Plug-in hybrid SUVs are among the most desirable family cars on UK roads – and it’s easy to see why. They combine the high driving position and practicality buyers love with lower running costs and cleaner emissions. With manufacturers piling their latest tech into these models, the best hybrid cars are now some of the smartest, most versatile offerings.
They appeal thanks to their do-anything promise – they can be an EV for the commute and a petrol car for the weekends; an efficient runaround or a hardworking family bus as needed. Plug-in hybrid SUVs also attract lower company car tax, and they can often suffice as a family’s only car where some EVs might struggle.
This list includes the best plug-in hybrid SUVs on sale today, ranging from small, efficient family cars to massive luxury models. We’ve even included a couple of seven-seaters, though we’ve a separate list of the best seven-seater hybrid cars if people-carrying is high on your list of priorities.
Winner: the best plug-in hybrid SUVs to buy in 2025
Best for: Drivers seeking a stylish plug-in hybrid SUV with sporty performance
Inside, the Terramar features a driver-focused cockpit with appealing, high-quality materials and advanced technology. Its plug-in hybrid system provides an impressive electric-only driving range of well over 50 miles, making it suitable for both city commutes and longer journeys.
Read our full Cupra Terramar review
Pros
- Sporty handling and performance
- Distinctive design
- Efficient plug-in hybrid system
Cons
- Rear visibility could be better
- Limited rear headroom for taller passengers
Highly recommended: other plug-in hybrid SUVs to consider
Best for: Families wanting comfort and efficiency in their plug-in hybrid SUV
Equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, that has a big, user-friendly screen, and a range of safety features, the Tiguan eHybrid ensures a pleasant driving experience. Even better if you specify one with its excellent massaging seats. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain offers a long electric-only driving range, reducing fuel consumption on daily commutes.
Read our full Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid review
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- User-friendly technology
- Efficient plug-in hybrid system
Cons
- Boot space is slightly compromised due to battery
- Higher trims can be pricey
Best for: Luxury SUV enthusiasts seeking performance and efficiency
It’ll do over 40 miles of real-world electric range, a very usable figure. Yet when you run out of battery you don’t have to fall back on a stingy little engine – instead, you get a silky-smooth six-cylinder petrol with loads of power. Inside, the X5 boasts a premium interior with cutting-edge technology and ample space for passengers and luggage. Its adaptive suspension ensures a smooth ride, making it suitable for both city driving and long-distance travel.
Read our full BMW X5 review
Pros
- Excellent to drive
- Long electric range
- Practical and premium interior
Cons
- BMW servicing is more expensive than rivals
- No seven-seat option
Best for: Buyers wanting a stylish, tech-rich plug-in hybrid SUV
Smooth to drive, agile, responsive, and smartly equipped, the Tayron benefits from VW’s latest infotainment and safety systems. While it doesn’t break new ground technically, it delivers a very well-rounded, polished ownership experience – especially for those who don’t need seven seats and want a huge boot.
Read our full Volkswagen Tayron review
Pros
- Comfortable and refined to drive
- High-quality, modern interior
- Efficient PHEV powertrain
Cons
- Not available with seven seats
- Design feels quite safe compared with rivals
Best for: Value-conscious buyers seeking a practical plug-in hybrid SUV
With a reputation for reliability, solidity and a competitive price point, the Kodiaq iV stands out in the crowded SUV market. Its straightforward design and functionality appeal to families and practical-minded drivers. Like the Tayron it's closely related to, you can't have a seven seat Kodiaq in PHEV form.
Read our full Skoda Kodiaq review
Pros
- Spacious and practical interior
- Competitive pricing
- Easy to live with
Cons
- Interior materials less premium than rivals
- Infotainment system could be more responsive
Best for: Drivers seeking a premium plug-in hybrid SUV with advanced features
Equipped with the latest technology, including a sophisticated infotainment system and driver assistance features, the GLC ensures a modern driving experience. Its plug-in hybrid system offers a very long electric-only driving range for urban driving, which makes it a very practical offering – at a price.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLC review
Pros
- Luxurious interior
- Advanced technology features
- Smooth and quiet ride
Cons
- Expensive compared with rivals
- Boot space reduced due to battery
Best for: Families needing a spacious and efficient SUV
Hyundai’s infotainment and technology are excellent – really easy to use – and the Santa Fe comes well-equipped even in its cheapest form. That doesn’t mean it’s a low-cost option, though compared to the other large SUVs on this list it still looks like a bit of a bargain. And best of all, it's the cheapest seven-seater on this list, albeit one you still pay handsomely for.
