We’re big fans of small hybrid cars. These battery-assisted tiddlers are designed to maximise fuel economy, but a side benefit of their electrification is that they deliver smooth, nippy acceleration, making them perfect for towns and city. In many ways, these are the best hybrid cars of them all, making them a smart choice for drivers who want efficiency in a more compact, affordable package.
Car makers are shrinking their hybrid systems to fit ever smaller cars, responding to stricter emissions rules and rising consumer demand. This has led to a growing number of mild hybrids and self-charging full hybrids in the small car segment. These systems may not offer full electric driving, but they offer many advantages – cutting fuel use, reducing emissions, and delivering smooth performance without needing to be plugged in.
This list features a mix of city-friendly superminis and small SUVs, from practical city cars to stylish small crossovers. One thing you won’t find here is any plug-in hybrid — the tech’s simply too big and heavy for small car platforms, and it can spoil the driving experience. Maybe in time, but not yet…
If you’re in the market for a small hybrid car, scroll down to check out the best you can buy right now, as well as a couple worth waiting for. We’ve included links to our in-depth reviews for each car, as well as links to our best leasing deals should you wish to have any on your drive.
The best small hybrid cars to buy in 2025
Best small hybrid for: Efficiency, style and entertaining handling
Renault has even managed to make the Clio refined enough to drive over long distances without fatiguing you – and its 391-litre boot is larger than some of the hatchbacks from the class above, such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The drawback? Well, the hybrid model is quite expensive. Prices start from around £21,000, which is a lot for a supermini.
To find out more, read our full Renault Clio review
Pros
- Great in the corners
- Clever hybrid system
- Comfortable interior
Cons
- Hybrid powertrain is pricey...
- … and its gearshifts take forever
Best small hybrid car for: Value and punchy performance
It’s well-equipped, with a big, easy-to-use touchscreen, smartphone connectivity and decent space in the back. Interior quality is acceptable rather than premium, and while it’s smooth around town, it can feel a little unrefined under heavy load. Still, as a value-focused hybrid with proper pace, the MG3 makes a strong case – just make sure you shop around for the best deal.
To find out more, read the full MG3 Hybrid+ review
Pros
- Strong acceleration
- Good spec for the money
- Roomy in the rear
Cons
- So-so interior quality
- A bit unrefined when pushed
- Still an unknown for dealer support
Best small hybrid car for: Lightweight fun and low running costs
The cabin is simple but well laid out, with a decent amount of kit even on lower trims. It’s not the most premium inside, and the rear space is a little tight, but the Swift’s compact size, low running costs and strong reliability record make it a smart choice for drivers who prioritise fun and low monthly costs over flash.
To find out more, read our full Suzuki Swift review
Pros
- Light and nimble
- Good economy
- Reliable and affordable to run
Cons
- Modest performance
- Basic interior
- Tight in the back
Stellar efficiency and a 10-year warranty
Still not sold? Well, you should also know that the Yaris also comes with the best warranty in the game. If you keep its service book stamped up at a main Toyota dealer, you’ll be covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). That means the Yaris should keep saving you money well into the twilight years of your ownership.
To find out more, read our full Toyota Yaris review
Pros
- Painless ownership
- Very well equipped
- Great hybrid system
Cons
- Rivals are more fun
- Comparably expensive
The small car with big ideas… inside
Practicality is amazing, too. The Jazz’s sliding rear seats, narrow-but-tall boot and generous cabin space means there's loads of space for four adults and their luggage – in a car that has the footprint as a supermini. Of the two, the Crosstar is the more interesting car to own, thanks to its funky interior trim, lovely tactile controls and splash-proof seats. But both are highly appealing small hybrids, that are only let down by their high prices and a lack of fun factor. Read our long-term review to learn what the Jazz is like to live with.
To find out more, read our full Honda Jazz review
Pros
- Immensely practical small car
- Feels more like a small MPV
- Brilliant hybrid system
Cons
- Standard interior is dull
- Not exactly joyful
Smooth in town, optional four-wheel drive for the country
Like the Honda Jazz Crosstar, the Yaris Cross doesn’t offer a long EV range. Instead it uses the electric portion of its powertrain to maximise the efficiency of its petrol engine and offer occasional bursts of electric-only power. It’s also quite good to drive. It handles keenly, its powertrain is silky smooth and it has a comfortable ride.
