If you’re shopping for a new family car, you may well be considering one of several self-charging hybrid SUVs. These cars, which employ a mixture of conventional combustion and electric power, serve up a tempting blend of real-world practicality, reduced emissions and running costs – which is why you’ll often find them in best SUVs lists – without the premium of an all-electric alternative.
Self-charging hybrid SUVs, which are sometimes just called hybrid SUVs, are also cheaper than the more complex and advanced plug-in hybrid SUVs. And while they might not have as many talents as a pure-electric SUV or a plug-in hybrid SUV, self-charging hybrids still have many traits that make them worth considering.
To help you pick one that suits your needs, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best self-charging hybrid SUVs on sale in the UK in 2024.
Best self-charging hybrid SUVs of 2024
Luxurious Lexus is a top choice
The self-charging hybrid system in the NX employs a 2.5-litre petrol engine that is aided primarily by a large electric drive motor on the front axle, but a rear-mounted motor is also available for all-wheel drive. All cars come with a lithium-ion battery that stores captured or generated electricity, allowing for short stints on electric power alone, and otherwise helping to cut fuel consumption and emissions. There’s also a plug-in hybrid version on offer that can travel north of 40 miles on a single charge. Need something bigger? Then have a look at the Lexus RX.
Read our full Lexus NX review
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet and relaxed
- Good hybrid technology
- Excellent safety credentials
Cons
- Practicality could be better
- Not particularly exciting
Seven-seat hybrid is great value
That’s not to say it’s all good news; the hybrid system isn’t as smooth as others, and there are some quality issues in places. It’s hard to complain given the price, all things considered, and few will be put off by the odd minor grumble. The one-star Euro NCAP rating might concern, though, but its low rating is more a reflection of its low price and subsequent lack of active safety features.
Read our full Dacia Jogger review
Pros
- Impressive space and practicality
- Good to drive and efficient
- Terrific value for money
Cons
- One-star Euro NCAP crash test rating
- Rear seats could be more flexible
A spacious and luxurious seven-seat SUV
The Kia also has comfortable seats, a huge cabin and an array of neat practical touches, making it easy to live with. It isn’t cheap, mind, in part because it’s only offered in a couple of generously equipped trim levels, which might put some off. If you can live without hybrid tech, non-hybrid alternatives such as the Skoda Kodiaq may prove a better solution.
Read our full Kia Sorento review
Pros
- Practical and flexible
- Low running costs
- Seven-year warranty
Cons
- Only one trim level
- Hybrid could do with more punch
Compact Toyota is appealing and efficient
It’s also comfortable and offers a lot of interior space. It packs a 397-litre boot, too, and there are lots of useful touches – such as 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. And then there are facets such as the ten-year, 100,000-mile warranty, provided you service the car at an authorised Toyota facility, which will further help keep fuss to a minimum.
Read our full Toyota Yaris Cross review
Pros
- Easy to handle and drive
- Great hybrid technology
- Long warranty
Cons
- Infotainment feels dated
- It’s a bit dull
E-Power hybrid adds to the Qashqai’s appeal
What’s of particular note is that the Qashqai is now offered in two hybrid forms. The first is a conventional mild hybrid, but more interesting is the E-Power full hybrid variant. It uses a petrol engine to charge a battery and power an electric motor, with the motor alone driving the wheels. Subsequently, it’s a great stepping stone if you’re interested in pure electric power but have issues with the cost, range or charging logistics. And if you like the concept, but need more room or all-wheel drive, Nissan offers the same tech in its seven-seat X-Trail.
Read our full Nissan Qashqai review
Pros
- Capable range-extender hybrid model
- Practical, with lots of clever interior features
- Smart design, inside and out
Cons
- Mild hybrid versions lack muscle
- No plug-in version available
Striking SUV delivers lots of luxury
Hyundai also covers all the bases on the powertrain front, offering mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The full hybrid’s the main focus here, and it offers a good blend of performance and economy. Alternatives such as the Skoda Karoq are better to drive, though, and some customers will find a diesel more efficient in real-world use, particularly if they do longer drives. As always, it’s important to do the sums first to check what cost savings a hybrid might actually deliver.
Read our full Hyundai Tucson review
Pros
- High-quality interior
- Lots of features
- Big 616-litre boot
Cons
- Rivals are better to drive
- Diesel a better option for some
New Austral is a desirable family SUV
When we tested it, we found it was possible to average more than 50mpg, which was impressive for real-world use. The system also works well, although the engine can be a bit harsh when worked hard, and the gearbox isn’t a fan of sporting driving styles. But if you’re not fussed about high-pace antics, the Austral is an appealingly refined and high-quality family SUV.
Read our full Renault Austral review
Pros
- Upmarket and spacious interior
- Refined hybrid powertrain
- Good real-world economy
Cons
- Gearbox can be sluggish
- Ride can be a bit rough
Dynamics and quality over practicality
The ZR-V has a spacious interior, too, but the boot space is lacking at just 380 litres. That’s smaller than some regular hatchbacks, including the aforementioned Civic. And herein lies a major rub; this is less practical than the Civic, and the Civic is more efficient, quicker, and better to drive. Unless you’re sold on the ZR-V’s looks and height, the Civic might suit you better. Alternatively, if you want a more conventional and practical SUV, take a gander at the Honda CR-V.
