In today's world, the push for environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles has never been stronger. Hybrid cars have emerged as a practical solution for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on fuel.  

If you're in the market for the best value hybrid cars, there are some excellent options. In this article, we'll explore the cheapest plug-in hybrid and self-charging hybrid cars available in the UK, offering unbeatable value for eco-conscious motorists. 

Cheapest New Hybrid Cars

Honda Jazz Hybrid £20,720

If you're in search of a compact and affordable hybrid, the Honda Jazz Hybrid is worth considering. Renowned for its reliability and efficiency, the Jazz offers excellent value for money.  

Its hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy, and the vehicle's compact size makes it ideal for navigating crowded city streets. With its budget-friendly starting price, the Jazz Hybrid is an attractive option for those looking for a reliable self-charging hybrid. 

Toyota C-HR Hybrid - £28,979

The Toyota C-HR Hybrid is one of the standout choices for those seeking an affordable yet feature-packed hybrid car. With a starting price that makes it one of the most budget-friendly options in the hybrid market, the C-HR Hybrid offers exceptional value for money.  

The Toyota C-HR is a compact SUV that boasts an efficient self-charging hybrid powertrain, making it perfect for both city commutes and longer journeys. Its impressive fuel economy and stylish design make it a top contender among the cheapest self-charging hybrid cars in the UK. 

Kia Niro Self-Charging Hybrid £27,745

The Kia Niro Self-Charging Hybrid is another excellent option for budget-conscious hybrid buyers in the UK. This compact crossover SUV combines practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious motorists who need a little extra space. 

With its self-charging hybrid system, the Niro ensures you don't have to worry about plugging in, making it a hassle-free option for everyday driving. Its competitive pricing and extensive warranty coverage enhance its value further. 

Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid £37,675

Ford has also entered the hybrid market with a bang, offering the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid at a competitive price point for a full-size SUV. This SUV provides ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.  

The Kuga's plug-in hybrid technology allows you to drive on electric power alone for shorter trips, saving money on fuel while reducing emissions. It's a prime example of a practical and budget-friendly plug-in hybrid. 

Cheapest Used Hybrid Cars UK

Toyota Prius - £12,000

No list of hybrid cars is complete without a Prius, despite not being everyone's cup of tea design-wise, they are an excellent choice for reliable, economical and safe transport. One with reasonable miles; in the region of 80 - 100,000, can be bought for around £12,000. This would buy a car made between 2012 and 2014. 

The second generation is the one we’d opt for, giving the best combination of battery wear and price. Most of the older cars are prone to failing hybrid battery units, giving sub-50-mile range, and as they hold their value so well, the cars less than 5 years old are still above £20,000 to buy used.  

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - £9,000

The Outlander was one of the first plug-in hybrid SUVs to hit the market in the UK, in 2013 it astonished everybody with its claimed economy figure of 140 MPG.  

10 years later and the technology seems to have held up well, with many achieving well in excess of 150,000 miles for sale on Autotrader. We’d advise trying to source one a little less travelled, with examples from 2015/16 being available for £9,000 with less than 80,000 miles on the clock. 

Lexus CT200h - £8,500 

When launched in 2011, the Lexus CT200h was the first hatchback Lexus had ever made, it was also the first luxury hybrid hatchback to be made available. It was quite popular with company car schemes of the time, offering low company car tax due to its efficient drivetrain. 

Speaking of the drivetrain, it being borrowed from the Toyota Prius should give some confidence in its performance and longevity, with many cars still being used daily in 2023 we’d suggest a 2014 model with the facelifted front and rear bodywork. A nice one can be bought for around £8,500. 

Toyota Auris Hybrid - £8,000 

From the success of the Prius, Toyota made sure to shoehorn the powerplant into as many models as possible. This brought cars of differing sizes to market, whilst still using the innovative hybrid powertrain.  

The Auris is a good example of this, being a slightly bigger car than the Prius, especially in estate form, is ideal for bigger families. The Auris has great reliability records just like the Prius, but we’d suggest getting as new as possible to preserve the hybrid battery life. £8,000 will buy a relatively low mileage example, at around 80 - 100,000 miles.  

Conclusion

Hybrids are fast becoming more affordable on the second-hand market, but are still a little way off of petrol and diesel cars when you factor in the potential hybrid battery replacement costs.  

Hopefully though with our guide, you can find a hybrid that will serve its purpose of giving great fuel economy, at a reasonable price point. If you want to learn more about hybrid technology, check out our guide on the different types here.