A roundup of the best Cat B Hybrid raises some philosophical questions.
We live in interesting times. More than once during the voting process, certain cars have challenged the definitions of how cars are classified. Perhaps none were more contentious than the winner of this group.
On the face of it, the two cars in this group as clearly recognisable as Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Also, this year, they all happened to be built in Japan. The diversity, in this case, can be found in their drivetrains which was also the source of some controversy.
How Does ACOTY Define This Class?
However, before we get to that, let us establish how vehicles in the ACOTY Cat B hybrid SUVs category are classified. Although there are myriad forms of hybridisation, the ACOTY panel has determined that to qualify for this category, the vehicle must be able to be driven for at least one kilometre exclusively under electric power at speeds in excess of 50km/h when sufficient battery charge is available.
This is in keeping with the spirit of the hybrid motoring concept that is meant to offer a combination of electric and ICE motoring experiences. Although plug-in hybrid vehicles would also qualify, none were launched locally this year.
Cars with mild hybrid systems where the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is always engaged, even under electric assistance, are classified in the ACOTY voting process as ICE vehicles.
Lastly, to qualify for this category, the vehicles also have to be priced below the 50th percentile of the group of ACOTY contenders.
Meet The Contenders
This brings us to only two contenders in this category – the Nissan X-Trail e-Power and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Both are extremely compelling cars in their own right.
In addition to being a technical outlier as we’ll get to later, the Nissan X-Trail was found to be refined and stylish. More importantly, in this era of historically high COEs, the X-Trail was found to be well-equipped enough to feel like its owner is getting a premium experience for a car that relatively speaking is positioned as a mass market model.
“’But if I can justify the cost, is it worth it?’ Absolutely. The X-trail is a masterpiece in engineering, edging out its rivals with its good looks and nifty technology,” wrote Sean in his review.
The other contender is the Toyota Corolla Cross. To clue you into how accomplished this car is, we can reference Vivek’s line from his review of this car.
“I went into this review prematurely prejudiced and wanting so much to deeply dislike and diss the Corolla Cross. I wanted to write about how it blasphemes the time-honoured and revered ‘Corolla’ name, and how it was rag-tag thrown together JUST to create yet another SUV in Toyota’s already-extensive lineup. I wanted so much for it to be royally disappointing, but it was my premature prejudice that was royally disappointed, for the more I drove it, the more I liked and respected it.”
AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat B Hybrid SUV
Nissan X-Trail e-Power
| Vehicle | Points Tally | Price Percentile |
| Nissan X-Trail e-Power | 366 | 49 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 334 | 40 |
The winner of this category with 366 points is the Nissan X-Trail e-Power! It shines in its ability to be cost-friendly, extremely practical, and stylish, doing everything a typical Singaporean family would desire. It’ll put a smile on your face and your wallet, that’s what makes it so special.
More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.
Congratulations to the Nissan X-Trail e-Power for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Cat B Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid Category!
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