Five environmentally-friendly vehicles face off for the Cat A Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid championship.
How Does ACOTY Define This Class?
Every vehicle 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.
No plug-in hybrids were launched this year under Certificate of Entitlement Category A (COE Cat A).
Meet The Contenders
Here are the first three contenders. Representing Japan is the Lexus LBX (left), and South Korea is represented by the Hyundai Kona Hybrid (right) and the Hyundai Avante Hybrid.
The next two contenders can run very briefly on pure electric power, and therefore make an appearance here.
Representing Italy is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce (left), and representing Japan is the Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid (right).
The Lexus LBX is smooth, quiet and feels suitably premium and upmarket on the inside. Its hybrid powertrain means that it’s frugal to run and its compact dimensions make it a great runabout in town.
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid looks futuristic with its angular styling. It’s also longer, taller and wider than its predecessor, meaning more space and practicality than before. Throw in a classic modern interior, essential creature comforts and fuel-frugal attitude, and you’ve got a really attractive package here.
The Hyundai Avante Hybrid’s sharp and angular looks are modern and befitting a vehicle twice its price tag. With sufficient tech and more than enough creature comforts on the inside, comfortable ride and a frugal engine, this is the sedan too look at in the Cat A hybrid segment.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale brings excellent handling for a front-wheel drive SUV, striking good looks befitting an Alfa and decent interior space and practicality.
Ever loved by enthusiasts, the Suzuki Swift is a hatchback that’s affordable, nimble, frugal and quite practical.
Five contenders face off for green-cred bragging rights, and there can only be one.
AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat A Hybrid
Lexus LBX
| Vehicle | Points Tally |
| Lexus LBX | 383 |
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid | 348 |
| Hyundai Avante Hybrid | 350 |
| Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce | 284 |
| Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid | 322 |
The winner with 383 points is the Lexus LBX. While it may cost a pretty penny, it also feels equally as upmarket while being able to confidently flash its green credentials without breaking a sweat.
More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.
Congratulations to the Lexus LBX for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Best Cat A Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid!
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