Hybrid cars in India have emerged as a prominent segment in the Indian automotive market, blending internal combustion with alternative power sources. Today, numerous automakers produce hybrid cars in India for the general public, showcasing that enhanced fuel efficiency can be achieved at a reasonable price.
Despite having a higher initial cost compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrid cars in India deliver better value for money. They not only alleviate range anxiety but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing pollution.
Major automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Honda, and others now offer energy-efficient hybrid cars in India, effectively lowering long-term running costs. Let’s explore some of these models.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV equipped with robust hybrid technology and an all-wheel-drive system. Introduced in September of the previous year, this SUV offers two engine options.
The first is a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder Atkinson Cycle TNGA petrol engine coupled with an electric motor that powers the front wheels. The sole transmission option is an e-CVT borrowed from Toyota.
The second engine choice is a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder smart hybrid cars in India petrol engine available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Internally, the SUV features a layered dual-tone dashboard with a padded upper section. It includes notable features such as a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, wireless charging, six airbags, connected car technology, and more.
The Grand Vitara’s pricing starts at Rs 10.45 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 19.65 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq.
Additionally, the SUV lineup now includes the Grand Vitara S-CNG, launched in January of the current year.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder stands out as a strong hybrid cars in India, featuring a newly-designed grille with double-layer DRLs (daytime running lights). The car boasts sporty bumpers with a tall air dam, 17-inch rims, and inflated wheel arches for a distinctive appearance.
Inside, it offers a dual-tone interior with padded leather on the dashboard, along with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, AC controls, AC vents, and chrome finish on the door pads.
This SUV comes with two engine options—a mild-hybrid petrol engine and a strong-hybrid petrol engine. The mild hybrid cars in India unit is powered by a 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter engine generating 102bhp of power, paired with a 6-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission.
On the other hand, the strong hybrid cars in India variant utilizes a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine with a power output of 114bhp, coupled with an e-CVT and a battery pack.
Built on Maruti Suzuki’s global platform, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder shares components like the steering wheel, center console, and other control surfaces with Maruti Suzuki models. The strong-hybrid Hyryder is priced between Rs 15.61 lakh and Rs 19.49 lakh, with all prices being ex-showroom.
Honda City eHEV
The Honda City eHEV, introduced in May last year, is available in a single, top-spec ZX trim. It is powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine based on the Atkinson Cycle, coupled with two electric motors. These sedan hybrid cars in India deliver a power output of 124 bhp and a peak torque of 253 Nm.
In terms of safety, the City eHEV is equipped with all four-wheel disc brakes and features Honda Sensing Technology. It includes assistive functions like lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Priced at Rs 19.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Honda City eHEV competes with models such as the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
Toyota Innova Hycross
Launched in December last year, the Toyota Innova Hycross is based on the TNGA platform (Toyota New Global Architecture). It is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TNGA petrol engine, producing 172 bhp of power and 187 Nm of peak torque, mated to a CVT transmission. The Hycross also features a hybrid motor with the same petrol engine, delivering 111 bhp of maximum power and 206 Nm of peak torque, paired with an e-CVT.
Priced between Rs 18.30 lakh and Rs 28.97 lakh (ex-showroom), the Toyota Innova Hycross competes with models like the Innova Crysta, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and Mahindra XUV700.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, available with dual-tone color options in India, is based on the top-spec Alpha variant. This sedan comes with new features like ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Hill Hold Assist as standard. It is equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Under the hood, the Ciaz is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. The engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Offering two transmission choices, the prices for the Ciaz start at Rs. 11.14 lakh (ex-showroom) for the manual variant and Rs. 12.34 lakh (ex-showroom) for the automatic variant. Positioned as Maruti Suzuki’s flagship sedan, the Ciaz competes with rivals such as the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, and Skoda Slavia.
As we wrap up our exploration of the best hybrid cars in India under 20 lakhs, it’s clear that the automotive landscape is undergoing a green revolution. These hybrid cars in India are not just vehicles, each car on this list is a testament to innovation meeting affordability.
When it comes to hybrid cars in India, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, cutting-edge technology, or a seamless blend of power and eco-friendliness, the choices within this budget range cater to a spectrum of preferences.
FAQ
- What are hybrid cars?
Hybrids combine electric motors with gas engines for better fuel economy.
- Are hybrid vehicles good or bad?
Good: eco-friendly, fuel-efficient; Bad: higher cost, less cargo space.
- Are hybrid cars all petrol?
Most hybrids use both gas and electric, some only use electric for short distances.
- What is the most economical hybrid car?
Toyota Prius, with 5 million units sold globally.
- What is the most successful hybrid car?
Toyota Corolla Hybrid, with high MPG and affordability.
