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We might be in the midst of an EV revolution in Australia, but the humble hybrid still does a lot of the heavy lifting on the sales charts offering the convenience of refuelling with trimmed-down bills and, in the case of a plug-in, the opportunity for zero-emissions motoring.
Hybrids with and without a plug continue to surge up the sales charts, and there are more particularly promising models in the works for 2024, covering multiple categories.
Let’s take a look at what’s due to arrive and when, so you can set your calendar to the model which looks most appealing.
Best hybrid cars arriving in 2024
- 01. Toyota C-HR - March
- 02. Lexus LBX - March
- 03. Jeep Compass 4xe - H1
- 04. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - Mid-2024
- 05. Kia Sportage Hybrid - April
- 06. Mazda CX-90 PHEV - Late 2024
- 07. Peugeot 408 PHEV - April
- 08. Peugeot 508 - 2024
- 09. Citroen C5 X PHEV - 2024
- 10. Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 - H2
- 11. Volkswagen Touareg R - May
- 12. MG3 Hybrid - 2024
- 13. Kia Sorento Hybrid & PHEV - H1
- 14. Toyota Camry Hybrid - H2
- 15. BYD Shark - H2
- 16. BYD Seal U - H1
- 17. Nissan Qashqai - Late 2024
- 18. Honda Accord - Q2
- 19. GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid - Mid-2024
- 20. Other new models coming in 2024
01. Toyota C-HR - March
The Toyota C-HR at long last will move to its second-generation, and this time around it’s hybrid only.
Offered with the choice of either a 1.8-litre in front-wheel-drive configuration for the GXL and Koba variants, or a 2.0-litre all-wheel-drive configuration for the GR-Sport, the C-HR is on sale now.
Aside from the new styling, which matches it up with the not-for-Australia Prius, the C-HR also gets an interior overhaul with extended use of recycled materials and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen.
Read more about Toyota C-HR:
Toyota C-HR
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
02. Lexus LBX - March
The LBX is the smallest-ever Lexus, using underpinnings from the Toyota Yaris Cross but with a far more luxurious spin - and don’t worry, Lexus promises the architecture has been tweaked “to meet the stringent requirements of a Lexus vehicle”.
Regardless, the LBX shares the bones of its 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid drivetrain with the Yaris Cross, though produces 100kW and sips just 3.8 litres of fuel per 100km. It is available in both front- and all-wheel drive, exclusively as a hybrid.
'Read more' link: https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/pricing-confirmed-2024-lexus-lbx-hybrid-suv-is-toyota-yaris-cross-fancy-cousin-89947
03. Jeep Compass 4xe - H1
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The Jeep Compass will again receive an overhaul in 2024 with an intriguing plug-in hybrid variant, the 4xe, joining the line-up.
Set to arrive in the first half of 2024, the Compass 4xe pairs a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a 179kW combined output. It maintains all-wheel drive and has a six-speed automatic transmission. Expect the 4xe version to be the most expensive version of the Compass by a significant margin when it arrives, if it follows the same pattern as its larger Grand Cherokee sibling.
Jeep says fuel economy is as low as 1.8L/100km, and the Compass 4xe can travel up to 50km under pure electric power alone. It also says the SUV will maintain its “all-terrain vocation with efficiency not being achieved at the expense of performance.”
Interestingly, the Compass will also be served in a plugless e-Hybrid variation, which is front-wheel drive only, featuring a small 14kW/55Nm electric motor and 95kW/230Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, driving the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Jeep Compass
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
04. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - Mid-2024
At long last, Hyundai will strike at the ever-popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with its Tucson mid-sizer as a plugless hybrid.
Expected to arrive in mid-2024, the Tucson has been a long time coming for Hyundai, which already offers a plugless hybrid version of the smaller Kona and larger Santa Fe.
We don’t exactly know what specs the version which arrives in Australia will have, but overseas the Tucson HEV pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 44kW electric motor, driving all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined power is rated at 168kW/349Nm, and fuel consumption is trimmed down to a low of 6.1L/100km.
It’s closer to that of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power than the very trim fuel consumption of the RAV4 Hybrid, but will make an appealing challenger in the space, regardless.
Read more about Hyundai Tucson hybrid:
Hyundai Tucson
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
05. Kia Sportage Hybrid - April
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The Sportage - which is the Hyundai Tucson’s sister car from Kia - has arrived with hybrid power and is available now. Again, competing with the likes of the RAV4 and and X-Trail plugless hybrids.
