Hybrid cars remain a popular choice in 2026 for drivers who are not willing to go fully electric but want a nice middle ground between petrol and EV. With so many different hybrid types and body styles to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one to go for.

In this guide, we will highlight the different types of hybrid cars that are available to lease, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. We will also discuss what factors people driving for personal use or for their business should look out for, and how this can inform their decision. 

If you would like some more advice on leasing an electric or a hybrid car, take a look at our guide. 

What are the main types of hybrid car?

Before we discuss which hybrid car would be best to lease in 2026, it’s important to understand the three types of hybrid cars. Knowing the different qualities of each type can better help inform your decision, and you can identify what you want to prioritise with your car choice. 

The three types of hybrid car are as follows:

Mild Hybrid (MHEV)

This type of hybrid car uses a small battery to assist the petrol engine, but it cannot run on electric power alone. The motor can quickly restart the engine when idling, making the stop-start system smoother and more efficient. However, mild hybrids are considered the least efficient of the three options as fuel savings are modest compared to other hybrids and it has limited electric motor power.

Full Hybrid (HEV)

These cars can run on electric power alone for short distances, charging themselves through regenerative braking. This makes it great for city driving. Because it charges itself, no plug is required, making it a much more convenient choice for drivers. 

The way it works is by using a power-split system, where the petrol engine and the electric motor can work together or independently to power the wheels. It can be put in electric mode (the car runs solely on the electric motor at low speeds), hybrid mode (both the petrol engine and electric motor work together for higher power demands), and engine mode (the petrol engine powers the car directly with the electric motor assisting when required). 

With full hybrids, the main benefits are the fuel efficiency, the production of low emissions, and the versatility. 

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery than the previous two, meaning it can be charged externally. This allows for a meaningful electric-only range. Because of this, plug-in hybrid cars are extremely fuel-efficient, as for shorter journeys you can rely completely on electricity. This will also save you money in the long run. 

These cars still have a combustion engine that works alongside the electric motor, so for longer trips where the battery might run out, the other engine will take over. This can alleviate any stress a driver would have if they’re embarking on a longer commute.

Another added benefit of a plug-in hybrid car is that there are zero emissions when it is in electric mode. You can rest assured your car will drive silently and you will also improve your carbon footprint and improve the local air quality.

What to look out for when leasing a hybrid 

Because there are so many different benefits to leasing a hybrid car, you might be wondering what factors you should look out for when finding the right lease. Different people will want to prioritise different things, such as boot space and fuel economy, so it’s important to understand which cars have the qualities you most desire before signing the lease.

• Electric range – This describes how far a hybrid car can travel only on their electric charge. This is especially important for PHEVs.
• Real-world fuel economy – This is the opposite of electric range, as it describes how far a car can travel on fuel alone. This would be important for MHEVs and HEVs.
• Boot space and practicality – For people who have large families or frequently go on trips, the space of their boot will be an important factor in deciding which hybrid car to lease. 
• BiK rate for business drivers – BiK rate, which stands for Benefit-in-Kind rate, is a type of tax applied to companies and employees. This affects company cars, which is why it’s an important factor for business owners when leasing cars for their company. Hybrid and EVs have a significantly lower BiK rate than standard fuel cars, which makes them a great choice when a company is thinking about leasing a car.
• Charging capability and cable type – You have to be aware of the charging capabilities of your hybrid car and the type of cable they use to charge with. Different cable types are used for different car models, and they support different charging ports. 
• Lease cost vs petrol equivalent – When looking at leasing a hybrid car, you have to see if the initial price of the lease is worth it for the amount of fuel you will also have to pay for when you start running the car. For example, hybrid cars tend to have a higher initial cost, but you save money on fuel consumption as some types can run on electric power solely. 

What cars are available to lease?

We have listed below some of the hybrid cars available to lease, and what qualities make them worth leasing:

KIA Sorento

A KIA Sorento is an SUV/Crossover suitable for all conditions. It is an HEV, which means it runs on both an electric motor and a regular petrol engine. It also does not need a plug, as it charges itself, so that is an expense you will not have to worry about. With fuel economy of 40.9 MPG, and seven seats with lots of luggage space, this car is perfect for families who want to save on fuel consumption and tend to use the car for shorter journeys. 

If you were to lease a KIA Sorento car for 4 years, you are looking at a monthly cost of around £563.80. However, this price can change if you decide to edit the mileage allowance or the initial rent cost.

Renault Symbioz

The Renault Symbioz is a stylish, tech-focused SUV built for everyday versatility and family comfort, offering a choice of mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains across three trims: Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine..

Inside, a striking 10.4-inch multimedia touchscreen with integrated Google Automotive Services sits alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while wireless phone charging and front and rear USB-C ports keep everyone connected on the move. With a 4-Star NCAP safety rating and intelligent driver assistance features including Emergency Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert, the Symbioz offers confidence as well as convenience. 

Geely Starray

A Geely Starray is a new to market SUV that is quickly becoming a Leasing Options favorite. It’s packed with an abundance of tech, it has an extra large cabin and has earned a Guinness World Record for ‘Lowest fuel consumption by a plug-in hybrid’. It has a combined range of between 585-618 miles and Geely reports you can get up to 200 mpg. Unlike most cars within its price range the Starray has some decent kit, it’s app controlled, has built in voice-control, a 360 degree 3D camera and heated seats as standard.

