Electric cars may be the hot topic on everybody’s lips, but it’s still the case that they simply don’t suit everybody. Maybe you’ve got a large family to transport, or you regularly undertake long journeys. Perhaps you simply don’t have anywhere to charge one up!
Luckily for you, the current breed of hybrid SUVs – whether buying new or looking for second-hand cars for sale – solve those problems, with powertrains that combine electric power with a petrol or diesel engine for, in theory, the best of both worlds.
But of course, not all hybrid SUVs are created equal, and not all of them are suitable for all people. We’ve rounded up our favourites below.
Volvo XC90
Slick Scandinavian styling, space for seven and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s equal parts responsive and pragmatic. The Volvo XC90 is the ideal car for a growing family thanksto its flexible interior – and a brilliant safety record always helps too.
We especially like the comfortable ride and the instant response from its powerful petrol engine and electric motor combo. Plug in and you’ll even manage around 25 miles on battery power alone.
Toyota RAV4
The standard RAV4 comes with a self-charging hybrid powertrain, but you can get a plug-in variant, too. Both are excellent cars, with the expertise Toyota’s gained from more than 20 years of producing both hybrids and SUVs.
There’s plenty of space inside and the dashboard is a model of clarity, while Toyota also offers an amazing warranty of up to ten years if you’re intending to keep your car for a long time.
Honda CR-V
Honda dropped the perol and diesel CR-V models from its lineup not long after launching this hybrid, and it’s easy to see why. Maintaining the benefits of its sister cars – that is, a cavernous boot, loads of space for rear passengers and plenty of clever interior touches – and adding them to a refined and efficient hybrid powertrain really is a great way to cover all bases.
And buying a Honda you’re almost assured of faultless reliability, too.
Porsche Cayenne
If you want a hybrid SUV but you still want to enjoy driving, look no further than the Porsche Cayenne and its choice of hybrid powertrains. The Turbo S E-Hybrid is an incredible performance machine, and one of the fastest SUVs on the roads, but all Cayennes drive fantastically well.
And it’s not just driving where the Cayenne excels – the interior’s reasonably spacious and feels beautifully screwed-together.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 may be a bit pricey but it’s an exceptionally polished all-rounder – capable of blasting down a B-road with as much pleasure as it does slogging down the M5.
The hybrid model, badged xDrive45e, combines a six-cylinder petrol engine with a powerful electric motor for a car that’s smooth, refined, powerful and generally great to own.
Vauxhall Grandland X
Vauxhall’s first mainstream hybrid car, the Grandland X appeals thanks to low running costs and a familiar and very practical interior.
With 300hp on tap, too, it’s remarkably fast for what’s still at heart a family car. And high levels of standard equipment are always a nice cherry on the top of a good deal – which Vauxhall dealers are often likely to offer.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric car. Both of the first two make really compelling choices as hybrid SUVs – we like the roomy interiors, incredibly straightforward dashboard design and generous warranty.
We also like that the Kia Niro is fairly small for an SUV, making it really easy to park and manoeuvre around towns and cities.
