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Plug-in hybrids have long been touted for their ability to combine weekday EV-style commuting, with extended range capabilities and as fuel prices soar, they start to make more sense than ever.
In the matrix between rising fuel costs, questionable fuel supply stability, and sustainable transport solutions, you’ve probably already considered how a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) could work for you.
The idea of being able to refuel from a wall plug at home relatively cheaply, and get to and from work in silent comfort, has plenty of appeal.
But electric vehicles aren't for everyone, and increasingly, PHEVs are growing in popularity and versatility, thanks to long-range touring ability without the need to stop for long charging breaks away from home.
If you're approaching the end of your current lease, or thinking it could be time to upgrade to a more efficient commuter car, you’ll join tens of thousands of Australians considering a PHEV.
We’ve put together a list of Australia’s most-affordable PHEVs, based on the recommended retail starting price for each respective model.
10. MG HS Super Hybrid Excite
MG has been playing the PHEV game long enough that the HS medium SUV has reached its second generation with plug-in technology.
The $48,990 plus on-road costs MG HS Super Hybrid Excite give you a spacious, family-sized medium SUV. For a limited time, MG offers a $2000 discount, lowering the price to $49,990.
That’s backed up by a big 24.7kWh battery and a 120km WLTP EV driving range rating, and fuel consumption as low as 0.9L/100km, based on test cycle use.
9. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV ES
Officially, the Eclipse Cross has been cancelled, but you can still buy one.
Mitsubishi helped pioneer the PHEV segment, and is unusual in offering dual-electric-motor all-wheel-drive, even in its cheapest model. Pricing starts from $47,4790 plus on–road costs normally, but has been reduced to $45,490 drive-away in runout.
By modern standards, the Eclipse Cross falls a little short. The official combined fuel consumption figure is decent at 1.9L/100km, but EV range is short, rated to just 55km from a single charge.
Changes to autonomous emergency braking (AEB) regulations in 2025 meant Mitsubishi could no longer sell new Eclipse Crosses in Australia, but by stockpiling cars before the change, the brand has ensured it has ‘runout’ stock to see it through.
8. Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Urban
What has seven seats, plug-in hybrid versatility and costs way less than $50K? The Chery Tiggo 8, making it a serious contender for best value in the family SUV market.
Officially classed as a large SUV, the Tiggo 8 is the only seven-seater and only large SUV on this list.
It is rated to cover 95km of EV driving range, and quotes official fuel consumption of 1.3L/100km.
The GWM Haval H6 range is available in a wide range of models, including turbo petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid, to match your needs and budget.
The Haval H6 PHEV range starts from $44,990 drive-away, equipped with a 106km NEDC driving range thanks to a 19.1kWh battery, while fuel consumption is rated at 1.0L/100km.
A 2025 update to the H6 range not only introduced a new, more user-friendly interior design, but also includes locally-tuned suspension, dialled in by former Holden ride and handling expertise.
The Chery Tiggo 7 (further down this list) and Jaecoo J7 share their basic drivetrain, but with different pricing, equipment, and styling.
Priced from $43,990 drive-away in its most affordable form, the Jaecoo J7 SHS (for Super Hybrid System) give you up to 90km of EV range and test-cycle consumption of 1.0L/100km.
Regular retail pricing starts from $43,990 drive-away, but a $3000 cashback offer for a limited time effectively drops the starting price to a lower $40,990 drive-away.
5. Leapmotor C10 REEV Ultra Hybrid Style
Unlike most of the plug-in hybrids on this list, which can switch between electric power, petrol power, or use a combination of the two when required, the Leapmotor C10 REEV only uses its petrol engine as a generator.
The electric motor does the driving, and a decently-sized 28.4kWh battery provides up to 170km of EV-only range. Once that’s depleted, the C10 keeps its electric car driving feel, with the electric motor handling the motive force.
Official fuel consumption is rated at 0.9L/100km in test conditions, but for many owners, the long EV range may mean never having to rely on the petrol generator at all.
Regular pricing for the Leapmotor C10 REEV Style starts from $43,888, but special offer pricing makes it $44,990 drive-away for a limited time.
4. BYD Sealion 6 Essential
The larger of two medium PHEVs sold by BYD in Australia, the Sealion 6 offers more interior space and some extra features that the smaller Sealion 5 can't match.
On the PHEV-spec side of things, the cheapest Essential grade provides a electric driving range rating of 92km, and fuel consumption as low as 1.1L/100km, with BYD also quoting fuel use of 4.7L/100km once the 18.3kWh battery drops below 25 per cent.
Further up the Sealion 6 range, BYD offers bigger battery capacity and up to 140km of EV range, or all-wheel drive and higher performance, but you’ll need to pay a higher price to access those models.
3. Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Urban
Chery’s regular retail pricing sees the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid start from $39,990 drive-away, already a sharp deal compared to rivals that then add on-road costs.
At the time of writing, further savings are available, reducing the price to $34,990 drive-away – technically cheaper than the next two cars on the list.
Chery’s PHEV system combined a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine and an 18.4kWh battery for a rated electric range of 93km, and fuel consumption officially reported at 1.4L/100km in test conditions.
2. Geely Starray EM-i Complete
The Geely Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid range starts with the Complete grade, from $37,490 plus on-road costs.
Its electric-only driving range is rated at 83km, while fuel consumption sits at 2.4L/100km.
The Starray medium SUV may look compact from the outside, but is actually on the large side for its segment, about the same length as a Mitsubishi Outlander, but with five seats only.
1. BYD Sealion 5 Essential
BYD currently sells the most affordable plug-in hybrid in Australia, with the Sealion 5 Essential medium SUV.
The entry-level Essential grade offers up to 71km of EV range, and mixed-cycle fuel consumption as low as 1.2L/100km with a charged battery, or 4.5L/100km once charge drops below 25 per cent and the Sealion 5 switches to ‘hybrid’ mode.
Although the base grade has a smaller battery than some rivals, its direct impact is a lower starting price. Pricing starts from $33,990 plus on-road costs for the Essential, while the longer-range Premium moves to a bigger battery with 100km of range, but a higher $37,990 starting price.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
