Compare the best hybrid 4x4s
High-quality hyrbid 4x4 cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best hybrid 4x4s of 2024
The differentiation between SUVs and 4x4 cars is a subtle one, but it essentially comes down to how capable a car is off road. Because while the SUV class emerged from off-road cars in the 1990s, many modern SUVs are two-wheel drive models that aren't really designed to venture off paved roads.
Either way, 4x4 cars tend to be a little heavier on fuel than conventional models, and while diesel was therefore once the default choice for such vehicles, that fuel has fallen out of favour in recent years, with petrol-electric hybrid technology taking up the mantle. In reality, though, thoroughbred 4x4 cars are pretty thin on the ground, while many of the models that do exist aren't available with a hybrid option, so a few conventional hybrid SUVs have crept into our rundown out of necessity. Nonetheless, here, we highlight 10 great hybrid 4x4 cars that will undoubtedly get you to where you need to go, while giving you the option of cruising about in electric mode as you wish.
What's good
What’s not so good
The Defender is such an iconic model that Land Rover reimagining it for the 2020s was both a hard job, and one that promised great success if they got it right. Happily, the rugged looking Defender nods just the right amount to the original model, while also being a thoroughly modern, desireable 4x4 car. Opt for the P400e plug-in hybrid version and you can get 100mpg economy (assuming you charge it regularly and run it in electric mode a lot), together with a 0-60mph time of 5.4 seconds.
2025
Adventurer's Choice Award
Battery range up to 45 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Okay, so this is more of a road than off-road-focussed 4x4 car, but with a plug-in hybrid electric range of 50 or so miles, togther with super-low CO2 emissions and strong performance, the X5 has clear appeal. It's also astonishingly good to drive, while if you stick a set of all-season or mud+snow tyres on it and jack the air suspension up, it'll be pretty competent in the rough stuff. It's just a shame the xOffroad option pack (which adds underbody protection and off-road driving modes) isn't availabe with the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model.
What's good
What’s not so good
Big, luxurious, and now with a six-figure pricetag, the full-size Ranger Rover obviously requires deep pockets. Those with the means to afford it, though, will be getting one of the plushest cars on the market, and also one of the most capable off-road vehicles available. The fact you can also have the Rangie with two plug-in hyrbrid options - the P440e and the quicker, more powerful P510e model - only adds to the appeal.
Sell your car for what it's really worth
The free, easy way to get 5,500+ dealers all over the UK bidding on your car
Learn how to
sell your car
with carwow
What's good
What’s not so good
Okay, so few of us are in a position to spend £100k+ on a new car, even if it's spread out over monthly repayments (and you save money on it through carwow!), but the good news is the Range Rover Evoque is far more attainable. It's the P250e plug-in model you'll be after if you want a hybrid Evoque, but whichever version you choose you'll be getting Range Rover's fantastic blend of luxury, plus go-anywhere appeal.
What's good
What’s not so good
Like the RAV4, the Sorento is argubaly more of a conventional SUV than a 4x4 car, but it's available both as a conventional hybrid and a plug-in model, and can tow 1,650 and 1,500kg respectively in those guises, which both come with four-wheel drive capabilities. It's also a seriously comfortable and impressive seven-seat SUV, all backed up by Kia's excellent seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
What's good
What’s not so good
Land Rover and its posh Range Rover cousin build some of the most capable 4x4 cars money can buy (which is why you'll see a few of them on this list), and while the firm has yet to offer an all-electric model, it has embraced plug-in hybrid technolgy. The P300e PHEV version of the Discovery Sport can cover up to 38 miles in battery mode, and while it's only a five seater (non PHEV models can seat seven), it is a comfortbale, refined car on the road, and a mighty impressive one off it.
What's good
What’s not so good
The RAV4 is more of a road-focussed SUV than a bona fide 4x4, but pick the all-wheel-drive model, fit it with some chunky tyres and the 190mm ground clearance should be more than enough for grassy fields and the like, while the 'Trail Mode' is specifically designed for poor-grip off-road conditions. The RAV4 also looks suitably chunky, while there's also a plug-in hybrid model with an electric range of 46 miles.
Battery range up to 57 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
Sure, the GLE is some way off being as capable off road as the chunky Mercedes G-Class, but it still has a healthy 201mm of ground clearance, while the pasenger grab handles on the centre console are both reassuring, and leather wrapped. The 350de model is also that rare thing: a diesel-engined plug-in hybrid, with a 136hp electric motor paired with a 194hp diesel engine. Battery range is up to an impressive 58 miles, while fuel economy is as high as 353mpg - though the latter assumes you will be charging up regularly, and running in battery mode almost all the time.
What's good
What’s not so good
Jeep, like Land Rover and Subaru, has always built cars that will reach the parts rival vehicles will not, and the Renegade is, if you specify it in 4xe plug-in hybrid form, a crossover-SUV with four-wheel drive, fairly decent off-road credentials, and an electric-only range of 26 miles. Sure, the interior could be a little plusher, but if it's rugged charm in a small hybrid package you're after, look no further.
What's good
What’s not so good
Subaru has always been a bit of a niche player in the UK, but if you need a car to ford rivers, cross mountains and brave volvanoes (okay, we may be exaggerating just a little), a Subaru is likely to get you places many SUVs would balk at. Subaru has also taken up hybrid technology in recent years (albeit conventional rather than plug-in hybrid technology), while the Forester's 220mm of ground clearance and sophisticated four-wheel-drive system make it an extremely competent off-roader. Fuel economy may be a little disappointing compared to some hybrids, while the interior feels like it will outlast most of us, thought it could be a little more luxurious - but if you're after a hybrid 4x4 and are swung by its rugged charms, the Forester is certianly worth considering.
Browse all cars
Advice about 4x4 cars
Hybrid 4x4s FAQs
Browse other car types
- 4x4 Cars
- 7-Seater Cars
- Automatic Cars
- Cheap Cars
- Convertible Cars
- Coupe Cars
- Crossover Cars
- Electric Cars
- Estate Cars
- Executive Cars
- Family Cars
- First Cars
- GT Cars
- Hatchbacks
- Hot Hatches
- Hybrid Cars
- Luxury Cars
- MPVs
- Medium-sized Cars
- Most Economical Cars
- Motability Cars
- SUVs
- Saloon Cars
- Small Cars
- Sports Cars
- Superminis