Best self-charging hybrids on the market today
They offer the convenience of a petrol and diesel car, along with the same low-running costs from an EV, but which ones are the best?
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 13 August 2025 | 1 min read
Hybrids have become one of the most popular choices of vehicles on our roads.
Also known as ‘self-charging hybrids’, they use a petrol or diesel engine alongside an electric motor to provide a smoother and more efficient driving experience.
The ‘self-charging’ part is to do with the engine providing power to the battery when it’s not in use, and then at lower speeds, the combustion engine shuts down and the electric motor does the job of powering the car.
The benefits are huge, with hybrids being easier vehicles to live with on a day-to-day basis, as you don’t need to charge them up like electric vehicles.
So, if you’re in the market for a second-hand hybrid vehicle, there are several models available through Cazoo.
We’ve compiled a list of the best self-charging hybrids on the second-hand market.
Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is one of the best hybrid superminis on the market - it’s a class-leader when it comes to economy.
Under the bonnet, there is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is available with either 114bhp or 129bhp power outputs.
Both provide claimed fuel economy figures of over 60mpg, and all versions of the Yaris are great to drive and quiet around town.
If you’re looking for a second-hand example, three-year-old cars with under 30,000 miles on the clock are priced from around £13,800.
Hyundai Tucson
If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV, then the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is one to take note of.
It looks good, has a plush-feeling interior and comes with lots of standard equipment. Plus, out on the road, the Tucson handles surprisingly well for a tall vehicle and the steering is direct and accurate.
Under the bonnet, there is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor, which produces 212bhp and can achieve a claimed 50.3mpg on the combined cycle.
Used examples are affordable too, with a 2022 car with less than 25,000 miles on the clock priced from £21,490.
Kia Niro
Another Korean alternative is Kia’s Niro, as it provides a decent amount of space for a family, while being very cheap to run.
The Niro sits between the firm’s Stonic and Sportage crossovers and is available with an efficient hybrid setup.
Under the bonnet, there is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor, which Kia claims can return a claimed fuel consumption figure of up to 64.2mpg.
Second-hand cars should be easy to source as there are plenty of used examples on the market with a 2023 example, with less than 20,000 miles on the clock, priced from £19,200.
Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is one of the best superminis around and the latest generation is available with the firm’s ‘E-Tech’ hybrid powertrain.
The Clio features a handsome exterior design with a stylish interior and features a portrait infotainment screen.
All models come very well-equipped and the standard five-door bodystyle makes it a lot more practical.
Powering the car is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor that brings 143bhp and can manage a claimed 67.3mpg, putting it on par with the Toyota Yaris when it comes to efficiency.
If you want a second-hand Clio E-Tech hybrid, a two-year-old example with low mileage will set you back £13,500.
Toyota Corolla
If you want a family hatchback with ultra-low running costs, then the Toyota Corolla could be the perfect car for you.
It’s available with a choice of a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor that provides a claimed fuel figure of 64.1mpg, while there is a more powerful 2.0-litre petrol unit with an electric motor that provides a similar claimed fuel economy figure of 60.1mpg.
The Corolla is good to drive and there is enough interior space to accommodate a small family. However, if you need even more space, then there is the more practical ‘Touring Sports’ estate, which features a 598-litre boot space in the 1.8-litre models and 581 litres in the 2.0-litre cars.
Prices on the second-hand market are competitive, with a three-year-old hatchback example on the market for £14,890, while a 2.0-litre example will set you back £16,300. If you want a Touring Sports estate, then low mileage examples of these will cost you £18,100 for a 1.8-litre and £19,500 for a 2.0-litre.
Dacia Jogger
If you want a family car that will be cheap to run and own, but also affordable to buy, then the Dacia Jogger should definitely be on your shortlist.
The Jogger is all about value for money, as it offers seven seats, has a decent standard equipment list and is available with a hybrid powertrain.
The interior space is vast, with lots of rear-seat room for occupants and the third row of chairs is ideal for children.
If you want one of these capable family wagons, look to spend around £18,400 for a 12,000-mile example.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic offers a sporty driving experience with an impressive amount of interior space.
Under the bonnet, it’s powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that generates 181bhp and can do a claimed 56.5mpg.
The Civic is very practical too, offering a boot capacity of 410 litres, while the completely flat-folding rear seats extend the space to 1,220 litres.
If you’re looking for a second-hand example, a three-year-old car with low mileage will cost you £22,995.
