The cars South Africans are buying to save money

New energy vehicles (NEVs) are rapidly gaining favour with South African motorists, as evidenced by new sales data from AutoTrader.

The used car platform recently published its mid-year industry sales report for 2025, revealing that NEV sales increased 82% year-on-year.

It’s hardly surprising, given that petrol prices have settled at well over R20 per litre and many households are looking to reduce their fuel bill.

However, the cost of new hybrid and electric vehicles remains prohibitively high for most consumers, which explains why many are now looking to the second-hand market for older models with more affordable price tags.

“What’s happening in South Africa isn’t just a shift in vehicles, it’s a shift in mindset,” said  George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.

“Buyers are seeking solutions that balance practicality with sustainability, and hybrids are demonstrating that the path to cleaner mobility doesn’t have to compromise everyday life or come at a high cost.”

By far and away the most popular model was the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), which sold 700 units in the first half of 2025.

For context, AutoTrader recorded a total of 2,446 new energy vehicle sales over the same period, meaning the Cross accounts for 28.6% of the entire market.

In comparison, the second best-selling hybrid was the Toyota Rav4, which sold 177 units.

Interestingly, AutoTrader’s report includes the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner mild hybrids (MHEVs) on its list of the top 10 best-sellers, which are not typically considered “true hybrids” within the industry.

Mild hybrids only feature a small battery and integrated starter motor, resulting in a modest fuel consumption to an otherwise standard engine.

“True” hybrids like the Corolla Cross have an electric motor that is powerful enough to run the car at low speeds, which is why MHEVs are often excluded from the conversation around hybrids.

In any case, AutoTrader claims the Hilux MHEV is the third most popular used hybrid in South Africa, having sold 120 units during the period under review.

A Chinese entry – the Haval H6 – came fourth with 107 units, and the Toyota Corolla hatch and sedan came fifth with a combined 96 sales.

The smaller Haval Jolion sold 80 units, and the Fortuner MHEV sold 65 units.

Another new addition to the list is the GWM Tank 300, which is one of the more luxurious SUVs on sale in South Africa.

The range-topping Tank 300 hybrid sold 62 examples, putting it in eighth place ahead of the Volvo XC90 with 52 sales, and the Lexus NX with 45 sales.

Fuel-efficiency on a budget

These were the top 10 best-selling hybrid vehicles in South Africa between January and June 2025, as listed by AutoTrader.

1. Toyota Corolla Cross HEV – 700 units

• Average price – R434,408
• Average mileage – 20,403km
• Average age – 2 years

2. Toyota Rav4 HEV – 177 units

• Average price – R660,252
• Average mileage – 21,967km
• Average age – 2 years

3. Toyota Hilux MHEV – 120 units

• Average price – R765,229
• Average mileage – 10,925km
• Average age – 1 years

4. Haval H6 HEV – 107 units

• Average price – R531,788
• Average mileage – 20,365km
• Average age – 2 years

5. Toyota Corolla HEV – 96 units

• Average price – R412,573
• Average mileage – 25,114km
• Average age – 2 years

6. Haval Jolion HEV – 80 units

• Average price – R410,373
• Average mileage – 20,175km
• Average age – 2 years

7. Toyota Fortuner MHEV – 65 units

• Average price – R760,371
• Average mileage – 11,432km
• Average age – 1 years

8. GWM Tank 300 HEV – 62 units

• Average price – R722,826
• Average mileage – 8,665km
• Average age – 1 years

9. Volvo XC90 Recharge – 52 units

• Average price – R1,094,143
• Average mileage – 12,742km
• Average age – 2 years

10. Lexus NX 350h – 45 units

• Average price – R912,942
• Average mileage – 13,933km
• Average age – 1 years