Best self-charging hybrid cars 2024 (2024)

Self-charging hybrids

If you’re tempted by a hybrid car but don’t want to think about plugging in and charging up, a self-charging hybrid is a great middle ground.

With a self-charging model, your car will use regenerative braking and energy from the engine to recharge its battery.

This makes driving more fuel efficient and means your exhaust pipe emissions will be reduced.

Take a look at our top picks for self-charging hybrid cars and browse our used hybrid models.

Lexus NX

For a reliable hybrid car that’s seriously practical, the Lexus NX is a top pick. With a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and a 521-litre boot, this is an ideal hybrid for slipping into daily life.

The self-charging hybrid power of the NX make it an efficient choice as well, offering up to 49.5mpg with a choice of four-wheel and two-wheel drive models.

Plus, the interior is well-laid out with a 9.8-inch infotainment screen as standard or a 14-inch screen in the F Sport and Takumi trims. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there’s extra tech like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof on offer.

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Read our Lexus NX review

Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid is another practical model that offers self-charging hybrid power and is a brilliant alternative to the fully electric e-Niro if you’re not ready to make the full switch.

A small SUV with a 451-litre boot, the Niro is an ideal size for growing families or solo motorists who value extra space. It’s comfortable inside and the interior tech is particularly impressive, offering an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment unit in the entry-level models or a 10.25-inch unit in the higher-spec options.

It’s an enjoyable model to drive as well, with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that takes the extra work out of driving. That hybrid tech is ideal for efficiency – offering up to 64.2mpg if you go by official statistics.

Find a used Kia Niro
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Read our Kia Niro review

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla has long been a familiar sight on UK roads, with the original version being discontinued in 2007 before making a comeback with a fresh take on the classic in 2019. It’s an impressive hybrid choice that combines efficiency, attractive styling, and solid build quality.

Toyota states that your Corolla can reach up to 64.1mpg for combined WLTP fuel economy, making it a top choice for cutting back on running costs. CO2 emissions are low as well, with the 2.0-litre hybrid option putting out up to 103g/km.

The Corolla also received a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019, and overall reviews for reliability are high. Pair this with the 313- to 361-litre boot (depending on the model you choose), and this will be the perfect self-charging hybrid for many motorists.

Find a used Toyota Corolla
Read our Toyota Corolla review

Honda Jazz

A classic hybrid option and one that’s well-loved, the Honda Jazz is an all-rounder for comfort, reliability and efficiency.

The Jazz uses two electric motors and a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with all models being capable of more than 60mpg in official tests on the WLTP cycle. Driving the Honda Jazz is enjoyable, as it offers a smooth cruise with firm suspension and hybrid tech that excels in urban areas.

Plus, the interior is spacious and feels Tardis-like in just how much room you get in a small hatchback. This one is ideal for solo drivers or couples but shouldn’t be sniffed at as a compact family car.

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Read our Honda Jazz review

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a larger, self-charging hybrid option that’s perfect if you want to drive more efficiently while gaining extra seats. This seven-seater offers an expandable loading space that’s 571 litres with just five seats up, or 1,649 litres if you fold all of the rear seats completely.

The self-charging hybrid tech takes the edge off the running cost for this large SUV, while other models might come in as more expensive to fuel up without the added electric tech. You can expect up to 44.1mpg – impressive considering the weight and size of the car.

If tech is important to you, the Ultimate trim offers a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with an additional heads-up display to keep your eyes on the road.

Find a used Hyundai Santa Fe
See Also
10 Best Self-Charging Hybrid Cars of 2024
Read our Hyundai Santa Fe review

Mazda 2 Hybrid

The Mazda 2 Hybrid is based on the reliable Toyota Yaris and gets extra flair from Mazda engineering and styling, so you already know it’s going to be an impressive car.

The petrol engine is helped along by two electric motors, allowing you to cut running costs and achieve up to 74.3mpg. It also gets a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, so it’s ideal for a reliable daily runner.

Instant torque from the electric motor as soon as you put your foot down means the Mazda 2 is peppy and fun to drive. It’s enjoyable to sit in as well, packed with tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Find a used Mazda 2
Read our Mazda 2 review

Honda Civic

While small hatchbacks and SUVs have been dominating this list, the Honda Civic is an ideal contender for a hybrid hatchback that’s on the chunkier side. In fact, we’d say it was more reminiscent of a sleek saloon.

There’s a single hybrid engine option on offer that offers impressive pulling power while remaining efficient. In fact, you’ll achieve up to 56.6mpg according to combined WLTP figures.

You’ll love the interior as well – there are physical controls like knobs and switches for major functions so you can easily navigate them, but this is complemented by a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen.

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Read our Honda Civic review

Nissan Qashqai e-Power

The Nissan Qashqai has been a firm favourite among family SUVs for some time now, and the added hybrid tech in the e-Power model is ideal for cutting back on running costs and exhaust emissions.

Typical of the Qashqai, this self-charging hybrid has ultra-modern and flashy styling. The interior is luxe, with a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In top-spec trims, you can upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen and a 10.8-inch heads-up display.

As for that hybrid setup, you can expect to achieve up to 53.3mpg according to official WLTP stats, with 119g/km of CO2 emissions.

The Qashqai also received a full five-star Euro NCAP rating on its 2021 test, and features ISOFIX car seat points for safe travel with children.

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Read our Nissan Qashqai review

Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is another popular family SUV that you can grab with a self-charging hybrid engine. You’ll get a 2.5-litre petrol engine that’s paired with an electric motor to offer up to 51.4mpg, based on official WLTP figures.

The Kuga also received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, and reviews from drivers seem to be positive and speak favourably about the car’s reliability.

This dependability pairs well with the size and practicality of the Kuga to offer an impressive choice for daily motoring. Plus, a 412-litre boot that extends to 1,534 litres with the seats pushed means you can pack it to the brim.

Find a used Ford Kuga
Read our Ford Kuga review

Kia Sportage

Another great choice if you’re with a fan of SUVs, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is an eye-catching model with plenty of modern styling.

The interior of the car is plush and has a luxury feel, despite coming in at a lower price tag than the premium models. Top-spec models even get twin 12.3-inch touchscreen units that stretch across the dash of the car, but you’ll still get a 4.3-inch screen in entry-level models.

The hybrid Sportage models feature a 1.6-litre petrol engine that pairs with the electric motor and puts out up to 129g/km of emission. You’ll achieve up to 49mpg as well, according to the official WLTP tests.

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Read our Kia Sportage review