What are the best hybrid SUVs?

Hybrid SUVs blend together efficiency, performance and an element of eco-friendliness, which means a range of different options for every driver. While it’s great to have choice, wading through the quagmire of different hybrid technologies can be challenging.

But fear not – we’re here to help steer you in the right direction. Whether you’re a small crossover runabout for the town, or a big, luxurious family SUV to tackle road trips as well as the school run, we’ve got you covered. Here, then, is our guide to the best hybrid SUVs you can buy today.

Different hybrid technologies

Before we get into specific recommendations, a quick guide. Not all hybrids are the same. They come in various configurations to suit different needs, but they can be split into three basic categories:

• Mild hybrids (MHEVs): Generally the most affordable type of hybrid, but also the technology that has the least overall impact, a mild-hybrid system provides a small amount of electrical assistance to a petrol or diesel engine to improve fuel efficiency and sometimes performance. Like other systems, MHEVs harvest energy from braking and coasting, but most can’t power the car using electricity alone.
• Full hybrids (HEVs): A full hybrid uses an electric motor and battery alongside a petrol or diesel engine. They’re more powerful (and usually more expensive) than equivalent mild-hybrid cars, but can provide electric-only power for short distances. At other times, they combine petrol and electric power for improved fuel economy and extra performance. They can be particularly effective in low-speed traffic, and don’t need plugging in to recharge the battery.
• Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs): The most complex of the hybrid systems, PHEVs are a halfway house between traditional petrol or diesel engines and a full-electric car. They use a much larger battery than full hybrids, which can be charged by plugging in to the mains. They can also cover far larger distances on electric power only – the latest models can top 70 miles on a full charge. If you do a lot of short journeys, this can dramatically slash your fuel bills. However, they’re expensive to buy and heavy, which can affect the driving experience. And once the battery has drained, the engine is hauling extra weight which means fuel consumption soars. PHEVs provide great flexibility, but they’re not so good for long journeys.
• Range extenders: Sometimes known as REx, a range extender is a small combustion engine that acts as a generator for an electric car. While all the power to the wheels comes from the car’s electric motor, the engine is there to kick in if the battery gets too low, preventing what’s known as ‘range anxiety’ on longer trips. Range extenders are less common than they used to be, but you’ll find a few of them on the used market.

Best small hybrid SUV: Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota has long been a world leader in full-hybrid technology – remember when the Prius first popularised the word? Its Yaris Cross combines the affordability and broad appeal of its Yaris hatchback with the extra versatility of an SUV. Toyota has an enviable reputation for reliability so it shouldn't let you down, and it promises superb fuel efficiency (north of 60mpg) with a generous slathering of standard features. It won’t break the bank, either – prices when new start at just £25,530.

Best affordable hybrid SUV: Kia Niro

Generally speaking, affordable means small. But if you want a larger hybrid SUV that won’t batter your bank account, check out Kia’s excellent full-hybrid Niro. Priced from just £30,085, it feels anything but cheap inside with a spacious, well-made and feature packed interior and a good amount of space in the back seats for family duties. Fuel efficiency could be as high as 64.2mpg, depending on the trim level. And for dependability, how does a seven-year warranty grab you? The Niro is also available as a plug-in hybrid and as a full-electric car, although those models cost more.

Best hybrid SUV for families: Hyundai Santa Fe

Obviously the definition of “family” is flexible, but for automotive purposes, family generally means “big and practical”. Step forward the Hyundai Santa Fe, an imposing and thoroughly contemporary seven-seat SUV. It’s very practical with bags of space for family and assorted belongings, has a long warranty and an interior that’s positively plush and stuffed with tech. The 1.6-litre petrol full-hybrid model is a great specification, with enough oomph for just about any situation and a choice between two-wheel or four-wheel drive. A real-world 45mpg should be achievable, which is excellent for this size of car. A plug-in hybrid model is also available.

Best luxury hybrid SUV: Range Rover P460e

Generally speaking, a Range Rover isn’t exactly eco-conscious. But while this plug-in hybrid model still houses a big six-cylinder petrol engine, its electric-only range of close to 50 miles means that, if you do mostly shorter around-town journeys, you won’t be polluting the air with exhaust gases. It’s as comfortable as cars can get with a sumptuous interior and a cosseting ride, and it’ll excel at off-road duties, too. Although we don’t blame you if you don’t want to get it dirty.

Best plug-in hybrid SUV: BMW X5 xDrive50e

A superb all-rounder, this big (but not TOO big) BMW is quick, fun to drive, comfortable, luxurious and very practical. In plug-in hybrid form it can manage almost 70 miles in full-electric mode, which is up there with the best available. A massive options list means you can tailor its exact specification to your particular needs, too, although the standard specification is very high-end already. And did we mention it can also go off-road?

Best off-road hybrid SUV: Range Rover Sport P460e

The full-fat Range Rover mentioned above is also excellent off-road, but if you’re going to be regularly tackling the rough stuff then we reckon the less bulky, more agile Range Rover Sport is a better option. The PHEV model can manage up to 70 miles on battery power alone, and underneath the electric tech is some serious off-road wizardry that can clamber over terrain very, very few other cars can manage. On top of that, it’s impressively nimble on the road too, and luxurious inside with an immensely comfortable ride quality. And it’s got badge appeal, too.

Best performance hybrid SUV: Porsche Cayenne

For outright driving exhilaration in an SUV, it’s hard to look further than the local Porsche dealership. The Cayenne is a luxurious family SUV that has trained extremely hard to be nearly as engaging to drive as Porsche’s famous 911 sports car, and for a big, high car it’s deeply impressive. You could legitimately take it to a race track and not look out of place, and there are several hybrid versions to choose from at different price points. If money’s no object, the monstrously powerful Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid will blow your socks off with its acceleration, but will also do nearly 50 miles on electric power only.