The best affordable compact hybrid SUV revealed

There are more fuel-sipping hybrid SUVs than ever before but finding the right one that doesn’t break the bank isn’t easy. Here are the best options.

Hybrid SUVs are all the rage right now and are a great stepping stone for those who aren’t ready to go full electric. These are four of the best fuel sipping hybrids on sale right now.

THE QUESTION

I’m seeking a hybrid small SUV with room for my two grandchildren’s child seats. My budget’s around $50,000 and I’m considering the Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Niro and Hyundai Kona. What’s your pick, and any alternatives?

Julie Hamilton, email

ANSWER

Such important cargo means safety’s paramount. Your budget lets you consider most hybrid small SUVs, but let’s make sure you save money with cheap running costs – a key reason to go hybrid. All the below have self-charging batteries – no plugging in is required.

CHOICES

TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS GXL 2WD HYBRID, ABOUT $45,000 DRIVE-AWAY

The Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid is a great allrounder and the default choice of many Aussies.

I described this car as boringly good when testing. It’s Goldilocks sized – roomy cabin but not cumbersome in town – while it rides and handles with comfort and class. It lacks many cabin delights but in expected Toyota style, feels well-made, durable and safe.

Fuel economy’s 4.3L/100km: my test returned 4.8L/100km. The hybrid’s very smooth; you drive at low speed on battery only and when the petrol engine kicks in it’s barely noticeable. The duo of motors offer ample punch. No need to spend $3000 extra on all-wheel-drive: this’ll be an urban runabout.

The entry-level GX is rental car specification, so pay the extra $3750 for a GXL. There are leather-accented seats, a 10.5-inch screen, 360-degree monitor and dual-zone climate.

The kids have great rear space (plus seats recline), the boot’s 425 litres (about double a Corolla hatchback’s), and safety’s comprehensive.

Services are only $1250 for five years, but the biggest issue is the waiting list for this in-demand hybrid.

KIA NIRO S HYBRID, ABOUT $49,500 DRIVE-AWAY

The Kia has a seven year warranty.

A more left-field choice. The Niro looks funkier than the Toyota, has better 4.0L/100km economy and a seven-year warranty when five years is typical. As the entry-level ‘S’ grade, it feels expensive when you feel some hard cabin plastics, a polyurethane steering wheel and relatively small 8-inch infotainment screen. There’s no smart key either – you slot a metal key in the ignition.

But the Niro’s well-built and practical. The rear doors open wide, there’s giant back seat space to load in the kids, and the boot matches the Corolla Cross’ 425L. Seats are a mix of faux leather and cloth, and goodies include wireless smartphone mirroring and a power driver’s seat.

The petrol engine and electric motor combine for a zesty 104kW/265Nm, and at town/traffic speeds, or when coasting, you’re running on battery only. The Niro handles and rides well, but the cabin’s not the quietest on highways.

Your fuel bills will be low, but servicing is $2654 for five years – $1400 more than Toyota.

HYUNDAI KONA HYBRID PREMIUM, ABOUT $47,700 DRIVE-AWAY

The Kona hybrid can be had in several model grades to meet different budgets. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

The newbie, and positively, a much bigger SUV inside than the previous Kona. It uses the same 104kW/265Nm engine as the Kia Niro, but is the economy hero, sipping just 3.9L/100Km. The warranty’s only five years, but services are cheaper at $1995 for five.

It’s a roomy, practical and well-equipped cabin with 12.3-inch infotainment, smart key and wireless phone charging. This Premium adds leather trim, digital driver’s display, 360-degree camera, Bose audio and power tailgate. There are also four heated seats – a treat for when the kids get older. The build quality’s good, rear seat space is generous, but the boot’s only 407L.

The Kona’s cosmic styling isn’t for everyone, but the drive’s peachy. It’ll hit 50km/h on electric power only and the transition to petrol is near imperceptible.

Ride quality’s very good but Hyundai’s safety systems are terribly nannying. At least there’s lots of safety kit to protect your family.

WILDCARD

HONDA HR-V e:HEV L, $45,200 DRIVE-AWAY

The H-RV e HEV L is smaller than the other options.

A wildcard because there are only two rear seats – fine if no more grandkids are planned. This HR-V hybrid’s impossible to ignore with gorgeous, clean styling and a sophisticated, well-equipped cabin. The 4.3L/100km economy’s competitive too.

Right now there’s a promotional MY22 price deal (don’t worry, MY24 cars aren’t any different), including seven-year warranty and five years servicing for only $995.

It won’t travel far on battery alone and isn’t the spriteliest performer with only 96kW/253Nm. Ride comfort and road noise aren’t standout either, but handling’s tidy.

The kids have great rear space, and when they’re not there, you can take advantage of Honda’s “Magic Seats” where the rear seat bases fold up to offer cavernous sideways loading. This helps, as the boot’s only 304L.

There are a brilliant 9-inch infotainment screen, smart power tailgate, faux-leather seats and generous safety kit.

VERDICT

A quality field, but the Kona wins on value, economy, kit and overall hybrid drive experience.

Originally published as The best affordable compact hybrid SUV revealed