Hybrid and electric cars seem to be rising in number these days, as more and more automakers start to electrify their lineup. Major automakers like Toyota and Ford aim to at least have a hybrid variant for every model in their range. But in the Philippines, pickings are relatively slim when it comes to hybrids and EVs given Filipinos’ inclination to traditional fuel-powered cars. But if you’re currently looking for a more environmentally friendly vehicle, here’s what you can currently get in the local market.

Hyundai

Hyundai Ioniq

Judging strictly by its looks, Hyundai’s Ioniq shares a lot of its styling cues from the Prius. And while that may be true, it does have one advantage: it’s much cheaper. The Ioniq is offered in two variants: a hybrid and a fully electric model. The hybrid Ioniq is fitted with a 1.6-liter CVVT engine and a 42kW Li-Ion battery while the electric variant comes with a 98kW Li-Ion battery pack. Both variants seat up to five passengers and come with six airbags, anti-lock braking system, and a rear camera with dynamic guidelines. The Ioniq hybrid starts at around P1.5 million while the fully electric Ioniq is priced at a little over P2 million.

Hyundai Kona

Holding the title of the world’s first electric compact SUV is the Hyundai Kona, a car that features a distinct sleek yet aggressive profile and a comfortable, refined interior. Despite having an electric motor, the all new Kona electric promises to be fun to drive with its 200hp and 395Nm of torque. The Kona seats up to five passengers, and comes with great features such as six airbags, a seven-inch infotainment system screen, cruise control, and a keyless entry system. Pricing starts at 2.36 million.

Toyota

Toyota Prius and Prius C

Arguably the country’s most notable hybrid is the Prius, Toyota’s flagship EV. The Prius looks like something from the future, with its edgy, angular styling and futuristic space-themed interior. The Prius comes with a 1.8-liter Hybrid Synergy Drive engine that makes around 70hp and 142Nm of torque, along with a five-speed CVT. Its smaller, younger sibling is the Prius C, and although it doesn’t look as eccentric as the regular Prius, this compact car also packs a punch. Fitted with the same engine, the Prius C has about the same power output as the Prius, only in a different shell. The main difference is its pricing. The Prius starts at P2.33 million while the Prius C starts at P1.97 million.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Toyota’s newest hybrid to hit the Philippines is the Corolla hybrid. It combines the regular Altis’ distinct handsome styling and the efficient hybrid soul of the Prius. The best part? It’s much cheaper, too. Starting at just P1.59 million, the Altis hybrid comes with great features such as leather-clad seats, an illuminated entry system, and the Toyota Safety Sense.

BYD

BYD E6

As the only Chinese-made car in this list, BYD’s E6 faces some very tough competitors in a market that is loyal to Japanese cars. This five-door MPV boasts a range of over 300 km on a single charge. ­It offers seating for up to five people and has leather seats, an engine start/stop button, and a central digital gauge cluster. The BYD E6 starts at about P4.2 million.

Lexus

Lexus NX 300h

The NX 300h is Lexus’ compact luxury crossover, and it is chock-full of great features. For one, the NX features the world’s largest outer-sliding moon roof, encasing you and your passengers in beautiful tinted glass. It also comes with a hands-free power rear hatch, a multi information display, and a digital hybrid system indicator. The NX 300h starts at around Ph3.67 million.

Lexus RX 450h

For the mid-size luxury crossover segment, Lexus’ hybrid model is the RX 450h, a sleek and stylish SUV that looks and feels elegantly bold. The RX comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a hands-free hatch, leather wrapped upholstery, and a drive mode selector, The RX 450h starts at P5.17 million.

Lexus GS 450h

There aren’t many hybrids in the executive car class, but one of them is the Lexus GS 450h. Equipped with a full-color heads up display, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a luxurious three spoke steering wheel, and a 3.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the GS is the epitome of luxury. The GS 450h starts at just a shade under P5 million.

Lexus LS 500h

The most luxurious sedan in Lexus’ lineup, the LS is the car to get if you want to be chauffeured in style. The whole cabin is leather lined and finished with accent stitching, with a fully digital gauge cluster, a Mark Levinson QLI Reference 24-speaker sound system, massaging seats, power sunshades, retractable ottomans, and beautiful Kiriko glass art ornamentation makes the interior feel more like a private jet than a full size sedan. There is one catch though: it costs P9.45 million.

Lexus CT 200h

The Lexus CT 200h may be the cheapest hybrid out of Lexus’ electrified line, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in features. Starting at around P2.45 million, the CT 200h comes with a 1.8-liter hybrid engine, versatile driving modes, advanced safety technology, and a luxurious, leather wrapped cabin. 

Photos from Hyundai, Toyota, BYD, and Lexus

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