Read our Geely Starray buyers guide where we break down each of the three trim levels and help you decide which one is right for you.

Hyundai Tuscon 

A Hyundai Tuscon is one of the most popular SUVs on the market, and it’s no surprise why. Its spacious interior and 577-litre boot allows large groups to travel comfortably with room for luggage, and its plug-in capabilities mean you can travel up to 38 miles on electric power alone. So not only is it a spacious and cost-efficient vehicle, it’s also eco-friendly. 

It’s great for families or people who frequently go on trips with large groups. If you choose the plug-in option, however, you will have to think about installing an EV charger. At Leasing Options, you can purchase an Ohme EV charger at a discount and save more than £500 a year on home charging.

BMW 7 Series

There are many cars in this range that can be customised to your liking. A choice of plug-in hybrid can be chosen, saving you money on fuel and minimising your carbon footprint. BMW 7 Series are on the lighter end, with less boot space compared to SUVs, but due to the BMW’s OKL platform, it still has strength. 

The BMW 7 Series Saloon would be great for drivers who may not want to commit fully to an EV but want the fuel-efficient capacities of a hybrid.

Mazda CX-60 

A Mazda CX-60 is one of the brand’s first premium SUVs with plug-in hybrid technology. It’s considered one of the most powerful models in the Mazda range, and due to its hybrid qualities, it has an electric range up to 39 miles before the regular engine takes over seamlessly.

Good legroom in the back means there is enough space for three adult passengers to sit comfortably, and with a 570-litre boot, there is ample room for luggage from multiple passengers. 

Toyota Prius

Toyotas are a well-renowned car brand and came up with the first hybrid car. They have only built upon that idea and now we have models like the Toyota Prius. With two types of trims to choose from, you will not regret leasing this car thanks to a fuel economy of 72 MPG and space for four adults to sit comfortably.
 

Kia Sportage

A Kia Sportage is one of the most popular cars in the UK and a Leasing Options favourite. Ideal for family life, this car is a versatile SUV with enough space for 5 adults and boasts a huge 591-litre boot. You can choose from mild hybrid, full hybrid, or plug-in hybrid to tailor the car to your specific needs and wishes. Not only that, but it also has an electric range up to 43 miles, making it the perfect car for urban living and those wanting to save money on fuel prices.

Cupra Terramar 

A new face in the SUV market, the Cupra Terramar blends a sporty style with a driver centric interior with plug-in capabilities. Due to it being a hybrid car, it helps save fuel by capturing energy when the car slows down or remains idle. This is an excellent way to boost fuel efficiency and can help you save money in the long run.

If you choose a plug-in model, you are looking at an electric range up to 70 miles, and with two kinds of chargers that both support fast charging at home or on the go, the Cupra Terramar is the perfect car for any sized family, big or small. If you want eco-friendly efficiency, or all-out performance, this car has you covered.

Read our Terramar buyers guide where we break down each of the four trim levels and help you decide which one is right for you.
 

Hybrid leasing for business drivers 

If you are leasing the car for your company or business, there is BiK to consider. The amount of money you are taxed by BiK should inform your decision on what kind of car you want to lease. As a whole, hybrid cars have a much lower BiK rate than petrol and diesel, but it’s EVs that have the lowest rate out of all of them. If you’re wanting to save your company a bit of money, then choosing a hybrid car isn’t a bad choice, but you could be saving more by using an EV despite the initial rental cost of an EV being the highest.

Due to the changing landscape with Euro 6e-bis emission testing from April 2026, the accepted carbon emissions PHEVs produce may change. Because of this, the BiK rate may change as well, meaning companies that use hybrid vehicles may end up paying a higher BiK rate. This is where businesses need to decide whether it’s time to go fully electric for their company cars as it would be the most eco-conscious and the most tax efficient. 

Are hybrids still worth leasing in 2026?

For certain drivers, hybrid cars are still worth leasing in 2026, but in most circumstances EVs outweigh hybrids thanks to their fuel-efficiency and their plug-in capabilities. But who are most suited to still lease a hybrid car in 2026? We have listed some examples where leasing a hybrid care might be more beneficial. Take a look:

• People who travel long distances
• People who lack home charging
• Drivers who are not prepared to fully commit to an electric car

If you are travelling long distances every day, you have to remember that there’s only so far a car can run on electrical power. Once you have hit that limit, you will end up using part of your fuel anyway. EV chargers can also be expensive and certain types of houses can only install them in certain ways, so it’s a matter of being able to afford one and install one properly. 

However, for urban drivers who only travel short distances, or for business owners looking to lease a car for their employees, EVs may be the more practical leasing option.

With urban drivers, since you are only travelling short distances every day, you will be able to power your whole trip on electricity, saving you money on fuel. And for business owners, not only will you be saving on fuel, but your BiK rate will be significantly lower.

There are pros and cons to both hybrids and EVs, and it’s up to the driver to decide which one would be better suited for their everyday needs and obstacles.

If you are looking for hybrid car lease deals, then browse our range on the Leasing Options website. As one of the UK’s most trusted leasing brokers with over 35 years in the industry, you are bound to find a leasing deal that is perfect for you. And if you have any more questions, contact our team and find out anything you need to know about leasing your next hybrid car.