Gone are days when hybrid vehicles were a niche choice for the eco-conscious! Today, they’re a smart, practical, and surprisingly affordable choice for everyday Aussies. Leading the charge are automotive giants like Toyota, Honda and Kia, blending cutting-edge hybrid technology with wallet-friendly pricing to bring eco-efficient driving within reach of the masses. Toyota, in particular, continues to set the benchmark, delivering innovation without always having the premium price tag.
Not to be outdone, Chinese automakers such as GWM and MG have solidified their reputation as go-to brands for cost-effective hybrids, proving that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality or features. Here is our roundup of the 10 most budget-friendly hybrids of 2025.
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| Model | Driveaway prices | Hybrid type |
| MG MG3 | $27,990 | MHEV |
| GWM Haval Jolion Premium HEV | $31,990.00 | HEV |
| MG ZS Hybrid+ | $32,990 | HEV |
| Toyota Yaris Cross | $34,834 | HEV |
| Hyundai i30 hybrid | $34,990 | MHEV/ HEV |
| Toyota Corolla sedan | $36,083 | HEV |
| GWM Haval H6 | $36,990 | HEV |
| Honda HR-V e:HEV X | $39,900 | HEV |
| Corolla Cross | $40,587 | HEV |
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid | $40,709 | HEV |
Please note that prices may vary depending on your state, taxes, and dealership promotions, discounts, and offers. We recommend checking with local dealers for the most accurate pricing.
MG MG3 Hybrid+
The 2025 MG3 Hybrid+ in Australia offers a nice mix of punchy performance, great fuel efficiency, and solid value—making it a smart pick for everyday driving.
| Powertrain | 1.5L petrol + Hybrid |
| Maximum power | 155 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 425 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 4.3 L/100km |
| Body type | Hatchback |
The 2025 MG MG3 Hybrid+ is one of Australia’s most affordable hybrids, starting at $27,990 for the Excite trim and $30,990 for the Essence trim. It features a sporty design with a striking grille, sleek spoiler, and aggressive 16-inch alloy wheels. This affordable and efficient hybrid powertrain can still propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in eight seconds.
MORE: Electric cars by MG
GWM Haval Jolion
The GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid is one of the most budget-friendly hybrid SUVs in Australia, combining everyday practicality with solid features.
| Powertrain | 1.5L petrol + Hybrid |
| Maximum power | 140 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 375 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 5.1 L/100km |
| Body type | SUV |
The Haval Jolion Hybrid is offered in two trims: the Premium Hybrid at $31,990 and the Ultra Hybrid from $37,990 driveaway. Both feature a 1.5L hybrid engine and a strong set of safety and tech features. The Premium Hybrid comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane departure warning, and daytime running lights. The Ultra Hybrid steps it up with 18-inch alloy wheels, faux leather seats, a larger 12.3-inch screen, panoramic sunroof, auto parking assist, wireless phone charging, a ventilated driver’s seat, and a heads-up display.
MG ZS Hybrid+
The MG ZS Hybrid+ is a practical and pocket-friendly small SUV with the added fuel efficiency and responsiveness of a hybrid powertrain.
| Powertrain | 1.5L petrol + Hybrid |
| Maximum power | 158 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 465 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 4.7 L/100km |
| Body type | SUV |
The 2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ is available in two variants: Excite at $32,990 and Essence at $34,990 driveaway. It comes with a 1.5 Hybrid+ powertrain and offers three driving modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—along with three energy regeneration levels—High, Medium, and Low. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on Essence), a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, a 360-degree camera, and the MG Pilot safety suite. The Essence trim adds extras like a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, PVC trim, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.
Toyota Yaris Cross
Stretch the budget a bit more and you can start looking at Australia’s top carmaker – Toyota – for your next car. Compact, efficient, and city-ready– Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid combines the look of an SUV with the perks of hybrid efficiency.
| Powertrain | 1.5L petrol + mild-hybrid |
| Maximum power | 85 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 120 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 3.8 L/100 km |
| Body type | SUV |
The Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid comes in four trims- GX (from $34,834), GXL (from $37,977), Urban (from $40,994), and the sportier GR Sport (from $41,047). All hybrid models are available in both 2WD and AWD configurations—except the GR Sport, which is 2WD only.
Hyundai i30 hybrid
The Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid is a sleek, fuel-efficient sedan with modern tech and style. Surprisingly, you can have the roomier hybrid sedan for less cash than the i30 hatchback which doesn’t even get an electrified powertrain.
| Powertrain | 1.6L petrol+ Hybrid |
| Maximum power | 104 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 265 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 3.9 L/100km |
| Body type | Sedan |
The Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid comes in two trims—the Hybrid (from $34,990 driveaway) and the Hybrid Elite (from $39,490 driveaway). Both variants are powered by a 1.6L GDi hybrid engine paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive. The Elite variant adds a range of smart tech and convenience features, including Bluelink™ connected car services, front and rear parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto, a Smart Key, and USB-C charging ports. You can choose from a range of colours like Abyss Black, Atlas White, Intense Blue, and Ultimate Red—some attracting a small premium. Inside, the base variant features premium cloth seats, while the Elite steps up with leather-appointed interiors.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is hybrid-only, not counting the performance-centric Corolla GR trim. It is available in both hatch and sedan types for a very similar price for the base trim. It offers plenty of space, is affordable to maintain, good for city driving, and handles winding roads surprisingly well.
| Powertrain | 1.8L petrol + hybrid |
| Maximum power | 103 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 142 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 4 L/100 km (hatch), 3.9 L/100 km (sedan) |
| Body type | Hatchback & Sedan |
Starting from just around $36,000, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid offers impressive efficiency and smart features in a stylish frame. Inside, you’ll find an 8″ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the SX trim (from $38,977) adds wireless phone charging, rain-sensing wipers, and privacy glass. Safety highlights include seven airbags, Lane Trace Assist, Active Cruise Control, a reversing camera, and Road Sign Assist, all backed by Toyota’s 5-year warranty and extended engine coverage.
