2024’s Best Hybrid SUVs Revealed: Our Top 12 Picks
Discover a selection of the top-rated self-charging and plug-in hybrid Sports Utility Vehicles in the UK
If you’re in the market for an SUV, then you’re in luck! Sports Utility Vehicles are in high demand which means there is an abundance of options available. Better still, the number of hybrid models is on the rise, providing drivers with plenty of economical and fuel-efficient motoring choices.
In this article, we reveal the best hybrid SUVs of 2024; explore our top 12 picks and you could be making a purchase sooner than you think!
What is a hybrid SUV?
A hybrid SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) is a type of crossover car that combines a standard combustion engine (using diesel or petrol) with an electric motor and battery.
The combination of fuel and battery power provides a more economical and efficient drive - the hybrid element can vary between a mild hybrid, self-charging hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. The latter two options enable the car to be powered by electricity alone for short periods of time.
SUVs are the preferred choice for many drivers for a number of reasons; they can seat up to seven people, tend to have a larger amount of space inside, can carry more cargo in the boot, provide better visibility while driving due to a higher seating position, and can offer all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities for a better on or off-road performance.
What is the difference between a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid?
The main difference between self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrids is how they recharge their batteries.
Self-Charging Hybrids: These rely solely on regenerative braking and the petrol/diesel engine to recharge their batteries. They do not need to be plugged into external power sources so the electric element is generated when the vehicle slows down, harnessing the energy during speed reduction and storing it to increase performance when acceleration. As such, self-charging hybrids (also known as HEVs) tend to have smaller battery packs and can only drive for short distances (up to 30 miles) on electric-only power before the engine kicks back in.
Plug-In Hybrids: These are designed to be plugged into an electric source to recharge their larger battery packs. Plug-in hybrids (also known as PHEVs) can be driven for slightly longer periods of time on battery-only power (up to 50 miles in some models) and can be charged at home, at work, or at public electric vehicle plug points.
Top 12 hybrid SUVs
- Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4
- Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid SUV
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
- Jeep Compass Hybrid 4xe Plug-in Hybrid
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid
- Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Peugeot 3008 Hybrid
- Renault Arkana E-Tech Full Hybrid
- Renault Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid
- Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4
Price: From £46,499 new
MPG: 29 miles per gallon combined
Pros: Fantastic looking car and very comfortable to drive
Cons: The PHEV has a smaller boot compared to the standard model
The Alfa Romeo brand launches its first Plug-in hybrid model courtesy of the Tonale Q4. In true Italian style, expect outstanding design on the outside, premium materials on the inside, and cutting-edge technology for a partly electrified driving experience. The Tonale PHEV has a total driving range of up to 372 miles and can drive distances of up to 48 miles on pure electric power.
Discover Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 offers at Wilsons Alfa Romeo.
Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid SUV
Price: From £38,655 new
MPG: Up to 51.4 miles per gallon
Pros: Fun to drive and good handling
Cons: Can feel sluggish when accelerating
Ford has been enjoying a resurgence since the launch of its Kuga model which has proven to be a very popular SUV. Now available as a plug-in hybrid, drivers can take advantage of short EV distances and enjoy between 28 to 41 miles of electric-only motoring and a full charge in three and a half hours.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Price: From £43,240 new
MPG: 44.1 miles per gallon
Pros: Great family-sized car, spacious and comfortable
Cons: A smaller size boot than some other large SUVs
If you’re looking for an SUV with space, style, and economical benefits, then the seven-seater Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV could be right up your street. Enjoy optimal protection when behind the wheel thanks to numerous state-of-the-art advanced driver safety systems as standard. The Santa Fe hybrid can perform in electric-only mode for up to 36 miles at a time.
Discover Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid offers at Wilsons Hyundai.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Price: From £39,330 new
MPG: 38 miles per gallon
Pros: Bold-looking exterior, comfortable interior, competitive performance
Cons: Uses cheap plastics inside
Available as a plug-in hybrid or self-charging hybrid, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is leading the way in progressive design and can switch to an all-electric mode with the push of a button. The combined hybrid powertrain means you can travel further but use less fuel in the process. It has a total range of 507 miles and can travel around 33 miles on pure electric power.
Discover Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offers at Wilsons Hyundai.