The same 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, 44.2kW electric motor, six-speed automatic and 1.5kW battery match the Tucson hybrid, although the Kia is confirmed to be available in front-wheel drive with fuel consumption ratings as low as 4.9L/100km.
The Sportage will join the existing and larger Sorento hybrids, and Kia Australia has confirmed supply of around 200 units a month. Significantly less than that of its RAV4 rival, but more than it has been able to bring in for the Sorento.
'Read more' link: https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2024-kia-sportage-hybrid-suv-australian-pricing-confirmed-new-toyota-rav4-hybrid-rival-to
Read more about Kia Sportage Hybrid:
Kia Sportage
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
06. Mazda CX-90 PHEV - Late 2024
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Mazda launched the smaller mid-sized CX-60 in Australia with petrol, diesel and PHEV, but the PHEV version of the larger CX-90 will arrive later in 2024.
Mazda’s plug-in hybrid system works a little differently from other brands, placing a large electric motor in the transmission housing, paired to a computer actuated clutch plate. This makes take-offs a little less smooth than something like a Toyota hybrid, but Mazda says it’s all in the name of efficiency.
Overseas specs have the CX-90 PHEV sipping just 4.2L/100km and travelling up to 42km under electric power alone, and it’s also the most powerful version of the CX-90, producing a whopping 241kW/500Nm.
When it arrives, expect it to compete with the Kia Sorento PHEV, with pricing estimated to start from just under $100,000, also making it Mazda’s most expensive SUV ever.
Read more about Mazda CX-90 PHEV:
07. Peugeot 408 PHEV - April
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Peugeot is going all-in on the electrification front, with a slew of hybrids and electric cars having joined its range in 2023 with more to come in 2024.
The 408 is a new nameplate joining the brand’s roster. Sitting alongside the 3008 mid-size SUV, the 408 is a more coupe-styled alternative, and will be served exclusively in plug-in hybrid form, at least initially.
It will arrive in high-spec GT form with pricing from $68K. It is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 81kW electric motor for combined outputs of 165kW/360Nm - the same as the brand’s flagship 508 sedan and wagon.
Read more Peugeot 408 PHEV:
08. Peugeot 508 - 2024
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The 508 will also receive a facelift for the 2024 model year, although timing, pricing, and exact local specs are to be confirmed.
The upgrades include a significant exterior overhaul to match Peugeot’s latest styling cues, a software overhaul in the cabin, and several other minor tweaks and upgrades to its spec throughout.
What won’t change is the variants imported to Australia, which will continue to be plug-in hybrids only. This means a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 81kW electric motor for combined outputs of 165kW/360Nm. It is capable of travelling 55km under electric power alone and is front-drive only.
Prices will likely take a hike for the 2024 model year, although the 508 already starts from a tall $81,610 before on-roads, well into premium territory.
Peugeot 508
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
09. Citroen C5 X PHEV - 2024
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The Citroen C5 X is part wagon, part crossover, but all a quirky offering from the ever-unconventional automaker.
Currently available with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine in front-wheel drive only, a plug-in hybrid version will arrive some time in 2024, sharing its drivetrain with its Peugeot 408 relation. Overseas it has the same 165kW/360Nm combined output and 12.4kWh battery pack, although travels slightly further than the 508 at a WLTP-measured 63km.
Locally the C5 X is available as a single Shine variant in combustion form, priced from $57,670 before on-roads, but expect the PHEV to be significantly more expensive.
Read more about Citroen C5 X PHEV:
Citroen C5 X
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
10. Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 - H2
If you think hybrids are all about efficiency, AMG wants to change your mind with the GLC 63.
Pairing a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and small battery produces a combined 500kW/1020Nm.
As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the GLC 63 will even travel up to 12km without assistance from the petrol engine.
11. Volkswagen Touareg R - May
The flagship version of the facelifted Touareg is the R, which uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Producing 340kW/700Nm from a 3.0-litre turbo petrol V6 and electric motor, the Tourareg R certainly has the outputs to keep pace with other performance SUVs.
Its 14.1kWh battery pack also enables an all-electric driving range of around 48km.
12. MG3 Hybrid - 2024
The cheap and cheerful MG3, which currently dominates the light hatchback segment in Australia, is set to finally be replaced by a next-generation version in 2024. It is as yet unclear exactly when it will arrive in Australia, but MG has promised it will have internal-combustion and hybrid powertrains when it does.
The hybrid system combines a 75kW/128Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with a 100kW/250Nm electric motor for a 143kW total system output.
Pricing looks set to climb significantly, with a starting price of $25K drive-away likely. Why? Because MG sees five-star safety as very important for its smallest car.
