Electrified vehicles are a hot topic in New Zealand, thanks to rising fuel prices, increasing climate change awareness and a Government Clean Car Importer Standard that still requires distributors to bring in lots of electrified vehicles.
DRIVEN Car Guide is here to help, with a complete guide to every electrified vehicle on sale in NZ, arranged from lowest to highest price.
A hybrid (or HEV) blends a combustion engine with a small battery pack and electric motor. It has the ability to drive on electric power alone, but usually only for very short distances: from a few hundred metres to a couple of kilometres. The rest of the time the battery/motor assists the combustion engine.
Note that you don't plug in a hybrid/HEV. The battery is recharged by energy recovered from braking and deceleration, or sometimes from the combustion engine when driving conditions are suitable.
You don't plug in a HEV. The battery is recharged by energy recovered from braking and deceleration, and sometimes by the engine.
Our guide doesn't include "mild hybrid" (MHEV) vehicles, which have a similar ability to recover and store energy to reduce fuel consumption, but don't generally have the ability to drive on electric power alone.
MG3 HYBRID+
The new MG3 is officially NZ's cheapest full hybrid. And with an impressively comprehensive hybrid system at that: with a relatively large 1.83kW battery it puts a lot of emphasis on electric driving, with help from the petrol engine either as a range extender or to drive the wheels.
The lineup opens with the Excite; the range-topping Essence adds a 360-degree camera, LED lights, keyless entry and MG's iSmart mobile app.
Price $29,990-$31,990 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 155kW (combined) Consumption 4.3l/100km
Read DRIVEN Car Guide's review of the MG3
TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID
Toyota's supermini-sized Yaris made several generational leaps when the latest model was launched in 2020, with a completely new platform lots of new technology and the additional of a hybrid powertrain option for the first time in NZ (although petrol-electric versions of previous models have appeared on the used-import market).
The hybrid matches a three-cylinder petrol engine with a lithium-ion battery pack, resulting in truly outstanding fuel economy figures. Toyota offers the hybrid in both entry GX and more luxurious ZR trims.
Price $32,490-$39,890 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol three-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 85kW (combined)/120Nm Consumption 3.3l/100km
Read DRIVEN's review of the Toyota Yaris hybrid
MG ZS HYBRID+
The ZS compact-city is best known as a pure-electric model, but in this new-generation model MG has introduced its Hybrid+ petrol-electric technology.
Available in Excite and Essence models to align with other MG models, the Hybrid+ has an outwardly complicated "hybrid transmission" that ultimately is very easy to drive.
Price $36,990-$39,990 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol engine 1.83kWh battery and hybrid electric system, FWD Power/torque 158kW/465Nm (combined) Consumption 5.2l/100km
TOYOTA COROLLA HYBRID
Toyota NZ's Corolla hybrid is now in its second generation. Launched in the previous model in 2016, the petrol-electric powertrain was improved and the model range expanded for the latest version from 2018: a bit less power, but better efficiency.
There's now a three-tier Corolla hybrid lineup, from the GX to the SX to the top-of-the-line ZR (and you can even get extra-fancy with a two-tone model). The hatch remains the core body shape, but you can also have a wagon.
Price $37,490-$44,990 Powertrain 1.8-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 90kW (combined) Consumption 4.2l/100km
HONDA JAZZ E:HEV
Honda's e:HEV technology now dominates the revised range. The ICE-only entry-level Life version has been dropped, leaving the SUV-like Crosstar as the only pure-petrol model. A more powerful hybrid powertrain now features in the flagship Luxe - now called Luxe Sport - and a new model, the RS. There's even a dressed-up RS Mugen version.
You don't plug e:HEV in, so it's not technically an EV. But nor does the petrol engine drive the wheels like most other hybrids. Instead, it mostly acts as a generator to either feed power to the battery pack and/or drive the electric motor, which then drives the wheels.
