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Compare the best plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs

High-quality PHEV SUVs from rated and reviewed dealers

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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…

BMW X5

1. BMW X5

10/10
BMW X5 review
Battery range up to 45 miles
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.
Range Rover
2024
Comfortable Cruiser Award
Highly Commended

2. Range Rover

9/10
Range Rover review
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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Citroen C5 Aircross
2024
Family Values Award

3. Citroen C5 Aircross

9/10
Citroen C5 Aircross review
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.
Kia Sportage

4. Kia Sportage

8/10
Kia Sportage review
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.
Volkswagen Tiguan

5. Volkswagen Tiguan

8/10
Volkswagen Tiguan review
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.
BMW X1

6. BMW X1

8/10
BMW X1 review
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.
Jaguar F-PACE

7. Jaguar F-Pace

8/10
Jaguar F-PACE review
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.
Volvo XC60

8. Volvo XC60

8/10
Volvo XC60 review
Battery range up to 28 miles
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.
Toyota C-HR

9. Toyota C-HR

8/10
Toyota C-HR review
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.
Cupra Formentor

10. Cupra Formentor

8/10
Cupra Formentor review
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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Plug-in hybrid SUVs FAQs

A plug-in hybrid SUV uses two power sources — a petrol (or very occasionally a diesel) engine and an electric motor, which is powered by a large rechargeable battery. The idea is that you can combine the best of both electric and petrol worlds.

The concept behind a plug-in hybrid SUV is that you use the electric motor and battery for your regular, daily commute (or shopping trips, school runs, etc). They work best if you have a driveway or garage with a charging point, or somewhere you can easily top up such as a work car park, as most plug-in hybrids can travel between 40 and 60 miles per charge, so you need to charge up frequently to reduce dependency on the petrol engine. Then, when you need to make a longer journey, you don’t have to worry about charging points — you just use the petrol engine and the fuel tank. The car will be thirstier on a long journey, of course, because it’s heavier (thanks to the battery and electric motor) but in theory, enough miles on electric power will more than balance out the extra thirst on longer journeys.

It will depend on the model. Older models, with smaller batteries, will generally manage around 30 miles. Never models with bigger batteries will go for between 40 and as much as 60 miles. The best, newest models can manage a claimed 70-plus miles.

From a home three-pin socket, you’re looking at around three-to-five hours to charge a plug-in hybrid with a notional 13kWh battery. From a 7.4kW charging point, that can fall to around two hours. Obviously, cars with bigger batteries will take much longer, but those with the biggest power-packs can often use fast 50kW DC public charging points, achieving an 80 per cent charge in as little as 20 minutes.

Currently, it’s very close between the Renault Captur and the MG HS, both of which start at around £32,000 for the plug-in hybrid engine. Of the two, the Captur is the better car, but the MG comes with an excellent warranty of up to seven years. That said, the Citroen C5 Aircross isn't much more expensive, and we love it so much it won the Family Values Award at the 2024 Carwow Car of the Year awards.

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