By Ben Welham
Last updated: 15 August 2025
A self-charging hybrid is the best of both worlds.
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. Even 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 is the best self-charging hybrid SUV?
Hyundai Tucson
Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
Kia Niro
Lexus RX
Toyota C-HR
Nissan Qashqai e-POWER
Kia Sportage
Ford Kuga
Read more about each model in our guide below.
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Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is the go-to family SUV for thousands of families because of its 620-litre boot, comfortable interior, and now, a competent hybrid setup.
Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a full self-charging hybrid system, the Tucson promises around 50mpg, but with smooth driving, we reckon you can bump this up a bit. That equals almost 500 miles on one tank.
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.
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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, or 480-ish miles.
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.
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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.
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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. That equals around 600 miles on one tank.
Not only that, but you also get a 451-litre boot and plenty of onboard safety features, so it’s ideal for a family.
Sam Sheehan, cinch motoring expert, said: "From the outside, the Niro looks like a sensible family crossover –under the skin it’s one of the vehicles that will change the motoring world at a price that ordinary motorists can start to consider."
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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, or 500 miles on a tank.
Plus, with a 461-litre boot, it’s practical enough for you and your family.
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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. This gives you about 400 miles in total.
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.
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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 our hybrid car of the year 2024, 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 also means 52.3mpg and up to 700 miles of driving on one tank.
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.
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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 (or 500 miles) from its 1.6-litre engine.
You also get a large car with plenty of space and ISOFIX mounting points for child seats, plus a 562-litre boot for all your family needs.
It's a truly versatile family car, and it’s no surprise that Kia has sold more than five million since 1993.
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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 (or 500 miles) 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.
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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:
Self-charging hybrid SUV FAQs
Ready to hit the open road?
Let’s find your next car
