In a world where fuel efficiency is becoming increasingly important, and EV cars still lacking the proper infrastructure, hybrid cars have emerged as a popular choice for car buyers in India. These cars offer a unique blend of traditional fuel-based engines and electric motors, which make them easy on the pocket, and at the same time emit fewer pollutants, making them an eco-friendly option for those who want to do their bit for the environment.
Thus, strong-hybrid vehicles aim to close the gap between ICE vehicles and EVs. It’s been the go-to choice for many because of these reasons! We’ll take a deep dive into what makes these hybrid cars stand out from the crowd. So buckle up, and get ready to embark on a journey through the world of hybrid cars!
Also Read – Best Petrol Cars In India
| Car Name | Mileage | Price |
| Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | 27.97 km/l | Rs 10.45 – 19.65 Lakh |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder | 27.97 km/l | Rs 10.48 – 19.49 Lakh |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | 23.24 km/l | Rs 18.55 – 29.72 Lakh |
| Honda City e:HEV | 26.5 km/l | Rs 19.89 Lakh |
| Toyota Camry | 19.1 km/l | Rs 45.25 Lakh |
| Lexus ES | 22.5 km/l | Rs 61.60 – 67.90 Lakh |
| Lexus NX | 18.3 km/l | Rs 67.35 – 74.24 Lakh |
| Toyota Vellfire | 16.3 km/l | Rs 96.55 Lakh |
| Volvo XC90 | 17.2 km/l | Rs 98.5 Lakh |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Grand Vitara is one of India’s most sought-after hybrid cars thanks to its distinctive exterior design, opulent interiors, and more importantly a high fuel efficiency which puts even small Maruti cars to shame! Adding to this, it has segment-leading features and has the trustworthy Maruti badge. It shares its entire mechanical structure and platform with the Toyota SUV Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and also uses the same 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine.
It uses Intelligent Electric Hybrid technology as seen on other best-selling hybrid cars abroad such as the Prius and Camry. Depending on the driving situation, it can easily switch between pure electric, petrol mode, taking advantage of both modes.
The electric motor in this car is all about power, and not just torque, enabling it to extract more oomph at high speeds. In fact, the car can run on the motor itself at speeds up to 50km/h which is quite impressive. But if you really mash down on the gas pedal, the regular engine jumps in and takes control.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 93 PS
- Transmission: e-CVT Automatic transmission
Fuel Efficiency: 27.97 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
Also Read – 5 Seater Cars
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
With the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Toyota made their entry into the mid-size SUV market. Toyota are the well-known pioneers of strong hybrid technology which is being used in their premium sedans and leveraged its experience to this SUV. The vehicle was created in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki and offers both mild hybrid and strong hybrid powertrain options. It is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol Atkinson cycle engine coupled with an electric motor, producing 116 PS in total, delivered to the front wheels through an e-CVT transmission. With a claimed mileage of 27.97 km/l, the SUV excels in the area of fuel efficiency.
As with any hybrid vehicle, the Hyryder is equipped with a pure electric vehicle (EV) mode, allowing you to drive using only battery power. This can be activated automatically or manually through a button on the console, provided that there is enough power in the batteries.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 93 PS
- Transmission: e-CVT Automatic transmission
Fuel Efficiency: 27.97 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
Also Read – CVT Cars In India
Toyota Innova Hycross
Toyota Innova is one of the well-rounded MPV cars in India with the right mix of spaciousness, comfort and reliability. However, owing to its huge size and weight, the MPV didn’t have a drool-worthy fuel efficiency. With the addition of a strong hybrid powertrain on the Innova Hycross, the MPV is practically the best now as it addresses this deficiency. Powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder strong-hybrid powertrain it uses an Atkinson or Miller cycle for enhanced mileage. It comes with an e-Drive transmission and produces a combined output of 186 PS with 206 Nm of torque.
This particular hybrid MPV differs from what one might expect, as it does not use lithium ion batteries. Instead, it utilises Toyota’s well-established nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, which is better suited for heavier vehicles such as the Innova Hycross. This battery can let you drive through the city with ease.
Toyota Innova Hycross Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.0-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 186 PS
- Transmission: e-Drive with Sequential Shift
Fuel Efficiency: 23.24 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 7/8
Also Read – 8 Seater Cars
Honda City e:HEV
Next in this list is another well-known sedan, Honda City. The hybrid version adds the e:HEV badge to this car andis powered by a 1.5 litre, four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle petrol engine coupled to two electric motors generating a total power output of 126 PS and torque is 253 Nm. The four-wheeler has a 26.5 km/l fuel economy rating. With the inclusion of ADAS which include lane-keeping assist, auto high beam, auto emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, the Honda sedan is a safe car for the city and highway.
The car’s system is smart enough to switch between three modes based on various factors such as battery charge, road speed, and how hard you press on the gas pedal. It gets a full electric mode, hybrid mode where the engine charges the battery while the electric motor powers the wheels, and engine mode (80-120 km/h) where the engine takes charge of powering the wheels while the electric motor can assist if needed. Moreover, the City Hybrid is equipped with smart electronics and a special self-charging system that ensures the lithium-ion battery pack is never completely drained.
