Hybrid cars in India

Rising fuel costs are an unavoidable fact of owning a car in India. Combined with the low availability of EV charging infrastructure outside major cities and few alternative fuel options to switch to, our reliance on traditional fuels will continue for a few more years. One very attractive solution that is gaining ground in India are hybrid cars that combine a traditional combustion engine with an electrical system to improve fuel efficiency.

As more hybrid cars become available at affordable price points, it is important to understand what hybrid cars are as well as the different types that you will encounter in India. Our list of hybrid cars in India includes many luxury hybrid cars but the short list of affordable hybrid cars is expected to grow as major brands like Maruti Suzuki, Honda and Toyota have expressed their interest in expanding their portfolio with more hybrid cars.

What are Hybrid Cars?

Hybrid cars utilize power from both electricity and fuel (diesel, petrol, and hydrogen) to reduce emissions while improving fuel efficiency at the same time. On the electric side, the car is powered by energy stored in lithium ion batteries and sent to electric motor-generators. These motors power the wheels and also generate electricity when braking through regenerative braking. Hybrid cars do burn fuel but use small engines that emit low emissions. The engines are used either to generate power for the batteries or work in conjunction with the electric motors to provide drive.

Types of Hybrid Cars

To put it in simpler terms, a hybrid vehicle has the ability to generate electric current, store it in battery form, and use it later to drive the car. With this in mind, there are a few types of hybrid cars in India that you will encounter if you are considering upgrading to a hybrid car.

Mild Hybrid Cars

Mild hybrid cars use the electric systems as an assistant to the combustion engine. This type of hybrid car uses the charge from the battery to power a motor to help with idle start-stop as well as low torque demands of the engine. The system essentially reduces the load on the engine, which reduces fuel consumption. Maruti Suzuki popularized mild hybrids in India with their Smart Hybrid Vehicle System (SHVS), but Mahindra and MG Motors have also used similar systems in their cars as well.

Strong Hybrid Cars

When speaking of hybrid cars, many would think of a strong hybrid car. This type of system uses both the electric system and combustion engine together while driving. As strong hybrid cars come with larger capacity batteries than mild hybrid systems, allowing the car to be driven exclusively on electricity. The engine is used either to charge the batteries or to provide more power for driving at higher speeds.

Plug-in Hybrid Cars

Plug-in hybrid systems feature much larger batteries and also allow the driver to charge the battery by plugging into a charger. This type of hybrid car allows the car to be driven exclusively on electricity for greater distances than a strong hybrid car. Just like a strong hybrid system, the engine is used to either charge the batteries and further extend the range or to power the car at higher speeds.

Hybrid Cars in India

Hybrid Car Model	Ex-Showroom Price
Maruti Suzuki Brezza	Rs. 7.69 – Rs. 11.34 Lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz	Rs. 8.87 – Rs. 11.86 Lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga	Rs. 8.35 – Rs. 12.79 Lakhs
Maruti Suzuki XL6	Rs. 10.14 – Rs. 12.02 Lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara	–
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder	–
MG Hector	Rs. 13.94 – Rs. 19.90 Lakhs
MG Hector Plus	Rs. 15.94 – Rs. 20.49 Lakhs
Honda City eHEV	Rs. 19.49 Lakhs
Toyota Camry	Rs. 41.70 Lakhs
Lexus ES	Rs. 56.65 – 61.85 Lakhs
Lexus NX	Rs. 64.90 – 71.60 Lakhs
Toyota Vellfire	Rs. 89.90 Lakhs
Lexus RX	Rs. 1.09 Cr
Porsche Cayenne	Rs. 1.27 – 1.93 Cr
Porsche Panamera	Rs. 1.54 – Rs. 2.70 Cr
Lexus LS	Rs. 1.91 Cr – 2.22 Cr

1. Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Along with a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza has the SHVS technology among its highly attractive perks. Just like the Maruti Ciaz, the mild-hybrid system in the Brezza consists of a Lithium-ion battery connected with an electric motor. The SHVS technology assists Brezza’s functionality with idle start-stop, regenerative braking, and applying extra torque when required. The hybrid system is limited to the automatic variants and helps Maruti Brezza deliver a mileage of 19.80-20.15 km/l.

