Best Hybrid Cars by Price, Size & Category in Aus

From 4x4 SUVs to utes, Australians are in love with adventure vehicles, and that love has only grown in recent years. There are plenty of off-road-capable large SUV options, but their prices can quickly stretch to close to $100k. That’s where GWM comes in. Launching its Tank sub-brand earlier this year, the Chinese automaker is tackling the more affordable end of the 4x4 wagon segment with its 300. And after waiting nearly a year, the petrol-electric hybrid version is finally on sale. It represents a unique proposition for buyers wanting capability but also efficiency.

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne has something for everyone - from the outrageously fast Turbo GT Coupe to this, more frugal, E-Hybrid.This pairs a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor for a combination of performance and efficiency. There’s a new electric motor and battery for 2024, with the motor now making 130kW/460Nm, a significant 30kW/60Nm improvement over the previous model, which contributes towards a combined system output of 346kW/650Nm The Cayenne E-Hybrid has a new and improved 25.9kWh battery which allows for a theoretical 86km of driving on electric power alone. It also helps contribute to a claimed fuel economy rating of just 1.9L/100km; although, like all plug-in hybrids, achieving that figure in the real world is challenging in our experience.Porsche has also added a new on-board AC charger that increases capacity from 7.2kW to 11kW, so with a high-voltage charger the battery can be replenished in just over two hours.The Cayenne E-Hybrid is priced from $154,600 and comes equipped with LED Matrix beam headlights as well as 14-way electronically adjustable front seats, a head-up display, partial leather interior (in black), a new 12.6-inch digital instrument display and a 150W, 10-speaker sound system.There’s a redesigned exterior and interior, which toughens up the looks on the outside and creates a more stylish and practical inside. The Cayenne is by far the most family-friendly Porsche you can buy, with enough room in the back for two adults or older teenagers to sit comfortably, or enough room for three younger children. Safety equipment for the E-Hybrid includes front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, plus autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a surround view parking system.Combine the hybrid powertrain and practical and spacious cabin with the strong safety credentials and style and it makes for one of the most sensible models the brand offers. Whether that’s still enough to sway buyers from making the leap to an all-electric alternative remains to be seen.

The Lexus LM is a rival for premium people movers like the Mercedes-Benz EQV, and there’s a good chance many owners will be driven around in this vehicle rather than getting behind the wheel themselves. Although if they do, they’ll be rewarded with a plush, cosseting drive experience.Sitting above the LM350h is the flagship LM500h which is about $220,000. Rather than being a seven-seater like its sibling, the 500h is strictly a four-seater.Behind the front compartment are two big captain’s chairs that recline flat if required. Standard gear includes a digital rearview mirror, and a 14.0-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head up display, seven USB ports, a smartphone charger and a rear 14.0-inch multimedia display.The 500h adds niceties like a separation partition with elevating and dimmable glass, that doubles as a 48.0-inch widescreen display to watch films and TV, or take conference calls with. The 500h combines a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a hybrid setup, making for power and torque of 202kW and 460Nm respectively. It has all-wheel drive and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.The extensive safety suite includes intersection assist, and a pre-collision system with vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist and daytime motorcyclist detection, and a lot more.