By Ben Welham
Last updated: 15 August 2025
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs are the way to go if you need practicality and want to save on fuel – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?
SUVs are big, spacious, comfortable and offer a raised driving position, but they haven’t always been the best on fuel... until now.
Being able to drive around on electric power alone makes city life so much easier. And that electric power will improve your fuel economy for longer trips.
To help you find the best PHEV SUV for you, here are 10 of the best in order of the highest electric range first.
What are the best plug-in hybrid SUVs?
BYD SEAL U DM-i
Mercedes GLC 300e
Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid
MG HS Hybrid+
Range Rover Sport P550e
Škoda Kodiaq iV
BMW X5 xDrive50e
Citroën C5 Aircross PHEV
Mazda MX-30 R-EV
Kia Sportage PHEV
BYD SEAL U DM-i
The BYD SEAL U DM-i is the Chinese brand’s first attempt at selling a plug-in hybrid in the UK, and it’s not messing about.
With huge range promises and a lot of interior tech (including a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen), there’s no wonder it’s becoming so popular.
Electric range: 78 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 671 miles
Battery size: 18.3kWh
Engine size: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
Boot space: 425 litres (1,440 litres with the rear seats folded)
Mercedes GLC 300e
For a while, Mercedes fell a bit behind in the electric and hybrid car race, but now it’s caught up, and PHEV models like the Mercedes GLC 300e are proof it’s taking things seriously.
Inside is just as luxurious as any other Mercedes, but you can also drive around cities in pure electric mode and save money on fuel.
Electric range: 78 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 900 miles
Battery size: 20.4kWh
Engine size: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
Boot space: 470 litres (1,530 litres with the rear seats folded)
Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid
The Volkswagen Tiguan is impressive as both a petrol and a diesel, and the eHybrid takes it to the next level.
With a long electric range and VW’s quality interior, there’s very little to dislike about it. Plus, it’s priced attractively as VW’s usually are – even more so if you pick up a used example.
Electric range: 77 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 620 miles
Battery size: 19.7kWh
Engine size: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
Boot space: 490 litres (1,486 litres with the rear seats folded)
MG HS Plug-In Hybrid
The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid has a new design, interior, engine and, well, everything else. It means business.
It doesn’t just want to take on old rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan, because it also has its sights set on more premium offerings like the Audi Q5, despite costing a fraction of the price.
Electric range: 75 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 450 miles
Battery size: 24.7kWh
Engine size: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
Boot space: 507 litres (1,484 litres with the rear seats folded)
Watch our full MG HS review.
Best hybrid SUVs to buy

Range Rover Sport P550e
What’s better than a plug-in hybrid SUV? One that’s as luxurious as an Emirates First Class cabin.
The Range Rover Sport P550e is the best of both worlds, with an impressive electric range and a solid engine to fall back on. Interior-wise, it’s one of the best cars around, with seats as comfortable as your sofa at home.
Electric range: 74 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 500 miles
Battery size: 38.2kWh
Engine size: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine
Boot space: 647 litres (1,491 litres with the rear seats folded)
Škoda Kodiaq iV
While the PHEV Škoda Kodiaq iV is five seats-only (over the standard car’s seven), we do think it’s worth the compromise. Especially for the added fuel economy you get from the batteries.
On top of that, Škoda is a budget-friendly brand that makes clever and well-packaged family cars, and the Kodiaq is the brand’s biggest model and among the best.
Electric range: 71 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 620 miles
Battery size: 25.7kWh
Engine size: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
Boot space: 745 litres (1,945 litres with the rear seats folded)
BMW X5 xDrive50e
The BMW X5 was one of the first mainstream SUVs ever, so it’s safe to say it’s tried and tested.
It might not have the most electric-only range, but you do get to enjoy one of BMW’s famous six-cylinder engines with the PHEV. Add that to the a plush interior and road presence like no other, and you’re onto a winner.
Electric range: 67 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 560 miles
Battery size: 25.7kWh
Engine size: 3.0-litre, straight-six turbocharged petrol engine
Boot space: 500 litres (1,720 litres with the rear seats folded)
Citroën C5 Aircross PHEV
If you’re looking for comfort on a budget, a Citroën C5 Aircross is the PHEV to have, offering supple suspension and impressive plug-in power.
Plus, the clever interior lets you individually slide the three rear seats forward and back, depending on how much legroom (or boot space) you’re after.
Electric range: 62 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 400 miles
Battery size: 13.2kWh
Engine size: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
Boot space: 580 litres/720 litres when seats are slid forward (1,630 litres with the rear seats folded)
Mazda MX-30 R-EV
The Mazda MX-30 R-EV (meaning Range Extender Electric Vehicle) is one of the lesser-known PHEVs, but it deserves more attention.
Being a small SUV with a dinky engine, it’s compact but still offers decent interior space. And because it’s a Mazda, you know you can rely on it when you need it the most, and it looks great.
Electric range: 53 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 400 miles
Battery size: 17.8kWh
Engine size: 830cc rotary engine
Boot space: 350 litres (1,155 litres with the rear seats folded)
Kia Sportage PHEV
It’s not easy competing with the Nissan Qashqai, but the Kia Sportage gives it a seriously good run for its money.
With plenty of space, a large touchscreen and a comfortable ride, it’s no wonder they sell like hot cakes – the PHEV’s hybrid setup just sweetens the deal even more.
Electric range: 43 miles
Combined range (full fuel tank and full battery): 500 miles
Battery size: 13.8kWh
Engine size: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
Boot space: 540 litres (1,715 litres with the rear seats folded)
*Electric and combined range results may vary depending on the individual’s style of driving, road conditions, weather, etc.
Discover used PHEV SUVs for sale
There are so many PHEV SUVs to choose from it can be daunting, which is why we’ve written this guide to help you out.
If you’re ready to search for your next car, check out our range of used plug-in hybrid SUVs available.
Read more about hybrid SUVs:
Plug-in hybrid SUV FAQs
Ready to hit the open road?
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