The 10 Cheapest Hybrid Cars In Canada

Hybrid vehicles come in many different varieties: some are very pricey, others have a pretty affordable price range, and others sit somewhere in the middle while offering some of the best liter-per-hundred kilometer mileage out there. We researched dozens of hybrid vehicles available in Canada and identified a few that offer the best features at the lowest price.

In this post, we’ll explain why hybrid vehicles cost so much. We’ll also show you how you can save money when buying a hybrid vehicle and give you 10 of the cheapest hybrids you’ll find in Canada as well as how much you may be qualified for in rebates for each eligible car.

So if you're looking for an affordable hybrid that offers the best fuel economy and range, you've come to the right place.

Hybrid Vs Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

In the world of hybrid cars, there are normal hybrids, and there are plug-in hybrids. While both have electric and gas-powered engines and may seem like the same thing, there are some subtle differences. The conventional hybrid vehicle uses its gasoline-powered engine to recharge a relatively small battery while driving through a regenerative braking system. This involves using the energy gathered during the vehicle's deceleration to keep the battery charged. They don’t need to be plugged in to recharge since they charge themselves.

With traditional hybrids, the combination of the internal combustion engine and high-voltage battery aims to reduce gas consumption and maximize fuel economy.

On the other hand, plug-in hybrids are like a cross between conventional hybrids and all-electric vehicles. They can be driven exclusively on battery alone via the electric mode without consuming gas, albeit for short distances, and the battery can be charged at a gas station or plugged in overnight. When the battery runs out of power while driving, the gas-powered engine takes over. Thus, you can save on gas for short commutes.

Why Are Hybrid Vehicles Expensive In Canada?

Hybrid vehicles are a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce your carbon footprint and are touted to save about $500 yearly on gas. However, they can burn a hole through your pocket because, although they’re cheaper than all-electric vehicles, they still cost 15 to 20% more than most of their gas-powered counterparts.

Production costs remain the greatest determinant of the costs of these low to zero-emission vehicles in Canada. Aside from the regular specifications that come with gas-powered vehicles, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles need additional features to give them their hybrid quality, like the electric motor, high-capacity battery, and more advanced control features. All these add-ons are expensive and will add up to the upfront cost of the car.

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What Is The Cheapest Hybrid Car In Canada?

While hybrid vehicles tend to cost more than their internal combustion engine counterparts, the upfront amount you might have to pay for any hybrid vehicle greatly depends on the type and model of the car.

There are some hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Canada that, while still on the pricier side, are much more affordable. Also, the Canadian government has provided incentives in the form of EV rebates for plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. You may qualify for up to $5,000 in rebates, plus other provincial and territorial incentives to help further offset some of the initial costs of purchasing a hybrid vehicle.

So, we researched dozens of hybrid vehicles, so you don’t have to, and compiled a list containing 10 of the cheapest and most affordable hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles available in Canada as well as the amount you may receive in EV rebates for each eligible car.

The result is a list of 10 of the most affordable hybrid cars in the country, the first of which is the cheapest hybrid car Canada has to offer. You’ll also find their combined fuel economy, Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), and other features.

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#1 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Base MSRP: $27,500

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 4.4L/100km

Combined Driving Range: 955 km

With its full-parallel hybrid drive system that operates using a gasoline internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or both, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offers remarkable fuel economy, allowing you to travel up to 955 km on both the battery and gas. It has a sleek modern design and a Smartstream 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection engine paired with a 32-kW electric motor which allows for effective driving at a combined 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft torque.

Despite its sleek and modern appearance and its great specs, the Elantra is the cheapest hybrid car Canada has to offer. It comes in two trims: the Preferred, which starts at $27,500 and is one of the cheapest hybrid cars in Canada, and the Ultimate, which has a base MSRP of $29,800. The 5-seater compact sedan has a lot of premium features, including:

• A 10.25-inch full digital display instrument cluster.
• 8.0-inch touchscreen display.
• BlueLink connected vehicle system.
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
• 1.32kWh Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery.
• 16-inch alloy wheels.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with 3-step auto airflow intensity.
• 6-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission.
• Proximity keyless entry with push-button ignition no-remote start.
• Hands-free “Smart Trunk” with automatic opening.
• Hyundai SmartSense safety features.

