The hybrid SUV market in Australia continues to grow, offering consumers a wide range of options that blend fuel efficiency with the versatility of an SUV.
These vehicles are perfect for those who want to reduce fuel costs without sacrificing space and practicality. In order of expected arrival, here’s a look at our top 10 best hybrid SUVs on sale in Australia in 2025.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – on sale now
The RAV4 hybrid remains a benchmark in the mid-size SUV segment, currently sitting as the best-seller and one of the best-selling vehicles in Australia overall – according to VFACTS figures. Powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor assist, it delivers a combined output of 160kW (163kW for AWD) which is enough to ensure smooth acceleration and power, even with a full car load. However, the Japanese favourite is particularly popular for its fuel efficiency. An official rating of 4.7L/100km (4.8 for AWD) is great, but it’s the real-world results that really impress. We’ve easily achieved low-to-mid 5s during our tests.
Inside, the RAV4 features a spacious and intuitively-designed cabin that comfortably accommodates five passengers, with an 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota has also packed in a suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense, which provides all of the advanced safety features to help it pass 5-star ANCAP credentials. Prices start from $42,260 for the GX FWD hybrid, at the time of writing (excluding on-roads). A light update is being introduced very soon before the all-new next-gen model arrives, likely in 2026.
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – on sale now
The Tucson hybrid is another strong contender in the hybrid SUV segment, known for its striking design and advanced technology. Uniquely, for a hybrid, it’s powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine combined with an electric motor, providing a balanced mix of power and efficiency. Peak power is an impressive 172kW, while the official average consumption is 5.3L/100km with AWD. And instead of a typical CVT auto, this comes with a regular six-speed automatic, which is more engaging for drivers.
Inside, you’ve got a modern and high-tech design, with a dashboard dominated by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and matching infotainment screen. These present simple, easy-to-read graphics but with plenty of depth and menu functionality. Hyundai has also placed a strong emphasis on safety, equipping the Tucson with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Prices start from $45,100 for the FWD hybrid, at the time of writing (excluding on-roads).
2025 MG ZS Hybrid+ – on sale now
The latest ZS offers affordability without compromising on essential features. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor, developing 158kW – actually one of the most powerful SUVs in its class. This setup is well-suited for city driving, where the electric motor can handle low-speed tasks, reducing overall fuel consumption. The official rating is 4.7L/100km, which is not bad but not at the forefront of hybrid potentials, especially for a small SUV.
MG Australia is offering two variants for now, including the Excite the Essence. Both offer a practical and functional cabin with a range of standard features, including an embedded 12.3 touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and a digital instrument cluster. Like the bigger brother, the HS, the new ZS is a bit larger inside than the previous model, and remains as one of the more practical options in this class. Prices start from $33,990 drive-away.
2025 BMW X3 30e – on sale now, arrives Q1
The new X3 looks set to build on the success of the current and previous generation models by offering lots more technology and interior functionality, while maintaining similar powertrain flavours – albeit without a 30d diesel. The new 30e sits right the middle of the range, blending a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with an electric motor system, combining to produce 220kW and 450Nm. This is enough to see 0-100km/h claimed in a respectable 6.2 seconds.
With a 19.7kWh battery, the 30e offers an electric range of 91km, and it can travel at up to 140km/h in electric mode. Inside, you’ve got a huge twin-screen array running across the dash, incorporating pretty much all on-board controls. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard in Australia. Prices start from $102,500 (excluding on-roads), with deliveries kicking off in the first quarter of 2025.
2025 GWM Haval H6GT Plug-in Hybrid – on sale now, arrives Q1
The 2025 GWM Haval H6GT is going to be an interesting one. While the current model doesn’t really deserve the ‘GT’ badge in our opinion, the new model arriving soon certainly does. It features a new 1.5-litre turbo plug-in hybrid powertrain, with the petrol motor developing 110kW/230Nm. This is combined with three electric motors to produce a total system output of 342kW and 762Nm. Yep.