Price $36,700-$42,000 Powertrain 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine with hybrid electric system, continuously variable transmission, FWD Power/torque 78kW/127Nm (petrol), 90kW/253Nm (electric) Consumption 3.8l/100km
Read DRIVEN's review of the Honda Jazz e:HEV
GWM HAVAL JOLION
The Jolion was the first of a new generation of globally focused models from Haval, Great Wall Motors' SUV brand, when it was launched in 2020. A hybrid powertrain option is a more recent addition, pairing a 1.5-litre petrol engine to a battery and single electric motor combo. The transmission is a dedicated two-speed unit.

The refreshed-for-2024 Jolion HEV comes in Premium, Lux or flagship Ultra specifications. The hybrid is now significantly upgraded over the standard petrol Jolion well beyond the powertrain, with different styling and multi-link rear suspension instead of the torsion beam.
Price $34,990-$40,990 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, 2-speed automatic, FWD Power/torque 140kW/375Nm Consumption 5.1l/100km
HAVAL H6 HEV
A larger and slightly newer sibling to the Haval Jolion compact-SUV, the H6 moves the technology and quality game even further on for China's GWM. The H6 is aimed right at the medium-SUV heartland of the Kiwi car market.
The H6 HEV carries over the hybrid powertrain from Jolion, but like its smaller stablemate there's a choice of specification: the new entry Lux or the top Ultra.
Price $35,990-$46,990 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, 2-speed automatic, FWD Power/torque 179kW/530Nm (combined) Consumption 5.8l/100km
TOYOTA YARIS CROSS HYBRID
Ostensibly, the Yaris Cross hybrid is simply an SUV version of the Yaris hatch, with higher ground clearance. Same basic powertrain and platform.
But you can also think of the Cross as a completely different model: larger, more practical and with bespoke styling to set it apart.
Price $38,990-$46,390 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol three-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 85kW (combined)/120Nm Consumption 3.8l/100km
Read DRIVEN's review of the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid
TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS
It's arguably the biggest conceptual change for the ubiquitous Corolla in its long, long history: the addition of the Cross to the family means the most famous small-car in the world is now available as a crossover-SUV. It fits neatly in-between the C-HR and RAV4.
The Cross comes with a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain making 135kW combined, with either front drive or Toyota's clever E-Four AWD - albeit only as an option on the flagship Limited.
Price $42,790-$53,190 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD or AWD Power/torque 135kW (combined)/190Nm Consumption 4.8-4.9l/100km
KIA NIRO HEV
Kia's electrified-only compact SUV comes in BEV, PHEV or hybrid models. The latter makes a strong case in terms of sheer value for money, with prices starting at just over $40k and four different models to choose from: Light, Earth, Water and GT-Line.
As with sister brand Hyundai, the petrol-electric powertrain gets a boost in terms of driver-appeal by employing a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Price $44,990-$59,990 Powertrain 1.6-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system (1.32kWh battery), 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, FWD Power/torque 77kW/144Nm (engine) and 32kW/170Nm (electric) Consumption 4.4l/100km
HONDA HR-V
After two years away form the NZ market, the HR-V compact-SUV is back in all-new form, using the same e:HEV hybrid technology as the larger ZR-V and CR-V models.
The HR-V is available in just one model for now: the Sport, with a 1.5-litre engine (same as Jazz, smaller than ZR-V and CR-V). Also like Jazz, the HR-V features Honda's clever Magic Seat configuration, giving it one-up on its larger SUV siblings.
Price $45,800 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, continuously variable transmission, FWD Power/torque 78kW/127Nm (engine) and 96kW/253Nm (electric) Consumption 4.3l/100km
PEUGEOT 208
The facelifted 208 GT arrives in NZ solely in hybrid form, with a 48-volt power system and electric motor integrated into the transmission. Power and torque are almost identical to the previous ICE version, fuel consumption has been reduced by 1.4l/100km.
