Three frugal Cat A Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid challenge one another for the championship.
How Does ACOTY Define This Class?
Every Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that qualifies for this category needs to be sold with a Category A Certificate of Entitlement (Cat A COE). It also needs to have a full-hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrain that allows it to be driven for some distance purely on electric power alone.
Although no plug-in hybrids were launched this year under Certificate of Entitlement Category A (COE Cat A), there were three full-hybrid SUVs reviewed.
Meet The Contenders
Two come from South Korea while one is Japanese. They are, clockwise from top left, the Kia Niro Hybrid, Hyundai Kona Hybrid and Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid respectively.
The Kia Niro Hybrid has a lot going for it. Sharp, unique looks, an angular, tech-infused cabin and spacious practicality work in favour of the Niro Hybrid. Its frugality coupled with ride comfort means you’ll be wafting around while keeping your wallet firmly in your pocket for longer.
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid has a distinct futuristic angular styling going for it that sets it apart from other vehicles on the road. Being longer, taller and wider than its predecessor means it’s more spacious and practical than ever before. Coupled with a classic modern interior, creature comforts that aid daily driving and fuel-frugality, you’ve got a really attractive package here.
The Toyota Yaris Cross takes a tried and tested Yaris package, pumps up the suspension and roofline and endows it with a hybrid drivetrain. It’s the most compact of the trio here and is designed primarily as a town runabout, which it does very well. The interior is functional and adaptive cruise control means highway jaunts are that much easier. Plus it’s still sitting atop our chart for fuel economy where petrol-powered cars are concerned.
Although three came to the fore, there could only be one.
AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat A Hybrid SUV
Kia Niro Hybrid
| Vehicle | Points Tally | Price Percentile |
| Kia Niro Hybrid | 323 | 17 |
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid | 294 | 27 |
| Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid | 283 | 18 |
The winner with 323 points is the Kia Niro Hybrid, and its decisive victory came about because it feels like the most complete value proposition of the trio.
More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.
Congratulations on the Kia Niro Hybrid for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Cat A Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid!
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!