This is a serious amount of power for a conventional mid-size SUV. GWM is claiming 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Aside from the performance credentials, the new model features a 35.4kWh battery that offers an electric range of 180km. It also offers DC charging at up to 48kW, which is very impressive for a PHEV. Prices start from $55,990 drive-away, with deliveries arriving in the first quarter of 2025.
2025 MG HS Plug-in Hybrid – arrives mid-2025
The new MG HS PHEV offers a versatile option for buyers looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV that doesn’t break the bank. The new HS is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, which allows for an electric-only range of 120km. For longer trips, the petrol engine kicks in, providing a combined output of 153kW.
Inside, the new HS offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with a range of standard features, including dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and digital instrument cluster. The interior is more spacious than the previous model, with plenty of legroom for passengers in both the front and rear seats. There’s also a range of driver assistance features, making it a strong option for those looking for a well-rounded yet budget-friendly hybrid SUV.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid – some time in 2025
This should be a good one to look out for if you’re after a big seven-seat family SUV. The Palisade has always been a strong contender here because it offers excellent seating and space, with loads of features for all three rows, and a decent diesel powertrain. But for the new model Hyundai has applied a sharper, more premium design on the outside and introduced a hybrid powertrain on the inside.
Full specs for Australia are yet to be confirmed, but so far we know the hybrid combines the company’s 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder – similar to what’s seen in the Sonata N Line – producing 193kW, with an electric motor assist added on. All up, the package develops 246kW. That makes it the most powerful variant ever offered, and in fact the most powerful petrol-engined Hyundai. With the updated design the dimensions have grown, which means it’ll likely be heavier. But even still, this could be the ideal powertrain for the big Palisade to finally give it some punch – up until now the Palisade has only been offered with a decent but relatively weak 2.2 diesel and a peaky V6 petrol.
BYD Fang Cheng Bao 5 – not yet confirmed, likely 2025
Not yet confirmed for Australia, the BYD Fang Cheng Bao 5 – also known as the Leopard 5 – is an interesting new plug-in hybrid SUV that combines robust off-road capabilities with impressive performance. The powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with dual electric motors, collectively developing a substantial 505kW and 760Nm – that’s way more than any Ford Everest or Toyota Prado rival. The company claims 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
Although the performance is outstanding for its class, the Bao 5 boasts good approach and departure angles, of 35 and 32 degrees, respectively, and a minimum ground clearance of 220mm which can extend to 310mm in models equipped with BYD’s Cloud-P chassis technology. With the ability to recharge from 30-80 per cent in 16 minutes and an overall range of 1200km, this will be one to keep an eye on.
2025 Lexus LX 700h – not yet confirmed for Australia
The 700h is a unique package for the LX range, because it uses a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and electric motor hybrid setup. Combined, the system in other applications overseas develops a strong 326kW and 790Nm. This powertrain is being launched in some markets as a new option for the 2025 lineup but is yet to be confirmed for Australia.
It continues with a full-time four-wheel drive system like the regular LX, with a fully sealed waterproof battery pack helping to offer a water wading depth of 700mm. Interestingly, this hybrid setup incorporates both a starter motor and an alternator so it can drive in tough conditions without relying on the hybrid side. It also uses a 10-speed automatic and not a CVT like most hybrids. The non-700h 2025 LX models are arriving in Australia soon.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid – expected later in 2025
Mazda has confirmed the CX-5 will live into a next-generation model (current model pictured) despite the influx of new nameplates, such as the Mazda CX-60, CX-70 and CX-80, and it will debut a Mazda-developed hybrid powertrain. It was previously considered the new hybrid could lean on ties with Toyota, however, the company announced in a financial report that it will be launching the “next CX-5 with a Mazda-developed hybrid” system.
Details on the setup are yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to incorporate a four-cylinder petrol engine and it could be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive forms like the existing model to help keep prices down. Unlike other new-generation Mazda SUVs, the CX-5 is set to retain its name and not switch to ‘CX-40’ or any other two-digit form. With a hybrid system on board (not a plug-in or mild-hybrid), Mazda will be able to better fend off the popular RAV4 hybrid.
