What is the Best Hybrid Car in Canada?
Written by DriveAxis.ca January 05, 2022
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) have long been a solution waiting for more public recognition. These days, as gas prices soar and people become more aware about the environment, that time has never been more appropriate. As a result, numerous car manufacturers have unveiled their version of a low-emissions vehicle that can meet the needs of the average urban family.
And, to help promote PHEV sales and their widespread use, the Canadian federal government is doing its part. In 2019, they launched a program called Incentive for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) where Canadian consumers can receive rebates for purchasing PHEVs.
According to the program, rebates vary depending on the electric-only driving range of the purchased car. Customers that purchase PHEVs capable of longer distances on electric-only charges become eligible for a $5,000 iZEV rebate. On the other hand, a purchase of PHEVs with shorter-range electric capabilities will provide an iZEV rebate of $2,500.
As many manufacturers release PHEVs as low-carbon complements to existing vehicle models, the iZEV rebate represents a unique purchasing opportunity for Canadian drivers. In cases where the iZEV rebate exceeds the price difference between the hybrid and non-hybrid models, the price of a PHEV can actually become less than the cost of the gas-powered version.
With these enormous discounts, we can see that there has never been a better time to buy a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.
Take a look at the following list of PHEVs to decide for yourself what you think is the best hybrid car in Canada:
- Toyota Prius Prime
- Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Plug-in
- Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- Mini Countryman Cooper SE All4
- Ford Escape PHEV
- Toyota RAV4 Prime
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
- Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in
- BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid
- Honda Clarity
- 2020 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Toyota Prius Prime
Electric-Only Range: 40 km
Total Combined Range: 995 km
MSRP: $33,550
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $2,500
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 1.8 Le/100 km
Although not everyone would enjoy making the change to a hybrid car, the Toyota Prius Prime makes a compelling case for new converts. This hybrid sedan offers great fuel economy that will reportedly save Canadian drivers up to $6,800 in fuel costs over five years. Not only that, a full electric change and a tank of gas will allow a Prius Prime to drive nearly 1,000 km before needing to stop for refueling.
As a fuel-efficient car that rides and handles well, the Prius Prime is sure to attract a lot of attention from PHEV-seeking customers.
Features:
- Hands-free keyless entry for the driver's door
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Satellite radio
- Toyota Connected Services (with free trial plan)
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Plug-in
Electric-Only Range: 27 km
Total Combined Range: 747 km
MSRP: $42,495
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $2,500
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 2.6 Le/100 km
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a PHEV that offers a comparatively low electric-only range of 27 km. And yet, this subcompact SUV still manages to impress with its standard AWD, attractive interior, and spacious front seating – all while offering a iZEV rebate worth $2,500.
Features:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- 8-inch touch screen
- Smartphone connectivity
- Wi-Fi hot spot
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Electric-Only Range: 51 km
Total Combined Range: 784 km
MSRP: $55,990
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $7,500
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 2.9 Le/100 km
As Canada’s only commercially-available PHEV that is made inside the country, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stands out with its sturdy construction and crowd-pleasing value. This minivan features a peppy acceleration with good handling, resulting in a smooth ride.
With an abundance of interior space that can seat seven people in three rows in addition to ample cargo space, the Pacifica is a remarkably family-friendly PHEV that is sure to win over new Canadian drivers.
Features:
- Highly intuitive 10.1-inch touch screen
- Amazon Alexa
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Power liftgate
- Power-sliding rear doors
- Stow ‘n Go third-row bench seat
Mini Countryman Cooper SE All4
Electric-Only Range: 29 km
Total Combined Range: 451 km
MSRP: $44,990
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $2,500
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 3.2 Le/100 km
The Mini Country Cooper SE AII4 aims to serve as the fun little car that serves up big value. This subcompact crossover offers customers a choice of powertrains that feature strong acceleration, giving it pep that’s matched by sporty handling and a standard AWD.
Featuring a $2,500 iZEV rebate, the Countryman Cooper offers great value for environmentally-conscious drivers.
Features:
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Panoramic roof
- Power liftgate
- 8.8-inch touch screen
- Apple CarPlay
Ford Escape PHEV
Electric-Only Range: 60 km
MSRP: $37,549
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $2,500
The Ford Escape PHEV makes its case to urban families looking for a roomy compact SUV that can meet their commuting needs. The Escape features a nice interior that is balanced by a spacious cabin with ample cargo space.
Backed by a robust engine, the Escape makes for a fulfilling driving experience that handles remarkably similar to a car, signifying its compatibility for urban drivers.
