Hybrid cars with the best MPG
Hybrid vehicles are a great choice no matter your needs – but which are the best?
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Hybrid cars with the best MPG
If you’re in the market for a hybrid vehicle, chances are you’re chasing the best possible MPG ratings.
This means you can spend less time at the pump and save more money by refuelling less often.
If that sounds like you, then here are eight hybrid cars with some of the best MPG ratings you’ll find – four self-charging options for hassle-free motoring and four plug-in hybrids that maximise electric-only range.
It's worth noting that real-world mpg ratings will likely differ from the WLTP claims. These are the best-case figures supplied by the manufacturers.
Plug-in hybrid models can claim unbelievably impressive figures, but run one without ever charging the battery, and you won't get that benefit, so bear this in mind.
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The best MPG hybrid cars
Toyota Yaris
Renault Clio
Honda Jazz
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
BMW 5 Series
Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes GLC
Best MPG from self-charging hybrids
Toyota Yaris
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Engine: Toyota Yaris 1.5 116hp Hybrid
MPG: Up to 70.6mpg
The Yaris has quietly become a city icon, and for good reason. It has a toned-down version of the hybrid system we first saw in the iconic Prius, but because it uses a smaller 1.5-litre engine, it's even cheaper to run.
It's particularly good at low-speed, stop-start driving, where the electric motor can take a lot of strain off the petrol engine. This also helps it feel pretty nippy – agile, even – and it looks far cooler than any Yaris has a right to.
It doesn't cost much more than its petrol-powered counterparts to achieve lower running costs. Plus, standard kit is excellent across the range, with a reversing camera and touchscreen infotainment system standard on latest-generation models introduced in 2020.
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Renault Clio
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Engine: Renault Clio 1.6 full hybrid E-Tech
MPG: Up to 67.3mpg
The E-Tech version of the Clio feels like Renault's best-kept secret – it's an ultra-smart hybrid system that uses not one, but two electric motors and an 'F1-style' gearbox. All that wizardry should mean about 80% of town trips are powered by electricity.
The way this impressive supermini switches between petrol and electric is seamless, so you'll barely notice you're driving any differently to achieve such impressive MPG.
Let's not forget the Clio is also one of the most stylish compact hatchbacks out there, both inside and out. Instantly recognisable, highly desirable, but still affordable – perfect.
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Honda Jazz
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Engine: Honda Jazz 1.5 I-MMD
MPG: Up to 62.8mpg
Forever the sensible choice, the latest Jazz uses Honda's e:HEV setup, which is geared towards maximum efficiency.
Most of the time, the engine doesn't even drive the wheels – it acts as a generator for the two electric motors. But when the time comes to pick up some pace, the CVT gearbox ensures smooth power delivery from any combination of your three on-board sources (two motors and one 1.5-litre petrol engine).
Oh, and those Magic Seats? Yeah, they're worth the hype. The seat bases fold up cinema-style so you can carry anything you need in the back – be it plants, a small bike or a piece of furniture.
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Toyota Corolla
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Engine: Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid or 2.0 Hybrid
MPG: Up to 64.2mpg
When the Prius went off sale for a couple of years in the UK, and the Auris was replaced by the Corolla, we really started paying attention to just how good Toyota's hybrid systems are.
Take your pick from the Prius-derived 1.8-litre hybrid or the sportier 2.0-litre hybrid – both are pretty much as efficient as each other on paper, and the real-world differences are likely to be small.
It's not flashy, but it's incredibly well-rounded, with a rock-solid reputation for reliability. Service it annually at participating garages, and you'll unlock up to 10 years' warranty coverage.
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Best MPG from plug-in hybrids
Toyota Prius
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Engine: Toyota Prius 2.0 PHEV
Claimed MPG: Up to 565.0mpg
Real-world MPG: Up to 90mpg
Electric-only range: Up to 53 miles
The Prius has gone from strength to strength, and after a short time off sale in the UK, it's back with a bigger battery and ultra-slick looks (and that's an understatement – it's a real looker).
If you get the most efficient model (which means sticking to the smallest 17-inch wheels), the 13.6kWh battery is good for a healthy 53 miles of electric-only range.
Add to that the new 2.0-litre petrol engine and a combined system output of 223hp, and you've got a nippy car that'll keep up with last decade's hot hatches. You'll obviously have to drive it sensibly to achieve the best economy though.
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BMW 5 Series
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Engine: BMW 530e
Claimed MPG: Up to 470.8mpg
Real-world MPG: Up to 70mpg
Electric-only range: Up to 57 miles
The 5 Series proves that going hybrid doesn't mean sacrificing performance or luxury. Pick the 2.0-litre 530e over the 3.0-litre 550e if maximum fuel economy is more your thing (which we assume so, given this guide is all about the most efficient hybrids).
It could just be the ultimate car, whether that's for motorway cruising, family life or nipping to the local Waitrose (you can probably even do most shopping runs on electric power alone).
We love the handling, which is sporty and agile. Combine this with high-end, luxurious materials and a tech-laden interior, and you've got yourself a car you'll never want to leave.
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Mercedes E-Class
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Engine: Mercedes E 300 de
Claimed MPG: Up to 294mpg
Real-world MPG: 80mpg
Electric-only range: Up to 66 miles
In this case, we're pushing for the diesel-powered plug-in hybrid. Hear us out, it makes a lot of sense. Keep to that 66 miles of battery power around town, then switch to diesel power on the motorway, where the engine's efficiency really comes into play.
Of course, being a Merc, the E-Class drips with refinement and tech, so you'll get plush seats, top-notch cabin insulation and the last word in touchscreen tech.
If we can't convince you with diesel, there's a petrol plug-in hybrid version with the same electric-only range, so for shorter trips, both will be cheap to run.
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Mercedes GLC
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Engine: Mercedes GLC 300 de
Claimed MPG: Up to 565mpg
Real-world MPG: Up to 84.3mpg
Electric-only range: Up to 80 miles
Although the C-Class has better MPG, we think the GLC deserves a shoutout here because it offers considerably better MPG than you'd ever expect from a luxurious family SUV, and way more than most of its rivals.
Like the E-Class, there are petrol- and diesel-powered plug-in hybrid powertrains, but both will deliver around 70 miles on a single charge.
Sure, you'll lose a bit of boot space to make room for the large 25.3kWh batteries, but it's a fair price to pay for all that range, and you're still getting way more space than you would in a family hatchback.
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How to get the best mpg from your hybrid car
Once you’ve got your economical car, it’s worth remembering some of these fuel-efficient driving techniques to eke as much range out of your new whip as possible.
Don’t accelerate too fast – keeping a steady right foot on the accelerator is a better way to drive around because it uses less fuel
Don’t brake too harshly – aim to be as smooth as possible, so you don't need to waste fuel accelerating after braking when you didn't need to
Avoid speeding – you should always stick to the speed limit anyway, but driving faster uses more fuel
Check your tyres regularly – the flatter they are, the more rubber touches the tarmac, causing more friction and using more fuel
Keep your car in tip-top condition – regular servicing, including changing fluids and consumables, ensures everything is running optimally
Buy the best mpg hybrid cars
As you can see, hybrids come in all shapes and sizes, and you'll also get to choose from a variety of battery sizes, which may or may not need charging to get the most out of them.
If you're ready to make the move towards a partly electrified vehicle, browse our used hybrid cars for sale or used plug-in hybrids for sale.
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