Feature article
Best Used Hybrid Cars in NZ
Used hybrid cars are popular here in New Zealand as they offer greatly reduced fuel consumption.
Last updated: 15 January 2025
Used hybrid cars are popular here in New Zealand. These hybrids offer greatly reduced fuel consumption compared with their conventionally powered counterparts. This is good for both lowering your emissions and reducing your running costs. The latter is a boon for the times, given the price of everything remains stubbornly high, petrol included. Here are some of the best used hybrid cars in NZ to suit your needs and budget.
Best used small hybrid cars
One of the most popular cars on the road is the Toyota Aqua. It’s the baby member of the Prius family and offers small but practical motoring for not much of an outlay. There are always plenty to choose from on the second hand market, with more than 1400 listed on Trade Me. These range in price from $7k (for an older 2011 model) right up to $30k for a 2022 model. However, the average price is around $11k according to Trade Me sales data from the past year. The Toyota Aqua earns 4.5 out of six stars for fuel economy, rated at 3.6L/100km while the annual fuel cost is estimated to be $1410.
Another option is the Honda Fit hybrid. Smart interior packaging means the Fit has lots of space for a small car, the cargo carrying capacity is impressive. Prices range from $6k for a high mileage 2010 model, up to $20k for used examples of the current model. The older model’s fuel consumption is rated at 4.7L/100km (3.5 stars out of six) with annual fuel cost of $1,840, while the latest model is more frugal again, rated at 3.5L/100km.
Best used compact hybrid cars
For those looking for something a bit bigger, the Toyota Corolla hybrid is a good choice. The import version is called the Auris hybrid, and has been available since 2016. It has all the usual Corolla features including top reliability, good safety equipment and gives you Prius-like economy (they use the same powertrain) without looking like a Prius. Its fuel consumption is listed at 4.2L/100km with annual fuel costs of $1650 while prices range from $16k to $20k. The new gen model came along in 2018 with updated hybrid tech meaning fuel consumption of 3.9L/100km. Prices range from $18k to $30k.
There is also the Prius, which is more readily available with more than 1400 usually listed on Trade Me. The third gen model (2009-2015) is rated at 4.2L/100km with prices ranging from $6k (for a high mileage example) to $20k for something with fewer kays on the clock. The fourth gen Prius (2015-2022) is more economical (3.2L/100km) and comes with many more safety features too. These range in price from $14K to $30k.
If you prefer the added ride height of a compact SUV, the funky looking Toyota C-HR (2016-2022) might suit. It’s a little tight for rear seat space and boot capacity, but that’s a compact SUV for you. Its fuel consumption is 4.2L/100km (annual fuel cost of $1650) and they range in price from $20k-$35k.
Best used SUV hybrid
One of the most popular passenger vehicles of the past few years has been the Toyota RAV4. These use a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor to provide the RAV4 hybrid with all-wheel drive (the motor powering the wheels on the rear axle). It also allows for great fuel economy; it’s a sizeable five seater SUV with fuel use of 5.3L/100km (annual fuel cost of $2080). While prices new range from $50k-$60k, used examples can be had from $30k. There are a range of variants, and all have top safety creds. Along with the aforementioned AWD, the RAV4 can tow as well, up to 1500kg braked.
Another hybrid SUV is the fifth gen Honda CR-V, the petrol electric version spanning the years 2018-2022. This uses a 2.0-litre four with a hybrid system and is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.7L/100km (5.0L/100km for the AWD) with an annual fuel cost of $1840. Prices range from $28k to $35k
Author
Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
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