Best small hybrid cars of 2024 – our picks

In the market for a small car that will improve your fuel economy and lessen your carbon footprint? Well, the good news is that there are some terrific small hybrid cars that will tick those boxes.

Firstly, let's talk about how a hybrid car works. They combine a traditional fuel engine and an electric motor to produce lower emissions and give more miles to the gallon. When you opt for a small hybrid car, you will likely use less fuel than a petrol or diesel vehicle, and unlike an all-electric car, you may not need to rely on charging between journeys.

Hybrids use their electric motors at low speeds, which helps optimise fuel consumption for city driving. When you hit the open road, the petrol or diesel engine will take over. Then, when using your brakes, the regenerative braking system stores power in the battery for later.

Below, we've gathered some of our favourite small hybrid cars into one article. To make our list, we've considered factors such as fuel economy, emissions, driving experience and practicality. All cars in the list below can be driven in Low Emission Zones and Ultra Low Emission Zones. The list below is ordered one to ten in ascending order of fuel economy.

What are the best small hybrid cars of 2024?

Mazda2 Hybrid

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £18,998**
• MPG:70.6mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 92g/km*

First on our list of the best small hybrid cars is the Mazda2 hybrid. The model is similar to the second entry on our list, the Toyota Yaris. We had to include them both as we think they are fantastic examples of affordable, hybrid small cars currently available on the market. The Mazda2 hybrid offers great fuel economy, low emissions and low running costs.

The model is efficient thanks to its hybrid technology, meaning it can go short distances on electricity alone and doesn’t need plugging in, which is perfect for city driving. The Mazda2 Hybrid charges its battery when the engine is running through regenerative braking.

No matter which trim you choose, the model features a three-cylinder petrol engine mated with an electric motor that gives 114bhp – allowing the Mazda2 to match the entry-level Toyota Yaris’s 0-62mph sprint time of 9.7 seconds.

The Mazda's2 Hybrid’s power shifts to the front wheels through a CVT automatic gearbox, the exact same as the Yaris. Even though it’s small, the model prioritises safety. Safety features stand out in the Mazda2 Hybrid, with innovative driver-support and assist technologies that complement its ultra-rigid bodyshell.

Toyota Yaris

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £16,995**
• MPG:66mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 92g/km*

The Toyota Yaris has been given a serious updated with its self-charging hybrid engine. Now in its fourth version, its frugal segment-leading, 1.5-litre, self-charging hybrid engine, is now also available in an uprated 129bhp form.

While its hybrid performance was already segment-leading, the Yaris supermini has also improved on its interior and safety standards. The Yaris might not always be everyone’s first pick for the title of best supermini, but this is one seriously impressive hybrid.

The hatchback is practical for a small hybrid car, offering 286 litres of boot space. It’s cheap to run, easy to drive and it’s also Clean Air Zone (CAZ) compliant – meaning that you can drive this small hybrid anywhere, free of charge!

The only engine on offer in the mainstream range is a 1.5-litre self-charging full-hybrid petrol unit. Toyota claims over 80 per cent of urban journeys in this car can be completed on electric power alone.

As with previous models, there are three provided driving modes. You probably won’t use the electric-only 'EV' option because of the 0.76kWh size of the powertrain's lithium-ion battery, which is good for around four miles. Most of the time, you are best leaving the car in 'Eco'.

Renault Clio E-Tech

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £22,103**
• MPG:64.2mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 97g/km*

When it comes to pure electric cars, Renault have led the way with their ZOE model. In fact, over the last ten years, the manufacturer has sold the most EVs in Europe. So, it’s not a shock that Renault decided to introduce a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models aimed at helping drivers make the transition to electric.

The Clio E-Tech Hybrid hatchback offers short bursts of electric running, perfect for driving around towns or cities, as well as a petrol engine that kicks in on longer trips. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about range anxiety in this model.

However, the Clio E-Tech’s biggest selling point is its fuel economy of 64.2mpg. In real-world driving, especially if your journeys are solely around town or urban areas, it’s still possible to achieve 60mpg as well as a sub-100g/km CO2 rating – both of which mean financial savings for drivers out on the roads.

What’s so special about this small hybrid car is that its gearbox technology is 'inspired by Formula 1'. This technology helps pick the most efficient ratio in any driving situation. There is no clutch in the car, instead, the ‘multi-mode’ transmission drives the petrol engine with four gears and the main electric motor with another two. The model selects from 15 different gear combinations to maximise all-round performance!