#2 2022 Ford Maverick

Base MSRP: $27,750

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 9.4L/100km

Combined Driving Range: 832 km

One of the first standard pickups in Canada with a 2.0L fully hybrid engine, the Ford Maverick is a flexible compact 5-seater pickup offering easy maneuverability, a spacious interior, endless customization opportunities, and advanced technology to deliver that powerful driving experience you’d need in a truck.

The 2022 Ford Maverick comes in three different trims: the XL trim with a base MSRP of $27,750, the XLT trim starting at $30,350, and the LARIAT trim with a starting price of $35,400.

It also has a spacious cargo bin and comes standard with many features, including:

• 8-inch LCD touchscreen Centrestack.
• 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen.
• FordPass Connect (4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot).
• 17-inch sparkle silver-painted steel wheel with Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
• EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler.
• Halogen-integrated cargo lamp with halogen silver-painted steel wheel.
• Electronic Parking Brake and Electronic Power-Assist Steering.
• SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System and Anti-Theft Engine Immobilizer.
• Single-Zone Manual Air Conditioning and Cabin Particulate Air Filter.
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking.

#3 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Base MSRP: $29,104

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 4.7L/100km

Combined Driving Range: 956 km

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is one of the cheapest hybrid vehicles available in Canada and combines performance with a unique design aimed at redefining comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency.

With an average combined fuel economy of 4.7L/100km and a combined driving range of 956 km, this compact sedan offers an ideal bang for your buck, especially if you’re prone to taking long drives.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid comes in different trims at varying prices: the LE trim for $29,104, the LE AWD trim with a starting price of $30,604, the SE AWD trim with a base MSRP of $33,004, and the XSE AWD trim that starts at $37,404.

The 5-seater also comes with many advanced features, including:

• 15-inch alloy wheels.
• 8-inch Toyota Multimedia with Safety Connect.
• 7-inch color TFT Multi-Information Display.
• SiriusXM, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
• EV Mode, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and Pre-Collision system.
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
• Automatic climate control.
• Electric rear window defroster and windshield wiper de-icer.
• Lane Tracing Assist, Hill Start Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
• Heated front seats and heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Tire Repair Kit.

#4 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid

Base MSRP: $29,995

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 4.4L/100km

Combined Driving Range: 946 km

The Kia Niro Hybrid is an innovative crossover hatchback that provides maximum fuel economy with a combined mileage of 4.4L/100km driven by a gasoline-electric powertrain.

It comes in four different trims: the LX trim, starting at $29,995, the EX trim starting at $31,995, the EX Premium trim with a base MSRP of $34,695, and the SX trim, which starts at $38,695.

The Kia Niro Hybrid comes equipped with some of the latest and most advanced tech features, including:

• 10.25-inch multimedia interface with integrated navigation.
• KiaConnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration.
• SiriusXM satellite radio.
• 16-inch alloy wheels.
• Front and rear splash guards.
• Electronic Parking Brake plus Auto Hold.
• Drive Mode Select.
• Electronic Stability Control and Immobilizer.
• Smart Cruise Control with stop and go.
• Hill Assist Control, Lane Keep Assist, Highway Drive Assist, and Lane Follow Assist.
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction-Turning function.

#5 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Base MSRP: $35,164.20

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 4.9L/100km

Combined Driving Range: 1,104 km

With its high levels of innovative technology, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a 4-door coupe with a sleek and modern look designed to exceed the limits of efficiency with its 2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve Direct Injection engine that delivers effective cruising at a combined horsepower of 208hp.

