7 Best Toyota Hybrid Cars Australia 2022

Written by Jordan Ballard | 18/04/22

Toyota is a manufacturer that's embraced hybrid technology. The result is a stunning selection of vehicles across almost every class.

Here we take a look at the best examples of Toyota's hybrid collection. We consider the prices, features and performance of vehicles that are a greener alternative.

1. Rav4

The Rav 4 was the 2020 Drive Car of the Year as well as Australia's best-selling SUV in 2021. It manages to combine excellent fuel efficiency with exceptional performance and a great selection of hi-tech features.

Prices start at around $36,900 for a GX 2WD hybrid, rising to about $52,700 for an Edge hybrid.

All hybrids in the range are powered by a 2.5l Hybrid/ULP engine, teamed with a CVT automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency is quoted at around 4.7l/100km.

Features such as LED headlights, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors and a ten-way adjustable driver's seat ensure the RAV4 has all the tech needed for safe, comfortable driving.

Read Cartopia's Review Of The 2022 Toyota Rav4

2. C-HR

Starting at $30.915 for a basic GR-S or 2WD Koba, prices rise to $38,440 for a 2WD, two-tone hybrid. C-HR hybrids are powered by a 1.8l hybrid/ULP engine, alongside a CVT automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency is around 4.3l/100km.

The C-HR is a medium-sized SUV that's slightly smaller than the RAV-4. Reviewers like its effortless drive style - it's not the punchiest SUV out there, but if you're looking for a vehicle that drives well in traffic and can cope with commuting and the school run, the C-HR is a great choice.

Features are similar to those available in the RAV-4, including LED headlights, an electric hand brake, an 8" infotainment screen (that's Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible) and keyless entry. It's not as spacious as the RAV-4, but it is around $6,000 cheaper, so is frequently seen as a better value choice for motorists on a budget.

3. Yaris Cross

The top-of-the-range Yaris Cross AWD Urban hybrid costs around $37,990. The lower-priced GX hybrid is around $28,990. This is a small SUV, that in many ways is a Yaris with SUV styling. Drivers can expect a 1.5l 3-cylinder in-line VVT-iE hybrid engine that delivers 85kW. The transmission is a CVT automatic option. Fuel efficiency is around 3.8l/100km for the GX variant, rising to around 4.0l/100km for the Urban.

This is a small SUV, which means space for second-row passengers is limited. The rear also lacks air vents or USB ports. Luggage capacity is around 390l, or 314l for the AWD.

As you would expect from a Toyota, the Yaris Cross has a good suite of features, including the Toyota Safety Sense package of autonomous driver safety features, LED headlights (except in the GX), a leather-accented steering wheel, a remote tailgate, a 7" touchscreen display and a 4.2" driver's display.

Reviewers are impressed by the driving experience and the range of features. Whilst it's not a family-orientated vehicle, if you want a small SUV with funky exterior styling that's got a good range of features and is efficient for urban use, the Yaris Cross is a winner. Its price places it towards the upper end of the range, so bargain hunters may prefer to look elsewhere.

Learn More About The 2022 Toyota Yaris Cross

4. Kluger

A roomy seven-seater that's perfect for a larger family, an entry-level GX hybrid AWD costs around $54,150. The top-spec hybrid AWD Grande variant costs around $75,700.

Drivers benefit from a 2.5l hybrid petrol engine and auto CVT transmission. Fuel consumption is around 5.6l/100km.

There aren't that many seven-seater hybrids out there, so the Kluger definitely fills a niche. Toyota has relaunched the Kluger for 2022, which means it's got a selection of fresh tech and innovations that make it safer and more comfortable to drive.

Little touches such as retractable wing mirrors and a power back door with a kick sensor give the Kluger an air of refinement and luxury that's refreshing in a large SUV.

2022 Toyota Kluger Complete Review

5. Corolla

Available as a hatch or sedan, the Corolla has been Toyota's best-selling passenger car overall for the past eight years. The Ascent Sport, the SX and the ZR are all offered with a hybrid variant. The 1.8l 4-cylinder VVT-i engine, coupled with an Auto CVT transmission benefits from regenerative braking, which helps to keep fuel consumption down to an impressive 3.6l/100km.

An Ascent Sport hybrid costs around $27,395. The higher-spec ZR two-tone hybrid option is around $35,645.

Reviewers love the comfortable, quiet driving experience, as well as the safety and high level of equipment and features. The Ascent is missing a few useful features (such as a larger infotainment screen and wireless phone charging, so we recommend the SX or the ZR for a better ownership experience.

Read Our 2022 Toyota Corolla Review

Find Out If Used Toyota Corollas Are Reliable

6. Camry

Having been Australia's best-selling mid-size passenger car for nearly two decades, it's little surprise that demand for the Camry hybrid is high. Buyers can expect to pay around $33,490 for an Ascent hybrid, rising to around $46,990 for a high spec SL hybrid.

The engine is a 2.5l hybrid/unleaded petrol choice, teamed with CVT auto. Fuel consumption is a miserly 4.7l/100km.

If you're looking for a family car, it's hard to fault the Camry - spacious, safe and with a wealth of features, it's also got a fantastically large, 524l boot and lots of attractive details that add value; take a look at the rear USB charging points, for example, or the smart entry system.

7. Prius

The Prius hatchback is an award-winning vehicle that offers an impeccable driving experience. Prices start at around $38,365 for the base spec, rising to $45,825 for the i-tech hybrid. Fuel consumption is just 3.4l/100km.

The Prius is powered by a 1.8l Atkinson cycle, 4-cylinder petrol engine with hybrid technology, alongside CVT.

This a high-end vehicle that's an absolute joy to drive - quiet, comfortable, spacious and beautifully laid out. Some reviewers query whether the price tag is reasonable, especially given that there are now other hybrids in the Prius' class (such as the Skoda Fabia, which is even more fuel-efficient) that offer better value.

It's well-equipped, safe and reliable, but some critics might argue that the Prius has begun to show its age a little.

Toyota Hybrid FAQ

Q. Is it worth buying a Toyota hybrid car?

A. Absolutely. Not only is Toyota a highly reputable vehicle manufacturer, but they were an early adopter of hybrid technology. Today, the company offers an extensive range of hybrid cars that are well worth considering, including:

• Rav4
• C-HR
• Yaris Cross
• Kluger
• Corolla
• Camry
• Prius

Q. What are the disadvantages of hybrid cars?

A. Hybrid cars offer an excellent blend of eco-friendliness and driveability, but there are a few drawbacks to opting for hybrid over alternative vehicles, such as:

• Higher up-front costs
• Lower performance
• More expensive for repairs and servicing

Q. What is the most popular Toyota hybrid?

A. Despite the Toyota Prius paving the way for hybrid vehicles, it’s fallen in popularity over the years. With the uptake in SUVs, it’s no real surprise that Toyota’s most popular hybrid these days is the Toyota Rav4.

Q. What is Toyota’s cheapest hybrid?

A. Toyota’s fleet of hybrid vehicles caters to all types of drivers, but it’s the Toyota Yaris that takes the spot as Toyota’s cheapest hybrid. This small but nippy car is great for urban and city centre driving.