The electric battery for the hybrid engine does take up a bit more of the boot space, in comparison to other variations in the Clio line-up. Offering 301 litres in the boot, the E-Tech still has plenty of space for the weekly shop or a couple of suitcases. The cabin is also generously spacious for the driver and passengers. It’s one of our favourite small hybrid cars currently available.

MG3

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £19,995**
• MPG:64.2mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 100g/km*

The MG3 was first launched in 2007, and it was fair to say, it wasn't as popular as some of its supermini rivals. But MG, as a brand, has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years thanks to its range of models, including the all-electric MG4. Now its latest hybrid hatchback addition is set to follow in its footsteps.

At the heart of the new MG3 is its highly efficient Hybrid+ powertrain. The combination of a larger than usual battery (1.83kWh) and powerful electric motor (100kW) means the MG3 can go fully electric when driving in the city. On longer journeys, there is the reassurance of a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Getting behind the wheel, drivers can adapt the MG3’s responsiveness with the choice of three driving modes: Eco, Standard and Sport. Combined power is a class-leading 143kW, giving the MG3 a sprightly 0-62mph time of eight seconds. Mid-range acceleration is just as impressive, covering 50-70mph in just five seconds.

The new MG3 is well-equipped with lots of tech and handy driver convenience systems, too. And what’s really impressive, the MG3 Hybrid+ chassis and suspension has been specifically tuned for UK roads – similar to the MG4 – by the company’s engineering team. It’s one of the best small self-charging hybrid cars of 2024 in terms of value for money in our opinion.

Vauxhall Corsa

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £20,995**
• MPG:62.8mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 104g/km*

The Vauxhall Corsa is one of the most popular cars on UK roads. Perhaps it’s surprising that it took so long for a hybrid version to come along – introduced earlier this year, it was certainly worth the wait!

The hybrid engine in the Corsa is available in two variations: 100hp or 136hp. The 48V system is based around the Corsa's familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a bespoke six-speed e-DCT6 dual clutch auto transmission.

The hybrid Corsa hatchback includes the same recent updates made to other models in Vauxhall’s range. These includes a distinctive 'Vizor'-style front grille and a single solid black panel with a restyled Griffin badge. Moving inside, there’s a 10-inch screen infotainment system that is powered by Qualcomm's 'Snapdragon Cockpit' platform.

In terms of the cabin, space in the back for passengers in the Corsa hasn’t always been great. However, the curvature of the front seat backs has been updated and designed to improve knee room, which we love!

More good news about the Corsa HEV is that unlike other hybrid models, the boot space is unaffected by the battery and remains at 309 litres in size, the same as other Corsas in the line-up. That’s why it’s on our list one of the best small self-charging hybrid cars of 2024.

Honda Jazz

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £15,995**
• MPG:62.8mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 102g/km*

If it’s an economical small hybrid car you’re after, then the Honda Jazz e:HEV is exactly what you need. Honda's fourth-generation Jazz small hatchback has moved to full hybrid power but still embodies its same old practical values.

The Jazz comes only with one engine – the brand's e:HEV powertrain, a full-hybrid unit like the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. That means this hybrid relies more on battery power, especially when driving in urban conditions.

The Jazz has an updated 1.5-litre petrol unit now giving 107PS which uses two electric motors and a compact lithium-ion battery pack. The combustion engine sends power through a smart fixed-gear auto transmission that Honda claims has been revised to improve smoothness and driving experience.

The updates to other parts of the car's clever e:HEV powertrain have seen efficiency, driveability and output increased. The electric motor enjoyed a 14PS increase, taking its total output to 122PS, while the generator motor has also seen an increase in power (8kW), taking it to a peak of 106PS.

Honda's clever 'Magic Seat' design is still in the rear, allowing the option of either folding the rear bench flat or flipping up the seat bases to create a taller load space. Boot capacity is 298 litres with the rear seat in place – or 1,203 litres with it folded. The model was recently named ‘Best Used Hybrid’ at the Carbuyer Best Used Car Awards 2024, which is another reason why it had to make our list of the best hybrid small cars of 2024.

Volkswagen Golf

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Plug-in electric
• Prices can start around £23,995**
• MPG:49mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 34g/km*

We’ll be honest, we know that some drivers may be a bit hesitant about opting for a hybrid due to preconceptions about performance. But fear not, the hybrid version of the Volkswagen Golf is very fun to drive. The original Volkswagen Golf GTE was one of the market's very first plug-in hybrids when it was first revealed back in late 2014.

However, the hatchback has since been updated with a lithium-ion battery, which is twice as large and extends the WLTP-rated all-electric driving range to 40 miles*. Not to mention that energy deployment can now be predictive by taking GPS data into account.

