What is a Hybrid Car?
A hybrid car is an automobile that combines an internal combustion (IC) engine with electric motors to propel the vehicle efficiently. Hybrid cars in India and worldwide come mainly in three types: mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Here’s a brief overview of each type of hybrid car:
- Mild Hybrid: In a mild hybrid car, the electric motor assists the IC engine but cannot run solely on electric power. These smart hybrid cars in India help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without fully relying on electricity.
- Full Hybrid: A full hybrid vehicle can run either on pure electric power, conventional petrol or diesel fuel via the IC engine, or a combination of both. This electric plus petrol car option offers greater flexibility and efficiency for daily driving.
- Plug-in Hybrid: Plug-in hybrid cars need to be plugged into an external power source to recharge their batteries, which power the electric motors. These cars can run on pure electric power for a certain range before switching to the IC engine. Plug-in hybrid cars in India represent the next step toward fully electric mobility with added convenience.
List of Best Hybrid Cars in India
Hybrid cars in India are gaining popularity as a practical and eco-friendly alternative to conventional vehicles. Combining petrol engines with electric motors, these hybrid vehicles offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Here’s the list of the best hybrid cars available in India:
Model | Hybrid Type | Ex-Showroom Price |
Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Mild Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹6.61 - ₹9.88 lakh |
MG Hector | Mild Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹14.25 - ₹22.57 lakh |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | Strong Hybrid (Petrol + Electric) | ₹11.42 - 20.68 Lakh |
Toyota Camry | Full Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹48.50 lakh |
Lexus ES | Full Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹63.10 - ₹69.70 lakh |
Lexus NX | Full Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹95.80 lakhs - ₹1.20 crore |
Toyota Vellfire | Full Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹1.22 - ₹1.32 crore |
Volvo XC90 | Plug-in Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹1.04 crore |
BMW 7 Series | Plug-in Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹1.84 - ₹1.87 crore |
BMW XM | Plug-in Hybrid (Petrol+Electric) | ₹ 2.60 crore |
Note: All prices listed above are ex-showroom rates applicable in Delhi and may vary in other cities.
List of Hybrid Cars in India
Here’s a comprehensive list of the best hybrid cars in India, featuring popular models across different segments. Whether you’re looking for affordable hybrid cars in India or premium plug-in hybrid cars, this list covers a variety of options, including mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Price: ₹6.61 - ₹9.88 lakh
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 1197 cc |
Fuel type | Petrol (Mild Hybrid) |
Power | 89 PS @ 6000 rpm |
Torque | 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
Transmission | Manual/Automatic (Assumed)* |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Fuel efficiency | 22.94 kmpl |
Highlights of Maruti Baleno:
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a mild hybrid (petrol + electric) vehicle.
- It gets a reliable 1.2-litre engine that is assisted by an electric motor.
- The hybrid variant is available only with a manual gearbox.
- It comes with all the essential safety features such as airbags, ABS, EBD, etc.
- Low maintenance costs and a hassle-free ownership experience.
2. MG Hector
Price: ₹14.25–₹22.57 lakh
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 1956 cc |
Fuel type | Petrol / Diesel |
Power | 168 PS @ 3750 rpm |
Torque | 350 Nm @ 1750–2500 rpm |
Transmission | 6-Speed Manual Gearbox |
Seating capacity | 5-seater SUV configuration |
Fuel efficiency | 15.58 kmpl |
Highlights of MG Hector:
- MG Hector is a mild hybrid (petrol + electric) SUV with a 48V battery.
- It comes with additional features such as an engine idle start-stop system, regenerative braking, etc.
- The SUV draws power from a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a manual gearbox.
- It comes loaded with safety equipment such as 6 airbags, traction control, ESP, hill-hold assist, etc.
- The MG Hector also comes with advanced creature comfort features, including connected car tech.
3. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Price: ₹11.42 - 20.68 Lakh
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 1490 cc |
Fuel type | Petrol |
Power | 91.18 PS @ 5500 rpm |
Torque | 136.8 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
Transmission | 5 Speed Manual |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Fuel efficiency | 20.16 - 27.97 kmpl |
Highlights of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara:
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is a strong hybrid (petrol + electric) mid-size SUV.
- It is based on Suzuki’s global platform and also shares components with the Toyota Hyryder.
- Powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor for improved efficiency and lower emissions.
- Equipped with advanced safety features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-hold assist, and a 360-degree camera.
- Delivers impressive fuel economy, especially in city driving thanks to its hybrid system.
4. Toyota Camry
Price: ₹46.17 lakh
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 2487 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol |
Power | 184 PS @ 6000 rpm |
Torque | 221 Nm @ 3600–5200 rpm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating Capacity | 5-Seater Sedan |
Fuel Efficiency | 25.49 kmpl |
Highlights of the Toyota Camry:
- The Toyota Camry is a full hybrid, premium full-size sedan.
- It gets a 245V self-charging hybrid (petrol + electric) system.
- It is capable of running on pure electric power at low speeds.
- The Camry comes equipped with a powerful 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to an automatic gearbox.
- You get three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Power.
- Loaded with advanced safety features such as 9 airbags, TPMS, VSC, traction control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, electronic parking brake etc.
- It features a premium interior with leather upholstery and many other features.
5. Lexus ES
Price: ₹63.10 - ₹69.70 lakh
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 2487 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol (Self-charging hybrid) |
Power | 176 PS @ 5700 rpm |
Torque | 221 Nm @ 3600–5200 rpm |
Transmission | e-CVT Automatic Transmission |
Seating Capacity | 5-Seater |
Fuel Efficiency | 22.50 kmpl |
Highlights of Lexus ES:
- The Lexus ES is a premium mid-size sedan.
