Small hybrid SUVs: Should you buy now or wait for the Nissan Qashqai e-Power, new Toyota C-HR or Hyundai Kona?

Electrification is coming to Australia in a big way, but for those that are not yet ready to take the plunge with an all-electric model, there is always the humble hybrid.

Once only the purview of Toyota, and a few select models from a handful of marques, hybridisation has well and truly proliferated across one of Australia’s most popular vehicle segments – the small SUV.

Keep in mind here we are talking about a full-on hybrid system, either series parallel or a plug-in, not the buzz-word-catching 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

Options have already popped up in the form of the GMW Haval Jolion (from $36,990 drive-away), Honda HR-V ($47,000), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV ($47,290 before on-road costs), Kia Niro Hybrid ($44,380), Toyota Corolla Cross ($35,500) and Toyota C-HR ($38,465).

Despite the bevy of options already available, there are more coming later this year and a refreshed model that has just landed, so if you are in the market for a frugal and practical crossover, these are the models you should also consider.

Nissan Qashqai e-Power

Nissan’s new Qashqai that launched late last year will be topped by a flagship e-Power hybrid later this year.

Though the brand is yet to confirm exactly when it will arrive, just saying it will be here before year’s end, the e-Power will no doubt command a price premium over the top-spec Ti at $47,390 before on-road costs.

Powering the Qashqai is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with an electric motor for a total combined output of 140kW/330Nm that drives the front wheels.

Fuel economy is not yet reported for Australia, but it is expected to come in at around 5.3 litres per 100km.

Next-generation Toyota C-HR

Toyota’s new C-HR will be going hybrid only for the second generation, due to land in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2024.

Three grades have already been confirmed, with the base GXL and mid-tier Koba both utilising a 1.8-litre engine and electric motor to deliver 103kW to the front wheels.

The top-spec GR Sport however, scores a 2.0-litre engine and all-wheel drive for a 145kW output.

Toyota is yet to detail fuel economy figures for the stylish small SUV, but the outgoing C-HR Hybrid – which uses a hybrid 1.8-litre engine and is front-drive only – returns a figure of 4.3L/100km.

Pricing is also a big unknown for the new C-HR for now, but the existing hybrid small SUV kicks off from $38,465 for both Koba and GR Sport grades.

New Hyundai Kona

Hyundai’s next-gen Kona will finally add hybrid powertrains to the mix in addition to petrol and full-electric, but buyers will have to wait until the fourth quarter of 2023 before getting their hands on this petrol-electric Korean small SUV.

Despite the wait, pricing has already been revealed, with the Kona Hybrid range opening at an attractive $36,000 before on-road costs, extending up to $46,500 for those wanting the Premium trim with N Line Pack.

Powering the Kona Hybrid is a 1.6-litre engine and electric motoring delivering a combined 104kW/265Nm to the front wheels.

Crucially, fuel economy is a miserly 3.9L/100km for the Kona Hybrid, making it one of the most frugal hybrid small SUVs on the market.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The just-launched and rebranded Subaru Crosstrek also serves up a hybrid offering, which kicks off at $38,590.

With a 2.0-litre boxer four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor in tow, the Crosstrek Hybrid delivers 110kW/196Nm from its petrol engine, and another 12.3kW/66Nm from the electric motor.

Differentiating the Crosstrek from other hybrid small SUVs however, is its all-wheel-drive layout.

This does have a negative impact on fuel economy though, as the Crosstrek Hybrid returns 6.5L/100km, a slight improvement on the non-hybrid Crosstrek’s 7.2L/100km figure.