Jeep Compass 4xe Plug-in Hybrid
Price: From £33,500 new
MPG: 46.9 miles per gallon
Pros: Good value for money, luxurious and stylish interior
Cons: Not overly fast
Jeep launches a modern take on its iconic Compass model which also sees it step into a new era of hybrid technology thanks to its plug-in capabilities. The Jeep Compass 4xe has evolved into a daringly bold and intelligent SUV that combines two types of power for an even more efficient daily drive. Experience zero-emissions driving for up to 30 miles at a time using the electric battery only - plus it can tow up to 1,250kg of weight too.
Discover Jeep Compass 4xe Plug-in Hybrid offers at Wilsons Jeep.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid
Price: From £79,995 new
MPG: 49 miles per gallon
Pros: Plenty of advanced driving features, can tow up to 2,500kg
Cons: Not as fuel efficient as other plug-in hybrids
If there ever was an SUV designed with comfort, space, and adventures in mind, then the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has it in abundance. The Plug-in Hybrid has the perfect blend of luxury and technology, yet doesn’t lose its rugged appeal for those who like to drive something a little less ordinary. Expect up to 31 miles in full electric mode and a combined range of 470 miles on a full tank. And guess what, it has up to seven seats and can tow too!
Discover Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid offers at Wilsons Jeep.
Kia Sorento Hybrid
Price: From £46,495 new
MPG: 39 miles per gallon
Pros: Lots of space and variable seat configurations for up to seven people
Cons: Pricey - especially for the PHEV version, only available as an all-wheel drive
Kia is looking to dominate the seven-seater SUV market with its Sorento model which is available as a self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Providing a choice of latest-generation petrol or diesel engines alongside its hybrid powertrains, Kia really is appealing to the mass market. Not as popular as some of the other models in the range, the Sorento offers premium comfort and plenty of assistive on-board technology.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid
Price: From £32,131 new
MPG: Up to 49.56 miles per gallon
Pros: Sporty style and fast performance
Cons: Can feel heavy to drive on corners
The Peugeot 3008 is fast becoming an iconic mid-size SUV that comprises stunning design with quality features and a dynamic drive. It is available as a self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid for the ultimate in fuel efficiency. As an award-winning SUV, it is not hard to see why the 3008 appeals to drivers all over the country with its sleek and sculptured looks.
Discover Peugeot 3008 Hybrid offers at Wilsons Peugeot.
Renault Arkana E-Tech Full Hybrid
Price: From £27,475 new
MPG: 60.1 miles per gallon
Pros: Good value for money, very practical and comfortable
Cons: Can be sluggish when overtaking
Introducing a new kind of sporty SUV in the form of the Renault Arkana E-tech Full Hybrid. Its coupe styling is seriously appealing and is one of the safest cars on the road thanks to its five-star Euro NCAP rating. Renault’s E-Tech hybrid technology provides an ever-increasing efficient drive and when travelling around town, the Arkana can function in electric-only mode for up to 80% of the time.
Discover Renault Arkana E-Tech Full Hybrid offers at Wilsons Renault.
Renault Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid
Price: From £33,545 new
MPG: 60.1 miles per gallon
Pros: Relaxing to drive, full of the latest technology, impressive fuel economy
Cons: The entry-level trim can feel quite basic
A successor to the Kadjar, the Renault Austral E-Tech is a full hybrid compact crossover SUV. Both stylish and functional, the Austral is a self-charging hybrid car boasting up to 683 miles of range. Benefit from driving in full electric mode around town for up to 80% of the time which is a breeze thanks to 30 advanced on-board driver assistance systems.
Discover Renault Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid offers at Wilsons Renault.
Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid
Price: From £29,232 new
MPG: 56.6 miles per gallon
Pros: Plenty of headroom and legroom and very enjoyable to drive
Cons: Some of the materials inside feel a bit cheap
The Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid is here with the aim of reducing running costs. This sassy little SUV is available as a full (self-charging) hybrid 145 and a plug-in hybrid 160 model, so you can choose between regenerative power or one that gets its electric power from being plugged in. Benefit from an eight-year battery warranty as standard for added peace of mind.
