Best Hybrid SUVs

We’re starting on the compact end of things with Toyota’s Yaris Cross. A slightly off-road-inspired version of the efficient Yaris, the Cross has that chunky, go-anywhere appeal and a small increase in ride height over the standard car. It uses a 1.5-litre ‘self-charging’ hybrid setup which can deliver high levels of efficiency during all sorts of driving scenarios. Plus, it’s well-made inside and brings a great track record for reliability, too.

BMW has a popular range of hybrids, but the X5 45e is the one for those after an SUV model. It’s a plug-in hybrid, too, and that means you can get up to 60 miles of electric-only runtime from a full charge of this X5’s batteries. However, the X5 also has a smooth-running 3.0-litre straight-six petrol in support, so even when you’re out of battery charge, you’ve still got a refined experience to fall back on. Inside, the X5 has the high-end finish that you’d expect from a BMW, while four-wheel-drive capability means that it’s just as handy in slippery conditions as a ‘normal’ model.

As part of the wider Volkswagen Group, Skoda has got some of the very latest hybrid tech to utilise and that’s noticeable on the Kodiaq iV. While a 1.4-litre petrol engine might sound small for a large, practical SUV, it’s combined with a large battery and an electric motor to deliver plenty of performance, alongside an impressive electric-only range of up to 71 miles. The Kodiaq is a great fit for family drivers, too, as with its flexible interior, it offers loads of space. There’s plenty of on-board equipment fitted as standard, too.

Hyundai has become one of the go-to names in the hybrid segment, offering electrified powertrains across its range of cars to go alongside its EV line-up. The Tucson plug-in hybrid brings electrification to one of Hyundai’s most popular models, giving it an even better efficiency score. With up to 38 miles of electric-only power, the Hyundai can run for a while on its batteries but, once they’re fully depleted, you’ve still got a punchy 1.6-litre petrol engine to rely on. If plug-in power isn’t for you, then you can get the Tucson as a ‘regular’ hybrid, too - it just can’t offer the same kind of electric-only range as the PHEV model.

Renault has been equipping hybrid power across a wider number of its cars and you’ll find it on the brand’s popular Austral, too. This is a ‘self-charging’ hybrid - so there’s no need to plug it in - but even so, you should be able to achieve an impressive 67.3mpg during mixed driving. The Austral also brings a stylish exterior design which stands out from the crowd, while its interior is packed with the latest technology.

BYD has been quickly rising through the ranks, despite being a reasonably new entry to the new car market. Its Seal U is its core SUV, and it’s one which impresses across the board thanks to its healthy standard equipment list and good build quality. The large central infotainment screen of the Seal U is one of the largest about, too, and it’s packed with features. But importantly, its 78-mile electric-only range is one of the longest of any plug-in hybrid on offer today, giving drivers a near-EV experience in a car which still has a petrol engine when you need it.

The Nissan Qashqai is one of the UK’s most popular cars and, being made in Sunderland, it’s something of a home-grown hero, too. Practical and with plenty of interior space, the Qashqai is loved by families, while its decent road-going ability means that it’s still good fun for whoever is behind the wheel, too. More recently, Nissan has been introducing hybrid technology across the Qashqai range. You’ll find it at its most efficient in e-Power models, which effectively use the 1.5-litre engine as a generator for the electric motors. As a result, you can get up to 62.8mpg during mixed driving and, since it’s a self-charging model, there’s no need to charge it up.

Another new name to the UK market is Jaecoo, but it’s one which has been surging ahead in terms of popularity. Offering value-oriented models which come loaded with kit, it’s easy to see why Jaecoo is already ranking highly among more established brands in the UK. As part of the huge Chery group, Jaecoo sits alongside brands such as Omoda in a new wave of Chinese-made brands arriving in the UK. Its first offering in the UK has been the 7, a boxy, off-road-inspired SUV with space for five and a large boot. It’s offered with both petrol and plug-in hybrid setups, the latter of which can deliver an impressive 56 miles of electric-only run time, helping to make this car even more efficient to drive.

The Kia Sportage is routinely one of the best-selling models in the UK each month. It’s easy to see why, too, as this stylish model brings a well-made interior with lots of space, while Kia’s impressive seven-year warranty means that drivers get some added peace of mind, too. It’s available with a number of powertrain options, too, including an efficient plug-in hybrid. Combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, the Sportage’s setup is a particularly strong one and can deliver up to 43 miles of battery-powered running from a full charge.

MG has managed to reinvent itself over the last few years, going from a creator of old-school sports cars into one which is now best-known for its electrified models. The HS is its largest and most practical models and, in typical MG fashion, comes loaded with standard equipment, including a big central touchscreen which gives you access to all key media and navigation options. You can get it as a plug-in hybrid, too, and in reflection of MG’s ongoing success in electrified models, it’s one which offers one of the best electric-only ranges about, with up to 75 miles coming from each full charge.