Hybrid cars are having a big year.
Australian drivers are buying more of them, and the choice has never been broader. From familiar favourites like the Toyota RAV4 to newer plug-in hybrids from BYD, there are now options across SUVs, utes and everyday passenger cars.
So, which models are Australians actually choosing?
We've looked at 2026 sales data to explore some of Australia's most popular hybrid cars, including both traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Hybrid cars are becoming a bigger part of the Australian market
For drivers looking to reduce fuel use without moving completely to a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid can offer a practical middle ground.
A conventional hybrid, or HEV, combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and battery. The battery is charged while driving, so there is no need to plug the vehicle into a charger.
A plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, also combines an engine with an electric motor, but generally has a larger battery that can be charged externally. This allows many PHEVs to complete shorter journeys using electric power before the petrol engine is needed.
Both are becoming increasingly common on Australian roads.
According to RACV, During the first half of 2026, conventional hybrid sales increased 11.9 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. PHEV sales increased by 111.8 per cent. Combined, Australians purchased 159,120 HEVs and PHEVs during the six-month period.
Here are five of the models helping drive that growth.
1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 has been one of Australia's most recognisable family SUVs for years, and its hybrid version remains a favourite.
It was Australia's best-selling conventional hybrid during the first half of 2026, with 14,894 hybrid vehicles sold.
Its popularity is not difficult to understand. The RAV4 combines the practicality of a medium SUV with a hybrid powertrain designed to reduce reliance on petrol, particularly in stop-start driving.
For families and commuters who want better fuel efficiency without having to think about charging, that combination can make a lot of sense.
The RAV4's popularity has continued through the year too. In August, the RAV4 nameplate recorded 5,470 deliveries, making it the second-best selling new vehicle in Australia for the month.
Why buyers might consider it: A practical family SUV, established hybrid technology and no need to plug in.
2. BYD Shark 6
Hybrid doesn't necessarily mean small.
The BYD Shark 6 has brought plug-in hybrid technology into one of Australia's most competitive vehicle categories: the ute market.
With 9,493 vehicles sold during the first half of 2026, it was Australia's best-selling PHEV over that period.
Unlike a conventional hybrid, the Shark 6 can be plugged in to charge its battery. That means drivers can potentially complete some everyday trips using electric power, while retaining a petrol engine for longer journeys.
For Australians who needs the flexibility and practicality of a ute but are interested in an electrified powertrain, models like the Shark 6 are creating an alternative to traditional petrol and diesel options.
Why buyers might consider it: Ute practicality combined with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and the ability to drive some trips using battery power.
3. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
The Tucson has become another major player in Australia's growing hybrid SUV market.
During the first half of 2026, 8,400 Tucson Hybrids were sold in Australia, an increase of 65.2 per cent compared with corresponding period in 2026. That made it Australia's second-best-selling conventional hybrid.
Like the RAV4, the Tucson Hybrid doesn't need to be plugged in. Its petrol engine and electric motor work together automatically as you drive.
That can make it appealing to someone who wants to reduce fuel consumption but doesn't have convenient access to home charging, or simply isn't ready to change the way they refuel their car.
Why buyers might consider it: Familiar SUV practicality, conventional hybrid convenience and no external charging required.
4. Hyundai Kona Hybrid
Need something smaller?
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid offers hybrid technology in a more compact SUV package.
It recorded 8,086 hybrid sales during the first half of 2026, up 68.5 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier. That placed it just behind the Tucson among Australia's best-selling conventional hybrids.
Its smaller footprint can make it particularly well suited to city driving, commuting and buyers who don't need the extra space of a medium or large SUV.
Importantly, the Kona is also available with different powertrain options, including a fully electric version. For buyers still deciding how far they want to move towards electrification, that gives them several ways to approach the same vehicle.
Why buyers might consider it: Compact dimensions, strong 2026 sales growth and hybrid efficiency without needing a charger.
5. BYD Sealion 8
One of the newest vehicles on this last has wasted little time finding Australian buyers.
The BYD Sealion 8 recorded 5,380 sales during the first half of 2026, making it Australia's second-best-selling PHEV despite being a new model.
Its early popularity also reflects a broader change happening in Australia's car market. Buyers now have access to considerably more electrified models, including new PHEVs from brands that were barely known locally a few years ago.
For drivers who like the idea of completing shorter journeys using electric power but still want a petrol engine available for longer trips, the growing PHEV market provides another option between a conventional hybrid and a fully electric vehicle.
Why buyers might consider it: A newer plug-in hybrid option with strong early Australian sales and SUV practicality.
HEV vs PHEV: what's the difference?
Although they're both called hybrids, there is an important distinction.
HEVs, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, don't need to be plugged in. Their batteries are charged through the vehicle's engine and regenerative braking system.
PHEVs, such as the BYD Shark 6 and Sealion 8, have larger batteries that can be charged from an external power source. This generally gives them greater electric-only driving capability.
Which approach suits you will depend on how and where you drive.
Someone without access to convenient charging may prefer the simplicity of an HEV. Someone who can regularly charge at home and mostly drives shorter distances may be able to make greater use of a PHEV's electric driving capability.
Can you get a hybrid car on a novated lease?
For eligible employees, many hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles can be included in a novated lease.
A novated lease allows eligible vehicles costs to be packaged through your salary, with payments generally covering the vehicle and budgeted running costs such as registration, insurance, servicing and fuel or charging.
However, there is an important tax distinction between hybrids, PHEVs and fully electric vehicles.
Under current Australian rules, conventional hybrids do not qualify for the Electric Car Discount simply because they use hybrid technology.
The general Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for new PHEV arrangements also ended on 1 April 2025.Transitional rules may apply to some eligible arrangements entered into before that date.
Battery electric vehicles that meet the relevant eligibility requirements can continue to qualify for the Electric Car Discount.
Because eligibility and tax treatment depend on individual circumstances and current rules, it's worth checking the latest requirements before choosing a vehicle or entering into an arrangement.
Are hybrid cars worth considering in 2026?
There isn't one powertrain that will suit every Australian driver.
That's part of what makes the current car market interesting.
A conventional hybrid can provide improved fuel efficiency without requiring charging. A PHEV adds the ability to plug in and complete more driving using electricity. A battery electric vehicle removes the petrol engine altogether.
The right option comes down to your driving habits, access to charging, vehicle requirements and budget.
What is clear is that Australian buyers are increasingly looking beyond traditional petrol and diesel cars. In the first half of 2026 alone, hybrid and PHEV sales both grew, with PHEV sales more than doubling year on year.
And with more models arriving, there's now considerably more choice for drivers looking to make their next car an electrified one.
Thinking about your next car?
If you're considering a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, understanding how the different options work is a good place to start.
We can help you explore your vehicle options and understand how a novated lease could work for you.