Features of Maruti Suzuki Brezza

9-inch TFT
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Rain-sensing wipers
Interior Ambient Lighting
Cruise Control
Auto Climate Control
Dual front airbags
ABS with EBD +Brake Assist
Rear View Camera
Rear Parking Sensors With Infographic Display
Electronic Sunroof
Next Gen Suzuki Connect
SmartPlay Pro +
360 Degree View Camera With Surrounded Sense powered by ARKAMYS
ESP With Hill Hold Assist
ISOFIX

2. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

The elegant Indian sedan, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has an edge over its rivals, the Honda City and Hyundai Verna, due to its Smart Hybrid Vehicle System (SHVS) technology. The technology consists of a Lithium-ion battery connected with an electric motor. Recharging itself with regenerative braking, the battery assists the car in idle start-stop and complements the torque when needed in starting the car from idle or going uphill. The SHVS technology dramatically helps Ciaz in delivering impressive mileage figures of 21.56 kmpl with 6-speed manual transmission and 20.28 kmpl with the 4-speed torque converter automatic.

See Used Maruti Ciaz SHVS on Spinny

Features of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz

7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Navigation System of Live Traffic Updates
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Suzuki Connect
Multi-Information Display
Automatic Climate Control
Leather upholstery
Cruise Control
Dual Front Airbags
Reverse Parking Camera
ESP With Hill Hold
Rear Parking Sensors
ABS with EBD
ISOFIX

3. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga comes sculpted in a bold new design and feature elements. Powered by a 1.5-L petrol engine with SHVS, the Ertiga generates a power of 103 PS and 136.8 Nm of torque. The petrol powertrain comes mated with a 6-speed manual transmission and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Maruti Ertiga is a mild-hybrid MUV that can deliver up to 20.51 kmpl of mileage.

See Used Ertiga SHVS on Spinny

Features of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

7-inch Smartplay Pro
Android Auto And Apple CarPlay
Connected Car technology With Suzuki Connect
6-speed AT With Paddle Shifters
Cruise Control
Up to 4 Airbags
ABS With EBD And Brake Assist
ESP
ISOFIX
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear Parking Camera

4. Maruti Suzuki XL6

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is the premium 6-seater mild-hybrid MUV from Maruti Suzuki. Offering the SHVS mild-hybrid system in all of its variants, be it manual or automatic, greatly adds to the economic appeal of the Maruti XL6. The integrated starter generator paired with the Lithium-ion aids in regenerating braking energy and gives torque assist to the engine while accelerating. The Maruti Suzuki XL6 delivers a mileage of up to 20.97 km/l (MT) and 20.27 km/l (AT).

See Used Maruti XL6 on Spinny

Features of Maruti Suzuki XL6

7-inch SmartPlay Pro/ SmartPlay Studio Touchscreen Infotainment System
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Connectivity
Cruise control
Auto climate control with rear AC vents
Suzuki Connect
Quad Airbags
ABS with EBD + Brake Assist
ESP With Hill Hold Assist
Rear Parking Sensors
360 Degree View Camera
Tyre Monitoring System
Premium Leather Upholstery
ISOFIX

5. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara comes with two options: Intelligent Electric Hybrid (IEH) and SHVS mild-hybrid. The self-charging Intelligent Electric Hybrid model uses a 1.5L petrol engine in combination with an electric motor to deliver up to 27 kmpl of mileage. The Grand Vitara IEH is capable of driving only in EV mode, using just the electric motors and emitting zero emissions.

The strong-hybrid system generates 115.56 PS of power and 122 Nm of torque, offering great performance while retaining fuel economy. The mild-hybrid SHVS comes with a 1.5-L K-Series engine paired with a 6-speed AT and 5-speed MT. The Grand Vitara mild-hybrid produces 103 PS of power and 136 Nm of torque while delivering a claimed mileage of up to 21.11 kmpl.