Like the first GTE, the combustion element of the new model's drivetrain uses a 150PS 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a six-speed DSG auto gearbox. More recent models have an 85kW electric motor that is mated to a lithium-ion battery, which is rated at 13kWh – quite a large capacity for a plug-in hybrid model.

When the battery has enough charge, the GTE always starts in all-electric E-MODE. The model only switches to the alternative 'Hybrid' mode if the energy capacity of the battery drops below a certain level or the car’s speed rises above 80mph. The driver still has the option to 'save' battery charge for city driving later on any trip.

Like with many other small hybrid cars, boot space drops from the 380-litre total you get with a combustion engine Golf to 272 litres. This is to accommodate the plug-in hybrid battery under the cargo area floor.

Expect sharp and seamless design, sturdy quality, and safety and security on every drive. The PHEV Volkswagen Golf is an excellent example of the best small to medium hybrid cars on the market.

Peugeot 308

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £27,065**
• MPG:48.5mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 102g/km*

Available in three trims – Active, Allure and GT – the Peugeot 308 is the perfect option for those looking for new technology in their new car. Drivers can opt for the plug-in hybrid – a 1.6-litre petrol producing 180PS, with a higher-powered 225PS variant also available.

Get behind the wheel and the handling is impressive, with lots of grip and a good turning circle for corner entry. The hybrid 308 offers drivers significantly lower running costs thanks to a 37-mile* electric range. The petrol engine will cut in when you need more from the accelerator.

Like all hybrids, this Peugeot 308 features regenerative braking, which uses deceleration to put some charge back into the battery. The battery pack is mounted under the boot floor. When purchased from new, the battery has a separate eight-year, 100,000-mile guarantee.

In terms of practicality, this handsome hatchback's boot space comes in at 361 cubic litres, slightly less than the petrol or diesel versions of the 308 but besting many of the other small hybrid cars mentioned on this list!

Moving to the inside, the new 308 feels smart and sophisticated without being overly lavish. The steering wheel has a flat bottom and flat top. Interestingly, this design makes the wheel look somewhat hexagonal. The rest of the interior is modern, fashionable and attractive, with piano black surfaces giving an aura of quality throughout.

SEAT Leon

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £17,498**
• MPG:46.3mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 27g/km*

The SEAT Leon e-HYBRID is another fantastic example of the best small to medium hybrid cars of 2024 if you’re a business user. Capable of up to 40 miles on pure electric power, it’s perfect for urban environments with strict air quality regulations like Clean Air Zones (CAZ). It’s low benefit-in-kind rating also makes it an extremely attractive option.

The e-HYBRID drivetrain combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with an electric motor and six-speed DSG transmission, resulting in a total power output of 204PS and a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds.

Power is supplied to the electric motor via a 13kWh lithium-ion battery back which is recharged via a 3.6kW AC inlet. This allows the Leon e-HYBRID to be fully charged from in only a few hours. Similar to most other hybrid models on this list, the Leon e-Hybrid’s boot space is impacted by its hybrid battery with 270 litres on offer.

The SEAT Leon is packed with safety systems. Cruise control is standard but there’s also a predictive adaptive cruise control system, which uses mobile and satellite traffic data along with traffic-sign recognition to automatically set the car’s speed depending on the conditions ahead. All this handy and helpful tech at such a reasonable price is what makes it another one of the best small hybrid cars for us.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

• Doors: 5
• Fuel type: Petrol/Hybrid electric
• Prices can start around £19,995**
• MPG:44.1mpg*
• WLTP CO2 emissions: 31g/km*

Opting for a small hybrid car, doesn't mean you have to compromise on luxury. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Plug-In Hybrid is sophisticated and faces competition from other high-end rivals like the Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. Size-wise, the model is comparable to a Ford Focus and is marketed as a 'compact premium family hatchback'.

Every A-Class now comes with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while the A250e Plug-in Hybrid goes up to 47 miles on electric power alone. This is more than enough for short trips and urban driving. The model can achieve around 44.1mpg.

Like with many of the other small hybrid cars on this list, you do lose some boot space to accommodate the hybrid battery. The space only drops by 60 litres to 310 litres in the hybrid version of the A-Class, but that's still more than enough for the weekly shop and other items.

Step inside and there is plenty in the way of style, comfort and convenience. There’s enough head and legroom in the front and back for all passengers to sit comfortably. An array of tech is included, too, with two seven-inch monitors on entry-level variants. These are upgraded to 10.25 inches in size with premium trim levels.