It has a remarkable combined mileage of 4.9L/100km and one of the highest driving ranges at 1,104 km, making it an ideal money-saver for making long drives across the country.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes in four different trims: the LE trim, starting at $35,164.20, the SE trim with a starting price of $38,444.20, the XSE trim, starting at $41,764.20, and, finally, the XLE trim, with a base MSRP of $43, 964.20.

The 5-seater sedan comes fully equipped with many premium features, including:

• 4.2-inch color TFT Multi-Information Display.
• 7-inch touchscreen.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control and Cabin Air Filter.
• 17-inch alloy wheels.
• Electric Rear Window Defroster with Timer.
• Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Parking Brake, Smart Stop Technology, and Star Safety System with Vehicle Stability Control.
• Anti-theft Alarm System and Engine Immobilizer.
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, EV Mode, and Automatic High Beam.
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
• Keyless entry, push-button start, and smart key system.

#6 2022 Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid LE AWD

Base MSRP: $36,634.20

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 6L/100km

Combined Driving Range: Up to 921 km

A versatile compact SUV, the 2022 Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid has a net horsepower of 219hp and offers powerful technology to provide an electronic On-Demand All Wheel Drive. It has a starting price of $36,634.20, making it one of the cheapest hybrid SUV Canada has to offer. However, the 2023 model costs upwards of $38,134.20.

This SUV is packed with features, including:

• 8-inch Toyota Multimedia with Safety Connect and Service Connect.
• 7-inch color TFT Multi-Information Display.
• SiriusXM, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
• Drive Connect and Remote Connect Vehicle Status Integration.
• 17-inch alloy wheels.
• Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control.
• Front and rear splash guards.
• Star Safety System: Smart Stop Technology, Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist.
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Cyclist Detection, and Nighttime Pedestrian Detection.
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5.

#7 2022 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV

Base MSRP: $36,964

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 1.8L/100km

Electric Range: 40km

Combined Driving Range: 1,035km

The Toyota Prius is the father of all commercial hybrid vehicles, and the plug-in hybrid version, the Prius Prime PHEV is touted to have the highest combined driving range of 1,035km and the shortest charging times among PHEVs in Canada. It has an astoundingly high combined fuel economy of 1.8L/100km, twice as good as all of the previously-mentioned models, making this money-friendly sedan even more ideal for long commutes.

It comes in two models: the Prius Prime, which has a starting price of $36,964, and the Prius Prime Upgrade starting at $39,864.20, with the option to buy a technology package for an extra $2,300.

The Toyota Prius Prime PHEV is equipped with a host of advanced features, including:

• 7-inch touch screen and 11-inch touch screen with embedded navigation.
• Dual 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display.
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with smartphone compatibility.
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
• 15-inch alloy wheels.
• Automatic Smart-Flow Climate Control System with Pollen Filtration and Cabin Air Filter..
• Safety Connect- Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance.
• Integrated Regenerative Braking System.
• Star Safety System: Smart Stop Technology, Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist.
• Toyota Safety Sense – Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (full speed), Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Bicycle Detection.

You may qualify for up to $2,500 in federal EV rebates, in addition to other provincial and territorial incentives.

#8 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV

Base MSRP: $37,495

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 6.7L/100km

Electric Range: 51 km

Combined Driving Range: Up to 950 km

With an all-electric driving range of up to 51km, the Kia Sorento PHEV is a reliable, eco-friendly, spacious, and fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid utility SUV that delivers powerful driving at 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque.

It comes with a load of features including:

• 8-inch display audio and Trip computer.
• 4.2-inch Supervision LCO/TFT Instrument Cluster.
• Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
• 17-inch machined-finish alloy wheels.
• Drive Mode Select and Cruise Control.
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).
• Hill Assist Control, Lane Follow Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
• Immobiliser, Downhill Brake Control, and Electronic Stability Control.
• Splash guards and temporary spare tire.