13. Kia Sorento Hybrid & PHEV - H1
After a short delay compared to the combustion versions, the hybrid Sorento will return in plugless and plug-in forms in the first half of 2024.
Don’t expect too many radical changes this time around, with the Sorento maintaining the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and six-speed automatic transmission, for outputs totalling a combined 169kW for the HEV or 195kW for the PHEV.
Instead, the mid-life facelift focuses on styling and interior technology, with new software for its revised screen layout and an update to the safety suite to include the latest tech, like stop-and-go for the adaptive cruise and a new lane following assist feature.
Kia Sorento
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
14. Toyota Camry Hybrid - H2
The ninth-generation Camry will bring with it a revised version of the TNGA-K platform which makes the current model so nice to drive, as well as the fifth-generation hybrid system consisting of lighter and more efficient electric motors.
An all-wheel drive version will also debut overseas courtesy of a purely electric rear axle, although Toyota Australia has said there are no plans to offer the AWD version Down Under.
Design-wise, the new car is an evolution of the current model, although it offers the brand’s new LED light signature and family face, as well as a tech-packed interior which is clearly influenced by the new range of Crown models which will sit above it in some markets.
Toyota Camry
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
15. BYD Shark - H2
BYD has made some big promises for 2024, possibly the largest of the lot being its forthcoming ute. Unlike its popular rivals, though, BYD’s offering won’t be a turbo-diesel, instead it will offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain dubbed 'Dual-Motor intelligence' (DM-i). In other BYD models overseas, this system can produce 500kW/760Nm.
The brand’s local division has promised the ute was designed with Australia in mind from the beginning, claiming it will be ‘best-in class’ when it launches.
The choice to go with plug-in hybrid over fully electric is said to be to maintain cost competitiveness with the current crop of utes, but also a recognition there isn’t sufficient charging infrastructure to support an electric ute outside major cities. Expect to see it in the second half of 2024 if all goes to plan for the brand.
16. BYD Seal U - H1
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The ute is only one part of BYD’s hybrid expansion plans in 2024, with it also promising a mid-size SUV, likely in the first half of the year.
This mid-sizer, which will sit above the Atto 3 in the brand’s Australian line-up, will be the Song Plus which is known as the Seal U in Europe. It will be the first BYD to offer the aforementioned DM-i plug-in hybrid drivetrain in Australia.
While a local name is yet to be decided, its 1.5-litre four-cylinder PHEV powertrain produces 145kW with a 100km electric driving range. It should be an interesting alternative to the current crop of popular combustion and hybrid family SUVs in the same space as the Toyota RAV4. A fully electric version, which exists in its Chinese home market, may also follow in the future.
17. Nissan Qashqai - Late 2024
The Nissan Qashqai forms a big part of the Japanese brand's efforts to reinvigorate its range, and after adding the e-Power hybrid already a facelifted version is due later in the year.
Mechanically it remains the same as the existing model, meaning the choice of a petrol and an e-Power hybrid powertrain, but the design has changed quite a bit.
The familiar -V-motion' grille is gone in favour of a more geometric look accented by comma-shaped LED daytime running lights, small LED headlights and more. It also gets a tweaked rear end and new wheel designs and colours.
Nissan Qashqai
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
18. Honda Accord - Q2
Honda Australia has confirmed the new-gen Accord sedan for Australia, locking in a hybrid variant to arrive as the Civic’s bigger sibling.
While the 11th-generation Honda Accord was initially revealed in left-hand drive as an American-market model, it wasn't until late 2023 that a right-hand-drive model debuted to open the door for an Australian launch.
The 2024 Honda Accord will arrive here hoping to sneak some sales from the dominant Toyota Camry’s top-end variants, given Honda’s announcement the Accord will arrive in a single high-end hybrid variant.
Honda Accord
Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
19. GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid - Mid-2024
The bigger new GWM Cannon Alpha ute is sure to give Ford's product planners sleepless nights.
Larger and bolder looking than the smaller Cannon launched in 2020, it is powered by a more powerful petrol-electric hybrid engine than the current 2.0-litre four-pot turbo-diesel.
Over the existing Cannon, this new ute scores a far more luxurious interior, as well as better manners on and off the road. It should be good, so keep watching this space.
20. Other new models coming in 2024
Want to know what other new models are due in 2024? Check out our rolling coverage by clicking on the links below.
- Best 4x4, off-roaders and light-commercial vehicles arriving in 2024
- Best sports cars arriving in 2024
- Best small SUVs and crossover arriving in 2024
- The best new cars coming in 2024
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