You can spot the new 208 by its extra LED "claws" in the front bumper. The hybrid also picks up the body-colour grille previously only offer on the pure-electric model.
Price $45,990 Powertrain 1.2-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 100kW/230Nm (combined) Consumption 4.7l/100km
TOYOTA C-HR
The C-HR was always intended to add some wow-factor to Toyota's mainstream SUV lineup, but the all-new model has also stepped up significantly in design and technology.
The mainstream models have a 1.8-litre engine and FWD, but the new GR Sport boasts a larger-capacity 2.0-litre engine with Toyota's E-Four AWD.
Price $45,990-$56,990 Powertrain 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD or AWD Power/torque 103kW (combined)/142Nm (engine) or 145kW (combined)/190Nm (engine) Consumption 4.4-4.5l/100km
TOYOTA CAMRY
How times change. Once upon a time, the Camry sedan was the default Toyota family-car choice, but in these days of SUVs it's almost a niche model.
The facelift model has adopted a more contemporary (some might say wacky) look, and is still available in a comprehensive lineup of GX, SX and ZR specifications.
Price $49,990-$57,990 Powertrain 2.5-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 170kW (combined)/221Nm Consumption 4.5l/100km
SUBARU CROSSTREK
What used to be the XV is now the Crosstrek. But there's more than just a new badge: this is a proper model change, with freshened styling inside and out - including more aggressive crossover cladding and an 11.6in portrait touch screen.
The e-Boxer powertrain is an undeniably mild application of electrification to Subaru's compact crossover/SUV. But the "motor assist" system makes it a full hybrid nonetheless and while it only offers small fuel-economy gains over the standard Crosstrek (0.7l/100km), we reckon it makes for a better drive.
Price $46,990-$51,990 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, AWD Power/torque 110kW/196Nm (petrol), 12kW/66Nm (electric) Consumption 6.5l/100km
Read DRIVEN's review of the Subaru Crosstrek
TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID
RAV4 sales are now purely hybrid for NZ. It's frugal and the E-Four AWD system is clever, too, with the rear axle powered only by the battery, giving precise control.
There are five separate variants, ranging from the entry GX to the lifestyle-oriented Adventure.
Price $48,790-$60,990 Powertrain 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, AWD Power/torque 163kW (combined)/221Nm Consumption 4.8l/100km
Read DRIVEN's review of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid
PEUGEOT 2008
Peugeot is spreading its sweet 3-cylinder hybrid powertrain as far and wide as it can. While the 2008 compact-SUV is still available in pure-petrol form (unlike its 208 or 3008 siblings), you can also now have it with petrol-electric power.
It comes only in top GT specification, for an extra $5k over the equivalent ICE version.
Price $49,990 Powertrain 1.2-litre petrol 3-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, 6-speed automated dual-clutch transmission, FWD Power/torque 100kW/230Nm Consumption 4.9l/100km
NISSAN QASHQAI E-POWER
A quiet achiever in the sales charts for decades, the Qashqai is something of a crossover pioneer: one of the first SUV-style family cars to be available in front-drive only, making it very much an on-road car only.
The latest generation also serves up Nissan's clever e-Power hybrid technology, with the electric motor driving the wheels most of the time and the petrol engine used mainly as a generator. The e-Power powertrain comes only in the higher-specification grades, Ti and Ti-L.
Price $51,990-$56,990 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol 3-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 140kW/330Nm (combined) Consumption 5.3l/100km (3P-WLTP)
HYUNDAI KONA HYBRID
There's still a wait for the pure-electric version of Hyundai's all-new Kona, but the full range of petrol-electric hybrids is here right now.
As with the previous model, the new Kona Hybrid is based around a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine with 1.32kWh battery and electric motor. You can have it in everything from a base Active to dressed-up N Line specification.