GWM Haval H6
For less than a grand more, you can move onto a bigger SUV which also packs a lot more performance with a turbocharged petrol engine for the hybrid powertrain. The GWM Haval H6 Hybrid offers strong hybrid performance and advanced tech, all at a competitive price for a midsize SUV.
| Powertrain | 1.5L turbo-petrol + Hybrid |
| Maximum power | 179 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 530 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 5.2 L/100km |
| Body type | SUV |
The Haval H6 Hybrid packs solid value with two trim options, the Lux HEV from $36,990 and the Ultra HEV at $40,990 driveaway (NSW). The Lux HEV includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, and a 360° camera system. Step up to the Ultra HEV and you get 19-inch alloy wheels, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a heads-up display, traffic jam assist, and a hands-free tailgate.
Honda HR-V e:HEV X
Looking for a hybrid SUV from a better-known brand and Japanese reliability, but not a Toyota? The Honda HR-V is available in three versions—1 petrol and 2 hybrid options. It leans more towards the traditional SUV style, making it a prudent pick for most Australians.
| Powertrain | 1.5L petrol + hybrid |
| Maximum power | 96 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 253 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 4.3 L/100km |
| Body type | SUV |
The Honda HR-V e:HEV delivers a seamless driving experience with its 2-Motor i-MMD hybrid system. Available in two variants, the e:HEV X from $39,900 and the e:HEV L from $42,900, it features a 9-inch touchscreen, which is notably smaller than the 10.25-inch screen in the Mazda CX-30 and the 12.3-inch display in the Toyota Yaris Cross in the list, but still offers Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The HR-V’s sleek design is paired with Honda’s Magic Seats, offering 18 configurations for flexible cargo space, making it ideal for a variety of uses. Additional features like a hands-free power tailgate, Honda Connect for remote vehicle control, and safety tech like Honda SENSING, Blind Spot Information, and Traffic Jam Assist make it a well-rounded choice for a modern Aussie driver looking for a hybrid which doesn’t break the bank.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Downsizing a little from the Haval H6 but onto a more established choice, we have another Toyota hybrid SUV. The Toyota Corolla Cross is a well-packaged small SUV that leans toward practicality and everyday usability. It takes cues from the bigger Toyota RAV4, while offering a more compact and affordable alternative. While the Corolla SUV is fairly simple in features, it stands out for its space, efficiency, and overall value.
| Powertrain | 2.0L petrol + hybrid |
| Maximum power | 146 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 206 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 4.2L/100km |
| Body type | SUV |
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in three well-equipped trims—GX, GXL, and Atmos—each offering a blend of safety, efficiency, and comfort. Starting at $40,587 driveaway, the GX variant features 17″ alloy wheels, 8 SRS airbags, Blind Spot Monitor with Safe Exit Assist, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The GXL, priced from $44,451, adds upgrades like a 10.5″ touchscreen, leather-accented seats, roof rails, and a Panoramic View Monitor. Topping the range is the Atmos at $51,535, boasting premium touches like heated leather-accented front seats, a power tailgate with kick sensor, a panoramic moonroof, and a 9-speaker JBL® audio system. All variants come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including Pre-Collision Safety System, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist, Lane Change Assist, and more.
Hyundai Kona Hybrid
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid is one of the more pricier options on this list where the value is promised in cabin comforts over passenger space or performance. Offered in four trims—Kona, N Line, Premium, and Premium N Line, a strong choice for those looking for a mix of style, efficiency, and compact SUV practicality.
| Powertrain | 1.6 L Petrol + Hybrid |
| Maximum power | 104 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 265 Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 3.9 L/100km |
| Body type | SUV |
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid range offers a mix of comfort, convenience, and tech-focused features across its trims. Inside, you’ll find premium relaxation front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an integrated memory system for personalised seating positions. A wireless charging pad and Smart Key with push-button start add to the convenience, while the Bose premium sound system elevates the in-cabin experience.
The range begins with the Kona Hybrid at $40,709, followed by the same model with the N Line Option Pack at $44,829. Stepping up, the Hybrid Premium is priced at $47,929, or $51,079 with the N Line Option Pack. For those who want a sunroof, the Hybrid Premium with Sunroof comes in at $49,504, and $52,654 with the N Line Option Pack. Optional pre-paid servicing plans are also available—3 years (up to 45,000km) for $1,377, 4 years (up to 60,000km) for $1,976, or 5 years (up to 75,000km) for $2,575.
In case you were wondering why we did not include two of Australia’s top-selling hybrids – the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Camry – it’s because those cars are just a little more expensive than the cars listed above. The RAV4 hybrid SUV starts from over $46,000 while the Camry prices start a little under $44,500 (drive-away prices in NSW).
Clearly, buying a hybrid does not have to be an expensive choice as these budget-friendly options offer you the same benefit of increased fuel efficiency, lower running costs and a smaller carbon footprint for you. Which of these affordable hybrids would you pick? Let us know in the comment section below.
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