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Hybrid cars are rapidly becoming one of the most popular choices for Australian drivers and it’s easy to see why. These are some of the most practical and fuel efficient cars out there, with reduced emissions and less maintenance requirements. The best hybrid cars provide a smarter, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrol cars.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a hybrid car is, explore the different types available, explain their advantages, and share the best hybrid cars in Australia for 2026. Car Search Brokers can make finding your ideal hybrid car easy, cost-effective, and hassle-free.
What is a Hybrid Car?
A hybrid car is a vehicle that uses two power sources – a petrol engine and an electric motor – to drive the car more efficiently. By combining these systems, hybrid cars reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions compared to traditional petrol-only vehicles.
How Do Hybrid Cars Work?
Hybrid cars intelligently switch between petrol power, electric power, or a combination of both, depending on driving conditions. At low speeds, such as in traffic or car parks, the electric motor often powers the vehicle on its own.
When more power is needed during highway driving or acceleration, the petrol engine works alongside the electric motor. The battery is typically recharged through regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost when slowing down.
What are the advantages of a hybrid car?
While hybrid cars can have a higher upfront purchase price than petrol-only vehicles, they often deliver long-term cost savings and are better for the environment.
You’ll save money on petrol
One of the biggest advantages of hybrid cars is their superior fuel efficiency. By using electric power during low-speed driving and in stop-start traffic, hybrids consume significantly less fuel than traditional petrol cars. This makes them especially cost-effective for city driving, where conventional petrol vehicles are least efficient.
Hybrid cars require less frequent maintenance
Hybrid cars are generally known for their reliability and lower maintenance requirements.
Many hybrid components are designed to reduce wear on parts compared to petrol cars. For example, regenerative braking systems help reduce wear on brake pads and because the electric motor shares the workload with the petrol engine. This places less strain on the engine.
Hybrid batteries are designed to last many years and typically come with extended manufacturer warranties, providing added peace of mind for owners.
Hybrid vehicles are better for the environment
Hybrid vehicles are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. They often rely on their electric motor during slow or stop-start driving, producing zero tailpipe emissions in those moments. This significantly reduces overall emissions, especially in city traffic.
On average, hybrid vehicles emit 15–30% less CO₂ than similar petrol cars (depending on driving conditions and the hybrid system used, of course). This means you can rest easy knowing you’re helping reduce emissions.
You don’t have to worry about charging hybrid models
One of the biggest advantages of hybrid cars is that for most models, you don’t need to plug them in to charge. Unlike fully electric vehicles, standard hybrids recharge their batteries automatically through regenerative braking and the petrol engine. This means you never have to worry about forgetting to charge your car or planning trips around charging stations.
Types of Hybrid Cars Available in Australia
There are many types of hybrid cars in Australia today, each suitable for different types of drivers. The first option is a full hybrid. These can run on electric power alone for short distances and automatically alternate between petrol and electric power.
Mild hybrids, on the other hand, use a small electric motor to assist the petrol engine but cannot drive on electric power alone.
Hybrid models closest to fully electric vehicles are called plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). These have larger batteries that can be charged externally and allow for longer electric-only driving before switching to petrol.
Best Hybrid cars in Australia
In Australia, the most popular and trusted hybrid cars include:
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Fuel efficiency: ~4.2 L/100 km
Price range: AUD 30,000 – 35,000
Toyota hybrid cars are known for their reliability. The Toyota Corolla hybrid is ideal for city commuters and small families seeking reliability and low running costs.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Fuel efficiency: ~4.7 L/100 km
Price range: AUD 45,000 – 55,000
The Toyota RAV4 is best for families or adventure seekers who want an efficient SUV with more space. Read more about finding the best family cars to buy in Australia.
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Fuel efficiency: ~5.3 L/100 km
Price range: AUD 45,000 – 55,000
If you’re looking for a comfortable, practical SUV with hybrid efficiency, we recommend the Honda CR-V Hybrid.
Lexus UX 250h
Fuel efficiency: ~5.3 L/100 km
Price range: AUD 50,000 – 60,000
This Lexus model is an automatic hybrid car and is perfect for buyers seeking a premium compact hybrid with luxury features.
How Car Search Brokers Can Help You Find the Best Hybrid Car
Finding the perfect hybrid car can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. That’s where Car Search Brokers come in:
- Access to multiple dealerships: Our brokers source cars from a wide network, helping you find the model you want at the right price.
- Unbiased recommendations: Unlike dealerships, brokers provide impartial advice, focusing on what suits your needs best.
- Time and cost savings: Car brokers will handle negotiations and paperwork, saving you hours of research and potentially thousands in costs.
- Help comparing hybrid options: We can compare fuel efficiency, features, and prices across models to help you choose the ideal best hybrid car for your lifestyle.
In the market for a used electric vehicle?
With over 40+ years of experience car buying and selling used cars, get in touch with our friendly team today to take the stress out from searching. For expert advice and a hassle-free process, call 1300 650 890 or reach out today and Car Search Brokers will find the right EV for you.