Best hybrid cars for Motability 2026
Driving a hybrid can help keep running costs at bay, and these are the best picks on Motability
Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular across the new car market, acting as a great halfway house between internal combustion-engines and pure electric cars.
Most have some form of electric-only driving ability, be that in small doses when moving in heavy traffic or, in the case of plug-in hybrid cars, in the form of a fully electric range of 20 to over 70 miles before the petrol engine kicks in.
With lower running costs than most petrol or diesel cars, hybrids are an attractive proposition for Motability customers. However, because they have a generally higher list price, they often attract a higher advanced payment or weekly cost than non-hybrid models under the scheme.
This list focuses on self-charging or full-hybrid cars rather than plug-in hybrids as most PHEVs require a Motability advanced payment of well over £5,000 and the selection on offer is somewhat limited. If you have the ability to charge at home, we think you’d be better off with an electric car than a PHEV on Motability.
Keep reading to discover our top picks of the best hybrid cars on Motability…
MG3
- Model: MG3 1.5 Hybrid Trophy Auto
- PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
- Advance payment: £299
- Car size: supermini
- Fuel type: hybrid
- Gearbox: automatic
With a punchy 191bhp, the MG3 Hybrid + is as powerful as the old MG ZT muscle saloon, which has a 2.5-litre V6 under its bonnet – and that is how much times have changed over the past 20 years in the car industry.
Now under Chinese ownership, MG makes cars that are fun to drive and fast, with a seven-year warranty and lots of high-tech features. The MG3 Hybrid + is also amazingly good fun to drive – it’s a car that we really rate, not only for its great value but also for driver appeal. For a £299 advance payment and no additional weekly cost, it’s a difficult car to ignore.
Renault Captur
- Model: Captur 1.8 E-Tech Full Hybrid 160 Evolution 5dr
- PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
- Advance payment: £995
- Car size: small SUV
- Fuel type: hybrid
- Gearbox: automatic
There’s a lot of appeal to be found in the current Renault model line-up, and while it lacks the retro character of some of the brand’s latest models, the Renault Captur is far from a poor relation.
In 1.8-litre Full Hybrid form it’s the best of both worlds: efficient, but also easy-to-own with no need for external charging. It’s also easy to drive, with two-pedal CVT transmission and a high driving position, while the tall doors allow easy access and the boot has a spacious-for-its-size 326-litre capacity.
Read our Renault Captur review
Toyota Yaris
- Model: Yaris 1.5 Icon CVT
- Advance payment: £595
- PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
- Car size: supermini
- Fuel type: hybrid
- Gearbox: automatic
Distinctively styled and fun-to-drive, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a compelling package at the best of times – made even more appealing when you consider it’s one of the least expensive hybrid on offer for Motability customers right now.
It uses a 0.7kWh battery to boost its standard 1.5-litre petrol engine, meaning that its modest-sounding 115bhp power output is actually much livelier than it sounds. It’s also simplicity itself to drive, while a WLTP fuel economy figure of 69mpg means it’s also pretty frugal.
Nissan Qashqai e-Power
- Model: Qashqai 1.5 e-Power Acenta Premium
- PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
- Advance payment: £1,849
- Car size: compact SUV
- Fuel type: hybrid
- Gearbox: automatic
Stacked with the latest tech and with futuristic looks, the latest iteration of the Nissan Qashqai builds boldly on the strengths of the previous generations of the British-built mid-size SUV.
The latest model is available with Nissan’s impressive e-Power hybrid system, which combines a 187bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a full hybrid system to deliver over 54mpg (WLTP).
Read our Nissan Qashqai e-Power review
Honda Civic
- Model: 2.0 eHEV Elegance 5dr CVT
- PIP weekly cost: total mobility allowance
- Advance payment: £3,999
- Car size: hatchback
- Fuel type: hybrid
- Gearbox: automatic
Hatchbacks might have decreased in popularity due to the rise of the SUV, but the Honda Civic makes a great case for sticking with the traditional family car.
For a £3,999 advanced payment plus total mobility allowance, you get a hatch with a smart and functional cabin that feels suitably well screwed together and is brimming with on-board tech. Even with its sloping roofline, the Civic is relatively spacious inside and the boot is rated at a roomy 415 litres.
On the road, the Civic is both comfortable and reasonably fun to drive. The hybrid powertrain suits the car well, being both smooth and very efficient. Honda claims the Civic can return up to 56.5mpg, which is very good when you consider the strong performance it can offer up.
Best hybrid cars for Motability
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