► UK’s greatest hybrid automobiles on sale in 2025► Our choose of the highest part-electric buys► Plug-in and self-charging hybrids coated
Accord to a September 2024 survey by the AA, drivers are 4 occasions as seemingly to decide on a hybrid for his or her subsequent automotive over a totally electrical automobile. So whereas not so way back, hybrid expertise was seen by some manufacturers as a pointless stepping stone on the trail to full electrification, many are actually scrambling to re-establish their part-electric mannequin strains. Plug-in hybrids particularly, are seeing one thing of a resurgence.
All of that is nice information in the event you’re out there for an environment friendly – or quick – new automotive however don’t need to be restricted by charging time or relative shortage of charging factors. The selection of hybrids is now huge, encompassing each dimension and form of passenger automobile on sale. Right here at CAR we’ve pushed all of them, and on this web page you’ll discover our thought of round-up of the perfect.
The total checklist under covers hybrids of each kind, from metropolis automobiles to supercars. However in the event you already know what you need we even have articles particularly devoted to one of the best self-charging hybrids, one of the best plug-in hybrids, and even one of the best delicate hybrids. We’ve additionally coated one of the best hybrid SUVs and one of the best hybrid household automobiles, amongst different classes. And we’ve got a information to purchasing a used hybrid, in addition to technical explainers. Maintain studying.
Beneath you’ll discover our prime picks throughout a number of principal hybrid automotive classes, primarily based on our testing experience and our expertise of the complete hybrid automotive market. Observe the hyperlinks to learn the complete critiques.
Greatest hybrid small automotive – nice for razzing it to outlets, effectively
Execs: sharp steering, plush inside, 60mpg in the actual worldCons: may be clunky, non-hybrid much more enjoyable
Up to date in 2023 with revised styling and a good nicer inside, the Renault Clio efficiently brings a little bit of big-car posh to the small hybrid market. It’s a self-charging hybrid that claims to make use of F1-derived tech, however regardless of the reality of that the headlines are 143bhp and a very good dose of low-down torque – a lot meatier than the 106lb ft peak and 9.3sec 0-62mph time would counsel.
We’ve discovered the mixed 1.6-litre petrol and electrical motor can ship 60mpg in real-world driving – impressively near the official 67.2mpg WLTP financial system declare. What’s extra, it’s snug but sharp to drive, with a pliancy that makes it a advantageous companion for UK roads. There’s loads of passenger room, too, albeit on the expense of the comparatively small boot.
To search out out extra, learn our full Renault Clio evaluate
Or attempt: Toyota Yaris (long-time small hybrid cheerleader); MG 3 Hybrid (low price upstart a pleasing shock)
Greatest hybrid hatchback – high-tech, sensible and enjoyable
Execs: very slick hybrid system, spacious inside, wise inside designCons: doesn’t really include a free bus move
It felt like a daring transfer when Honda launched the eleventh technology Civic in 2021 and the one engine on provide was the e:HEV self-charging hybrid. And but right here we’re in 2025, with diesel practically useless and the 100 per cent electrical revolution trying relatively jaded already. Coming from a agency well-known for its fizzy, high-revving powerplants, the e:HEV – which makes use of the e-motor to drive the wheels as a lot as potential – additionally appeared like a little bit of a departure.
However on the street, it is a system that works rather well. Clean, highly effective, quiet, it fits the assured dealing with and composure of the Civic very properly, making this automotive an amazing companion on longer journeys at greater speeds in addition to round city the place its effectivity is most optimised. Not solely have we seen over 50mpg in real-world testing, you’ll be getting a sensible and enjoyable to drive automotive as properly.
To search out our extra, learn our full Honda Civic evaluate
Or attempt: Toyota Corolla (superb real-world effectivity, sharp appears to be like); Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI e-TEC DSG (a light hybrid that’s an all-round easy-going star)
Greatest plug-in hybrid hatchback – clean and cozy
Execs: prolonged electric-only driving vary, snug and really unruffledCons: could possibly be sooner – and shall be as soon as the GTE comes alongside
VW’s infotainment issues have been broadly publicised, and the very first thing to learn about this eHybrid Golf is that this space is far improved. And in the event you assume that’s minor level, you’ve clearly not interacted with the earlier system – the place interacting is a synonym for wanting to tear it out of the dashboard and run it over. Twice. We digress. Again to the deserves of this plug-in hybrid electrical automobile (PHEV).
