Best hybrid SUV cars to buy in 2024
Both SUVs and hybrid cars are gaining more and more popularity on UK roads – here are our top models for hybrid SUVs that are the best of both worlds
)
Best hybrid SUVs
SUVs are a popular option among motorists in the UK, being both practical and on-trend. The increased size does mean that SUVs can have higher fuel costs than smaller vehicles, so choosing a hybrid option is an ideal way to cut spending.
Choosing a hybrid SUV guarantees a cleaner-feeling car that can travel for several miles without using petrol or diesel at all. With the growing charging infrastructure across the UK, you might even be able to plug in and charge up for free at certain locations.
Make sure you look at government grants before purchasing your hybrid SUV to see if you can secure some assistance with making the switch.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the sale of brand-new ICE cars in the UK will be banned from 2035. It’s a good idea to start the transition to an EV sooner rather than later, so a hybrid SUV is a great first step.
Ford Kuga PHEV
)
The Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is a fresh take on the already popular Kuga model that's been on offer for three generations now. It brings a reliable reputation too, boasting a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
It’s a sleek and sultry SUV with plenty of curves and a premium feel that rivals luxury brands. This includes a plush interior, with higher-spec models getting a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
When it comes to driving, you can expect up to 40 miles of electric driving with a claimed WLTP combined figure of 201.8mpg – seriously efficient.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid
)
Coming a long way since its first-generation form, the Peugeot 3008 now comes as an aggressively modern SUV that’s swapped its original curves for sharp angles. In fact, the styling has been compared to coveted Range Rover models (but at just a fraction of the cost).
The 3008 hybrid is a midsized model that would be ideal for family life, featuring ISOFIX car seat points throughout the car and a 395-litre boot. That’s a drop from the 520-litre boot in the non-hybrid models, but all that impressive engine tech has to fit in somewhere!
Peugeot claims you’ll get up to 42 miles of electric-only driving, and a combined WLTP figure of up to 250mpg. Bear in mind, these figures will likely differ based on real-world driving.
Lexus NX
)
The Lexus NX is the first plug-in hybrid car on offer from the brand, and it’s a model that’s held in high regard. With a refined interior and impressive reliability ratings, it easily rivals options like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.
You can choose from the plug-in hybrid NX 450h model, or the self-charging 350h option that’s ideal if you want to cut back on fuel but don’t have the ability to plug in and charge.
In the 450h+ model, Lexus claims you can get up to 40 miles of electric driving without the need for fuel. Based on a combined WLTP cycle, the brand also claim you can achieve up to 313.8mpg.
Tech like the 360-degree panoramic parking camera and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it an all-round enjoyable car to drive.
Volvo XC90 Recharge
)
If there’s one thing you can be sure of when it comes to Volvo, it’s that it excels at making reliable and solid SUVs that easily slip into family life. The Volvo XC90 recharge is no exception – it's a spacious and safe hybrid that’s available as a seven-seater.
While it makes an impressive family cruiser, the T8 hybrid model also offers just more than 440hp and feels ferocious when you put your foot down. It’s worth bearing in mind that if you do choose the XC90 hybrid model for its power, you will burn through the electric charge quicker than when driving efficiently.
The official combined WLTP figure for the XC90 Recharge sits at up to 134.5mpg with emissions of 49g/km. This is accompanied by a mile range of up to 41 miles before you need to plug in and charge up.
Hyundai Santa Fe
)
If you’re after a large SUV and would benefit from two extra seats, the seven-seater Hyundai Santa Fe might just be your dream hybrid car. Only slightly smaller than the Audi Q7, this model comes in at a more affordable price tag but still has a prestigious appearance.
You can choose from a self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid Santa Fe model, with the PHEV offering up to 36 miles on a full charge. The drive itself is smooth and comfortable, with the 13.8kWh battery not doing much to slow the car down.
The interior is dreamy as well, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Ultimate trim or a 4.2-inch TFT screen with analogue dials in the standard models.
BMW X3 xDrive30e
)
While the fully electric BMW X3 is a brilliant SUV option, the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e is ideal for taking your first steps into the world of electric vehicles.
Every bit the BMW, the X3 PHEV is ideal if you’re after something luxurious and obviously premium. It feels sporty and refined behind the wheel, with driving modes like Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro to cycle through.
Depending purely on the electric motor, you can expect up to 34 miles of EV driving before you’ll need to recharge. Alongside a claimed WLTP figure of up to 134.5mph, the X3 xDrive30e is an efficient car that isn’t just about good looks and slick driving.
Range Rover Evoque P300e
)
A classic SUV and probably one of the most iconic, the Range Rover Evoque received an ultra-modern upgrade with the addition of hybrid technology.
The Evoque P300e is the one to pick if style really matters to you, as it’s a massively on-trend model and what some would consider a real status symbol. It helps that it’s practical as well, with a 472-litre boot that doesn’t lose any space to make room for PHEV tech.
You can expect up to 309hp from the Evoque PHEV, as well as a sturdy all-wheel-drive setup that will happily take you off the beaten track.
When it comes to those hybrid statistics, there’s up to 41 miles of all-electric driving on offer based on the official ruling, but this may differ with real world driving.
Toyota RAV4
)
Another brilliant option for a large SUV, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV is one of the most efficient options in its market. In fact, you can expect up to 46 miles of electric range and a combined figure of 282mpg.
Competing with options like the Honda CR-V, the RAV4 may have the edge for motorists who enjoy sharp styling and a ferocious look. This extends to the interior as well, with a minimalistic layout that includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the car’s touchscreen.
It’s also a dreamy car to drive – acceleration is slick and can be trusted to overtake easily when needed, and you can choose an all-wheel-drive model if you want to upgrade your towing abilities and prefer some extra grip.
Kia Sorento
)
Available as both a PHEV and a self-charging hybrid, the Kia Sorento has the rugged good looks and practicality that make large SUVs irresistible.
With self-levelling rear suspension for towing and large wheels that pair with the extra weight of the hybrid tech to stabilise the car, the Sorento is a thoroughly enjoyable SUV to drive.
Plus, seven seats and a boot that can extend to 608 litres if you fold the rear seats make it ideal for family life or anyone moving large loads.
You’ll be able to cover up to 35 miles on a single charge, with a combined WLTP of 170mpg.
BMW X5 xDrive45e
)
A step-up in size from the BMW X3, the x5 xDrive45e is another hybrid BMW SUV that does nothing but impress. With up to 54 miles of electric range, it’s an efficient choice that can help justify the move to a luxury SUV if burning through fuel has been a concern.
The interior of the hybrid X5 model particularly stands out, carrying that typical BMW luxe feel and tech such as twin 12.3-inch screens with the iDrive infotainment system.
The xDrive45e takes its power from an 11.2kWh battery and electric motor that’s paired with a three-litre engine, and a range of driving modes like Sport, Electric, and Hybrid means you can tune your car into its ideal setup for whatever situation you’re in.
What makes a good hybrid SUV?
A hybrid SUV can be a brilliant choice for a family car if you want to save on fuel and take steps towards fully electric driving.
SUVs are often heavy and use more fuel as a result. A good hybrid SUV will balance out these effects and keep your car efficient and affordable to run.
New hybrid SUVs are also getting all of the latest tech and features, so you might be tempted to crossover if you like an on-trend car that's fully kitted out.
A good hybrid SUV will also be reliable - and this is a real benefit of cars with electric tech. Usually, these models cost less in terms of maintenance over time and you won't have to worry about replacing the battery for many years.