Current and Upcoming Hybrid Cars and SUVs: Complete List
Our automotive market is evolving rapidly as carmakers adopt hybrid technology to ease the shift from petrol-powered engines to fully electric vehicles. With fuel prices climbing and EV infrastructure still developing, strong hybrid vehicles have carved out a compelling middle ground. They deliver excellent fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and offer the reliability of conventional fuelling, without the range anxiety that often accompanies EVs.
Strong hybrids are distinct from mild hybrids. They can operate in pure electric mode at lower speeds and switch intelligently between petrol and electric power as needed. Their fuel efficiency too is significantly greater than petrol-only or mild hybrid counterparts. This flexibility allows them to achieve significantly better real-world fuel economy than conventional cars, while still offering everyday convenience.
Current Strong Hybrid Leaders
For buyers today, several strong hybrid models across segments offer well-rounded packages focused on efficiency, comfort, and feature-rich cabins.
Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara and Toyota’s Urban Cruiser Hyryder are the most prominent in the compact SUV space. They share the same 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain and deliver an impressive mileage of 27.97 kmpl. While both cars offer similar performance and economy, brand positioning and dealership experience vary. The Grand Vitara Alpha Plus variant is priced at ₹19.92 lakh, while the Hyryder’s top hybrid trim costs ₹19.99 lakh.
In the sedan category, the Honda City Hybrid stands alone. Priced at ₹20.75 lakh, it pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and returns 27.13 kmpl. It also brings in features like ADAS, wireless charging, and a more refined driving experience, making it a viable alternative to conventional premium sedans.
At the higher end, the Toyota Innova Hycross dominates the MPV segment. It combines a 2.0-litre hybrid setup with premium touches like ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety tech. Power output is 183.72 bhp with a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.24 kmpl. Prices range from ₹26.31 to ₹32.58 lakh. Maruti’s Invicto, a badge-engineered version of the Hycross, brings similar specs and features but through Maruti’s wider dealer network, priced between ₹25.51 and ₹29.22 lakh.
What’s Coming Next
The hybrid wave is only beginning. Over the next few years, several mainstream manufacturers are gearing up to expand their hybrid portfolios, targeting both affordability and scale.
One of the most awaited launches is Maruti’s Escudo (Y17), expected around Diwali 2025. It will sit between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara and will be sold via Arena dealerships. While the Escudo is expected to use the same hybrid setup as the Grand Vitara, it will likely offer a longer wheelbase and better luggage space—catering to more practical buyers.
Toyota is expected to launch its own version of the Escudo, continuing the partnership that brought us the Grand Vitara and Hyryder. This shared development helps control costs while allowing each brand to position the product uniquely.
Hyundai, a relatively late entrant in the hybrid space, plans to introduce a Creta hybrid with its next generation in 2027. While still some distance away, it marks the company’s growing interest in electrified solutions.
Kia, on the other hand, is set to launch a Seltos hybrid by 2026. The company has already committed to having hybrids account for a quarter of its total sales by 2030. The Seltos hybrid is expected to adopt a 1.5-litre petrol-electric combination similar to its rivals.
Maruti’s Fronx hybrid, possibly arriving in 2026, could be the most efficient car in its class. Reports suggest it could deliver up to 35 kmpl thanks to a new Z12 engine paired with a strong hybrid system. This would be a game-changer for budget-conscious buyers seeking cutting-edge efficiency in a compact footprint.
What it means for you as Car Buyer
Each of these launches is aimed at a clearly defined market segment. The Escudo will target value-seeking mid-size SUV buyers. The Fronx hybrid, if priced competitively, could create a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in the compact SUV space.
Affordability remains a key challenge. Currently, strong hybrids command a premium of ₹2–3 lakh over their petrol counterparts. However, as local manufacturing increases and competition intensifies, this price gap is expected to shrink. The bet from automakers is that long-term fuel savings and environmental awareness will sway more buyers.
Meanwhile, the technology itself is becoming more refined. Future systems will likely offer longer electric-only range, smoother transitions between petrol and electric modes, and more efficient regenerative braking. These improvements will push hybrids closer to EV-like efficiency without the associated infrastructure hurdles.
The rise of strong hybrids signals more than just improved mileage. It reflects the auto industry’s transitional mindset, bridging today's practical needs with tomorrow’s electric aspirations. For you, this growing crop of hybrids offers more choice, better running costs, and fewer compromises than ever before.