Hybrids are becoming increasingly popular locally, as one might imagine. When fuel prices are at an astronomical high, it makes sense to use as little of it as possible. With this in mind, let's check out which hybrid SUV aims to save you the most money at the pump and when you just run the thing. Let's look at the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross, Chery Tiggo Cross, and Jaecoo J7, all of which have hybrid variants.
Related: Hybrids under R600k: Why 85% of SA's NEV Buyers are Choosing Hybrid over Full Electric
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS | Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Hybrid Comfort | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| Engine | 1.8-litre non-turbo petrol 4-cylinder self-charging hybrid | 1.5-litre non-turbo petrol 4-cylinder self-charging hybrid | 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid |
| Total Power /Torque | 90 kW / 142 Nm | 150 kW / 310 Nm | 255 kW / 525 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | DHT | DHT |
| Claimed Combined Fuel Consumption | 4.3L /100km | 5.4L /100km | 4.7L /100km |
| Claimed Range | 837 km | 1000 km | 1200 km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 litres | 51 litres | 60 litres |
| Service Plan | 6 services /90 000km | 5 years/60 000km | 5 years /75 000km |
| Price | from R511 200 | from R439 900 | from R689 900 |
Pricing and Service Plan
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS | Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Hybrid Comfort | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| Price | from R511 200 | from R439 900 | from R689 900 |
| Service Plan | 6 services /90 000km | 5 years/60 000km | 5 years /75 000km |
While the Tiggo Cross is the cheapest to buy, the service plan distance isn't the best. The J7 strikes a nice middle ground with the service plan distance, but it's significantly more expensive to buy. The Corolla Cross is affordable enough, and it has the best service plan of the three.
Fuel economy and range
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS | Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Hybrid Comfort | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| Fuel economy | 4.3L /100km | 5.4L /100km | 4.7L /100km |
| Range | 837 km | 1000 km | 1200 km |
While the Corolla Cross has the least fuel consumption, it has the shortest range. The winner here is the J7, which has the best range but strikes a balance between range and fuel economy.
Fuel cost per month.
The average South African travels 45km per day. When we combine that over a month, you have 990km. Using this distance, we can estimate how much you'll spend on fuel in a month. The current cost of 95RON petrol inland is R30.25/litre.
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS | Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Hybrid Comfort | Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS PHEV | |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 litres | 51 litres | 60 litres |
| Litres per month | 42.5 litres | 53.4 litres | 46.5 litres |
| Cost | R1 285.63 | R1 615.35 | R1 406.62 |
The Corolla Cross is the cheapest to fill up, thanks to its lower fuel economy, even though its range isn't the best. It also helps that the Corolla Cross has a smaller fuel tank.
Who wins?
Looking at which car will ultimately save you the most bucks, it seems the Corolla Cross is the winner here. While the Tiggo Cross is the cheapest of the three, the Corolla Cross has the best service plan and is the cheapest to fill up monthly.
Check out the latest Corolla Cross, Tiggo Cross, and J7 PHEV deals here and sell your car too.