Read our full Hyundai Santa Fe review
Pros
- Spacious three-row seating
- Comprehensive safety features
- Efficient plug-in hybrid system
Cons
- Interior materials could be more upscale
- Handling less agile than some rivals
Best for: Eco-conscious drivers seeking a versatile SUV
A practical space for passengers, the Kuga does suffer with a smallish boot and a dull interior. But in all other aspects it’s a very practical family PHEV. Little wonder it remains one of the most popular plug-in hybrid SUVs on sale.
Read our full Ford Kuga review
Pros
- Handles well
- Very efficient
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Dull interior
- Boot could be bigger
Best for: Performance enthusiasts who want a luxury plug-in hybrid SUV
Even though Porsche’s better-known for its sports cars than its family-friendly transport, the Cayenne’s spacious and practical enough for hard labour. Just be prepared to voyage into the options list if you want the best tech – and to pay for it accordingly.
Read our full Porsche Cayenne review
Pros
- Cracking to drive
- Premium interior
- More spacious than you might expect from a Porsche
Cons
- Electric range not the longest
- Optional extras ramp up the price
Volvo XC90
Best for: Families seeking a safe and spacious luxury SUV
The infotainment system is a brilliant Google-based set-up and is both simple to use and good to look at. Unfortunately it rather chomps through petrol once you’ve discharged the approximately 30 miles of electric driving range.
Read our full Volvo XC90 review
Pros
- Top-tier safety features
- Well-proven PHEV powertrain
- Spacious seven-seat configuration
Cons
- Feels dated in places
- Thirsty with a discharged battery
FAQs: Plug-in hybrid SUV buying guide
What is the difference between a hybrid SUV and a plug-in hybrid SUV?
Both types of SUV are powered by a combination of a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor with a battery pack. They’re a complex stepping stone between ICE and EV, offering some of the advantages and drawbacks of both.
The key difference between a hybrid SUV and a plug-in hybrid SUV is that the latter has a much larger battery and motor, and it needs to be plugged in to keep it topped up. The former’s battery is solely charged up by the engine (hence being known as a self-charging hybrid), which means you don’t have to deal with cables and public charging.
What are the benefits of a plug-in hybrid SUV?
The main benefit of a plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) is the ability to complete many everyday journeys using battery power alone. That means you can enjoy quieter, smoother driving with zero tailpipe emissions for short trips – perfect for commuting or nipping into town, especially if you can charge at home or work. This can make a real difference to your fuel bills and help reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
But there’s more to a PHEV than just fuel savings. These cars also offer the reassurance of a petrol or diesel engine for longer journeys, meaning there’s no need to plan around charging stops like with a full EV. It’s a best-of-both-worlds solution that appeals to a growing number of drivers – particularly those not ready to make the full leap to electric just yet.
What is the electric-only driving range of a plug-in hybrid SUV?
Most plug-in hybrid SUVs offer an electric-only range of between 20 and 70 miles, although this depends on how and where you drive. In cold weather, for example, batteries are less efficient – and you could lose up to 30% of your available range. Drive gently around town and you’ll get closer to the upper figure, but if you’re doing faster motorway miles, expect it to drop.
Some manufacturers are pushing those limits. Mercedes-Benz is leading the charge with models like the GLC 300e, which claims up to 80 miles of electric range under ideal conditions. While that figure may be optimistic in real-world use, it shows just how far PHEVs have come – and how much potential they now offer for low-emissions urban driving.
How long does it take to charge a plug-in hybrid SUV?
Because plug-in hybrids have smaller batteries than fully electric cars, they typically charge much quicker. Most PHEVs can be topped up in around three hours using a standard 7.4kW home wallbox or a public destination charger. Charging via a regular 240-volt three-pin plug takes roughly twice as long – so overnight charging is usually the best bet.
Unlike EVs, most plug-in hybrids still don’t support rapid charging, although that is starting to change on newer models. Charging times also vary depending on the size of the car’s battery and the capacity of its onboard charger – so if fast top-ups are important to you, it’s worth checking the specs before you buy.
How does a plug-in hybrid SUV work?
A plug-in hybrid SUV combines a traditional combustion engine with a large battery and electric motor. You can drive it on electric power alone for short distances, which means you can do most local journeys without using a drop of fuel. The idea is that you charge it up regularly, just like an electric car, to make the most of its zero-emission capability.
Once the electric range is used up, the petrol (or sometimes diesel) engine kicks in, seamlessly taking over to keep you moving. This setup means there’s no ‘range anxiety’ like in a pure EV – you still have a fuel tank for longer trips. It’s this mix of low running costs and long-distance flexibility that makes plug-in hybrids such a popular choice.
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