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Top 10 Best Hybrid SUVs To Buy

Top 10 Best Hybrid SUVs To Buy

With the popularity of SUVs being at an all-time high, it’s no wonder that manufacturers have made as many options available to their customers as possible, from big V8 engines to frugal diesel motorway cruisers and now sophisticated hybrid systems.  

These are the best 10 hybrid SUVs currently on sale in the UK, perfect for family holidays, commuting and anything in between.  

We’ve included both plug-in hybrids (PHEV) as well as full hybrids for greater selection, for more on which is which check our guide here.

Which is the best Hybrid SUV for MPG?

There are lots of hybrid cars on sale with very high MPG figures quoted, but one of the best in real-world feedback is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Its novel aerodynamic styling and extremely efficient engine selection allow it to reach over 120 MPG. 

Best Full Hybrid SUVs

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - £43,900

Toyota has always been a pioneer in the hybrid sector. The RAV4 was also an innovative vehicle in its day. Combining the two then seems the obvious step.

With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and robust hybrid powertrain, the RAV4 remains a top choice for those seeking a well-rounded and eco-friendly SUV.

Lexus UX 250h - £45,700

Combining luxury with efficiency, the Lexus UX 250h is an elegant hybrid SUV that delivers a smooth and quiet ride. Its distinctive design, high-quality materials, and advanced technology make it a standout choice for drivers who appreciate both style and sustainability.

The hybrid tech is very similar to those used in the RAV4, as Lexus and Toyota are essentially the same company, but the Lexus shows a marked improvement in interior quality and comfort.

Volvo XC60 Recharge - £59,500

The Volvo XC60 Recharge combines Scandinavian design with plug-in hybrid technology. Offering a luxurious interior and an impressive electric-only range, this SUV caters to those who prioritise both sustainability and a premium driving experience. 

If your commute is less than 50 miles and you can charge at work, you’ll be quids in on fuel costs with the 50-mile EV-only range. Impressive for a car weighing over 2 tonnes, in part due to its incredible safety features. 

Related: Hybrid, Petrol Or Diesel - Which Is Best For You

Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs

Skoda Kodiaq iV - £41,000

Brand new for 2024, the Kodia iV is the first EV SUV from Skoda. This car is yet another reminder that Skoda is no longer the ugly duckling of the Volkswagen-Audi group, with very sleek styling both inside and out.

With a purported EV range of 100km, it would outlast most other EV modes currently on the market.  

Ford Kuga Hybrid - £39,500

Available in both a ‘full hybrid’ and PHEV guise, the new Kuga is very similarly styled to the old one, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The interior has received a minor refresh with better infotainment controls, though.

Both hybrid variants come with a 2.5L petrol engine again, which is larger than most others in this segment. It does not help the 0-60 performance though, with 9.2 seconds sounding (and probably feeling) quite poultry compared to some in this list.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - £37,300

Another Carbuyer favourite, the Tucson leads the way in a range of engine options, with mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid all available. All of the options use the same 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Interior styling on the new Tucson is very bold, with an interestingly designed steering wheel, dash and centre console. We definitely recommend sitting in one before you commit to buying, as it might not be to everyone's tastes. 

Cheapest Hybrid SUV

Niro Plug-in Hybrid - £29,500

Whilst there are cars that could be considered hybrid SUVs that are cheaper than the Niro, most of those are technically crossovers, the Niro would be our pick for a well-priced hybrid SUV.

Awarded Carbuyer’s Car of the Year 2023 in the small family car category, the Niro is set to continue its rise in 2024. The new models still combine the power from an electric motor system with a large 65kWh hybrid battery and a 1.6-litre internal combustion engine.

This combo provides great economy and reasonable performance, easily rivalling the more sophisticated German and Japanese marques in this list. The styling is certainly not subpar either.

Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs

BMW X5 xDrive45e - £63,125

For the more premium end of the market, these last three cars should tick all the boxes. The xDrive45e sports BMW’s legendary 3.0 straight-six petrol engine, giving plenty of old-fashioned grunt when needed.

On the contrary, the refined hybrid system lets you cruise along in almost silence and absolute luxury. This is aided by the superb quality of the interior trim.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e - £62,350

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e combines German engineering with hybrid technology. Featuring a sophisticated interior, advanced safety features, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.  

It's an attractive option for those who prioritise luxury and sustainability, and it comes with all the usual features found in high-end Mercedes vehicles, touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, Distronic radar cruise control and more. 

Audi Q5 TFSI e - £53,650

Last up is the Audi Q5 TFSI e, which is a plug-in hybrid SUV that blends style with efficiency. The Q5 is great for those who want a slightly less brash car, as the exterior styling is reminiscent of an A3, one of Audi’s smaller cars.  

If SUVs aren’t your thing or you’re on a tighter budget, then check out our guide to affordable hybrid vehicles in 2024.

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Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

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