A useful way to read this: focus on what the technology changes for a real driver, not just the specification number. Exact equipment and service requirements can vary by engine, model year and market.
What a mild hybrid does
A mild-hybrid system usually uses a relatively small battery and an electric machine to assist the engine. Depending on the architecture, it can help during acceleration, recover energy during deceleration and support functions such as engine stop-start.
The electric system generally does not replace the engine as the main source of propulsion. The exact capabilities vary considerably between manufacturers.
What a full hybrid can do
A full hybrid has a larger high-voltage battery and a more capable electric drive system. Depending on the design and conditions, it can move the car using electric power alone for short periods.
The engine and motor can also work together. The control system continuously chooses an operating mode based on speed, load, battery state and other conditions.
Battery size is not the whole story
It is tempting to compare hybrid systems only by battery capacity, but the motor, transmission and control strategy matter just as much. A larger battery does not automatically mean a more efficient vehicle.
The way the system handles energy is the important part: when it uses electricity, when it charges the battery and how much energy is recovered during braking.
Driving feel
Mild hybrids can feel similar to conventional cars because the engine remains the primary power source. The electric assistance may be subtle.
A full hybrid can feel more different because the engine may switch off and the vehicle can sometimes move electrically. The transition is controlled electronically and is normally designed to be smooth.
Which system suits which driver?
A mild hybrid can add efficiency and refinement without changing the basic driving experience dramatically. A full hybrid can offer more electric assistance and may be particularly useful in stop-start traffic.
For a buyer, compare the complete vehicle rather than assuming one hybrid label tells the whole story.
For your specific vehicle
This guide is general information. For exact specifications, service intervals, fluid requirements and repair procedures, use the owner's manual or official service information for your vehicle.
A mild-hybrid system normally uses a relatively small electrical system to support the combustion engine. It can help with engine restart, acceleration assistance and energy recovery. Depending on the design, the electric system may also allow the engine to switch off more often when the car is stopped or coasting. The main purpose is to reduce the amount of work the engine has to do in certain conditions.
A full hybrid has a stronger electric-drive capability and can often move the vehicle electrically for short periods, depending on battery charge, speed and load. The engine and motor can share propulsion in different ways. This adds control complexity but also creates more opportunities to use recovered braking energy instead of wasting all of it as heat through the friction brakes.
Do not compare hybrids only by battery size. Look at how the system is integrated with the transmission, how much electric power is available, whether external charging is supported and how the vehicle behaves in your normal driving environment. A small battery can still be useful if the control system frequently recovers and reuses energy. The actual result depends on the whole vehicle rather than one component.
Hybrid labels can make two cars sound more similar than they really are. When comparing them, look for the electric motor's role, battery capacity, charging method and transmission arrangement. A mild hybrid is usually designed to assist the combustion engine rather than replace it for normal driving. A full hybrid has greater electric-drive capability and can use the motor more actively. Real-world efficiency still depends on vehicle weight, tyres, traffic, climate, driving style and route. Reading the manufacturer's description of the exact system is therefore more useful than relying on the badge alone. The technology should be understood as a complete powertrain rather than a battery added to a normal engine.