Price $52,990-$65,990 Powertrain 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, 6-speed automated dual clutch transmission, FWD Power/torque 104kW/265Nm (combined) Consumption 4.3l/100km
FORD ESCAPE FHEV
Following the Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), comes a conventional hybrid version of its medium-sized SUV - which the company calls an FHEV, meaning "full hybrid", a way of distinguishing this tech from the growing number of mild hybrid (MHEV) models it offers.
The facelifted Escape hybrid comprises two models, the new Titanium FWD and the flagship ST-Line X AWD. Both are powered by the familiar 2.5-litre petrol engine, paired with a lithium battery and electric motor(s).
Price $59,990-$66,490 Powertrain 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD or AWD Power/torque 132kW (combined) Consumption 5.3-5.6l/100km
SUBARU FORESTER e-BOXER
The Forester e-Boxer employs the same hybrid powertrain as the smaller XV, with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and modest electric motor. That means a bit of step down from the standard Forester models in terms of engine capacity (they are 2.5 litres) and performance, for a modest nine per cent gain in overall fuel economy. Bu the hybrid tech makes more of an impact in urban driving, with a 19 per cent fuel economy improvement.
Subaru has spread the e-Boxer powertrain over two models: an entry version called Sport and the top Premium, which comes fully loaded in line with the rest of the Forester range.
Price $52,490-$56,990 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, AWD Power/torque 110kW/196Nm (petrol), 12kW/66Nm (electric) Consumption 6.7l/100km
Read DRIVEN's review of the Subaru Forester e-Boxer
KIA SPORTAGE
Kia's refined new Sportage hybrid matches a 1.6-litre engine to a smooth electric motor, giving the Korean brand a genuine rival for the market-leading Toyota RAV4.

It's FWD only, but the provision of a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission (rather than the more hybrid-conventional CVT) is a draw for those who enjoy a more engaging driving experience.
Price $53,990-$55,390 Powertrain 1.6-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, 6-speed automatic, FWD Power/torque 169kW/350Nm Consumption 5.4l/100km
HONDA ZR-V SPORT
Honda's new hybrid SUV fits neatly in between the HR-V and CR-V and borrows much of its powertrain technology from the Jazz e:HEV - but with a larger-capacity 2.0-litre petrol engine providing the power for the (mostly) electric drive.
The Sport e:HEV is the flagship of a range that also includes the Turbo ICE model. Expect to see the 2.0-litre e:HEV powertrain in an all-new CR-V in 2023, and potentially the Civic some time next year.
Price $55,000 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, e-CVT, FWD Power/torque 134kW/315Nm (combined) Consumption 5.5l/100km
GWM TANK 300
Put a Suzuki Jimny and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen into a bottle, shake them up and you might get the GWM Tank 300 (from the same company that produces Haval crossover SUVs).
Tank is a hard-core 4x4 with retro-inspired looks. And it's one of the few such vehicles to be available with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
Price $56,990-$61,990 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, 9-speed automatic transmission, AWD Power/torque 255kW/648Nm Consumption 8.9l/100km
PEUGEOT 3008
Avant garde style is a long-standing Peugeot 3008 tradition, and this all-new model pushes it even further forward, with a striking exterior and stunning interior design concept.
For NZ, the new-gen coupe-SUV is now hybrid-only, with the now-ubiquitous 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine and electrified hardware. Peugeot calls it a "mild" hybrid, but it contains an electric motor in the transmission, so we reckon it's the real-deal.
Price $57,990-$62,480 Powertrain 1.2-litre petrol 3-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, 6-speed automated dual-clutch transmission, FWD Power/torque 100kW/230Nm Consumption 5.4l/100km
LEXUS LBX
Lexus is now in the baby-SUV business. Not so hard for the luxury brand, given it has a full range of Toyota technology to draw on.
