For over a decade, self-charging hybrids were the only hybrids vehicles on the market, and they’re still extremely popular today. The first mass-produced hybrid was released in 1997, so automakers have had plenty of time to perfect the recipe.

But now, over 25 years later, what are the best self-charging hybrids on sale?

Best Self-Charging Hybrid Hatchbacks

Toyota Corolla 1.8 VVTi Hybrid - £30,505

The Toyota hybrid system hasn’t changed in principle since the first Prius in 1997, it was an incredibly efficient and reliable system then and it still is in the modern Toyota and Lexus products. The current Corolla Hybrid also uses this system, alongside practical hatchback packaging. 

Starting at £30,505 the new Corolla is great value, considering the bulletproof reliability baked in. Its pretty well equipped too, with even the base Icon spec having a 12” touchscreen and 16” alloy wheels fitted. 

Honda Jazz 1.5 e-HEV - £26,885

The new generation of Honda designs is a nice balance between modernity and retaining the model's character. The new Jazz hybrid is a great example of this, with its LED lights and more angular panel design.

Under the bodywork is a great car, too, it features Honda’s excellent 1.5 hybrid powertrain, allowing the new Jazz to hit nearly 63MPG on a motorway run. At £26,885 the fact you get adaptive cruise control, Garmin-powered navigation and Honda’s smart safety sensing system is a very nice addition to the package.

Renault Clio E-Tech - £21,695

Considering it's the cheapest car on this list by a good margin, the Renault Clio E-Tech full hybrid packs a decent punch, with typically chic styling and a considerable amount of tech. The base model; the evolution, comes with 145hp, cruise control and a 7” Android auto infotainment system. 

If you want any colour other than white, expect to pay around £750 extra, the same is true for the various styling packs usually seen on the press cars and TV adverts. Renault claims nearly 70mpg from the 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid drivetrain.

Best Self-Charging Hybrid Estates

Suzuki Swace Hybrid - £29,999

Here’s a tip for any Corolla Touring Sports admirers: the Suzuki Swace Motion is the same car, just with different badges and trim pieces. You get all the reliability and durability of the Toyota - not that Suzuki doesn’t make reliable cars anyway! - at a lower cost. 

From my research, the base model Swace (Motion) is roughly equivalent to the second-tier Corolla Touring Sports (Design), but be sure to check the spec thoroughly at your local dealership before committing.

Mercedes C200 AMG Line Hybrid - £46,870

A mainstay in the estate market, the current C-Class continues to combine style and German engineering with its 220hp hybrid-electric powertrain. Fuel economy isn’t one of its main selling points, with Mercedes claiming just over 52mpg; poultry in comparison to the Swace’s 64 mpg. 

Where they differ though is the fit and finish of the interior, like most Mercedes the C-Class is excellently furnished, with brushed metal and leather aplenty. The C200 uses a 1.5 litre petrol engine and a hybrid system, paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Citroen C5 X Hybrid - £32,025

Not strictly an estate, but not quite a crossover or SUV, the new Citroen C5 X is in a category of its own somewhat. Whilst it doesn’t retain all the benefits of an out-and-out wagon, it is a good compromise. 

Whilst the powertrain is called a mild hybrid, the C5 X can do a very short distance (0.6 miles) on electric-only power, which according to Citroen would account for 50% of travelled distance when driving through a city. It’s a relatively handsome vehicle, with bulky-looking overhangs and angular-yet-curvy lines. 

Best Self-Charging SUV and Crossovers

Hyundai Sante Fe 1.6 Hybrid - £46,775

Decidedly more boxy than the old car, the new Hyundai Santa Fe has a fresh look, inline with the rest of Hyundai’s range it uses angular shapes with blacked-out accents all over. The colour range is limited to earthy tones of orange, grey and black, personally I think the design would suit a vibrant blue or burnt orange better!

The new Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6 petrol hybrid system, that Hyundai claims to achieve 41 mpg. Interior tech is aplenty with powered tailgate, lane following and more all included in the base model.

Lexus NX - £44,445

Sister company to Toyota, Lexus has access to all the same great hybrid tech found in the Prius and others, the NX makes full use of this, available in both plug in and self charging hybrid. 

The latter can achieve 50 mpg from its 2.5 litre engine and motor combo, which is pretty good for a petrol SUV, especially with all the leather and tech packed in. The NX starts at £44,445, a pretty good price considering it’s competing with the Mercedes GLC and BMW X3.

Kia Niro 1.6 Hybrid - £32,085

As a medium sized SUV the Niro 1.6 Hybrid is perfect for those not needing 7 seats or a huge boot. The 1.6 powertrain is well proven after being used across the Kia range for a while, if that’s not enough Kia offer a 7 year warranty to back it up.

Inside the Niro sports a novel 2 spoke steering wheel and a very German-esque dashboard, with an angular glass panel reminiscent of certain Audi interiors. Base spec comes with 140hp and the biggest load capacity of the three powertrain options, those being hybrid, PHEV and EV.

Self-Charging Hybrid FAQs

Are self-charging hybrids worth it?

If you want a more economical car, but without the hassle of charging an electric car or plug in EV, a self charging hybrid is perfect. They have enabled a new generation of low-emissions larger cars such as SUVs and crossovers, that would traditionally have used diesel engines.

Is there a hybrid that charges itself?

Self-charging or “full” hybrids used to be the norm, the first hybrid, the Toyota Prius was a self-charging hybrid. They use the car's petrol engine, alongside regenerative braking to keep the battery topped up.

What is the downside to a self-charging hybrid?

Unlike plug-in hybrids, most self-charging hybrids cannot run on electric power alone, meaning you can’t use them for short journeys as an EV.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.