Considering an electrified vehicle but keen to keep the purchase cost in check? Here are South Africa’s 5 most affordable traditional hybrids right now…
In 2025, the bulk of sales in South Africa’s new-energy vehicle (NEV) segment came courtesy of traditional hybrids, which far outsold both fully electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). So, which are the most affordable traditional hybrids (or HEVs) on the market right now?
Also read: 7 most affordable PHEVs in South Africa
Well, we’ve sorted through Mzansi’s new-vehicle market to pick out the 5 HEVs with the lowest starting prices – and all come in at under R550 000. Keep in mind we’ve excluded mild-hybrid offerings from this exercise, instead focusing exclusively on traditional hybrids. Note that pricing below is correct in May 2026.
1. Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Comfort – R439 900
Launched in mid-2025, the Comfort grade of Chery’s Tiggo Cross CSH is officially SA’s most affordable traditional hybrid. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (generating 71 kW and 118 Nm) along with an electric motor that draws from a 1.83 kWh battery pack. According to Chery, this powertrain has total system outputs of 150 kW and 310 Nm, and a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.4 L/100 km.
- Total range (claimed): 1 000 km
- Vehicle warranty: 7-year/150 000 km
- Battery warranty: 10-year/unlimited km
- Service plan: 5-year/60 000 km
2. MG3 1.5 Hybrid+ Luxury – R469 900
This dual-powered derivative tops the MG3 range and holds the title of SA’s most affordable hybrid hatchback. It combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with a hybrid system comprising an electric motor, a 1.83 kWh battery pack and a 3-speed hybrid transmission. The listed fuel consumption is 4.3 L/100 km. While the combustion engine develops 75 kW and 128 Nm, total system outputs stand at 155 kW and 425 Nm.
- Total range (claimed): 837 km
- Vehicle warranty: 7-year/200 000 km
- Battery warranty: seemingly included in vehicle warranty
- Service plan: 3-year/45 000 km
3. Omoda C5 1.5T SHS HEV – R479 900
Having launched in South Africa as recently as April 2026, Omoda’s C5 SHS HEV effectively slots into 3rd place on the list of SA’s most affordable traditional hybrids (though, thanks to its temporary launch price of R469 900, tied the MG3 for 2nd for its first month on the market). This SHS-badged model pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.83 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, delivering combined outputs of 165 kW and 295 Nm to the front wheels. The listed fuel consumption comes in at 4.9 L/100 km.
- Total range (claimed): 1 000+ km
- Vehicle warranty: 5-year/150 000 km
- Battery warranty: 10-year/unlimited km
- Service plan: 5-year/75 000 km
4. Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS – R501 100
The only SA-built model here, the XS version of Toyota’s Corolla Cross HEV was once the most affordable traditional hybrid on the local market but has since been usurped by the 3 Chinese-made models above. The Prospecton-produced crossover uses a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (with a continuously variable transmission), a 1.31 kWh battery pack and an electric motor to produce total system power of 90 kW. Toyota doesn’t quote a combined torque figure, but the petrol mill makes 142 Nm and the electric motor some 163 Nm. The Japanese firm claims a fuel consumption of 4.3 L/100 km.
- Total range (claimed): 837 km
- Vehicle warranty: 3-year/100 000 km
- Battery warranty: 8-year/195 000 km
- Service plan: 6-service/90 000 km
5. Haval Jolion Pro 1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury – R521 450
Positioned atop GWM’s Haval Jolion Pro range, the Ultra Luxury hybrid variant employs a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (with a CVT), an electric motor and a 1.7 kWh battery pack, translating to peak system outputs of 140 kW and 375 Nm. According to the Chinese brand’s local division, the HEV-badged Jolion Pro sips unleaded petrol at a rate of 5.1 L/100 km.
- Total range (claimed): 1 078 km
- Vehicle warranty: 7-year/200 000 km
- Battery warranty: 8-year/150 000 km
- Service plan: 7-year/75 000 km
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is currently the most affordable traditional hybrid (HEV) available in South Africa?
A: The Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Comfort holds the title of South Africa’s most affordable traditional hybrid, priced at R439 900. It features a total system output of 150 kW and 310 Nm, paired with a 1.83 kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed combined fuel consumption of 5.4 L/100 km and a total driving range of 1 000 km.
Q: Which vehicle is South Africa’s most affordable hybrid hatchback?
A: The MG3 1.5 Hybrid+ Luxury is the country’s most affordable hybrid hatchback, priced at R469 900. It matches a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 3-speed hybrid transmission to produce a combined 155 kW and 425 Nm, achieving a highly efficient listed fuel consumption of 4.3 L/100 km.
Q: Is there a locally manufactured hybrid model among the top five most affordable options?
A: Yes, the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS is the only South African-built model on the list, manufactured at Toyota’s Prospecton plant in Durban. Priced at R501 100, it utilises a 1.8-litre engine and an electric motor to generate a combined 90 kW of power, maintaining an exceptional fuel economy rating of 4.3 L/100 km.
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