The cute-looking LBX (that's "Lexus breakthrough crossover" if you were wondering) owes a lot to the Toyota Yaris Cross underneath, including its fizzy three-cylinder engine, although it's distinctively Lexus on top. The entry specification is FWD only, but the top two also bring the option of AWD,
Price $58,900-$68,900 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol three-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD or AWD Power 100kW (combined) Consumption 3.6-3.8l/100km
HONDA CIVIC SR
The facelift version of Honda's 11th-generation Civic hatchback has switched to hybrid power only - and a more luxury oriented specification, including full leather upholstery and an integrated Google Assistant.
Honda's proprietary e:HEV powertrain is similar to that used in the CR-V, running as a range-extender much of the time and using the petrol engine as a generator to make electricity.
Price $59,000 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol 4-cylinder engine with two-motor hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power 104kW/182Nm (petrol), 135kW/315Nm (electric) Consumption 5.1l/100km (3P-WLTP)
HYUNDAI TUCSON
The new Hyundai Tucson Series II has been launched as a hybrid-only model in NZ - at least for the time being, as Active, Elite, Limited and N Line models. There are minor styling updates on the outside and a brand new interior.
The other big change is size. Where the previous Tucson hybrid was a short wheelbase model (smaller than the rest of the Tucson range), the new one has stepped up to full-length.
Price $54,990-$71,990 Powertrain 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD Power/torque 172kW/367Nm (combined) Consumption 4.9-5.6l/100km
ALFA ROMEO TONALE
Alfa Romeo calls its new Tonale a "mild hybrid" and yes, the battery is tiny: 0.8kW. But it does indeed have a small electric motor that can can propel the vehicle for short distances when the petrol engine is off, so we're going to call it a hybrid and be be happy with that.
Tonale is a compact SUV that boasts what Alfa says is "diesel-like" fuel economy. It certainly looks the part and comes in two models, the Ti and Veloce. It represents a whole new generation of electrified models from the Italian brand, including a PHEV to come for NZ.
Price $59,990-$66,990 Powertrain 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, 7-speed automated dual clutch transmission, FWD Power/torque 118kW/240Nm (combined) Consumption 5.6l/100km
NISSAN X-TRAIL E-POWER E-4ORCE
Conventional petrol powertrains continue in the mainstream fourth-generation X-Trail, but for the range-topping models e-Power technology takes over.
There’s a small-capacity petrol engine under the bonnet, but it never drives the wheels; instead, it generates power to charge the battery, which then drives the wheels via electric motors. The e-Power system is not new to Nissan, but the related e-4orce AWD is. Because it’s fully electric, it reacts 10,000 faster than mechanical AWD and allows precise control of each wheel.
Price $59,990-$64,990 Powertrain 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder generator with hybrid electric system and dual electric motors, single speed, AWD Power 157kW (electric motors combined) Consumption 6.1l/100km
Read DRIVEN's review of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power e-4orce
LEXUS UX 250h
The UX compact SUV has just been launched with BEV power, but the mainstay models to date have been the 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrids, which continue in the current range.
There's no shortage of choice: you can have your UX with FWD or AWD, in entry, luxury Limited or slightly edgier-looking F Sport trim.
Price $64,400-$77,500 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD or AWD Power/torque 135kW (combined) Consumption 4.3-4.6l/100km 0-100kmh 8.4-8.6 seconds
KIA SORENTO HYBRID
Kia's seven-seat Sorento is somewhat unique in the mainstream market by offering nearly every powertrain under the sun: petrol, diesel, PHEV and this petrol-electric hybrid, in either 2WD or AWD configurations.
The battery tech is right up there (lithium-ion) and the AWD models even retain good off-tarmac ability, with Terrain Mode Select and a 50/50 lock for slippery surfaces.
Price $64,990-$86,990 Powertrain 1.6-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, FWD or AWD Power/torque 158kW/367Nm (combined) Consumption 5.6l/100km (3P-WLTP)
HONDA CR-V RS e:HEV
Honda's all-new CR-V has adopted the e:HEV technology already seen in the smaller ZR-V - albeit only in the flagship RS model, which features a sportier look, firmer suspension and more equipment.

