The Best Small Hybrid Cars

Despite topping our list of the best small hybrids cars the Honda Jazz has a surprisingly spacious interior, more so than a lot of its rivals.

The Jazz packs a lot into a small package, with great versatility making this a good option for drivers who need plenty of space but in a compact car.

Thanks to its ‘magic seats’ feature that allows the rear chairs to be folded upwards to create a larger boot space – the Honda Jazz has the potential to hold all those essential family items. Think prams, sports equipment and overnight bags. It boasts 304 litres of boot space, or 1,205 litres when you manually fold the rear seats down flat. For context, a carry-on flight bag is around 40 litres.

This plug-in hybrid electric is known for its reliability, value for money and compact size – making it the ideal choice for families and couples living that city life.

Toyota’s Yaris is a superbly efficient option, making it a must-have for drivers who want to cut their fuel bills

Next on our list of the best small hybrid cars is the fresh-faced Toyota Yaris. Bringing fuel efficiency and low running costs to the forefront – this is definitely a car worth considering if you’re on a budget. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned its impressively low average price range.  

Whilst admittedly the Yaris doesn’t boast as much boot space as its competitors, that’s not to say it doesn’t make use of its interior. In fact, considering its size, you’ll find ample leg and headroom in the rear. 

The Renault Clio may have been on sale for a long time, but cleverly, the hybrid E-Tech has brought it firmly up to date

The Renault Clio E-Tech combines a 1.6-litre combustion engine with not one but two electric motors making it the most powerful Clio in its current range – and cheaper to run, too. Plus, its light and nimble handling combined with its compact size makes it the ideal hybrid for city zipping. 

It doesn’t stop there, though, the Clio E-tech has a great electric range for a hybrid and is capable of returning up to 64.2 MPG. Meaning it offers decent fuel economy with low C02 emissions.

Efficiency blends with upmarket features in the A3 TFSI e – this is one premium-feeling hatchback

No list of the best smallest hybrids would be complete without the Audi A3 TFSI-e. Oozing with style and sophistication, this plug-in hybrid comes with digital dials, an impressive 10.1 central touchscreen and LED lights on both the interior and exterior. 

But image and technology aren’t the only areas the Audi A3 TFSI-e excels in. Its turbocharged petrol engine combined with its powerful electric battery, (capable of managing up to 253 MPG when fully charged), means this PHEV certainly doesn’t disappoint on the mileage front. 

The Volkswagen GTE takes the character of the sporty GTI and gives it a healthy dose of efficiency thanks to a plug-in hybrid setup

The next small hybrid on our list brings a sporty edge. The Volkswagen Golf GTE is practical but not at the expense of style – so it’s no wonder this timeless classic consistently comes out on top. The turbocharged engine means you can expect a speedier drive, making this a great option for those on the hunt for a sportier run. 

Volkswagen Golfs are known for holding their value well, too. So even if you buy a used Golf GTE and decide to sell it later down the line, you can expect to get a decent price for it. You can learn more about car depreciation in our helpful guide. 

Kia’s Niro is a great option for those new to hybrid cars as its clear controls and intelligently hybrid system make driving easy

When it comes to selling points, the Kia Niro brings them by the bucket load. The Niro hybrid feels a lot more intuitive to drive than some of its rivals, making it an excellent choice for first-time hybrid buyers. And given its three powertrain options – regular hybrid, PHEV and full EV, you’ll be sure to find it in a version that suits your needs. The plug-in hybrid is the most efficient of the petrol-engined versions, bringing up to 217mpg when fully charged

But it doesn’t stop there. The Kia Niro comes with a seven-year warranty, so even if you’re buying a used model there’s a strong possibility that it will be sold with some of its warranty still intact. What’s not to love here? 

The Mini Countryman is a compact SUV which packs a lot of character into one well-designed and smartly finished plug-in hybrid 

Minis are known for their compact size so it will come as no surprise to see the Mini Countryman on our list of the best small hybrids. The first in Mini’s range to get a hybrid installation, the Countryman’s inner set-up provides a smooth drive with improved traction. This, combined with its raised driving position, giving you a clear sight of the road ahead, makes it worth its weight in gold during the winter. 

But that’s not all the Mini Countryman brings to the table. There’s no denying this is one of the most stylish hybrids on our list, with its trademark mini look, sleek interior and automatic boot – this is certainly one for style enthusiasts.

If long-distance comfort is what you’re after then the Corolla’s pairing of refinement and great ride quality make this the hybrid for you

When it comes to the best small hybrid cars the Toyota Corolla is definitely up there! This model focuses on comfort making it a wise choice for those who tend to travel longer distances. On top of this, you can expect top-of-the-range interior technology and equipment including a high-definition touchscreen and extra safety assistance equipment. 

But comfort isn’t all the Toyota Corolla brings to the table. Fitted with either a 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric assistance – this scores well in the fuel economy department and is a relatively cheap PHEV to run too.

The Suzuki Swift Hybrid takes the regular Swift and makes it even better thanks to a really efficient engine setup

The Suzuki Swift is a fun, reliable and affordable drive, making it an ideal small hybrid for those on a budget. Its boxier body not only gives it a funkier shape than some of its rivals but also means it has a surprisingly spacious interior. And, you can lower the rear seats for expanded boot space, giving you even more room for those essential family items. 

In terms of running costs, the Suzuki Swift is known for offering quite the economical drive. So not only can you save money on buying a used model, but will find its cheap running costs are kind on your wallet too.

Volvo’s XC40 brings a really solid cabin feel and that all-important efficiency alongside loads of cutting-edge technology 

Last but certainly not least on our list of the best small hybrid cars is the Volvo XC40. The build quality on the XC40 is nothing short of superb. This, combined with its sleek and sophisticated interior and exterior makes it a top pick for those looking for a stylish drive. 

The Volvo XC40 comes in three powertrain choices too, including PHEV, mild and regular hybrid, so you’ll certainly be able to find a version that suits your needs.