Features of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

6- Airbags
Head-up Display
Ventilated Front Seats
Digital Multi-Information Display
9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Charger
Panoramic Sunroof
Next Gen Suzuki Connect
ABS
ISOFIX

6. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

The all-new Urban Cruiser Hyryder with its contemporary design, new features and dual tone exterior exudes a bold look. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is equipped with two hybrid systems, a mild hybrid system and a strong hybrid system. The mild hybrid system assists with start-stop functions on the 1.5L engine that is paired either with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The strong hybrid offers EV-only functionality, as well as combined power delivery with the 1.5L petrol engine (27.97 km/l of mileage). The strong hybrid comes with an e-CVT to handle the power transition from the electric system to the petrol engine.

Features of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Smartphone Connectivity
Leather Seats with ventilation
Head-up Display
9-inch Smart Playcast Audio
7-inch Multi-Info Display
PM 2.5 Air Filter
Panoramic Roof
Cruise Control
ABS With EBD
Tyre Pressure Monitoring And Vehicle Stability Control
6 Airbags
Wireless Charging
360 Degree Camera and View

7. MG Hector

The MG Hector helped launch MG Motors in India and is also one of the more accessible hybrid cars on this list. The mild-hybrid powertrain of the MG Hector consists of a 1.5L turbo petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 48V battery. The regenerative braking recharges the battery, which in turn enhances the petrol mileage by 1.65 kmpl, bringing it up to 17.41 kmpl. The transmission offered with the MG Hector hybrid is a 6-speed manual gearbox.

See Used MG Hector on Spinny

Features of MG Hector

10.2 HD Touchscreen Infotainment
Android Auto And Apple CarPlay
i-SMART Internet Car features
Hinglish Voice Commands
Dual Pane Panoramic sunroof
Cruise control
Automatic Climate Control
Powered Driver’s Seat
Front Dual Airbags (MT) & 6-Airbags for (AMT)
Rear Parking Camera
Rear Parking Sensors
Electronic stability control (ESP)
360-degree camera (AMT)
ABS + EBD + Brake Assist
ISOFIX Child Anchors

8. MG Hector Plus

Building on the success of the MG Hector, the 6- & 7-seater MG Hector Plus expectedly sports the same mild-hybrid technology. The 48V mild-hybrid system of the MG Hector Plus includes a 1.5L turbo petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 48V battery. This hybrid midsize SUV comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and returns a mileage of 14 kmpl.

See Used Hector Plus on Spinny

Features of MG Hector Plus

10.4-inch HD Touchscreen AVN System
8 Colours Ambient Lighting
Android Auto
Upto 6 Airbags depending on the variant (minimum 2 Airbags)
i-SMART Features
Panoramic sunroof
360-Degree Camera View
Front Parking Sensors
Reverse Parking Camera
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill Hold Control
Traction Control System
ABS with EBD + Brake Assist
Cruise Control
Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof

9. Honda City eHEV

The Honda City eHEV employs a self-charging strong hybrid system and generates a combined power of 126 PS with a fuel efficiency of 26.5 kmpl. The City eHEV uses an Electric Drive Traction Motor (AC Synchronous, permanent magnet) and a 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine to generate a combined power of 109 PS and 253 Nm of torque. In the Hybrid drive, the petrol engine acts as an electric generator and powers the wheels, while in the EV drive the car moves exclusively on the electric power, giving a silent and zero emission drive.

Features of Honda City eHEV

8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio
Smartphone Connectivity (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Weblink)
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)
6 – Airbags
ISOFIX
Electric Sunroof With Tilt and Slide
Electric Parking Brake
Lane Watch Camera
ABS with Brake Assist (BA) and EBD
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) With Electronic Stability & Traction Control
Fully Automatic Climate Control

10. Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a luxury sedan that combines interior luxury with economical performance from its strong hybrid system. The Camry Hybrid is equipped with a 2.5L petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined power output of 218 PS of power and up to 221 Nm of torque. This petrol-hybrid system is capable of delivering a mileage of up to 23 kmpl, while also offering EV-only drive modes for emission free city driving.