We’ve picked the Golf as a best choice right here as a result of it’s a snug, straightforward going driving companion that we’ve discovered able to 72 miles of electric-only driving in actual world testing. That’s barely lower than the 88-mile official determine, however so lengthy the eHybrid will successfully perform like a 100 per cent electrical automotive for lots of each day journeys – but with the back-up of the TSI turbo petrol for longer journeys. A correct return to type for VW.
To search out out extra, learn our full VW Golf eHybrid evaluate
Or attempt: Peugeot 308 (sharp, attractive, alternative of two PHEV powertrains); Audi A3 (like a Golf, however dearer)
Greatest hybrid household automotive – get the Tourer for a trip that basically does do all of it
Execs: higher to drive than any rival, crushingly environment friendly but highly effective, low cost BIKCons: a bit blunter than non-hybrid 3ers, the inevitable ready checklist
What’s there to say in regards to the BMW 330e that hasn’t been already mentioned? By way of nails, hammers and hitting heads, there can have hardly been many larger examples of optimisation for the market within the historical past of the automotive. This factor appears to be like good, handles its 289bhp properly, does nice mpg and is reasonable to tax as an organization automotive. Actually, the largest drawback you’ll have in the event you choose one is remembering the place you parked it among the many sea of similar examples exterior work.
Should you discover different motorists slowing down as they move, it’s to not get a more in-depth look – they’ll have seen lots of on the journey already – it’s as a result of they assume you’re unmarked police. Nonetheless, from behind the wheel you’ll benefit from the snug, premium inside, in addition to the PHEV system’s XtraBoost button and the gas gauge that doesn’t transfer. The Touring is the last word household flex, too, even when rivals provide greater boots. A really right alternative.
To search out out extra, learn our full BMW 330e evaluate
Or attempt: Skoda Excellent iV (large, environment friendly, extra reasonably priced); VW Passat eHybrid (ditto, however Volkswagen)
Greatest giant hybrid – modern appears to be like, plenty of tech, ridiculous mpg
Execs: accessible as a diesel, accessible as an property, superior insideCons: not as dynamic because the 5-series, expensive Panamera beats it for consolation
It was tempting to go along with one other BMW right here, however regardless of misgivings in regards to the newest E-Class on early encounters – the trip on non-hybrid fashions was dreadful at launch within the UK – latest classes with an property have actually received us over. This can be a chic trying giant exec with an inside that, not like different latest electrified Mercs, nearly manages to keep away from seeming like a Tokyo brothel at night time, as a substitute delivering an unignorable hit of high-tech modernity that drivers and passengers alike will adore.
You don’t must must the diesel PHEV; Mercedes sells an entire vary of engines, together with plug-in petrols. However in the event you do go for this 2.0-litre derv burner you’ll get nice long-distance gas financial system even when the battery has run out. With it full there’s as much as 70 miles of WLTP electrical vary, plus a stonking 516lb ft to go along with the 309bhp. The battery does eat into the boot area a bit, however that’s simply one other excuse to purchase the load lugger.
To search out out extra, learn our full Mercedes E-Class Property evaluate
Or attempt: BMW 5-series hybrid (just like the 330e, solely greater); Porsche Panamera e-Hybrid (astonishing air suspension, critical velocity)
Greatest hybrid land yacht – if you need luxurious and plug-in hybrid flexibility, begin right here
Execs: alluring stability between dynamics and luxurious, funky choices, prime qualityCons: exterior seems to be assembled from a number of totally different automobiles, e-range could possibly be longer
Among the best issues about being inside the most recent BMW 7-series is that you may’t see the surface. ‘Difficult’ might be probably the most diplomatic phrase for it. However from the cabin, you received’t care – for that is one fancy luxurious range-topper, full of crystalline management surfaces, very good ending and, if you need it, a 31.3-inch cinema display for rear-seat passengers. It’s obtained correct wow issue.
