromised as a result, with the 446-litre boot trailing behind key rivals and a lack of under-floor storage - so the cables can get in the way.
The plug-in hybrid engine is the Toyota’s ace of spades. The 2.5-litre petrol is paired with a 22.7kWh battery for up to 85 miles of electric-only driving, which is a serious figure. Even with the battery depleted, it comfortably achieves 50mpg in the real world.
It can be a little noisy when you floor it, but the RAV4 is otherwise comfortable, easy to manoeuvre and quiet on the go. Just don’t expect it to be any fun on a country lane.
6. Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster review
Best for: affordable off-roading
The Dacia Duster is an excellent family hybrid SUV with a spacious cabin and rugged charm, as well as being excellent value for money. It does feel cheap inside, however. Very cheap indeed.
You get funky, rugged off-roader looks that complement the Duster’s go-anywhere capability. You won’t struggle on a gravelly country track in front-wheel drive hybrid trim. It’s stylish enough to hold its own at the school gates, too.
Basic models betray its budget roots somewhat - you don’t even get an infotainment screen, just a mount for your phone - but most models get a nifty 10.1-inch display that’s the best in any Dacia yet.
Again though the design impresses, because it’s rugged enough for life on the farm while also sporting cool, angular lines and a mix of materials so it doesn’t feel cheap and cheerful (unless you really start poking and prodding around).
You can comfortably carry five people and the boot is a decent size, even with the under-floor hybrid batteries. Dacia claims a respectable 56.5mpg for it, though.
The hybrid is great around town, thanks to the automatic gearbox and potential for silent, electric-only driving. On the motorway the car is stable and secure, but accelerating up to speed can take a bit of effort. The suspension is a bit firm, but it does mean the car’s body doesn’t lean too much on a country lane.
The Dacia Duster is an excellent family hybrid SUV with a spacious cabin and rugged charm, as well as being excellent value for money. It does feel cheap inside, however. Very cheap indeed.
You get funky, rugged off-roader looks that complement the Duster’s go-anywhere capability. You won’t struggle on a gravelly country track in front-wheel drive hybrid trim. It’s stylish enough to hold its own at the school gates, too.
Basic models betray its budget roots somewhat - you don’t even get an infotainment screen, just a mount for your phone - but most models get a nifty 10.1-inch display that’s the best in any Dacia yet.
Again though the design impresses, because it’s rugged enough for life on the farm while also sporting cool, angular lines and a mix of materials so it doesn’t feel cheap and cheerful (unless you really start poking and prodding around).
You can comfortably carry five people and the boot is a decent size, even with the under-floor hybrid batteries. Dacia claims a respectable 56.5mpg for it, though.
The hybrid is great around town, thanks to the automatic gearbox and potential for silent, electric-only driving. On the motorway the car is stable and secure, but accelerating up to speed can take a bit of effort. The suspension is a bit firm, but it does mean the car’s body doesn’t lean too much on a country lane.
7. Toyota Yaris Cross
Toyota Yaris Cross review
Best for: urban life
The Toyota Yaris Cross is about as non-threatening as an SUV can get, with cutesy looks, a fuel-efficient hybrid engine and city-friendly dimensions. The interior is a little dour, however, and the back seats are a little cramped.
While it may not be quite as menacing in your rear view mirror as the enormous Hyundai Santa Fe or Jaecoo 8, the Yaris Cross is still a funky looking little thing thanks to its chunky body cladding and wheel-in-each-corner stance.
The interior isn’t quite as fun, because although it feels solid and high-quality, with pleasant soft-touch materials within reach in most places, it’s rather dull to look at. It’s fairly spacious up front, for such a small car, but rear seat passengers will feel cramped for both kneeroom and headroom. The boot is well sized though, and it has a clever floor that can be raised and lowered for more space or easy loading.
The Yaris Cross’ party piece is its pair of hybrid engines. They’re both self-charging units, though it’s worth opting for the more powerful one because they offer the same staggering real-world fuel economy of around 60-65mpg, and it’s easier to get up to speed and make quick lane changes in.
Around town the Yaris is a piece of cake to drive, as its automatic gearbox and electric boost make it easy to get away from the lights briskly, while its high seating position helps when sat in traffic and navigating narrow streets.
Motorways are a breeze, though don’t go expecting any quick overtakes in the Yaris Cross. Country lanes are borderline fun, but bumpy corners can unsettle the little Toyota.
The Toyota Yaris Cross is about as non-threatening as an SUV can get, with cutesy looks, a fuel-efficient hybrid engine and city-friendly dimensions. The interior is a little dour, however, and the back seats are a little cramped.