So the price has taken it more upmarket, but there's plenty in the car that feels pretty premium. And the complex e:HEV hybrid technology under the bonnet is really effective... and really simple for the driver.
Price $67,000 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 109kW/183Nm (petrol), 135kW/335Nm (electric) Consumption 6.4l/100km
Read DRIVEN Car Guide's review of the Honda CR-V RS
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
The Highlander seven-seat SUV has long been a family and fleet favourite in NZ, but it's taken until the latest generation (launched 2021) for a hybrid powertrain to become available to new-vehicle buyers.
But it's been achieved in fine style, with essentially the same powertrain as the smaller RAV4 giving the Highlander an excellent blend of performance (it has 20kW more than the RAV4) and economy. And the E-Four AWD is standard on all models.
Price $69,990-$83,990 Powertrain 2.5-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, AWD Power/torque 184kW(combined)/242Nm Consumption 5.6l/100km
Read DRIVEN Car Guide's review of the Toyota Highlander
GWM CANNON ALPHA ULTRA
Cannon Alpha will always have one claim to fame: it's the first full-hybrid ute to officially go on sale in NZ. Or maybe that should be "pickup truck", because the GWM is one size larger than one-tonners like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, even if it's not quite US-sized.
GWM sells diesel Alphas too, but the hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and electrification including a motor integrated into the transmission. And yes, if you think it looks a lot like the Tank 500 (keep scrolling for that one), it is: virtually identical from the C-pillar forward.
Price $68,990 Powertrain 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, 8-speed automatic, part-time 4WD with low-range Power/torque 255kW(combined)/648Nm Consumption 9.8l/100km
LEXUS IS 300h
The Lexus has always been the Japanese maker's take on the traditional European compact-executive sedan: three-box design, rear-drive chassis, rather driver-centric.
While the brand still offers four and six-cylinder powertrains, the hybrid models have come to the fore in recent years. There's a broad range on offer, from entry-level to luxury Limited to F Sport (which also has a sportier chassis), but all with the same basic powertrain and performance.
Price $79,100-$93,000 Powertrain 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, RWD Power/torque 164kW (combined)/221Nm Consumption 5.7l/100km 0-100km/h 8.5 seconds
Read DRIVEN's review of the Lexus IS 300h
GWM TANK 500
Now that's your full size! The Tank 500 picks up the hybrid powertrain from the smaller retro-style 300, but packages it in a highly luxurious 7-seat SUV. A lot less heritage look, a lot more... chrome.

The 500 is still a very serious 4x4 though, with a full ladder-frame chassis and low range. It also provides the base for GWM's tough new Cannon Alpha ute.
Price $79,990 Powertrain 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, 9-speed automatic, part-time 4WD Power/torque 255kW/648Nm (combined) Consumption 9.5l/100km
LEXUS ES 300h
The ES luxury sedan has come a long way from the "Camry with a cellphone" jibes of two decades ago; although it still owes a lot to its mainstream Toyota sibling, being based on a similar front-drive architecture. It no longer comes with a wired-in cellphone though!
In look and feel, the ES aims to give a little taste of the super-luxury ambience of the larger LS. The hybrid powertrain (there are no conventional petrol models offered) is the same no matter whether you choose the standard, Limited or F Sport model.
Price $80,500-$96,700 Powertrain 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 160kW (combined)/221Nm Consumption 5.3l/100km 0-100km/h 8.9 seconds
KIA CARNIVAL WATER
The turbo-diesel models continue, but the new flagship for the Kia Carnival range of people-movers is the Water hybrid.
It picks up the petrol-electric technology from the brand's Sportage/Sorento hybrids and actually tops the lot for maximum power, with an impressive 180kW.