The 750e and M760e plug-in hybrids usefully straddle the road between the standard combustion-engine fashions and the – very spectacular – i7 electrical automotive. You get a claimed 50-55 miles of electrical vary (assume 40 a very good end in actual life), xDrive all-wheel drive and 483bhp or 563bhp to play with in whole. It’s a giant automotive but it surely’s well-balanced and pretty much as good to drive as it’s enjoyable to trip in.
To search out out extra, learn our full BMW 7-series evaluate
Or attempt: Mercedes-AMG S63 E-Efficiency (five-star super-limo with 1055lb ft); Vary Rover PHEV (any street, anyplace, in consolation and magnificence)
Greatest wise hybrid SUV – drives higher than you could possibly presumably anticipate
Execs: candy mix of real-world gas financial system and classically candy Ford driving chops, spaciousCons: stiff trip, feels low cost inside
Most plug-in hybrid SUVs aren’t significantly enjoyable to drive, and lots of don’t have significantly stellar gas financial system with a flat battery. That’s actually not the case with the Kuga. We managed practically 51mpg on a mixture of roads together with a stint on the A1(M). That’s about 10mpg higher than the equal Kia Sportage achieved.
ST-Line fashions include decrease, stiffer suspension that gives an agile really feel in bends, and there’s sufficient punch to cowl floor at an affordable lick. It doesn’t have the largest all-electric vary at round 31 miles in our exams, and whereas its inside is spacious it does feels relatively low-rent.
To search out out extra, learn our full Ford Kuga evaluate
Or attempt: Honda CR-V (intelligent hybrid tech, properly thought-out inside); MG HS (bang-on for a restricted funds)
Greatest premium hybrid SUV – you received’t imagine the financial system, and so forth
Execs: 50-mile real-world electrical vary, 35mpg with out an excessive amount of effort, greatest large SUV for all-round abilityCons: saving the planet by way of brute expertise, Cayenne goes even tougher
The earlier X5 plug-in hybrid was already spectacular. Now as a part of a midlife replace, the xDrive45e has morphed into the xDrive50e, and within the course of gained a helpful bump in all-electric driving functionality in addition to a visible makeover. In out real-world testing we obtained 49 miles out of the battery pack earlier than the three.0-litre petrol engine kicked in – and that was in winter. On a advantageous summer season’s day we’d anticipate to get even nearer to the WLTP claimed 66-mile vary.
We had been additionally relatively taken with the mixed gas financial system, which noticed us averaging practically 35mpg – in no way dangerous in a bus this large and blunt trying. It’s quick, too, with 0-62mph taking simply 4.8sec and 87mph achievable beneath electrical energy alone. Whereas not fairly as incisive to drive because the Cayenne referenced under, nor as compliant because the equal Vary Rover, the X5 will get shut sufficient to each belongings to be a greater all-rounder. Therefore it received the CAR Big Check.
To search out out extra, learn our full BMW X5 evaluate
Or attempt: Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid (many ranges of energy and efficiency, enormous enjoyable); Vary Rover Sport PHEV (modern on the surface, lush on the within)
Greatest hybrid sportscar – sure, Sherlock, including an electrical turbo to a 911 makes it even higher…
Execs: sooner, extra environment friendly, extra genuine – a real advance for the 911Cons: doesn’t precisely flip it right into a gas sipper
Whereas the brand new Turbo-Hybrid expertise on the coronary heart of this newest 911 GTS received’t offer you zero emissions functionality, nor even get you over 30mpg WLTP, it does handle to make this hallowed sportscar even higher to drive. By ditching one of many typical turbos for an electrical motor and including a second between the engine and the gearbox, our Ben Barry reckons Porsche has given the 992.1 way more of a ‘naturally aspirated really feel’.
