Cheapest hybrid cars 2026: new and used bargains

Looking for a taste of electric motoring but aren't ready to fully convert from petrol? You'll want a hybrid car. But what are the most affordable new options available? Our list of the cheapest hybrid cars on sale in 2026 guides you through the options.

Electric cars are only going to become more common - over 473,000 new ones found homes in the UK in 2025 alone, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). But they don't work for everyone yet.

Electric and plug-in hybrid cars are ideal for those able to charge the battery at home or work on cheap electricity rates. But as RAC Charge Watch research shows, public rapid charging costs rose to an all-time high in 2025. 280,000 traditional hybrids (known as HEVs) still found homes in 2025 as a result.

A HEV hybrid can sometimes be known as a 'self-charging' hybrid because its small battery is topped up by regenerative braking or power from the engine. It's clever technology, but it's well-proven over decades thanks to cars such as the Toyota Prius.

It's becoming a lot cheaper, too - and the cost of driving remains a big concern as the RAC Report on Motoring 2025 highlighted. That's why our list of the cheapest hybrid cars available to buy new is well worth a look, as there's something for everyone.

Cheapest hybrid cars 2026: shortlist

• MG3 Hybrid+
• Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid
• MG ZS Hybrid+
• Toyota Yaris Hybrid
• Dacia Jogger TCe 140 Hybrid
• GWM Haval Jolion Pro
• Mazda 2 Hybrid
• Dacia Duster TCe 140 Hybrid
• Renault Captur E-Tech
• Toyota Yaris Cross

Cheapest hybrid cars 2026: Top 10

1: MG3 Hybrid+

Price: £19,245     Combined MPG: 64.2

MG has a habit of embarrassing other big brands when it comes to value for money, and the MG3 Hybrid+ is no different. Here is a high-tech new supermini with space for four adults, a great driving experience and a 0-62mph time of just eight seconds – and it’s well under £20,000. That’s way less than the starting price of a Skoda Fabia, which comes with a measily 80hp versus the MG’s 193hp. How do they do it?  

2: Renault Clio E-Tech Full Hybrid 145

Price: £21,695       Combined MPG: 67.3

We’re big fans of the Renault Clio at RAC Drive, and while it doesn’t quite offer the astonishing value of the MG 3 it isn’t too far off. Stylish looks, a smart interior, a big boot and strong ride and handling are its biggest plus points, while Renault’s clever E-Tech full hybrid system delivers good performance and strong efficiency.

3: MG ZS Hybrid+

Price: £21,995      Combined MPG: 55.4

It’s the MG3 that grabs the headlines with its sub-£20k price, but arguably the ZS Hybrid+ deserves the same level of praise. Here’s a fully-fledged hybrid SUV – the size of a Nissan Qashqai – with a big boot and room for the family, plus punchy performance and plenty of tech. Yet it’s the price of a mid-spec petrol supermini. For many, the MG ZS is all the car you’ll need, even if it isn’t the most efficient option in this list.

4: Dacia Jogger TCe 140 Hybrid

Price: £23,100      Combined MPG: 58.9

Make no mistake: if Dacia made a Sandero hybrid the brand would be higher up this list. As it is, though, the Jogger is still excellent value as the UK’s cheapest seven-seater AND one of the cheapest hybrids on the market. It offers seven proper seats, an easy and comfortable driving experience and a good level of standard equipment for the money – only its disappointing safety rating lets it down.

5: Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Price: £23,140      Combined MPG: 70.6mpg

Hybrid cars probably wouldn’t be so popular if it wasn’t for Toyota. Cars like the Prius brought the petrol-electric technology to the mass market, but nowadays that car has taken a back seat to excellent models such as the Yaris Hybrid. It’s the most efficient car here, but it’s no slouch, while the smooth CVT gearbox and Toyota’s excellent reputation for reliability make it a safe choice.

6. GWM Haval Jolion Pro

Price: £23,995 Combined MPG: 47

Never heard of GWM, let alone the Haval Jolion Pro? You're probably not alone. GWM stands for Great Wall Motors and is recently best known for the quirky ORA Funky Cat (renamed the 03). Haval is one of a few sub-brands under the GWM umbrella, and the Jolion Pro is a midsize hybrid SUV priced more in line with a small car.

It's powerful thanks to a 190hp petrol engine and electric motor combo, plus there's plenty of space in the cabin. However the boot is tiny for a car of this size, and while there's lots of kit the technology is fiddly and the driving experience, along with the efficiency, is less than polished. But hey, you get what you pay for.

7: Mazda 2 Hybrid

Price: £24,580      Combined MPG: 67.3

Don’t worry, you’re not getting déjà vu: the Mazda 2 Hybrid is effectively the Toyota Yaris Hybrid with different badges – a decision that helps Mazda with its fleet CO2 emissions. Effectively there’s no real difference between the two models other than the Mazda’s slightly higher list price, so whichever you choose comes down to who’s offering the keenest deals.

8: Dacia Duster TCe 140 Hybrid

Price: £25,095      Combined MPG: 56.5

Dacia’s second car in this list is another top value option, this time offering more rugged, go-anywhere appeal. The Duster is a firm favourite with buyers, not just because it’s cheap, but also because it’s a small SUV that can actually deal with some off-roading. Granted, the TCe 140 hybrid system (borrowed from Renault) only allows two-wheel drive, but it’ll still be more than capable of dealing with rough tracks and mucky car parks.

9: Renault Captur E-Tech Full Hybrid 145

Price: £25,195       Combined MPG: 61.4

Like the Renault Clio but need a bit more space? The Captur is best thought of as a roomier Clio with a rugged SUV design, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It gets extra practicality such as sliding rear seats and a bigger boot, but the main draw is that clever E-Tech hybrid system that means the Captur can still manage over 60mpg in careful driving.

10: Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

Price: £27,245        Combined MPG: 64.2

The Toyota Yaris Cross does exactly what it says on the tin: like the Captur, it takes what’s good about the Yaris and expands it into a roomier, more desirable small SUV package. It isn’t as spacious as some of the cars in this list, but it continues to offer excellent efficiency, a smooth driving experience and Toyota’s unburstable reliability reputation.

Best cheap used hybrid cars 2026: our picks

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Price: from £4,500        Combined MPG: 91.2 (NEDC)

Toyota pioneered the hybrid car with the Prius, but while they are also excellent buys the most financially savvy have a smaller alternative deploying the same tech: the Yaris. Launched back in 2011, the Yaris Hybrid is not a car to excite keen drivers, but with excellent reliability and impressive efficiency its one of the cheapest cars to run that money can buy.

Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid

Price: from £6,500        Combined MPG: 62.8

Hyundai’s answer to the Prius is often overlooked in favour of its Japanese arch-rival, but we reckon the Ioniq is the better used buy as a result. With keen prices and plenty of standard kit, it’s a good choice for a smaller family – while its dual-clutch gearbox gives a nicer driving experience than alternatives.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

Price: from £11,000     Combined MPG: 42.8

If neither of the above options cut the mustard when it comes to space, we’d recommend the Honda CR-V Hybrid as a superbly spacious and comfortable SUV. With a high-quality interior, serene cruising manners and loads of kit, it’s a lot of car for surprisingly little cash if you don’t mind sifting through higher mileage examples.