Read our full Honda ZR-V review
Pros
- Efficient hybrid system
- Quality-feeling interior
- Drives well for an SUV
Cons
- Limited boot space
- Rivals are less expensive
A capable and composed family SUV
It also comes with lots of kit as standard; features include a 10.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay support, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Couple its ten-year, 100,000-mile warranty with its good real-world economy, thanks to its effective hybrid system, and it makes for a very sensible proposition.
Read our full Toyota RAV4 review
Pros
- Low running costs
- Lots of equipment
- Excellent practicality
Cons
- Not rewarding to drive
- Quality a little lacking in places
Full hybrid SUV offers a sporting driving experience
Distinctively, the Kuga – as you’d expect for a Ford, and one based on the Ford Focus hatchback – is a pleasant and engaging car to drive. It’s not as agile as the newer Ford Puma, but most will find it more compelling than its rivals. There’s also the option of a plug-in hybrid model, which is more powerful and capable, for those who want a bit more pure-electric flexibility.
Read our full Ford Kuga review
Pros
- Effective hybrid system
- Good handling
- Lots of interior space
Cons
- Boot is a bit restrictive
- Feels a little dated
Self-charging hybrid SUV buyers’ guide 2024
Aside from the obvious questions, such as how many seats do you need, how big a boot is required, and what equipment you want, there’s one criteria that should really steer your SUV buying decision: whether a self-charging hybrid will actually benefit you or not.
While self-charging hybrids can cut your running costs, for some owners they might not prove as advantageous as hoped. If you do lots of long journeys, for example, the fuel-saving benefits of self-charging hybrids tend to be negated – in these cases, an efficient diesel could prove the better option, and be more flexible and better to drive.
If you’re doing lots of shorter trips, or lots of stop-start driving, then a self-charging hybrid SUV could lower your fuel bills. But, in any case, you need to carefully crunch the numbers – and look at the expected real-world fuel consumption – to make sure that a hybrid SUV is the right choice for you.
FAQ: self-charging hybrid SUV questions answered
How do self-charging hybrid SUVs work?
Self-charging hybrids combine a conventional petrol or diesel engine with an electric drive motor and a small drive battery. This allows them to drive for short distance on electric power alone, unlike mild hybrids, and for the engine to be assisted by the electric motor when accelerating.
Unlike plug-in hybrids, self-charging hybrids – as the name suggests – don’t need to be plugged in. Instead, self-charging hybrids top up their batteries by recovering waste energy, such as that generated when the vehicle is slowing and braking, or have them charged by the output of the engine. And because they capture otherwise wasted energy, which is then deployed to aid the engine or move the car around for short distances, they are less polluting and more efficient.
You may also hear them referred to as strong hybrids, or full hybrids, because they are capable of moving on electric power alone, albeit for short distances. The term ‘self-charging hybrid’ might sound a little ridiculous but it’s an easy way to different the technology from the weaker mild alternative and the longer-range plug-in hybrid system.
Which hybrid SUVs charge themselves?
There are several self-charging hybrid SUVs on the market, including the premium Lexus UX, NX, RX and RZ, the affordable Dacia Jogger, the Ford Kuga, the Kia Sportage and Sorento hybrid, the Renault Austral and the Hyundai Tucson. Toyota, which is well known for its self-charging hybrid options, also offers several models, including the Yaris Cross and RAV4. The number of self-charging hybrid SUV models available is continuing to grow, too, driven by ever-changing emissions regulations and customer demand.
Are self-charging SUVs worth it?
A self-charging hybrid SUV can be a good alternative to a conventional petrol or diesel alternative if you do lots of low-speed or around-town driving. In these conditions, they offer reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption while still delivering decent performance.
If you’re regularly driving at higher speeds for longer distances, or along country lanes, where a self-charging hybrid system isn’t as effective, you may find a conventional and lighter petrol or diesel option better. Alternatively, a plug-in hybrid with a longer pure electric range could be a worthwhile alternative to investigate.
Which car manufacturers make self-charging hybrid SUVs?
Self-charging hybrid SUVs are produced by several manufacturers. Toyota is best known for its self-charging hybrid offerings, and it offers a wide range of models powered by the technology, including the C-HR, Yaris Cross, RAV4 and Highlander. Other manufacturers that make self-charging SUVs include Lexus, also well-known for such vehicles, along with Kia, Suzuki, Renault, Ford, and Honda.
What is the difference between hybrid and self-charging hybrid?
A hybrid is the same as a self-charging hybrid, and vice versa. Toyota, which has a lot of experience and history with hybrid powertrains, came up with the phrase ‘self-charging hybrid’ to describe its technology in advertising, hence its prominence these days.
Both, however, differ from mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. Mild hybrid systems provide only momentary electrical assistance to drive the car, and they can’t drive on electric power alone. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, have larger batteries and are designed to allow longer-distance driving on electric power, often for north of 30 miles.
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