To find out more, read our full Toyota Yaris Cross review
Pros
- It's a true mini hybrid SUV
- Great to drive around town
- Frugal yet brawny hybrid
Cons
- Interior looks and feels dull
- Sluggish infotainment
Stunning handling and a massive boot
It's also quite practical. Its back seats aren’t quite as roomy as the Skoda Kamiq’s, but its boot is enormous. There are 456 litres of space to play with thanks to Ford’s innovative Megabox underfloor storage system. That’s more than you get in cars from the class above. But it's not all good news – since it was facelifted in 2024, the interior quality has taken a dive, and prices aren't as competitive as they once were. Shame.
To find out more, read our full Ford Puma review
Pros
- Multi-award winning SUV
- Excellent driving experience
- Impressive boot space
Cons
- Tight rear space
- No full hybrid option
Best small hybrid car for chic urban driving
The cabin is smartly finished and packed with tech, including Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit layout, which won’t suit everyone because of the odd driving positiom – but it gives the 208 a distinctive edge. Rear-seat space is a bit tight, but boot space is unaffected by the hybrid system. It’s pricier than some rivals, but decent on finance, and the mix of style, comfort and efficiency makes it a desirable choice for many.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot 208 review
Pros
- Distinctive looks and strong image
- Smooth hybrid system and a refined drive
- Well-equipped for the money
Cons
- Tight rear space
- Odd driving position only suits taller people
- High cash price compared with rivals
Now, here are two worth waiting for…
This one looks like it's going to be cracking value
Inside, the C3 goes with less-is-more approach, giving the driver a minimalist dashboard and a head-up display for essential driving information. The compact steering wheel and elevated seating position contribute to a comfortable and almost SUV-like driving experience. With its blend of efficiency, comfort, and distinctive design, looks like it could be the small hybrid to beat one this list...
To find out more, read the full Citroen C3 review
Pros
- Comfortable and innovative interior
- Mild-hybrid boost to fuel economy
- Right sized for urban driving
Cons
- Awkward boot shape
- Quality could be better in areas
Fiat Grande Panda
If the electric version's anything to go by, the hybrid's going to be brilliant
That means it'll deliver 100hp for nippy acceleration and excellent fuel economy. Inside, the Grande Panda is a delight – it's designed with user-friendly technology and practical storage solutions, including an useful upper glovebox and a spacious central console. The interior also incorporates eco-friendly materials, reflecting Fiat's commitment to sustainability. Expect super-competitive pricing, just like the Citroen.
To find out more, read the full Fiat Grande Panda review (electric version)
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Practical and spacious interior
- Bristling with clever design
Cons
- Rear seat comfort isn't great
- Some may find designer interior off-putting
And finally, the cream of the used car crop
Catch the best examples from an approved used dealer
However, it’s a very good car. We still haven't found a supermini that offers a better driving experience. Ford's 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine is already rather enjoyable – but with the addition of a 48V boost for seamless stop/start and a little in-gear assistance, and it achieves smiles per mile somewhat higher than its lowly spec and tiny engine suggest. We'll miss it when it's gone.
To find out more, read our full Ford Fiesta review
Pros
- Good value, yet stylish and fun
- Cheap to run, easy to live with
- What you see is what you get
Cons
- Used only, these days
- Expensive compared to non-hybrid Fiestas
Small hybrid cars FAQs
What is the difference between a mild hybrid and a full hybrid?
A mild hybrid uses a small electric motor to assist the petrol engine but can’t drive on electric power alone. A full hybrid (like a Toyota Yaris Hybrid) can run short distances on electric power and typically offers better fuel savings. Mild hybrids are usually cheaper and simpler to maintain, and are also available with manual transmission.
How fuel-efficient are small hybrid cars compared to traditional models?
Small hybrid cars typically deliver better fuel economy than their conventional petrol counterparts, although small diesels are still champion on the motorway. Thanks to their electric motor assistance and advanced energy-saving systems, these vehicles achieve lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, making them an attractive choice for drivers seeking cost savings and environmental benefits.
What are the main benefits of owning a small hybrid car?
The primary benefits include improved fuel efficiency, lower running costs, and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, small mild-hybrid cars are usually more affordable to maintain than more complex full hybrids and perfect for city driving, where their compact size make them an absolute joy to drive in heavy traffic.
How do small mild hybrid cars compare to full hybrid and electric vehicles?
Small hybrid cars offer a balance between efficiency and performance. While they may not provide the electric-only driving mode found in full hybrids or plug-in hybrids, their mild-hybrid systems improve fuel economy and smoothen engine operation without the higher costs or charging requirements associated with fully electric vehicles. This makes them a practical option for those transitioning to greener technologies.
Are small hybrid cars expensive to buy and maintain?
Small hybrid cars are generally competitively priced, especially when considering the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance. Although they might have a higher upfront cost compared with conventional models, the benefits of improved efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced running costs often make them more cost effective in the long run.
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