Editorial Picks: Hybrid compact crossovers below $200k

Crossovers, along with SUVs, continue to be the most popular type of body style chosen by today's car buyers. There are a variety of reasons for this, but mainly, drivers love the versatility that a crossover offers, plus the fact that they're easier to get in and out of because of their taller hip points.

The taller driving position is another bonus, with many citing a perceived improvement in forward and lateral visibility, which adds to the driver's confidence.

That said, many buyers are seeking not just space and practicality, but efficiency, too. A lot of drivers, for a variety of reasons, are not ready to make the switch to an EV. But at the same time, they wish to lower their running costs. The obvious solution then, is a hybrid.

In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.

With that in mind, here are our Editorial Picks of six hybrid compact crossovers that currently cost under $200,000. While not exactly inexpensive, this price range is still relatively affordable, considering today's COE premiums. (All prices correct at time of publishing.)

Practical Pick: Honda HR-V HX e:HEV

Price: $197,999

Depreciation: $18,900/yr

The HR-V is one of Singapore's popular crossover models for several reasons. Its Honda badge is a draw, it's easy to drive, and practicality aside, it is quite versatile, too.

One feature that sets the HR-V apart from rivals is its Ultra Seats, which lets users flip up the backseat squabs, enabling you to use the space to stow taller items.

Honda's e:HEV hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor, with the latter providing 253Nm of instant torque. Honda claims it can average 20.4km/L, so you can look forward to lowering your running costs.

Pros:

• Smooth powertrain
• Versatile cabin
• Sporty design

Cons:

• Only one variant, and it's pricey
• Cabin feels less spacious than before

Futuristic Pick: Hyundai Kona Hybrid

Price: $191,999

Depreciation: $18,100/yr

The Kona Hybrid's futuristic, cyborg-like mien may not appeal to everyone, but its well-built and intuitive cockpit certainly will. And instead of just a dark and sombre interior, the splashes of lime green in the Elite variant certainly liven up the space.

Despite its compact footprint, the Kona Hybrid actually offers decent backseat space, and a surprisingly large boot: There's 466 litres with the rear seats up, and this expands to 1,300 litres when they're folded.

Though both the Kona Hybrid and the Niro Hybrid (see below) have the same powertrain, the former is less efficient, with Hyundai claiming 21.3km/L, and our editorial team managing 17.2km/L.

Pros:

• Otherworldly styling
• Superb interior quality
• Surprisingly roomy backseat and large boot

Cons:

• Thirstier than expected

Read our review of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elite

Easy-going Pick: Kia Niro Hybrid

Price: $180,999

Depreciation: $17,100/yr

Buyers have come to expect good-looking cars from Kia, and it has delivered again with the Niro. Its distinct design ensures it's instantly recognisable even from afar, especially when you spot its vertical taillights.

Inside, buyers will find a well-made cabin with a user-friendly layout. The dashboard even has a nifty switchable matte LCD panel that lets you toggle between the audio functions and climate controls. It's cool and reduces clutter.

The Niro Hybrid's powertrain is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder paired to an electric motor with combined outputs of 128bhp and 265Nm of torque. Kia claims it can average 25km/L, and we managed a not-too-shabby 19.6km/L during our drive.

Pros:

• Handsome design
• Seamless powertrain
• Comes in three variants

Cons:

• It's a common sight
• Noticeably higher real-world fuel consumption

Read our review of the Kia Niro Hybrid SX

Budget-Friendly Pick: Nissan Kicks e-POWER

Price: From $175,800

Depreciation: $16,500/yr

The Kicks is one of the most fun hybrids you can drive today. This is due to its unique hybrid powertrain in which only the electric motor drives the wheels, while the engine acts as a generator/range-extender to charge the batteries.

What you get then, is the perkiness of an electric car (since it is electrically driven), with 280Nm of low-end torque making it feel particularly zippy in traffic.

In 'Eco' mode, the Kicks even offers one-pedal driving, where the regenerative braking is enough to bring the car to a halt. And with an average consumption of 21.7km/L, you can have fun without hurting your wallet.

Pros:

• High torque = punchy performance
• It's almost an EV!
• Relatively affordable

Cons:

• Instrument panel remains part-analogue
• Base model doesn't have some ADAS features

Read our review of the Nissan Kicks

Efficiency Champ Pick: Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

Price: $188,888

Depreciation: $17,700/yr

With its otherworldly styling, the Yaris Cross Hybrid looks like no other car on the road. But look past its mien and it has that rugged look many drivers want, with unpainted square fenders and relatively high ground clearance.

Equipped with Toyota's renowned hybrid system, in this case a 1.5-litre four-pot paired to an electric motor, the Yaris Cross Hybrid can average up to 26.3km/L. Anecdotally, we've heard of drivers who've surpassed this figure - such is Toyota's expertise with hybrids.

However, the Yaris Cross isn't perfect. Its compact size means it's not particularly roomy and the boot volume is smaller, and the interior is rather plasticky, too.

Pros:

• Class-leading fuel economy
• Easy to manoeuvre
• Wintry air-conditioning

Cons:

• Small boot
• Short on rear legroom
• Plasticky cockpit

Read our review of the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid

The used pick: Honda Vezel Hybrid