Discover Renault Captur Hybrid offers at Wilsons Renault.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Price: From £38,880 new
MPG: Up to 49.5 miles per gallon
Pros: Capable handling on the roads and big on safety
Cons: Surprisingly noisy in the cabin
Toyota's design has come a long way in recent years as demonstrated by the RAV4 - an all-round SUV available as a self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid. With standard combustion engine RAV4 models now a thing of the past, this new hybrid era means the SUV is capable of driving distances of up to 46 miles on pure electric power.
What is the best self-charging hybrid SUV in the UK?
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is widely considered to be one of the best self-charging hybrid SUV’s in the UK. Now in its fourth generation of design, the modern mid-size SUV is a sophisticated consistent performer on the roads that can run for short periods on electric power only thanks to a replenishing source of regenerative energy.
What is the best plug-in hybrid SUV in the UK?
The award-winning Peugeot 3008 Hybrid is up there with some of the best - if not the best - plug-in hybrid SUVs available in the UK. Striking the perfect balance between traditional fuel-engine cars and fully electric vehicles, the 3008 is extremely capable on the roads.
Six reasons to choose a hybrid SUV
- Better fuel economy - Hybrid SUVs typically get many miles per gallon compared to traditional combustion engine cars due to combined power sources.
- Lower emissions - The electric motors and more efficient petrol/diesel engines mean hybrid SUVs emit less greenhouse gases and air pollutants.
- Smoother, quieter ride - The electric motor allows hybrid SUVs to operate quietly and smoothly - especially at lower speeds.
- Performance - The instant torque from electric motors provides hybrid SUVs with increased acceleration compared to their non-hybrid counterparts.
- Lower running costs - Between the improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements of hybrid systems, owning a hybrid SUV over its lifetime can save plenty of pounds in fuel and servicing expenses.
- Size and space - There are now many hybrid SUV options with ample cargo and passenger space to accommodate families large or small - some models offer seven seats across three rows of seating.
FAQs and Answers
If you’re in the market for a hybrid SUV, then we hope our guide to 2024’s collection of the best self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrids has helped your search. Do you have another question in mind? Take a look at our hybrid SUVs FAQs below:
What is the most reliable hybrid SUV on the market?
Repeatedly awarded the most reliable hybrid SUV in the UK, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a model you can rely on. It may be a bit more expensive than other similar models on the market, but it really is worth every penny.
What is the best petrol hybrid SUV?
Alfa Romeo is leading the charge with its new Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 model. An elegant and attractive SUV, its advanced hybrid system combines a 1.3-litre MultiAir turbo petrol engine powering the front wheels, supported by an electric motor that sends power to the rear set of wheels for sharper and more stable performance.
What are the disadvantages of a hybrid SUV?
While there are many advantages to owning a hybrid SUV, there are also some downsides. For starters, a hybrid SUV is likely to be more expensive than its conventional counterpart. Secondly, servicing and maintenance costs may be pricier due to the number of components included. Lastly, the extra weight in a hybrid car may make them feel a bit sluggish.
What is the most fuel-efficient self-charging hybrid SUV?
Both the Renault Arkana E-Tech Hybrid and the Renault Austral E-Tech Hybrid models are available as self-charging hybrids. In terms of fuel efficiency, they both hit the 60.1 mpg mark which is currently hard to beat.
Which SUV hybrid has the best mileage?
The Renault Austral E-Tech Hybrid has a total range of 683 miles using a combination of petrol and hybrid power through regenerative self-charging capabilities.
What is the best small hybrid SUV?
The Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid is considered to be the best small hybrid SUV available right now. It is praised for its fuel efficiency, handling, performance, and family-friendly nature.
What is the cheapest hybrid SUV?
The Renault Arkana comes up trumps on price - being one of the cheapest hybrid SUVs to buy. Prices start at just over £27,000 from new for the entry-level trim.
Hybrid SUVs for sale
Here at Wilsons, in Epsom Surrey, we proudly boast a wide range of new hybrid SUVs as well as used hybrid SUVs from some of the most popular manufacturers in the world. Whether you’re looking for a compact SUV, a seven-seater family wagon, or a sleek and sporty variant, then we’ve got you covered. Follow this link to see which are the best hybrid cars and this one to read more about the top mild hybrid cars.
Head over to our online showroom to view the latest self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrid cars in stock.
