Key Takeaways
- Some of the cheapest plug-in hybrids in Canada are Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Prius Prime, and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.
- Three of the cheapest hybrid SUVs in Canada are Kia Niro Hybrid, Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
- Hybrid cars help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are cheaper to maintain, and are fuel-efficient, but are more expensive than traditional cars.
As we continue to a carbon-neutral future, almost every car brand has versions of cheap hybrid models, including the world’s top car manufacturers—Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai.
They’re well-known to produce hybrid cars with lower carbon emissions, are fuel-efficient, and are ultimately unhappy in maintenance.
If you’re looking to transition to these eco-friendly hybrid vehicles, here are the ten cheapest hybrid cars in Canada for 2024!
Cheapest Plug-In Hybrid Cars in Canada
| Cheapest Plug-In Hybrid Cars in Canada | Features | Price |
| Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Uses a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve engine; has an average fuel consumption of 4.7 to 5.3L/100km; can run as much as 955 kms in a single tank; comes in various versions, including the LE Hybrid version and the XSE AWD model | $28,771.50 – $37,071.50, depending on the version |
| Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | A compact plug-in hybrid sedan with good fuel efficiency and sleek looks; consumes an average of 4.7 litres per 100 km, with a 104-HP 1.6-litre engine four-cylinder hybrid | Starts at $31,174 |
| Honda Accord Hybrid | A family sedan built with a 204-HP hybrid powertrain; designed with a 696 mile-total range, innovation, and efficiency; comes with a sleek new look and advanced features, such as a 12.3-inch touch screen, Google Built-In, and a spacious cabin | $41,000 – $44,500 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | A sporty, sophisticated 5-seater plug-in hybrid car; with a 220 HP engine; with an all-electrical range of up to 72 km; uses 1.8Le/100km when running on battery on city roads and highways; consumes around 4.5-4.9L for every 100km when running on gas; equipped with safety features called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | $41,031.50 – $49,871.50, depending on the variant |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | A 5-seater family sedan (PHEV) designed to deliver excellent fuel efficiency; features a 192 HP hybrid engine, front-wheel drive; fuel economy consumption of 4.6-5.3 in the city and on highways | $41,349 |
| Cheapest Hybrid SUVs in Canada | Features | Price |
| Kia Niro Hybrid | Built with fuel efficiency and advanced technology and safety features; consumes about 4.4L every 100 kms and has a total output of 139 HP | Starts at $29,995 |
| Toyota Rav4 Hybrid | A compact, sporty 5-seater family vehicle; designed with 219 HP output and an all-wheel drive system; can range up to 917 kms; consumes 5.8L/100km in the city and 6.3L/100km on the highway | Starts at $34,850 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | A sophisticated 7-seater midsize plug-in SUV with a 687-km total range and 61-km range in full electric mode; designed with comfort, improved power, efficiency, longer driving range and cutting-edge safety features; can be applied with the federal government iZEV incentives program for $5,000 | Starts at $46,538 |
| Ford Escape PHEV | A spacious SUV with a hybrid powertrain offering better fuel economy; powered at 210 HP and estimated 2.3Le/100km in city and highway engine performance; can be applied for a government EV rebate of up to $5,000 | Starts at $47,499 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV | A luxury all-wheel-drive PHEV with 260 HP and an average fuel economy of 7.2L/100km in gas-electric hybrid mode; comes with advanced technology and safety features | Starts at $49,999 |
1. Toyota Prius Prime
Toyota Prius Prime is one of the cheapest 5-seater plug-in hybrid cars in Canada with a sporty and sophisticated look equipped with radical performance. Its excellent safety features, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, is a good value for money.
You can choose three variants: the SE model, which is the cheapest, costs around $41,031.50; the XSE variant costs around $45,871.50; and the XSE Premium, priced at $49,871.50.
The engine is powered at 220 HP and has an all-electric range of up to 72 kilometres. It has an electric fuel economy of 1.8Le/100km in the city and highway when running on battery. While if running using gas, expect to consume around 4.5-4.9L for every 100km.
2. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a PHEV expected to deliver a powerful driving experience and excellent fuel efficiency at an affordable price of $41,349. Unlike any other hybrid cars in Canada, Hyundai’s Sonata model is only available in one trim, the Ultimate 2.0, as they call it.
It is a 5-seater family sedan powered by a 192 HP hybrid engine, front-wheel drive, and has excellent fuel economy consumption at 4.6-5.3 in the city and highway.
3. Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid has a sleek new look and advanced features perfect for its low price, starting at $41,000 and up to $44,500.
It has been awarded as Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars, appearing on the list 37 times already thanks to its promising performance giving about 696 mile-total range, innovation, and efficiency. Not just that, but AutoTraderAwards named its family model the Best Family Sedan.
It is now available with a 204-HP hybrid powertrain and all-new premium technologies like a 12.3-inch touch screen, Google Built-In, and a spacious cabin.
4. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
One of the best-selling Toyota hybrid cars, the Toyota Corolla Cross, has now surpassed 20M worldwide sales, and it’s not a surprise. With a starting price of $28,771.50 for the LE Hybrid version going up to $37,071.50 for the XSE AWD model, it is one of the cheapest plug-in hybrid cars in Canada you can try.
Toyota doesn’t disappoint regarding performance, fuel efficiency, car features, and overall driving experience. It has a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve engine, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, average fuel consumption of 4.7 to 5.3L/100km depending on the model, and can run as much as 955 kilometres in a single tank.
5. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is probably one of the smallest and cheapest plug-in hybrid cars in Canada, with a starting price of around $31,174, depending on state and trim. However, it still performs smoothly, has good fuel efficiency, and looks sharp.