Features of Toyota Camry Hybrid

SRS 9 Airbags
10-way Power Adjusted Driver And Passenger Seat
Wireless Smartphone Charger
7-inch Multi-Info Display
Rear Armrest With Capacitive Touchscreen Switches
Three-Zone Air Conditioning
9-speaker JBL Speakers with Subwoofer and Clari-FiTM Technology
Vehicle Stability And Traction Control
Head-up Display With Colour
Moonroof with Tilt and Slide function
Cruise Control
Wireless phone charger
9-inch Display Audio Infotainment System With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
3-Zone Automatic Climate Control
ISOFIX

11. Lexus ES

Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus has exponentially grown in the hybrid arena, offering a wide range of cars with hybrid technology. The first one on the list is its best-selling car in India, the Lexus ES. The luxury sedan comes in two variants: ES 300h Luxury and ES 300h Exquisite. The petrol-hybrid technology in both cars includes a 2.5L petrol engine and a self-charging electric motor, generating a combined 218 PS of power and delivering 22.6 kmpl of mileage.

Features of Lexus ES

12.3-inch Touchscreen Display
7-inch Colour TFT Multi-Information Display
Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
Smartphone Connectivity
Head-up Display
14-Way Adjustable Driver Seat & 12-Way Adjustable Passenger Seat
Seat Heater
Paddle shifters
Moonroof
Cruise Control
Drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport Drive
Three-zone climate control
10 airbags
ABS with EBD
Hill Launch Assist
Vehicle Stability Control
ISOFIX
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

12. Lexus NX

The Lexus NX Hybrid is Lexus’ newest hybrid luxury SUV in India. Like the Lexus ES, the NX hybrid SUV uses a 2.5L petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver 243 PS of power while offering up to 16.7 kmpl of mileage. This petrol-hybrid setup makes the Lexus NX one of the fastest hybrid SUVs in India, offering a top speed of 200 km/h and can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.

Features of Lexus NX

7-inch Colour TFT Multi-Information Display
360-Degree Parking camera
Rain Sensing Wipers
Wireless Mobile Charging
64 colour Ambient Lighting
Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Front Seats And Electrically Folding Rear Seats
ABS With EBD
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
8 airbags
Auto 3 Zone Air Conditioner with Humidity Sensor
Cruise Control
ISOFIX
Semi Aniline Leather Seat Upholstery
14-Way adjustable Driver Seat
Seat Heater (Driver, Passenger and Rear)
Moonroof With Tilt And Slide Function

13. Toyota Vellfire

A strong competitor to the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, the Toyota Vellfire has a leading edge in offering petrol-electric hybrid technology and it employs a series hybrid system. The Vellfire comes equipped with a 2.5L petrol engine paired with an electric motor for a combined power output of 115 PS and 198 Nm of torque, and delivering up to 16.35 kmpl of mileage. Due to its large size and weight, the Vellfire employs a front and rear electric motor to drive the wheels, making it an AWD hybrid MUV. Just like the Camry Hybrid, the Vellfire is capable of driving exclusively in EV mode at city speeds.

Features of Toyota Vellfire

Heated and ventilated memory seats with an Ottoman full-recline function
Sunroof
Premium Nappa Leather Upholstery
9-inch Display Audio Infotainment System
Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
Premium Audio with 17 Speaker JBL
Rear Seat Entertainment
16 Colour Ambient Illumination
Sunblinds in 2nd and 3rd row
Ambient lighting
Automatic climate control
7 SRS Airbags
Panoramic View Monitor
Electronic Parking Brake
ABS With EBD
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Front and rear parking sensors

14. Lexus RX

The larger Lexus RX is a 7-seater luxury hybrid SUV and is an artistic marvel both inside and out. The strong hybrid powertrain of the Lexus RX 450hL consists of a 3.5L petrol engine connected with a self-charging electric motor and churns out 312 PS of power. The e-CVT automatic and four-wheel-drive drivetrain helps the Lexus RX run from 0 to 100 km/hr in 8 seconds and deliver a mileage of 12 kmpl.

