Best Hybrid Cars in the UK (2026)
Ranked by MOT pass rate from 1,503,084 MOT tests on cars recorded as hybrid (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). Reliability from actual DVSA data, with estimated running costs.
Data: DVSA MOT tests carried out in 2024. 297 hybrid model years analysed.
92%
Avg hybrid pass rate
£1,803
Avg annual cost
297
Model years tracked
Hybrid cars combine a petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering better fuel economy than pure petrol, especially around town. Toyota pioneered the technology with the Prius, and Japanese brands take 18 of the top 20 places in our hybrid rankings below.
The rankings below are based entirely on real MOT pass rates, not manufacturer fuel economy claims. A high pass rate means fewer faults, lower repair bills, and a cheaper car to keep on the road.
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Top 20 Best Hybrid Cars
Ranked by MOT pass rate, with estimated annual running costs
| # | Car | Pass Rate | Total/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suzuki Ignis SZ3 Dualjet MHEV(2021) | 98% | £1,468 | |
| 2 | Lexus NX(2021) | 97% | £2,000 | |
| 3 | Lexus UX(2021) | 97% | £1,760 | |
| 4 | Lexus UX(2020) | 97% | £1,760 | |
| 5 | Honda Jazz Crosstar Ex I-MMD CVT(2021) | 97% | £1,584 | |
| 6 | Lexus RX(2021) | 97% | £2,000 | |
| 7 | Lexus RX(2020) | 97% | £2,000 | |
| 8 | Lexus RX(2018) | 97% | £2,000 | |
| 9 | Honda Jazz Crosstar Ex I-MMD CVT(2020) | 97% | £1,584 | |
| 10 | Lexus ES(2021) | 97% | £2,000 | |
| 11 | Suzuki Vitara SZ-T Boosterjet MHEV A(2021) | 97% | £1,584 | |
| 12 | Toyota Yaris Cross Design HEV Auto(2021) | 97% | £1,584 | |
| 13 | Suzuki Ignis SZ-T Dualjet MHEV(2021) | 97% | £1,468 | |
| 14 | Kia Stonic GT-Line S Isg MHEV(2021) | 97% | £1,468 | |
| 15 | Lexus ES(2019) | 97% | £2,000 | |
| 16 | Volvo XC60 Momentum B5 MHEV Auto(2021) | 97% | £1,760 | |
| 17 | Suzuki Swift SZ-T Dualjet MHEV CVT(2021) | 97% | £1,468 | |
| 18 | Toyota Yaris Design HEV CVT(2021) | 96% | £1,584 | |
| 19 | Honda Jazz Ex I-MMD CVT(2021) | 96% | £1,584 | |
| 20 | Lexus NX(2020) | 96% | £2,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable hybrid car in the UK?
The Suzuki Ignis SZ3 Dualjet MHEV (2021) tops our hybrid rankings with a 98% MOT pass rate from 1,256 tests. The pass rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included).
Are hybrid cars reliable?
Yes, generally. Hybrids have an average MOT pass rate of 92% in our data. The electric motor and regenerative braking actually reduce wear on brake components, which helps with reliability.
How much does a hybrid car cost to run per year?
The average hybrid on this page costs an estimated £1,803 a year to run, covering fuel, road tax, MOT and predicted repairs (insurance not included). Hybrids achieve better fuel economy than pure petrol cars, especially in urban driving where the electric motor does more of the work.
Do hybrid batteries need replacing?
Hybrid batteries are designed to last for many years, and the battery often has its own, longer warranty than the rest of the car. Replacement costs have fallen as the technology has matured, but it is still worth checking the battery health, and any battery warranty left, when buying a used hybrid.
Are hybrids cheaper to run than petrol?
In most cases, yes. Hybrids use less fuel than a petrol car with the same size engine, particularly in urban and suburban driving where the electric motor does more of the work.
What is the difference between a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
A standard hybrid charges its battery through regenerative braking and the petrol engine. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has a larger battery that you charge from a socket, so it can cover shorter journeys on electric power alone (the range varies a lot from model to model). PHEVs can be cheaper to run if you charge regularly, but cost more to buy.
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Best Electric Cars
Full EV rankings by reliability and cost
Best Petrol Cars
Petrol models ranked by pass rate
Cheapest to Run
All fuel types by annual running cost
Methodology
Rankings are based on DVSA MOT test data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included. The pass rate is the share of tests that ended in a pass. Only hybrid cars with 1,000+ tests from 2021 or earlier (old enough for a routine MOT in 2024) are included, and only from models where most tests are on years recorded as hybrid (the data records one fuel type per model year, taken from its first test). Fuel economy is our own estimate from engine size, allowing for the hybrid drivetrain's improved efficiency over pure petrol. Running costs assume 174.57p a litre for petrol (UK average pump price for the week of 19 October 2026, from GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices) and 7,400 miles a year. Road tax is estimated from the year of first registration and, for 2001 to 2016 cars, an estimated CO2 band; cars that cost over £40,000 new pay more. Insurance excluded. Data sourced under the Open Government Licence v3.0.