Best Hybrid SUV NZ 2023

Best Hybrid SUV NZ 2023 – Rising petrol prices have made filling up at the pump increasingly expensive. The environmental impact of fossil fuels and the need to reduce carbon footprint is becoming more widely recognized.

Government incentives, such as the Clean Car Discount, are available for purchasing fuel-efficient or electric vehicles. Electric vehicles have advanced significantly and are a great option for many. For those hesitant about fully electric vehicles, a plug-in hybrid may be a good starting point as it still allows for some reliance on gasoline while also reducing emissions.

The costs listed are the starting costs as discovered on the manufacturers’ New Zealand websites and do not contain extra on-road costs or the Clean Car Discount rebate. These costs should be utilized as a guide on “Best Hybrid SUV NZ 2023” only.

Top 5 Best Hybrid SUVs in New Zealand

Here is a list of the top-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in New Zealand.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – From $52,990

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a top-selling PHEV in New Zealand. It proposes an excellent deal for its price, especially when taking into account the Clean Car Rebate of $5750.

The features of modern SUV luxuries such as forward collision mitigation and pedestrian system warnings, as well as a 4WD option for those who want to fully use its SUV qualifications.

With a range of up to 55km and a 25-minute fast charge, the Eclipse Cross is a fantastic option for those who are searching for a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Further, the Eclipse Cross is one of the most famous PHEVs in New Zealand, with sales that beat its competitors. It is a wonderful option for those who are searching for a stable and efficient vehicle.

Mitsubishi Outlander – From $60,990

It is clear to see the reason why the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the best decision among New Zealanders – its parent model, the Outlander, is now famous among car purchasers in the country.

As an SUV, it requests the Kiwi love for these kinds of vehicles, which comprise over a portion of all traveler vehicles sold in the country for 2021.

The Stranger PHEV offers somewhat more than the Eclipse Cross, like extra space, power, and a more drawn-out electric range of 84km.

Similarly, as with the Eclipse Cross, it comes furnished with present-day conveniences and safety highlights, 4-wheel drive, quick charging capacities, and the trustworthy Mitsubishi brand.

MG HS Plus EV – From $52,990

MG has a reputation for producing reasonable and famous electric vehicles, and the MG ZS EV is no exception, being the most affordable EV in the market and one of the most famous. This success has carried over to the MG HS Plus EV, which has also become a famous and reasonable plug-in hybrid option.

Both the MG ZS EV and HS Plus come in two different versions, the Excite, and the Essence. While the powertrain stays the same, the Essence version is available with extra safety features and luxurious hints such as 360-degree cameras, a sunroof, heated wing mirrors, and leather seats.

Safety is a key focus for MG, regardless of the model you choose, the MG Pilot suite of safety driving aids, including forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and lane change assist is provided.

In addition to its safety features, the MG HS Plus EV also boasts an impressive 63km electric vehicle range.

Hyundai IONIQ Plug-in Series II – From $53,990

The Hyundai IONIQ may not be the most glamorous of models, but it still offers plenty of modern features.

Equipped with blindspot detection, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen, and heated seats.

It also has a notable 52km electric vehicle range.

Mini Countryman Hybrid – From $69,370

The Mini Countryman Hybrid provides the iconic Mini design with a more eco-friendly choice.

The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model can achieve a top speed of 195km/h and has a fuel consumption of only 2.4L per 100km, thanks to its 41km electric range.

You’ll find leather sports seats and steering wheel, high-end electronic navigation, an entertainment system, and driving and parking assist features inside this.

External features contain run-flat tires, bonnet stripes, and the iconic Union Jack taillights.

So Why You Should Get a Hybrid? [Best Hybrid SUV NZ]

Assurance and Flexibility

A balance of assurance and flexibility is provided by Plug-in hybrids. They can manage city driving and deliver a weekend getaway option, while yet being able to take you on long-distance road trips and to rural and remote locations.

You can drive on electric power independently for weeks in the city, but when a charging station is not accessible, the petrol engine will kick in. It is essential to note that plug-in hybrids have a limited electric range compared to full-electric vehicles.

They cannot travel as far on electric power alone, for example, a Tesla can go hundreds of kilometers on a single charge, while multiple plug-in hybrids can only go 30-50km before switching to the petrol engine.

Cost

The Nissan Leaf, although a famous electric vehicle, is on the higher end of the price range at over $60,000. Nevertheless, there are more reasonable options such as the MG ZS EV, which currently holds the title of the cheapest EV in the market at $49,990. But this is a rare peculiarity.

In general, plug-in hybrids tend to be more reasonable than battery electric vehicles. For a budget of $50,000-$60,000, you will have restricted options when it comes to EVs, but more options for PHEVs such as the Mitsubishi Outlander and Eclipse Cross, the Hyundai Ioniq, and even a PHEV version of the Toyota Prius.

It is essential to note that the current costs for a hybrid vehicle may be higher than for a pure electric vehicle.

In addition to paying for petrol, servicing, maintenance, and repairs may be more costly and complicated for hybrid cars.

The Second Hand Market

When considering buying a used EV, it is necessary to remind that older models may have inferior performance and range, and their batteries may have become less efficient over time.

The technology of EVs is continuously enhancing, so more recent models will have features and capacities that older ones lack. This is less of a problem with plug-in hybrids, as they still have a gasoline engine, but the electric range may not be as high.

Further, it is worth noting that second-hand vehicles are not qualified for the Clean Car Discount.

Best Hybrid SUV NZ 2023