Features of Lexus RX

12.3-inch Touchscreen With Apple CarPlay And Android
Two-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Moonroof Tilt and Slide
10-way Driver and Passenger Power Adjustable Seats with Memory
Perforated Leather Semi-aniline Seats
Cruise Control
Front And Rear Electric Adjustable Seats
Three-zone air conditioning
Power-folding third-row seat
Up to 10 airbags
360-degree camera
Head-up display
15-Speakers Mark Levinson Sound System
LED Cornering Lights
Power back door

15. Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

Porsche’s successful and popular luxury SUV, the Cayenne, is also offered as plug-in hybrid luxury SUV. The Cayenne E-Hybrid is equipped with a 3.0L petrol engine mated with an electric motor generating an aggregated power of 462 PS of power. The 41.6 kmpl claimed mileage figures of Cayenne E-Hybrid in the European driving cycle are very attractive. Moreover, the ability to sprint 0 to 100 km/hr in 5 seconds with a top speed of 253 km/hr is spell-binding.

Features of Porsche Cayenne

18-way Electric Front, Adaptive Sports Seats with Memory Package
14-way Electric Massage Function for the front seats
Four-zone Automatic Climate Control
12.3-inch Touchscreen Display
3-D Surround Sound System (21 individually controlled loudspeakers including an active subwoofer)
Bose Sound System (14 Loudspeakers and Amplifier Channels)
Adaptive Cruise Control
Head-up Display
Active Parking Assistance
Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Change Assist
Collision and Brake Assist
Night Vision Assist
Multiple airbags
Panoramic Fixed Glass Roof

16. Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid

When it comes to performance luxury, you don’t have to look further than the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid. Featuring a plug-in hybrid system, the luxury sedan is perfected for performance, delivering 700 PS of power from its 4.0L twin-turbo petrol engine and electric motor combination. The beautiful aerodynamic styling of the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid complements its ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 315 km/h.

Features of Porsche Panamera

Head-up display
Lane Keeping Assist
Folding Rear Seats Backrest
14-way/18-way Electric Powered Seats and 4-way Lumbar Support
Automatic Climate Control
Upto 515 Litres Luggage Space
Folding Tables for the Rear
Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist
Bose surround sound system (14 Loudspeakers with 1 Subwoofer)
Driver and Passenger Airbag with Side Airbag (front)
ABS, EBD, & ESC
ISOFIX (Platinum Edition)
Hill Assist (Platinum Edition)

17. Lexus LS

Going up the price ladder in the Lexus hybrid fleet, sits the regal Lexus LS500h. Appearing largely similar to the ES, the Lexus LS has many subtle external distinctions that include a differently patterned large spindle grille. Unlike its sibling, the luxury sedan is available in a single model and packs a 311V setup of two self-charging electric motors paired with a 3.5L petrol engine. In its multi-stage hybrid arrangement, the car is capable of generating 358 PS of power and accelerating 0 to 100 km/hr in 5.4 seconds. Unlike other luxury sedans, the Lexus LS also delivers a mileage of 15.4 kmpl.

Features of Lexus LS

Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
Four-zone climate control system
12.3-inch touchscreen
23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
Hands-Free Power Trunk Lid
14 Airbags
AI-Shift control
Rear Seat Entertainment – Dual RSE Monitors – 11.6 inch HD
Road Sign Assist
Driver Emergency Stop
ABS
Hill Assist Control
Auto Lift-up Function
Cruise Control
Lexus Climate Concierge

FAQs about Best Hybrid Cars in India

Q. Which cars from Indian companies have hybrid technology?

The Maruti Ciaz, Brezza, XL6 and the Grand Vitara have smart hybrid technology (SHVS). The Grand Vitara also has a strong hybrid variant that delivers up to 27 kmpl of mileage.

Which Honda cars have hybrid technology in India?

Honda offers a strong hybrid system on the Honda City eHEV. The strong hybrid system on the City eHEV is capable of providing up to 26 kmpl of mileage.

Which MG cars have hybrid technology?

The MG Hector and MG Hector Plus have mild-hybrid technology.

Which luxury cars with hybrid technology are available in India.

The luxury cars available in India are Lexus: ES, NX, RX, LS, Porsche: Cayenne, and Panamera.

Does Toyota offer hybrid technology in India?

In India, Toyota offers hybrid technology in Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Toyota Vellfire and Toyota Camry.

Q. Are hybrid cars good for long distance driving?

Hybrid cars are ideal car for long distance driving as they offer greater fuel efficiency while also removing any range anxiety associated with pure electric cars