While it may not be quite as menacing in your rear view mirror as the enormous Hyundai Santa Fe or Jaecoo 8, the Yaris Cross is still a funky looking little thing thanks to its chunky body cladding and wheel-in-each-corner stance.
The interior isn’t quite as fun, because although it feels solid and high-quality, with pleasant soft-touch materials within reach in most places, it’s rather dull to look at. It’s fairly spacious up front, for such a small car, but rear seat passengers will feel cramped for both kneeroom and headroom. The boot is well sized though, and it has a clever floor that can be raised and lowered for more space or easy loading.
The Yaris Cross’ party piece is its pair of hybrid engines. They’re both self-charging units, though it’s worth opting for the more powerful one because they offer the same staggering real-world fuel economy of around 60-65mpg, and it’s easier to get up to speed and make quick lane changes in.
Around town the Yaris is a piece of cake to drive, as its automatic gearbox and electric boost make it easy to get away from the lights briskly, while its high seating position helps when sat in traffic and navigating narrow streets.
Motorways are a breeze, though don’t go expecting any quick overtakes in the Yaris Cross. Country lanes are borderline fun, but bumpy corners can unsettle the little Toyota.
8. Chery Tiggo 4
Chery Tiggo 4 review
Best for: a budget-friendly set of wheels
The Chery Tiggo 4 is the cheapest hybrid SUV on sale in the UK, significantly more affordable than any other similarly-sized alternative. It’s roomy inside, too, but it’s not all that fuel efficient and it’s odd to drive.
The bold front grille, intricate alloy wheels and full-width rear light bar all look neat enough, but the oddly stumpy rear end leaves it really very awkward to look at. A pretty car, this is not.
At least the cabin punches well above its price point. Liberally upholstered surfaces and bank of physical shortcut buttons make the Tiggo 4 premium enough and easy enough to use.
There are plenty of scratchy plastics lower down the interior, but overall fit and finish easily outclass other cars at this price point. Rear passenger space is impressive with plenty of room for adults, while the 430-litre boot easily swallows up the weekly shop, though there’s an odd hump in the boot floor.
Under the bonnet, a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine is good for a claimed 53mpg. It’s smooth and quiet around town, though it's more sluggish than you’d expect from a small car with electric assistance.
It’s easy to drive in town, comfortable enough over broken roads and small enough to thread through tight streets. There’s plenty of wind and road noise at motorway speeds, which spoils things somewhat, while an abundance of body lean through fast corners will have you backing off on a twisty lane.
The Chery Tiggo 4 is the cheapest hybrid SUV on sale in the UK, significantly more affordable than any other similarly-sized alternative. It’s roomy inside, too, but it’s not all that fuel efficient and it’s odd to drive.
The bold front grille, intricate alloy wheels and full-width rear light bar all look neat enough, but the oddly stumpy rear end leaves it really very awkward to look at. A pretty car, this is not.
At least the cabin punches well above its price point. Liberally upholstered surfaces and bank of physical shortcut buttons make the Tiggo 4 premium enough and easy enough to use.
There are plenty of scratchy plastics lower down the interior, but overall fit and finish easily outclass other cars at this price point. Rear passenger space is impressive with plenty of room for adults, while the 430-litre boot easily swallows up the weekly shop, though there’s an odd hump in the boot floor.
Under the bonnet, a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine is good for a claimed 53mpg. It’s smooth and quiet around town, though it's more sluggish than you’d expect from a small car with electric assistance.
It’s easy to drive in town, comfortable enough over broken roads and small enough to thread through tight streets. There’s plenty of wind and road noise at motorway speeds, which spoils things somewhat, while an abundance of body lean through fast corners will have you backing off on a twisty lane.
9. Dacia Jogger
Dacia Jogger review
Best for: seven-seat value
The Dacia Jogger is a seven-seater that blends the best elements of a small hatchback, an SUV and an MPV - and all at a price that undercuts most budget city cars. It doesn’t half feel cheap inside, though.
The Jogger looks as though Dacia’s grafted the front end of a Sandero hatchback onto an estate car body, but jacked the whole affair up and bestowed it with some rufty-tufty body cladding. It’s a funky thing indeed.
Inside, you’ll find five conventional seats and two folding seats in the rear, which despite looking like a bit of an afterthought actually have ample room for a six-foot adult to get comfy even on a long trip.