It is a good value compact sedan with an average consumption of 4.7 litres per 100 km, with a 104-HP 1.6-liter engine four-cylinder hybrid, and has extensive tech features as Hyundai always has.
Cheapest Hybrid SUVs in Canada
6. Kia Niro Hybrid
Kia Niro Hybrid is the best and cheapest hybrid SUV in Canada which boasts power combined with stellar fuel efficiency at a starting price of $29,995. It consumes about 4.4L every 100 kilometres and has a total output of 139 HP.
Not just power, but it also brings a lot of technology and advanced safety features to the table, including the use of smartphones to start the engine or even lock and unlock car doors and the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). The Green Zone Drive Mode maximizes the EV mode after identifying low-speed areas like school or hospital areas.
7. Toyota Rav4 Hybrid
Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is a compact family vehicle and one of Canada’s cheapest hybrid SUVs, starting at $34,850. This 5-seater compact SUV is sporty and powerful with 219 HP output and all-wheel drive experience.
This explosive hybrid vehicle can range up to 917 kilometres and consume 5.8L/100km in the city and 6.3L/100km on the highway.
8. Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV
The luxury Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is an all-wheel drive electric vehicle with a starting price of $49,999 with 260 HP, an average fuel economy of 7.2L/100km in gas-electric hybrid mode.
With its performance, size, advanced technology, and suitable safety features, it is sometimes compared to Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Toyota Rav4 Prime.
9. Ford Escape PHEV
Ford Escape PHEV is one of the cheapest hybrid SUVs in Canada with a starting price of $47,499, which gives plenty of space, whether the cargo or the leg rooms, and provides the utmost comfort.
Now powered at 210 HP and estimated 2.3Le/100km in city and highway engine performance, it is perfect for driving around the town, accompanying you with the larger touchscreen of the new Synch 4 infotainment system.
The Ford Escape hybrid SUV has an impressive hybrid powertrain which results in more economical fuel and can be applied for the government EV rebate of up to $5,000 when you purchase it.
10. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
One of the best-selling 7-seater midsize plug-in hybrid SUVs in Canada, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, is a 4.8/5 feefo stars because of its comfortability, improved power, efficiency, longer driving range, and low price starting at $46,538.
According to the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), the Outlander PHEV has been awarded the “Best Midsize Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023,” having a 687-km total range, 61-kilometre range in full electric mode, cutting-edge safety features, and sophisticated look.
The good news is that you may apply for the Outlander PHEV for the federal government iZEV incentives program for $5,000.
Why Choose a Hybrid Car?
Choosing a hybrid car is an intelligent choice! Why? Because, unlike total electric vehicles or EVs, you don’t have to worry about looking for the nearest charging stations while out and about as hybrids can use their gas to work side-by-side with the electric motor.
Moreover, hybrid cars are worth buying for a couple more reasons, including sustainability, long-term savings, and fuel efficiency.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars
Pros
- They are cheaper to operate and maintain because they become more durable
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to save the environment since it can run on full-electric mode
- Better performance and quiet than traditional cars
- May receive Canadian incentives of up to $5,000 for every EV purchase
- Less expensive cost per mile
- Improved fuel economy because of regenerative breaking
Cons
- They may not have the more significant horsepower traditional cars have
- Potentially, the battery degrades over time which causes a downgrade in the EV’s performance. and mileage
- They are more expensive than conventional cars because they’re more costly to produce and even repair
- There are only a few options for 7-seater hybrid vehicles for large families
How to Choose the Best Hybrid Car for You
There are several factors in choosing the best hybrid car for your preferences. Here is a five-quick step-by-step guide to narrowing down your options and selecting the best and cheapest hybrid vehicle in Canada.
1. Analyze your needs and choose your hybrid car type carefully.
The first step to choosing the best hybrid car is knowing yourself. Take note of your daily driving habits, driving distance, and usual number of passengers, and from there, determine whether you’re opting for a compact one, a sedan, or an SUV.
2. Hybrid price
Since hybrid cars have higher upfront costs, it’s best to be wise, compute for your budget, and look at hybrid models within the budget. Assess your financial situation, and never forget about running costs like overtime maintenance, fuel, and insurance.
3. Features
Assess the hybrid car’s performance, features, and overall driving experience and identify which suits you best. It includes the fuel efficiency and range, safety and reliability ratings, how much cargo and legroom space you need, and the infotainment and technology.
4. Read reviews and seek opinions
Nothing is more satisfying than reading honest reviews and opinions from other hybrid users. This way, you can safely assess if the hybrid car is right for you and learn about anything not stated on the manufacturer’s website.
5. Incentives and Tax Credits
Remember that the Canadian government has incentives or rebates which can help you lower the costs of your hybrid car, so it’s best to check them on their website.
FAQs
Between hybrid and electric, the cheaper one to buy is hybrid than electric because electric cars require larger batteries and powertrains. But if you’re looking at the long-term, electric cars have higher resale value, upfront costs, and resale value.
According to Clutch, the prices of hybrid cars in Canada range from $27,450 and can go up to $59,995 or more. The average cost of a hybrid is around $39,040 before rebates and tax incentives, if there are any.
In a sense, all hybrids are self-charging and are powered by electric motors and internal combustion engines through regenerative braking. But note that the gasoline engine provides more energy than the regenerative braking, and some EVs do not have an internal combustion engine.
The speed of a hybrid switch to gas depends on the specific hybrid car you have. Generally, hybrid vehicles speed up to 40-50 km/h, and if the battery is low, the combustion engine activates
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