The best compact SUVs: top hybrid cars

Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of the automotive industry, but the electrification of transport offers many opportunities to combine different types of powerplants. In particular, plug-in hybrids will remain a good choice for a long time.

According to the Autoexpress, a compact SUV with a hybrid engine is now a good choice for those who need a more efficient and flexible car. The combination of powertrains is also a good way to reduce the overall range, but at the same time ensure good sales for the manufacturer. That's why the magazine's experts have compiled the top ten best compact hybrid SUVs.

Dacia Duster

The Renault subsidiary is known for producing practical cars that deliver maximum value. Perhaps the most utilitarian of them all is the Dacia Duster, a small SUV that is sturdy, and spacious, with a simple interior and high off-road capability when equipped with all-wheel drive. The full hybrid version of the model combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with electric support. Dacia claims that this car can be driven on electric power alone up to 80% of the time in urban areas. Tests have shown that the Duster hybrid consumes an average of 4.26 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. And this is a great result for such a small SUV that is versatile in every way.

MG ZS Hybrid+

The recent revival of the British MG brand has been led by the MG ZS, a small SUV with a great price point that is now available exclusively in hybrid form. Despite the loss of pure electric power (at least for now), the new ZS has undergone a significant improvement. It's great on the road, offers plenty of interior space, and is really economical. It's also very affordable. The ZS uses a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid setup. Most of the time, the wheels are driven by an electric motor, and the classic powertrain is switched on to help it through a rather unconventional three-speed automatic transmission. As a result, however, good performance is achieved (193 hp and 465 Nm of torque) and real economy of 4.7 l/100 km.

Renault Captur

Built on the foundation of the adorable baby Renault Clio, the Renault Captur is an equally successful small SUV. In its latest version, the Captur looks and drives better than ever, and its full hybrid powertrain, also used by the Dacia Duster, is one of the best in its class. The system consists of a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors: one powerful enough to provide all-electric drive for short distances, and the other working as a mild hybrid starter-generator. Together, they help make the Captur very efficient; a long-term test showed an average fuel consumption of just over 4.44 liters/100 km.

Hyundai Kona

With an electric, full hybrid, or gasoline powertrain, there's likely to be the perfect Hyundai Kona for your needs. The mid-range variant combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a single electric motor to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Even the standard Kona with a gasoline engine gets up to 4.91 mpg, but the hybrid improves that to 3.91 mpg. Not only is the Kona economical, but it's also fantastic to drive, comfortable, and much more practical than its predecessor.

Toyota Yaris Cross

This model was a great success for Toyota. Of course, this was due to the favorable price, but also to the car's rugged appearance, its ease of handling, and its fantastic fuel economy. Over several months of testing, it showed a consumption of 3.64 liters/100 km on a front-wheel drive long-wheelbase. This efficiency can be attributed to Toyota's tried and true approach to hybrid powertrains. The Yaris Cross uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine mated to a CVT transmission, which, in combination with an electric assistant, provides the necessary power.

Honda HR-V

Honda consistently produces high-quality, well-designed vehicles, and the HR-V is no exception. It also looks great, is well-equipped, and is a pleasure to drive. It's a bit more expensive than some of the competitors on this list, but that's offset by low running costs thanks to the smart e-HEV hybrid system. Like the Toyota, the HR-V uses a CVT transmission, and the model's gasoline engine can switch between charging the batteries for the electric motors or directly driving the wheels. The test result showed an average consumption of 4.27 l/100 km, even with a lot of highway driving - so expect even better performance if you drive at a lower speed on city roads.

Jeep Avenger

Although the Jeep Avenger is not as capable of off-roading as its famous counterparts, it certainly looks decent and is more efficient as an everyday vehicle. There is a fully electric version, as well as a mild hybrid version. The powerplant of the model is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine, which is powered by a 28 hp electric motor. This is a series hybrid setup, not a parallel one like some others on this list, but it still allows you to drive at low speeds on electric power. Jeep claims average fuel economy of up to 4.12 l/100 km.

Lexus LBX

If you like the idea of the Yaris Cross and its great hybrid system, but want more luxury and sporty styling, the Lexus LBX is for you. It is the smallest car ever created by Toyota's luxury division. Nevertheless, it offers a consistently exclusive luxury interior, a wealth of on-board technology, and a comfortable, refined driving experience. The hybrid setup here is the same as in the Yaris Cross, albeit with a little extra power. The biggest difference is noise, or rather, the lack of it. In Lexus, it is much harder to hear the engine running. It is quite expensive and not the most spacious, but despite this, the LBX is a great car.

Peugeot 2008

Sharing a platform and little more than mild hybrid technology with the Jeep Avenger, the latest Peugeot 2008 is a great all-around small SUV that really stands out thanks to its newly updated design. Inside, it has a left-hand dashboard design, a signature small steering wheel, and an i-Cockpit system. While gasoline and electric versions are also available, it's the interesting mild hybrid setup that has secured Peugeot's spot on this list. It works in the same way as in Jeep and is equipped with a small electric motor integrated into the gearbox to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. The claimed average of 3.79 l/100 km is good news for those who want to reduce their fuel bills.

Nissan Juke

One of the iconic models of compact SUVs, the Nissan Juke entered the market in 2010 and did not receive a second generation until 2024. Although it lacks some of the benefits of its competitors, the Nissan is a solid choice and shares many similarities with the Renault Captur under the hood, including a hybrid powertrain. Interestingly, despite its Japanese roots, the car was developed in the UK and is manufactured at Nissan's Sunderland plant. All the advantages of the Captur system described above apply here, with a good combination of efficiency and performance.

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