A lot so, actually, that he’s questioning how the subsequent GT3 will be capable of prime it. There’s not even an enormous weight penalty, as the entire hybrid system weighs a comparatively scant 40kg – in trade for which you get 543bhp and 450lb ft, all with that basic 911 character intact. That is cake, consuming it, then having ice cream
To search out out extra, learn our full Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid evaluate
Or attempt: ready for the brand new BMW M5 (we’re reaching right here)
Greatest hybrid supercar – however what’s extra you now have a alternative
Execs: nonetheless sensible to drive, hybrid energy means 819bhp, coupe or convertibleCons: we will’t assist lacking the V8…
See, we weren’t kidding in regards to the supercars. There are just a few to select from now, actually, to not point out just a few new and used hypercars within the higher stratosphere. However preserving it comparatively sane, in the event you’re a supercar purchaser who needs to indicate a caring aspect, we’d advocate the majestic, magical Ferrari 296, which is available in GTB coupe or GTS convertible guises and proves {that a} fashionable prance horse now not wants a minimal of eight cylinders.
The electrical motor-assisted 3.0-litre V6 behind the passenger compartment makes 819bhp. Sufficient to get the 296 0-62mph in 2.9sec and on to a prime velocity of 205mph. Extra to the purpose, it’s merely sensational to drive. And, sure, it’ll even creep round city silently utilizing the battery (for a brief distance, not less than).
To search out out extra, learn our full Ferrari 296 GTB evaluate
Or attempt: McLaren Artura (now not fairly so prone to catch on fireplace); Lamborghini Revuelto (PHEV tech preserving the V12 alive, additionally 1001bhp)
Hybrid automobiles characterize an easy-to-live-with, cheaper various absolutely electrical automobiles.
Because of vitality recuperation when braking and coasting, hybrid automobiles are extra economical than conventional inside combustion automobiles, and most can creep silently round city on electrical energy. Decrease CO2 emissions and excessive mpg figures make them cleaner and cheaper to run (particularly as an organization automotive).
We’ve obtained a separate web page devoted to the variations between varieties of hybrid, however the easy distinction right here is that common hybrids – generally known as self-charging hybrids – don’t should be plugged in at any level. As an alternative, the batteries that energy their electrical motors are recharged by vitality recuperation when slowing down.
The opposite kind of hybrid is the plug-in hybrid electrical automobile, usually shortened to PHEV. Because the identify suggests, these may be plugged into the mains to recharge, so that you’ll discover an additional flap someplace on the bodywork along with the gas filler the place the charging port is situated.
PHEVs have a lot bigger battery packs and are at their most effective when that is recharged routinely – very like a full EV. The larger batteries give plug-in hybrids larger electric-only driving functionality than self-charging hybrids; used effectively, by usually charging, many shorter journeys received’t want to hassle the interior combustion engine in any respect. This makes PHEVs cheaper to run, however in the event you don’t recharge them, they’re normally much less environment friendly because of their hefty further weight.
Whereas we’d be pleased driving any of the above, for some consumers reliability is the first consideration when selecting a automotive. And we’d strongly advise turning to Japanese or Korean manufacturers in the event you’re after probably the most dependable hybrid automotive.
Toyota’s hybrid tech is extraordinarily properly established and infrequently troublesome, making the Corolla, Yaris or RAV4 actually prime selections if reliability is your principal concern. The Honda Civic and CR-V must be reliable, too, together with something made by Lexus, Kia or Hyundai.
Shopping for secondhand? We have now a round-up of one of the best used hybrid automobiles, too.
Shopping for hybrid means you keep away from the excessive buy worth of a pure battery electrical automobile (BEV) and probably profit from cheaper firm automotive tax, VED, and Congestion Cost tolls in addition. Make sure you issue these into your calculations earlier than you make the leap.
Choosing a plug-in hybrid could make driving even cheaper. Since these have a tendency to supply 30-40 miles of emissions-free journey, they’ll cut back a number of month-to-month journeys to the gas station, particularly in the event you principally do brief journeys and are capable of cost up at dwelling in a single day.
Then again, self-charging hybrids received’t want entry to an electrical automotive charger to take advantage of them, and the most recent fashions run on electrical energy alone a substantial quantity of the time.
As ever, your driving model is a crucial deciding consider how environment friendly your hybrid automotive shall be. Should you’re foot-to-the-floor in all places, you’ll find yourself with excessive working prices it doesn’t matter what you drive. Plan forward and be measured along with your inputs, and your working prices ought to fall accordingly.
Try our checklist of the most cost effective hybrid automobiles in the event you’re on a decent funds.