- It gets a full hybrid (petrol + electric) self-charging system.
- It can run on either the IC engine, the electric motor at low speeds or a combination of both.
- It draws power from a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an automatic gearbox.
- It comes with top-of-the-line safety features such as 10 airbags, VSC, hill-hold assist, TPMS, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, etc.
- It is loaded with premium features such as cruise control, paddle shifters, automatic climate control, etc.
- You also get three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Sport.
6. Lexus NX
Price: ₹67.35 - ₹74.24 lakh
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 2487 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol (Self-charging hybrid) |
Power | 188 PS @ 6000 rpm |
Torque | 239 Nm @ 4300–4500 rpm |
Transmission | e-CVT Automatic Transmission |
Seating Capacity | 5-Seater |
Fuel Efficiency | 14.80 kmpl |
Highlights of Lexus NX:
- The Lexus NX is a full hybrid (petrol + electric) SUV capable of running on pure electric power at low speeds.
- Get a powerful 2.5-litre petrol engine coupled with an automatic transmission.
- It comes loaded with many safety features such as 8 airbags, an anti-theft system, ABS, VSC, hill-hold assist, etc.
- Luxurious interior with premium features such as cruise control, wireless door lock, automatic dual-zone climate control, moonroof, etc.
- Features a striking exterior design with the signature spindle grille and LED headlights.
7. Toyota Vellfire
Price: ₹1.22 - ₹1.32 crore
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 2487 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol (Strong Hybrid) |
Power | 142 PS @ 6000 rpm |
Torque | 240 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
Transmission | e-CVT Automatic |
Seating Capacity | 7-Seater |
Fuel Efficiency | 19.28 kmpl |
Highlights of the Toyota Vellfire:
- The Vellfire is a premium MPV from the stable of Toyota.
- It gets a self-charging full hybrid (petrol + electric) system with two electric motors.
- It is capable of running on electric power at low speeds.
- It comes equipped with a 2.5-litre petrol engine.
- On the safety front, it gets 7 airbags, brake assist, TPMS, ABS, parking assist alert, VSC, hill-hold assist, etc.
- It features a luxurious interior with powered second-row captain seats, leather upholstery, 3-zone climate control, ambient lighting, etc.
- The Vellfire also comes with unique features such as power sliding doors.
8. Volvo XC90
Price: ₹1.03 - ₹1.31 crore
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 1969 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol (Plug-in Hybrid) |
Power | 247 PS |
Torque | 360 Nm |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic (Geartronic) |
Seating Capacity | 7-Seater |
Fuel Efficiency | 11.04 kmpl |
Highlights of the Volvo XC90:
- The Volvo XC90 is a plug-in hybrid SUV.
- It gets a hybrid (petrol + electric) system with a rechargeable battery that helps the SUV to run on electric power.
- It draws power from a 2-litre supercharged petrol engine with a massive power output of 400 Bhp.
- Due to the plug-in hybrid system, the SUV delivers a whopping fuel efficiency of 40 kmpl.
- It comes equipped with safety features such as 8 airbags, ABS, EBD, park assist, lane departure warning, rear collision warning, blind-spot monitor, etc.
9. BMW 7 Series
Price: ₹1.78 - ₹1.84 crore
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 2993 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol (Plug-in Hybrid) |
Power | 281 PS @ 4000 rpm |
Torque | 650 Nm @ 1500–2500 rpm |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
Seating Capacity | 5-Seater |
Fuel Efficiency | 16.55 kmpl |
Highlights of BMW 7 Series:
- BMW 7 Series is a premium luxury sedan with a plug-in hybrid (electric + petrol) system.
- The sedan is capable of running on electric power up to speeds of 140 km/h.
- The hybrid sedan comes equipped with a potent 3-litre petrol engine.
- It is loaded with safety features such as airbags, TPMS, electric parking brake, EBD, ABS, brake assist, traction control, hill-hold assist, etc.
- Premium interior with features such as 4-zone climate control, cruise control, leather seat upholstery, paddle shifters, etc.
10. BMW XM
Price: ₹2.60 crore
Key Specifications:
Parameters | Specifications |
Engine | 4395 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol |
Power | 643.69 bhp |
Torque | 800 Nm |
Transmission | Automatic |
Seating Capacity | 5-seater |
Fuel Efficiency | 61.9 kmpl |
Highlights of BMW XM:
- BMW XM is a high-performance plug-in hybrid (petrol + electric) luxury SUV.
- It offers an all-electric driving mode for silent, emission-free city driving.
- Powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Safety features include multiple airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, ABS, EBD, ESC, and advanced driver assistance systems.
- Features an opulent interior with M Lounge design, Merino leather upholstery, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
Note:
- All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi)
- Fuel efficiency figures as of ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) ratings.
Takeaway
Hybrid cars in India are steadily gaining traction as a smart, efficient alternative to conventional vehicles and fully electric cars. With options ranging from affordable hybrid cars under 10 lakhs to premium plug-in hybrid cars in India, buyers can choose models that fit their needs and budget. Leading brands like Toyota, Hyundai, and Maruti Suzuki continue to innovate, expanding the lineup of the best hybrid cars in India. As the market grows, hybrid vehicles combining electric plus petrol car technology will play a key role in India’s transition to cleaner, smarter mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions