A self-charging hybrid is the best of both worlds when it comes to hybridised cars. A bit like how a hybrid – with its electric and petrol power combined – is also the best of both worlds of any fuel type.
The beauty is that you get all the benefits of electric power (fuel efficiency, power, etc.), but you don’t need to plug it in. Just fill it up with fuel as normal, and the engine will charge the battery for you.
Brands have been making this type of hybrid car far longer than you may think. Before the slightly ‘controversial’ (at first) Toyota Prius, there was an early Porsche creation way back in 1901.
And we get it. You want a nice, big car, and you want to save on fuel (and emissions). But what should you go for?
Here’s our list of the best self-charging hybrid SUVs to choose from.
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What are the best self-charging hybrid SUVs on sale in the UK?
Hyundai Tucson
Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
Kia Niro
Lexus RX
Toyota C-HR
Nissan Qashqai e-Power
Kia Sportage
Ford Kuga
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Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is the go-to family SUV for thousands of families because of its 616-litre boot, comfortable interior, and now, competent hybrid setup.
Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a full self-charging hybrid system, the Tucson promises up to 43.5mpg, but with smooth driving, we reckon you can bump this up a bit.
On top of that, it’s a very safe car scoring a full five stars following its most recent Euro NCAP safety test in 2021.
Read our Hyundai Tucson review
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Toyota RAV4
Toyota has been making the RAV4 since 1994, making it one of the longest-running SUVs in existence. Add to that prestige a well-tuned hybrid system, and you’ve got a winning formula.
Its beating heart is a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that produces a combined 215hp and promises up to 50.4mpg.
Boot space is good too, with a full 580 litres available to you, and plenty of space in the cabin for up to five people.
Read our Toyota RAV4 review
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Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a large family SUV that’s well-rounded, packed full of tech, and one of the most comfortable cars we’ve ever driven.
Adding to this is its 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is mated to a hybrid system that Honda calls e:HEV and will comfortably achieve over 40mpg. That’s good for close to 600 miles on a tank of fuel.
Being so big, it’s very safe too, scoring a full five stars (with the optional Safety Pack) following its most recent Euro NCAP safety test in 2024.
Read our Honda CR-V review
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Kia Niro
You can get a fully electric Kia Niro EV, but the pick of the bunch is the self-charging hybrid because it’ll get up to 64.2mpg and has a 1.6-litre engine you don’t have to plug in.
Not only that, but you also get a 451-litre boot and plenty of onboard safety features, so it’s ideal for a family.
Read our Kia Niro review
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Lexus RX
Talk about a stylish SUV, the Lexus RX has almost sports car-like styling with its large, imposing grille and sharp lines.
In the RX 350h self-charging hybrid, power comes from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and Lexus claims it’ll get up to 42.8mpg.
Plus, with a 461-litre boot, it’s practical enough for you and your family.
Read our Lexus RX review
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Toyota C-HR
You can’t buy spaceships, but if you could, there isn’t much else that looks more like one than the C-HR (especially for the price).
It’s available with two different self-charging hybrid powertrains. The first is a 1.8-litre engine that’ll get you 60.1mpg and the other is a slightly larger 2.0-litre unit that produces a bit more power and gets up to 57.7mpg
It only has a 388-litre boot, which is far smaller than its rivals and not much bigger than a VW Golf’s, but the CH-R is more crossover SUV sized, so it makes sense.
Read our Toyota C-HR review
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Nissan Qashqai e-Power
There’s a reason the Nissan Qashqai is one of the best-selling cars in the UK, and its self-charging hybrid unit only adds to that popularity.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre petrol engine connected to an electric motor. But it’s very clever because the engine powers a tiny 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery, which in turn boosts the bigger battery that drives the front wheels.
This means you’re treated to the smooth, silent drive of an electric car most of the time, but you still only have to fuel it up at the pumps rather than the plug.
Read our Nissan Qashqai review
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Kia Sportage
You can get a used Kia Sportage in a range of flavours, and the self-charging hybrid is one of the best options, offering up to 45mpg from its 1.6-litre engine.
You also get a large car with plenty of space and ISOFIX mounting point for child seats, plus a 562-litre boot for all your family needs.
It's a truly versatile family car, and there’s no surprise Kia has sold more than five million since 1993.
Read our Kia Sportage review
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Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga is essentially a Focus on stilts, so it’s very familiar to most people and is one cracking car.
It’s powered by a 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine that gets up to 51.4mpg and is mated to a smooth automatic gearbox.
Plus, it’s incredibly fun to drive – not just in its top-spec ST trim, thanks to its sporty suspension and zippy engine.
Read our Ford Kuga review
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Explore used hybrid SUVs
If you’re ready to make the jump into used hybrid SUV ownership, we can help you choose your next motor.
Pick from a wide range of used hybrid SUVs on cinch, offering different models, specs and colours.
Read more about SUVs:
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