Features:
- Heated front seats
- 8-inch touch screen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Electric-Only Range: 68 km
Total Combined Range: 911 km
MSRP: $44,990
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $5,000
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 2.5 Le/100 km
If there’s one car on this list destined for mainstream success, it would be the RAV4 Prime. With all of its great features, the RAV4 Prime looks like it may be able to convert the same drivers that have made the regular RAV4 a top-selling model for Toyota.
This compact SUV features spacious seating and lots of cargo space to accommodate large families within its luxurious and spacious cabin space. As well, this hybrid looks to go the distance when it comes to total drivable range, boasting drives of 911 km in length without needing to stop for refueling or recharging.
With its strong acceleration and good handling, this RAV4 Prime aims to please a new generation of Toyota drivers.
Features:
- Heated front seats
- 8-inch touch screen
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Amazon Alexa
- Wi-Fi hot spot
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Electric-Only Range: 34 km
Total Combined Range: 592 km
MSRP: $54,995
This remarkable vehicle looks to distinguish itself as the first true off-road PHEV. The Jeep 4xe features a 375-horsepower engine that can muscle through the toughest roads with ease. Unfortunately, the 4xe’s high ambitions are reflected in its high price, something that sadly doesn’t extend to its short all-electric range.
At the same time, this exclusive four-door model offers ample room for 5 passengers as well as cargo space, making it a luxurious, low-emission ride that won’t harshly impact the environment.
Features:
- A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine complemented by two electric motors powered by a 17-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque enabling an eight-speed automatic transmission
- Uconnect® 4C NAV with 8.4-Inch Touchscreen and Premium Audio
- Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Nine-speaker Alpine Premium Audio System
Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in
Electric-Only Range: 47 km
Total Combined Range: 954 km
MSRP: $33,749
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $2,500
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 2.0 Le/100 km
The Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in has the distinction of being the least expensive PHEV on this list. Not only that, this car offers even more value by being extremely fuel efficient, allowing drivers to save even more money on top of its $2,500 iZEV rebate.
Equipped with many standard features, a long warranty, and a sizable cargo space, the Ioniq Plug-in makes for a smart, value-packed choice for PHEV-seeking drivers.
Features:
- 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid
Electric-Only Range: 37 km
Total Combined Range: 486 km
MSRP: $44,950
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $2,500
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 3.1 Le/100 km
Enjoy luxury and support sustainability efforts with the BMW 3 Series Plug-in Hybrid, a high-end car that comes with a $2,500 iZEV rebate. This BMW offers 37 km of electric-only travel and a total gas-and-electric range of 486 km, making it a great choice for people that want a low-emission car that provides comfort as they drive.
Features:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission
- 248 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque
- XtraBoost Sport mode adds an extra 40 hp for 10 seconds
Honda Clarity
Electric-Only Range: 77 km
MSRP: $44,505
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $5,000
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 2.1 Le/100 km
Honda aims to increase its success in Canada’s mid-sized car market with the Clarity, a PHEV that boasts an electric-only range of 77 km. And although this advantage gets reflected in its high price, the Clarity lives up to the Honda brand by including the Honda Sensing Suite of driver-assisted systems as part of its standard features.
Features:
- 8-inch touch screen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front seats
- Honda Sensing Suite
2020 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
Electric-Only Range: 42 km
MSRP: $35,995
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $2,500
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 2.5 Le/100 km
The 2020 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is a subcompact SUV that is out to make a difference. It makes for a fun and environmentally-friendly alternative to the nearly identical Niro hybrid. This car makes for a fun ride that manages to be fuel-efficient, spacious and sporty. As a PHEV, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid looks to imbue each of your commutes with drive and passion.
With its roomy seats, roomy cargo space, and intuitive technology, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers a great driving experience that is complemented by its comfortable ride and handling.
Features:
- Ample cargo: 1,543L of storage space
- Advanced Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- Blind Spot Detection System
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Advanced UVO Intelligence™ system: Smartphone device control
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Electric-Only Range: 39 km
Total Combined Range: 470 km
MSRP: $43,998
Eligible iZEV Rebate: $2,500
Combined Fuel Efficiency Average: 3.2 Le/100 km
After making waves as Canada’s best-selling plug-in hybrid in 2018, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is back. And this time, it has brought even more reasons to keep winning over new hybrid car owners. This mid-size SUV features a standard all-wheel drive and has the distinction of being one of the few PHEVs that can be charged using a Level 3 fast charger.
Features:
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seats
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- USB ports (one front, two rear)
- Six-speaker sound system
Have you decided what is the best hybrid car for you? Or do you want to look at more cars? Shop for cars online by exploring our extensive car inventory! Get approved with DriveAxis.ca, and start driving today!
