While the rest of the world quickly adopts EVs as their primary form of transport, South Africans can opt for a hybrid option. Y’know, because the main fuel source for EVs is in short supply here…
Luckily, a hybrid car is only partly powered by an electric engine – the other part is typically made up of an internal combustion engine (ICE). Most hybrid vehicles aren’t wall-charged at all (while you get the odd ones that are), and the petrol engine is simply supported by the electric powertrain.
While it sounds counterproductive to add a combustion engine to a perfectly ‘green’ electric powertrain, hybrids are equipped with a variety of perks.
For example, while you’ll still have to fill the car with fuel, it’ll travel further with less fuel thanks to the electric engine’s hard carry. This is great, considering EV charging infrastructure isn’t widely implemented in South Africa yet.
If you’re going hybrid for the thumbs-up from mother nature – you’re in luck. Hybrid cars are also considered a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional ICE vehicles.
Like the locally available EVs, buying a hybrid will be a costly affair. But if any of the above perks appeal to you, you could shell out anything from R442,400 to a whopping R6,8 million for one of these.
Toyota’s all powered up
It’s not surprising that Toyota managed to bring a total of four hybrid options to the South African market. It manufactured and commercially sold its first hybrid – the Prius – back in 1997 – making it one of the earliest adopters of this engine type. It’s had plenty of time to refine the tech, in other words.
The most affordable of the bunch, and one we reviewed back in 2022 – is the Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid. It offers better fuel consumption than its ICE counterpart, feels like a Toyota, has a virtually silent cabin, and is manufactured right here in Mzansi. Starting price: R442,400.
On the slightly smaller side, the brand offers a hatchback spec of the Corolla Hatch 1.8 Hybrid. This one’ll cost you a smidge more, but you may not be after the mom-car look. We get it. Starting price: R500,700.
One up from there is the Corolla Sedan 1.8 Hybrid – and you’ll notice a trend here. Three of the four available models have the same powertrain/engine under the cap. This one is giving ‘travelling businessman but also dad’ vibes thanks to the traditional sedan shape. Starting price: R512,700.
The only one in this bunch that’ll really make heads turn is the Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid. It’s a badass-looking vehicle with a larger engine/powertrain. Even with that 2.5l petrol engine, Toyota claims 4.8 litres per 100km, which is just amazing (if accurate). Starting price: R698,700
Lexus gets our volt
This is a nice segue into Toyota’s high-end sub-brand’s lineup. Lexus offers a total of six hybrid models to South Africa.
The most affordable of which is the crossover Lexus UX 250h, coming in at R808,600. This style of vehicle has become very common in South Africa, where potholes are the enemy of low-riding cars.
Its range goes all the way up to the Lexus RX 450h, which sports a monstrous 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine alongside its electric powertrain, priced at R2,525,800. It offers a variety of shapes and sizes between the 250h and the 450h – each with its own unique features and price to match.
Read More: The all-electric cars you can buy in South Africa in 2023
Haval HEvving up
While we’re seeing more of them on roads than ever, Haval is still in its infancy locally. It’s only recently started rolling hybrids into our market – two to be exact. The 1.5 Litre turbo HEV Jolion Hybrid Luxury and the higher-end H6 HEV.
The Jolion borrows from its ICE sibling and adds an EV powertrain to an already feature-packed car. It’s got all the bells and whistles you may need in an SUV. And, considering what you get, the R549,950 pricetag isn’t terrible. At all.
Up a tax bracket, and you get the much higher-end H6 HEV that offers a responsive 1.5 Turbo Petrol Hybrid engine that generates 179kW and a potent 530Nm of torque. In addition, it offers smart keyless entry, a 10.25in infotainment system, and a customisable heads-up display. At R669,950, it’s still one of the most affordable hybrids on the road, and it’s packed with cool stuff.
Jaguar Land Rover watt’s up?
The surprising winner in this list is by far Jaguar Land Rover. That’s if this was a competition, which it isn’t, obviously…
One of Stuff’s favourite EVs carries the big cat emblem, and there are quite a few hybrid Jaguars in the market. Notable ones to look out for are the E-Pace P300e, starting at R1,478,000 and the F-Pace P400e (we reviewed the eco-unfriendly version here), starting at R1,815,000. Both are heavy on the pocket but if it’s flair and power you’re after – you can’t go wrong here.
The most affordable Rover-type you’ll get here is the Range Rover Evoque P300e at R1,454,500, while the most expensive one comes in at R2,780,600 – the Range Rover Sport P510e. If this is your brand, best check out a catalogue, or even better, take ‘em all for test drives.
Warping hybrids up
There are honestly too many hybrids in South Africa to properly assess and list here. But it’s good to know that South Africa is moving toward building a more sustainable on-road environment.
Considering the limited electricity supply and charging infrastructure, an EV may seem like a big investment. And hybrids offer that sweet in-between spot – you’ll look like a martyr while having the option to fill your car with fuel. It’s a win-win.