Compare the best plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs
High-quality PHEV SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers
Best PHEV SUVs of 2024
You might think that buying a large SUV right now is a bad idea, because fuel costs are so high. However, there’s a cheeky loophole that can reduce running costs greatly – and that’s why our expert reviews team has put together this list of the best plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs you can buy in 2024.
Why are PHEV SUVs such a good idea? Well, while they do have a petrol engine that could cost you a fortune in fuel, they also come with large batteries that allow you to run them on electric power. If you can keep the batteries topped up, it means your cost per mile is massively reduced (assuming you’re charging at home and not at pricey public chargers, of course), and you have a backup petrol engine that will kick in on longer journeys.
Some PHEVs can now travel more than 60 miles on a charge, meaning most people could happily commute without ever calling on the engine. There are company car tax benefits, too.
Interest piqued? Here’s Carwow’s rundown of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs…
Battery range up to 45 miles
What's good
What’s not so good
The BMW X5 is pretty much the perfect SUV. It’s big (but not too big), has a lovely posh interior and it’s brilliant to drive. What’s more, it’s available with an excellent plug-in hybrid engine that has an electric-only range of up to 62 miles. That means you might be able to commute all week and save your petrol for a weekend away.
2024
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Highly Commended
What's good
What’s not so good
The BMW X5 might be posh, but the Range Rover is luxurious. Unfortunately, you have to pay for the privilege of this exquisite cabin and driving experience, but if you can justify the outlay the reward is owning a car that feels more like a stately home. You also benefit from a fantastic electric range of up to 73 miles, which should help offset your petrol costs and make the six-figure sum you’ve paid for the car a bit more palatable…
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2024
Family Values Award
What's good
What’s not so good
At the complete opposite end of the scale is the Citroen C5 Aircross. It’s our favourite family car because it’s ridiculously good value – for the price of much smaller cars you get a spacious SUV with a massive boot, and even if you go for the super-cheap versions it doesn’t feel bargain basement inside. Things start to get a bit more expensive with the plug-in hybrid version, but with up to 41 miles of electric range, it should be dirt cheap to run.
What's good
What’s not so good
We really like the Kia Sportage’s mix of practicality and interesting styling, plus the cabin looks really cool with its twin digital screens and clever touch-sensitive controls. The plug-in hybrid version can get up to 43 miles of electric driving on a full charge. It could be more fun to drive, but it’s still a good car.
What's good
What’s not so good
Let’s be honest, the Volkswagen Tiguan is quite expensive, particularly with its plug-in hybrid engine. However, this is a brilliant family SUV that’s the perfect size for the typical family, and you get a high-tech, upmarket interior and loads of kit that goes some way to justifying the price tag. And with a range of up to 62 miles, the plug-in hybrid models shouldn’t cost the Earth to run.
What's good
What’s not so good
BMW’s baby SUV might be its most affordable SUV, but it feels just as posh as bigger, more expensive models. The interior is fantastic quality and you get the typical BMW big screens so you won’t feel short-changed. Again, it’s not cheap, but with the plug-in hybrid offering an electric range of up to 53 miles, you needn’t use any petrol on the average school run.
What's good
What’s not so good
The Jaguar F-Pace is getting on a bit now, but it’s testament to the car’s design that it still looks fresh today. It also has a quality cabin and the infotainment system in the newer models is excellent. It’s also great to drive and is one of the better SUVs to enjoy on a twisty road. Its electric range of 39 miles isn’t the best here but if you have home charging it should still help keep running costs low.
Much like the F-Pace, the Volvo XC60 has been around a while, yet still has a smart design. The interior is starting to show its age, but it’s still a comfortable place to sit and has a cool minimalist design. It’s the Goldilocks SUV in Volvo’s range, being more spacious than the XC40 and not as massive as the XC90, which can be a bit nervy to drive around town. You can see up to 51 miles of battery range from the plug-in hybrid.
What's good
What’s not so good
If you want to stand out from the crowd without spending a premium, the Toyota C-HR is a good place to start. It has quirky looks, with sharp creases and angles in the bodywork. It's conventional to drive though, being really comfortable over bumps as well as surprisingly good fun in corners. Opt for the plug-in hybrid and you get a respectable 41 miles of electric-only range.
What's good
What’s not so good
If it’s style you’re after, you could also consider the Cupra Formentor, which looks and feels much sportier and has a slightly posher image than the Toyota, but only costs a few quid more. Its electric-only range of 37 miles is a touch disappointing in this company, and it’s not hugely practical, but if you’re looking for a fun family car that won’t be too expensive to run, it’s a fantastic choice.
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