As life is progressing, people have started to become aware of the importance of sustainability and its role in securing the future. The shift to eco-friendly options is clearly visible in various sectors, be it vehicles or electricity. Eco-friendly options are going to dominate the future car markets. One such sustainable option is hybrid cars.
Hybrid cars have seen a significant increase in manufacturing and purchase in India. According to reports, Sales jumped to 103,252 units in 2024 from 87,519 in 2023 — an 18% year-over-year increase (including strong and plug-in hybrids). So, let's jump into the market of hybrid cars in India to get the best hybrid car options for you to take home.
What are Hybrid Cars?
In hybrid cars, multiple power sources are used to power the car. Generally, petrol or diesel is used for internal combustion of the engine, and there are one or multiple electric motors as well that use batteries. The main objective of hybrid cars is to improve fuel efficiency. The batteries are charged using regenerative braking. It also reduces emissions and is more environmentally friendly than conventional cars that run on fossil fuels solely. Hybrid cars combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor to maximise energy efficiency. This dual-power setup enables the vehicle to alternate between or use both systems together, depending on driving conditions, helping reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.
What Makes Hybrid Cars a Great Choice?
Here’s why hybrid cars are a steal:
- Eco-friendly, emits fewer emissions and uses less fossil fuels.
- Increase fuel efficiency.
- The electric motor is charged directly through regenerative braking.
- Smooth and Quiet Ride.
- Optimum for city commuting and long-range rides.
- Consumes less fuel – Cost efficient.
List of the Best 5 Hybrid Cars in India
Here are the top 5 Hybrid cars in India currently:
| Hybrid Car | Segment | Ex-showroom Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Innova Hycross | MPV | ₹25.97 – ₹30.98 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid | Compact SUV | ₹18.43 – ₹20.09 lakh |
| Honda City e: HEV | Sedan | ₹18.89 – ₹20.39 lakh |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | Premium Sedan | ₹46.17 lakh |
| MG Hector Plus Hybrid* | 6/7-seater SUV (Mild Hybrid) | ₹17.80 – ₹22.42 lakh |
1. Toyota Innova Hycross: The Family-Friendly Hybrid SUV
Toyota’s Innova is an iconic car, loved across the country by many. The Toyota Innova Hycross came into the market as a new addition to the Innova family in December 2022, as the first Innova to drop diesel entirely and adopt a strong hybrid powertrain. It combines SUV-like styling with MPV practicality and offers features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and ADAS. It’s the first Innova to be based on a monocoque chassis with front-wheel drive! Perfect for those wanting space with fuel efficiency.
Key Specifications of Toyota Innova Hycross:
- Powertrain: 2.0L petrol engine + electric motor (Strong Hybrid)
- Combined Power Output: 183.72 PS
- Transmission: e-CVT
- Fuel Efficiency: 23.24 km/l
- Battery Type: NiMH
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
- Electric-only Mode: Available for short city rides
2. Honda City e: HEV: The Fuel-Efficient Sedan
India’s first mainstream sedan with strong hybrid tech, the Honda City e: HEV, was launched in May 2022. It boasts Honda’s i-MMD hybrid system with a unique dual-motor setup and delivers excellent city mileage. Known for its quiet cabin and regenerative braking, this version of the City also includes Honda Sensing (ADAS) – making it a pioneer in the affordable hybrid sedan segment.
Key Specifications of Honda City e-HEV:
- Powertrain: 1.5L petrol engine + dual electric motors
- Combined Power Output: 126 PS
- Transmission: e-CVT
- Fuel Efficiency: 27.13 km/l (claimed)
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Drive Modes: EV, Hybrid, Engine
- Special Feature: Regenerative braking with paddle control
3. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid: The Tech-Savvy SUV
Maruti Suzuki came into the hybrid market in September 2022 with the Grand Vitara Hybrid as Maruti’s first strong hybrid SUV, developed in collaboration with Toyota. It shares its hybrid powertrain with the Urban Cruiser Hybrid and features an intelligent system that switches seamlessly between engine and electric power. With a heads-up display, 360-degree camera, and an EV-only mode, it blends tech and efficiency effortlessly.
Key Specifications of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid:
- Powertrain: 1.5L petrol engine + electric motor (Strong Hybrid)
- Combined Power Output: 116.3 PS
- Transmission: e-CVT
- Fuel Efficiency: 27.97 km/l (claimed)
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Drive Modes: EV, Hybrid, Engine
- Electric Range (EV mode): Approx. 1–2 km (urban)
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid: Luxury with Sustainability
A hybrid luxury sedan that has stood the test of time, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is now in its 8th generation and was last updated in January 2022. With a quiet cabin, plush ride, and impressive mileage for its size, it balances performance and efficiency thanks to its proven strong hybrid system. The Camry has been one of the world’s best-selling hybrids for over a decade.
Key Specifications of Toyota Camry Hybrid:
- Powertrain: 2.5L petrol engine + electric motor
- Combined Power Output: 218 PS
- Transmission: e-CVT
- Fuel Efficiency: 22.8 km/l (claimed)
- Battery Type: NiMH
- Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, EV
- Luxury Highlights: 9-speaker JBL system, powered rear seats
5. MG Hector Plus Hybrid: The Spacious & Versatile SUV
The MG Hector Plus Hybrid isn't a full-fledged hybrid but a mild-hybrid SUV offering enhanced fuel economy and stop-start functionality. It features a 48V battery and an electric motor that assists the petrol engine under load. Launched in July 2020 and updated in early 2023, it's ideal for buyers wanting slight efficiency gains without the price tag of a strong hybrid.
Key Specifications of MG Hector Plus Hybrid:
- Powertrain: 1.5L turbo-petrol engine + 48V mild-hybrid system
- Power Output: 143 PS
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 15.58 km/l (claimed)
- Battery Type: 48V lithium-ion (MHEV system)
- Functionality: Regenerative braking, idle start-stop
- Electric Drive: Not available (engine-assisted only)
Wrapping Up
Hybrid cars are gaining popularity in India for their sustainability and cost-effectiveness. While purchasing which hybrid car you would purchase is a decision you would make, ensure you pair that decision with four-wheeler insurance. Four-wheeler insurance ensures protection of your car financially. Switch to a sustainable alternative, switch to hybrid cars. Leave the insurance to us – As Coverfox provides a platform that will give you a plethora of options for car insurance for your ride.
Explore More:
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Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles in India
Frequently Asked Question
How does a hybrid car work?
The hybrid car alternates between an ICE and an electric motor to reduce strain on fossil fuels, increasing fuel efficiency.
What are the types of hybrid cars available?
mild hybrids, full hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell and range-extended electric vehicles
Do hybrid cars have to be charged?
No, they use regenerative braking to charge themselves.
What is the difference between hybrid and electric vehicles?
A hybrid car uses an internal combustion engine, and the electric motor assists in powering the vehicle. Whereas electric cars use electricity only to power the vehicle.
Are hybrid cars costly to repair?
Compared to a conventional fossil fuel car, yes.
Is a hybrid car better than a petrol car?
Yes, hybrid cars give better fuel efficiency and cost efficiency, while being sustainable with fewer emissions.
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