Honda City e:HEV Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 126 PS
- Transmission: e-CVT automatic
Fuel Efficiency: 26.5 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
Also Read – Electric Cars In India
Toyota Camry
Next in this list is the Toyota Camry Hybrid. With its incredibly comfy seats, supple suspension, and completely flawless drive behaviour, the Camry emanates a genuine luxury vehicle vibe. The hybrid powertrain of the Toyota Camry Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with 178 PS and 221 Nm of torque with a motor generator with 120 PS and 202 Nm of torque produces 218 PS with a seamless transition between the petrol and electric drive modes.
When driving the Camry at city speeds in full EV mode, no fuel is consumed, and the petrol engine only activates when more powerful acceleration is required or the battery needs recharging.
Toyota Camry Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.5-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 178 PS
- Transmission:CVT Automatic transmission
Fuel Efficiency: 19.1 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
Lexus ES
Toyota’s luxury subsidiary, Lexus, offers a wide range of vehicles utilising hybrid technology. The Lexus ES, which is its best-selling vehicle in India, comes in first place. It uses petrol-hybrid technology with a 2.5L petrol engine and a self-charging electric motor that together provide 218 PS of power and provide 22.6 km/l of mileage. With its incredibly quiet and buttery smooth powertrain, the sedan glides fluently and because of its noiseless cabin, it’s hard to say when it makes a switch from EV mode which leverages its electric motor. Apart from the standout hybrid powertrain, the sedan is also well-equipped with features like a heads-up display, three-zone climate control, power-reclining back seats, hands-free trunk lid opening, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and more.
Lexus ES Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.5-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 178 PS
- Transmission: CVT Automatic transmission
Fuel Efficiency: 22.5 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
Lexus NX
The emphasis on hybrids is integral to Lexus, and this philosophy is evident in their latest offering, the new NX. The powertrain of the NX comprises a battery that supplies power to two motors, one situated on the front axle, and the other on the rear axle. The engine powers only the front wheels, leaving the rear as a pure-electric axle. Despite this complex arrangement, the system operates flawlessly, with the transition between the engine and motors being nearly imperceptible. The Lexus NX 2.5-liter petrol engine produces 190 PS, while the front and rear motors each provide 182 PS. The maximum combined power is 247 PS giving the 0-100 kph pace in 7.7 seconds. It also has a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Lexus NX Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.5-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 247 PS
- Transmission: e-CVT Automatic transmission
Fuel Efficiency: 18.3 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
Toyota Vellfire
The Toyota Vellfire is an absolute treat for anyone who craves luxury and comfort. With its plush seating, generous legroom, and advanced amenities, every ride in this vehicle feels like a first-class experience. However, a car measuring a little less than 5 metres, it is expected to be a gas guzzler. Well, this isn’t true with the case of this MPV, as it can be purchased with a hybrid powertrain enabling a respectable mileage of over 16 km/l. It comes with a 2.5-liter petrol engine producing 117 PS with 198 Nm of torque. When more traction is required, a 68 PS rear axle motor engages, creating an electric all-wheel drive system. Also, a Toyota study discovered that under Indian city conditions, Vellfire can run on battery power alone 60% of the time!
Toyota Vellfire Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.5-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 116 PS
- Transmission: CVT Automatic transmission
Fuel Efficiency: 16.3 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 7
Volvo XC90
Volvo cars are among the safest luxury cars and have established their toughness globally with their sturdy structures and a massive amount of safety measures. Volvo is also renowned for producing some of the world’s finest hybrid cars, and its luxury flagship, the XC90, is no exception. This massive and opulent seven-seater vehicle is equipped with a powerful hybrid system that generates 305 PS and 420 Nm of torque. The XC90’s performance is optimised by three distinct systems: supercharging, turbocharging, and an electric boost from the hybrid system’s e-motor. When the accelerator is pressed, the XC90 accelerates smoothly, thanks to a combination of a 10kW electric boost from the hybrid system and increased airflow from the crankshaft-powered supercharger. The Swedish SUV also has an all-wheel-drive drivetrain in place that enables it to go on some off-roading excursions.
Volvo XC90 Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.0-litre strong hybrid petrol
- Power: 305 PS
- Transmission: Automatic transmission
Fuel Efficiency: 17.2 km/l - Fuel Type: Electric + Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 7
FAQs about Best Hybrid Cars in India
Q. Which cars from Indian companies have hybrid technology?
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Innova Hycross, Toyota Hyryder, Honda City e:HEV are some examples of popular hybrid cars.
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. There is no strong hybrid car in their portfolio yet.
Which luxury cars with hybrid technology are available in India.
The luxury cars available in India are Lexus: Lexus ES, Lexus NX, Toyota Vellfire, and Volvo XC90
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
Q. Which Hybrid car gives the highest mileage in India?
With a claimed ARAI mileage of 2.977 kmpl, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and its sibling Toyota Hyryder is the most fuel efficient hybrid car in India.