When you purchase or lease a brand-new Kia Sorento PHEV, you may qualify for up to $5,000 in federal EV rebates as well as other provincial and territorial incentives.

#9 2022 Kia Niro PHEV

Base MSRP: $37,995

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 2.1L/100km

Electric Range: 55km

Combined Driving Range: 835 km

The Kia Niro PHEV is the plug-in version of the Niro Hybrid. It combines a gasoline-electric powertrain and plug-in charging capability that allows you to travel up to 55 km in all-electric mode and up to 835 km on a single tank of gas. Consequently, it’s a pricier albeit more eco-friendly option.

The crossover SUV comes standard with an array of innovative tech features and amenities, such as:

• 10.25-inch multimedia interface with integrated navigation.
• Kia Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto with smartphone integration.
• SiriusXM satellite radio.
• 16-inch alloy wheels.
• Front and rear splash guards.
• Smart Key and Push-Button Start.
• Smart Cruise Control with stop and go.
• Highway Drive Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.
• Immobilizer and Electric Parking Brake Plus Auto Hold.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

With the Kia Niro PHEV, you can receive up to $5,000 in federal rebates and up to $6,000 in provincial and territorial incentives, driving the price way down.

#10 Mitsubishi Outlander ES PHEV

Base MSRP: $39,845

Combined Mileage (Fuel Economy): 3.7L/100km

Electric Range: 61 km

Combined Driving Range: 676 km

Touted as the world’s first plug-in SUV hybrid, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a remarkable range of 676 km in hybrid mode and an all-electric range of 61 km when fully charged.

The 7-seater best-seller combines a powerful gas-powered engine with two electric motors to give all-out performance and an enhanced driving system that is perfect for long drives around town. You can also make use of the low to zero-emission drive mode to achieve an impressive combined mileage of 3.7L/100km.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes fully loaded with a slew of convenience features, including:

• 12.3-inch full digital driver display.
• 8.0-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio.
• Bluetooth wireless technology.
• Google Android Auto and Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard and Remote Services.
• SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.
• 18-inch alloy wheels.
• Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control.
• Drive Mode Selector (Normal, Power, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Mud).
• 20kWh Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery.
• Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.
• Automatic High Beam, Active Stability Control, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, and Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold.
• Anti-Theft Alarm System, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Immobilizer.
• Trailer Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, and Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection.
• Tire Repair Kit and Tire Pressure Management System.

You could be eligible for up to $5,000 in federal EV rebates when you purchase or lease a new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. You could also receive up to $6,000 in incentives based on your province or territory.

A Summary Of The Cheapest Hybrid Car Canada Has To Offer

To compare prices and ranges, the table below shows the cheapest hybrid cars in Canada, their prices, fuel economy, and combined range:

Hybrid Vehicle	Driving Range	Fuel Economy	Starting Price
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid	955 km (Combined range)	4.4L/100km	$27,500
Ford Maverick	832 km (Combined range)	9.4L/100km	$27,750
Toyota Corolla Hybrid	956 km (Combined range)	4.7L/100km	$29,104
Kia Niro Hybrid	946 km (Combined range)	4.4L/100km	$29,995
Toyota Camry Hybrid	1,104 km (Combined range)	4.9L/100km	$35,164
Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid	921 km (Combined range)	6L/100km	$36,634
Toyota Prius Prime PHEV	40 km (All-electric range) 1,035 km (Combined range)	1.8L/100km	$36,964
Kia Sorento PHEV	51 km (All-electric range) 950 km (Combined range)	6.7L/100km	$37,495
Kia Niro PHEV	55 km (All-electric range) 835 km (Combined range)	2.1L/100km	$37,995
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	61 km (All-electric range) 676 km (Combined range)	3.7L/100km	$39,845

How To Save Money When Buying An Hybrid Car In Canada

Using a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle does have its perks: from reduced carbon emissions to better fuel efficiency and helping you save money on gas. However, compared to gas-powered vehicles with internal combustion engines, buying a hybrid vehicle can cost up to $10,000, which is a whole lot of money if you’re on a budget. Hence, finding ways to save up to $5,000 or more from that additional $10,000 is crucial.