Price $81,990 Powertrain 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, FWD Power/torque 180kW/367Nm Consumption 6.4l/100km
HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID
The all-new 4th-generation Santa Fe has been launched in NZ as a hybrid only; surprising as it may seem for this 7-seat SUV, a diesel engine is no longer available globally.
The Santa Fe Hybrid comes in three specification levels, including a new flagship Calligraphy model that offers a no-cost-option of switching out the 7-seat configuration for a 6-seat layout with two luxury "captain's chairs" in the centre row.
Price $84,990-$109,990 Powertrain 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with hybrid electric system, 6-speed automatic transmission, AWD Power/torque 173kW/367Nm (combined) Consumption 6.2l/100km
LEXUS NX 350h
There's an all-new NX in town and it won't surprise you to learn to every version is electrified. The two core models featured here are petrol-electric hybrids with lithium-ion batteries, but there's also a flagship model with PHEV power.
The hybrids feature a clever E-Four AWD system (also used for the Toyota RAV4 and larger Lexus RX) that leaves the rear axle powered solely by an electric motor, giving very precise control in open-road or low-traction conditions.
Price $98,700-$108,600 Powertrain 2.5-litre petrol engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, AWD Power/torque 179kW (combined)/239Nm Consumption 4.3-4.6l/100km 0-100km/h 7.7 seconds
Read DRIVEN's review of the Lexus NX 350h
LEXUS RX
The RX was Lexus's original hybrid SUV, and a pioneering "performance hybrid" in its own right in the late-1990s. Five generations later, it's still available with conventional petrol power, but hybrid technology is very much at the forefront of the range.
The all-new RX hybrid has moved to four-cylinder engine, but there's a distinct step up from the 350h to the flagship 500h F Sport Performance, which has a lot more power from a turbo engine (a first for a Toyota/Lexus hybrid) and eschews the CVT gearbox for a more driver-focused six-speed automatic.
Price range $103,900-$149,800 Powertrain 2.5-litre or 2.4-litre turbo engine with hybrid electric system, CVT or 6-speed automatic, AWD Power 184kW or 273kW (combined) Consumption 6.0-7.2l/100km
LEXUS LC 500h
Lexus has gone to town on its GT-style coupe, the LC. It's been around for a while now, since 2017, but has lost little of its impact. It's available with both traditional V8 (coupe and convertible) and hybrid (coupe only) powertrains.
The LC's hybrid setup is worth a special mention. The "multi-stage" transmission is unique to LC and combines the usual CVT with a separate four-stage automatic transmission on the rear axle. The powertrain mixes and matches the two depending on the driving requirements, giving the car a very different feel to other Lexus petrol-electric models.
Price $233,700 Powertrain 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, RWD Power/torque 264kW (combined)/348Nm Consumption 7.5l/100km CO2 169g/km (3P-WLTP) 0-100km/h 5.0 seconds
LEXUS LS 500h
It was the super-luxury LS sedan that started Lexus off back in the 1980s, as a rival and wake-up call to the likes of the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The latest model still aims to be a showcase of quality and technology.
It matches a 3.5-litre petrol V6 to a hybrid electric system, rear-drive with air suspension. It's certainly hard to beat the refinement of a hybrid powertrain in a super-luxury sedan.
Price $250,200 Powertrain 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine with hybrid electric system, CVT, AWD Power/torque 264kW (combined)/350Nm Consumption 7.3l/100km CO2 167g/km 0-100km/h 5.4 seconds
CHEVROLET CORVETTE E-RAY
There's a new king of the hybrids in NZ, although it's not a Toyota-style eco-car... by a long stretch.
The E-Ray is the fastest Corvette C8 you can, taking the standard 6.2-litre V8 engine and adding a 119kW/169kW electric motor in the front axle. It's also the first AWD Corvette.
Price $285,000 Powertrain 6.2-litre petrol V8 with hybrid electric system, 8-speed automated dual-clutch transmission, AWD Power/torque 488kW/806 (combined) Consumption 11.5l/100km