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Hyundai's Hybrid Range
Get electric efficiency and petrol performance
Make the switch to hybrid and pay less at the pump
Hyundai’s hybrid range gives you the best of both worlds – electric efficiency for everyday driving and petrol performance for the open road. No plugging in, no compromise – just smarter, more efficient driving that helps you save on fuel and reduce trips to the pump, especially as fuel prices continue to rise.
With hybrid now available across more of our SUV range, making the switch has never been easier – delivering lower running costs, reduced emissions, and the confidence of longer range between trips to the fuel pump.
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How do Hybrid vehicles work?
Using both an electric motor and petrol engine, hybrid cars get you further on your fuel.
Hybrids enjoy similar performance to a standard petrol vehicle, with much lower petrol consumption. There’s no need to plug a hybrid in, as regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine keep the battery charged while you drive.
Hybrid FAQs
Got more questions?
How are hybrid vehicles different from electric vehicles?
An electric car runs exclusively on electric energy stored in a battery, while a hybrid car runs on a combination of electricity and conventional fuel.
Are all hybrid vehicles the same?
There are three common types of Hybrids.
• A full hybrid can run on just the combustion engine (i.e. diesel/petrol), the electric engine (i.e. power from batteries), or a combination. A full hybrid is not plugged in to recharge; the battery is recharged by running the combustion engine.
• A mild hybrid has an electric motor and combustion engine which always work together. Mild hybrids cannot run in just electric or just combustion engine mode; the engines/motors always work in parallel.
• A plug-in hybrid, as the name suggests, requires plugging into the mains in order to fully recharge its battery. PHEVs can be run in just electric mode.
• A full hybrid can run on just the combustion engine (i.e. diesel/petrol), the electric engine (i.e. power from batteries), or a combination. A full hybrid is not plugged in to recharge; the battery is recharged by running the combustion engine.
• A mild hybrid has an electric motor and combustion engine which always work together. Mild hybrids cannot run in just electric or just combustion engine mode; the engines/motors always work in parallel.
• A plug-in hybrid, as the name suggests, requires plugging into the mains in order to fully recharge its battery. PHEVs can be run in just electric mode.
How does a hybrid vehicle work?
A hybrid vehicle uses a battery to power its wheels when there is enough charge. The vehicle will then use the engine to supplement the battery when required. The hybrid system uses regenerative braking to improve overall efficiency.
What is regenerative braking?
A Regenerative Brake system allows the vehicle to charge its battery during driving. To decelerate, there’s a need to consume the kinetic energy of the vehicle. ICE vehicles do this by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy by using a friction brake. However, in a hybrid vehicle, the electric motor – which also plays the role of a generator – converts the kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery. The energy that was wasted in the petrol vehicles have recovered and can be used for later driving. This is used in hybrids and EVs.
What are some benefits of hybrid vehicles?
Improvement of fuel efficiency and no need to charge the battery is the biggest strength of hybrid vehicles. Plus, it emits a lot less CO2 compared to petrol vehicles.
Do you need to buy Road User Charges (RUCs) for hybrid vehicles?
No. Hyundai’s current range of petrol hybrid vehicles do not require Road User Charges (RUCs).
How does a hybrid save fuel?
Hybrids use the electric motor at lower speeds and in stop-start traffic, reducing how often the petrol engine needs to run. This helps lower fuel consumption and can reduce trips to the fuel pump.
Are hybrids good for long-distance driving?
Yes. Hybrids use petrol power at higher speeds and on open roads, so they’re well suited to both city commuting and longer trips without range anxiety. Hyundai hybrids are designed for real-world conditions in New Zealand, handling both urban traffic and open-road driving with ease.
Do hybrids reduce emissions?
Yes. Hybrids use less fuel so they produce fewer emissions compared to petrol-only vehicles.
How much can I save with a hybrid?
Savings vary depending on your driving style, but many drivers notice significantly lower fuel use compared to petrol-only vehicles. Hybrids are especially efficient in stop-start city driving, where the electric motor does more of the work and reduces fuel consumption.
Do hybrids cost more to service?
No. Hyundai hybrids are designed to be easy to own and maintain. Servicing is similar to petrol vehicles, and regenerative braking can even reduce wear on brake components over time.
Which Hyundai models are available as hybrids?
Hyundai offers hybrid options across a range of SUVs in New Zealand, including popular models like the compact KONA Hybrid SUV and medium-sized TUCSON Hybrid SUV. If you're after something bigger, the large 6 or 7-seat SANTA FE Hybrid SUV and newly released upper-large 7 or 8-seat PALISADE SUV are great options.
Is a hybrid right for me?
If you want to reduce fuel costs, lower emissions, and enjoy flexible driving without changing your routine, a hybrid is a great option, especially for mixed city and highway driving.
Choose your hybrid Hyundai
A combination of petrol engine power and electric motor efficiency gives you the best of both worlds.
TUCSON Hybrid
The new and improved TUCSON Series II has arrived and it lifts the game in every way. TUCSON offers the choice of a petrol or hybrid powertrain, a re-designed interior, top-notch 5-star safety rating and the latest multimedia technology.
SANTA FE Hybrid
New Zealand's favourite family SUV has been redesigned from the ground up. With hybrid or petrol powertrain options and loaded with technology, SANTA FE gives you more space and style than ever before.
The all-new PALISADE Hybrid
Our most luxurious SUV yet.
The new 7 or 8-seat PALISADE SUV turns heads wherever it goes.
For the first time, PALISADE introduces hybrid power - bringing a new level of efficiency to Hyundai’s flagship SUV. Seamlessly combining electric and petrol performance, it delivers a refined, responsive drive while helping reduce fuel consumption on every journey.
The award winning all-new PALISADE has arrived with a bold design, refined comfort and advanced innovation together in our most premium SUV yet.
A confident exterior, distinctive lighting and strong sculpted lines create a powerful road presence that reflects the sophistication within.