So, here are a few tips to help you save more than a couple of bucks on a hybrid vehicle in 2023:

Lease A Hybrid Vehicle

Leasing a hybrid vehicle is a budget-friendly way to start the green journey without creating a hole in your pocket. As opposed to outright buying a hybrid car, leasing can save you up to $15,000 or more, depending on the type and cost of the car. It’ll also allow you time to make up your mind on whether you’ll eventually purchase the car or not. Car leases are paid monthly, and depending on the type of car leased, you can pay up to $500 per month for the car for the duration of the lease. However, the car will only be yours for the period of the lease, after which you’ll have to return it.

Buy A Used Hybrid Car

As always, buying a used hybrid car is cheaper than buying a new one and can help you save up to $10,000 off the cost. However, it doesn’t have to be a beat-up, rundown, old car. You can find used hybrid vehicles that are still in fairly good condition from car dealerships. Just like with buying any other second-hand item, check and confirm that the vehicle is still in overall good working condition before making the purchase.

Trade In Your Old Vehicle

Many car manufacturers allow customers to trade in old vehicle models to get new ones. While your old vehicles may not have the same market value as the hybrid you want, the value of your car will go a long way to reducing the cost of the new hybrid vehicle. Alternatively, you can sell off your old car and use the money to fund the budget for a new hybrid.

Buy An Old Hybrid Model

Purchasing an old model of a hybrid vehicle offers more bang for the buck than purchasing the present or most recent model. Aside from a few upgrades, both models will most likely be the same. For instance, a 2021 model of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle can cost up to $3,000 less than the 2023 model of the same vehicle while offering the same range and gas mileage.

Take Advantage Of EV Rebates And Incentives

There are several EV rebates and incentives in Canada available at the federal and provincial, or territorial levels to help you to offset some of the upfront costs of buying an all-electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. The EV rebate aims to encourage Canadians to reduce their carbon emissions by using more low-emission vehicles like all-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

You can receive up to $5,000 in federal rebates and up to $3,000 in provincial or territorial incentives if you’re a British Columbia resident, or up to $6,000 if you live in Quebec.

Final Thoughts

Hybrid vehicles are very fuel-conservative, thus, helping you save money on gas while reducing your carbon footprint. However, they can be quite costly, especially when compared to their gas-powered counterparts.

Some hybrid cars in Canada aren’t quite as costly as most hybrids and provide very remarkable mileage, like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which costs only $29,104 and has a combined mileage of 5L/100km. The Toyota Prius more than doubles the efficiency, running at only 2L/100km. To save even more money on your next EV or PHEV purchase, we’ve also provided you with a few tips in the article above that’ll help you spend less when buying a hybrid vehicle.

Cheapest Hybrid Car In Canada FAQs

Does Canada offer incentives for hybrid vehicles?

Yes, Canada offers Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) as a means of encouraging more Canadians to turn to electric and plug-in hybrid zero-emission vehicles. You could receive up to $5,000 in federal rebates, in addition to other incentives you may receive depending on your residential province or territory when you buy or lease an all-electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid.

Do hybrids really save gas?

Yes, hybrids really do save gas. Hybrids are designed to be far more fuel-efficient than their gas-powered counterparts because they can switch between battery and gas while driving. While hybrid cars may be more expensive to buy upfront than gasoline-powered cars, they do, indeed, save on gas and consume, on average, about 50% less fuel than gas-powered cars.

Are hybrid cars good for long-distance driving?

Yes, hybrid cars are ideal for long-distance driving because while gas-powered cars depend only on gas to drive long distances, hybrids depend on both their battery and gas-powered engines, which they use when their battery runs out. This allows hybrids to go even longer miles than regular gas-powered cars.