Those rear seats don’t fold flat into the floor, though, so you’ll have to remove them entirely for a maximum boot space of 2,000 litres, otherwise you get 700 litres with them installed and 160 litres with them up.
The 140hp hybrid model is much beefier than the entry-level petrol and it’s very economical, easily managing the claimed 61mpg while also being smooth on account of its automatic gearbox.
Even though it’s cheap, the Jogger is super comfortable to drive whether in town or on the motorway, though it struggles to get up to speed when fully laden. It’s stable enough on a country lane, too.
The Dacia Jogger is a seven-seater that blends the best elements of a small hatchback, an SUV and an MPV - and all at a price that undercuts most budget city cars. It doesn’t half feel cheap inside, though.
The Jogger looks as though Dacia’s grafted the front end of a Sandero hatchback onto an estate car body, but jacked the whole affair up and bestowed it with some rufty-tufty body cladding. It’s a funky thing indeed.
Inside, you’ll find five conventional seats and two folding seats in the rear, which despite looking like a bit of an afterthought actually have ample room for a six-foot adult to get comfy even on a long trip.
Those rear seats don’t fold flat into the floor, though, so you’ll have to remove them entirely for a maximum boot space of 2,000 litres, otherwise you get 700 litres with them installed and 160 litres with them up.
The 140hp hybrid model is much beefier than the entry-level petrol and it’s very economical, easily managing the claimed 61mpg while also being smooth on account of its automatic gearbox.
Even though it’s cheap, the Jogger is super comfortable to drive whether in town or on the motorway, though it struggles to get up to speed when fully laden. It’s stable enough on a country lane, too.
10. MG3
MG MG3 review
Best for: surprising performance
The MG3 is one of the best budget-friendly hybrid cars on sale. It’s got funky looks, good standard kit and it’s proper fun to drive, even if the infotainment is pretty poor to use.
It’s not a head turner, but its pointy front end and creases down its sides mean the MG3 stands out against other small hatchbacks, while its minimalist interior is unfussy, and it’s easy to wrap your head around the controls.
Material quality is lacking compared to some alternatives, but the MG3 is seriously cheap to buy, so some cost-saving is forgiven. Interior space is nothing to shout about either, about on par with a lot of hatchbacks of this size. The 293-litre boot is about average too, enough for a few small suitcases.
It’s the self-charging hybrid engine that impresses the most about the MG3, because with 191hp this is practically a hot hatchback when compared to other small hybrids. It’s a piece of cake to zip around town in the small MG, and getting up to motorway speeds is a doddle - while returning around 60mpg in the process.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a cheap hatchback would lose all of its composure on a country lane, but the MG 3 is a laugh to carve through fast corners in, feeling stable and grippy with little body lean.
The MG3 is one of the best budget-friendly hybrid cars on sale. It’s got funky looks, good standard kit and it’s proper fun to drive, even if the infotainment is pretty poor to use.
It’s not a head turner, but its pointy front end and creases down its sides mean the MG3 stands out against other small hatchbacks, while its minimalist interior is unfussy, and it’s easy to wrap your head around the controls.
Material quality is lacking compared to some alternatives, but the MG3 is seriously cheap to buy, so some cost-saving is forgiven. Interior space is nothing to shout about either, about on par with a lot of hatchbacks of this size. The 293-litre boot is about average too, enough for a few small suitcases.
It’s the self-charging hybrid engine that impresses the most about the MG3, because with 191hp this is practically a hot hatchback when compared to other small hybrids. It’s a piece of cake to zip around town in the small MG, and getting up to motorway speeds is a doddle - while returning around 60mpg in the process.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a cheap hatchback would lose all of its composure on a country lane, but the MG 3 is a laugh to carve through fast corners in, feeling stable and grippy with little body lean.
Factors to consider when buying a hybrid car
Plug-in or self-charging hybrid?
If you have easy access to a charger and get a lot of city miles under your belt then a PHEV makes sense, as you’ll barely ever use the engine - saving money in the process. If you rely on public charging, however, you might end up paying more for electricity than you would for fuel.
Budget
Plug-in cars are more expensive to buy than a traditional hybrid, though, so you need to be sure that you’ll offset the increased purchase cost with the fuel savings. For a budget-friendly model, you’re best off going for a self-charging hybrid.
Long-distance driving
If you spend a lot of time on the motorway then you might want to look away from any type of hybrid car, because a diesel-engine alternative would be best. There are a few diesel PHEV models on sale from Mercedes, but unless you do a big mix of city and motorway mileage, you’re better off spending less on a pure-diesel car.
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