5. Dacia Bigster Hybrid 155
Price: from £28,190 Fuel Economy: 61mpg 0-62mph: 9.7 secs
Both the Dacia Bigster and smaller Dacia Duster are top value favourites here at RAC Drive, and both can be had with hybrid power. We think the small price jump for the roomier, slightly more refined Bigster is well worth it.
Not only do you get loads of space for four adults or an average family, but you also get decent levels of standard equipment despite the affordable price. Granted, the interior is far from posh, but the technology is easy to operate and you get a better view out than the Duster.
The Bigster Hybrid has more power than the Duster, and in practice the engine doesn’t need to work as hard. It’s also less noisy too, although there are quieter options in this list. Overall, the Dacia blends tidy handling with a mostly composed ride. And with no version over £30,000, it’s a relative bargain.
6. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e
Price: £59,970 Fuel Economy: up to 128.5mpg 0-62mph: 6.7 secs
Willing to stretch your budget for a hybrid SUV that delivers desirability, tech and an effortless drive? You best check out the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e.
It’s not exactly cheap to buy, but you get what you pay for with an interior that offers loads of visual wow factor, impressive features and great comfort, too. There’s a good amount of space inside, too, and although like many PHEVs you lose a bit of boot space there’s still plenty of it.
On the road, the GLC majors on comfort and refinement – particularly if you specify air suspension. But it’s all about electric range – that massive 31.2kWh battery allows for up to 80 miles on a charge before the petrol engine kicks in. If you want even greater efficiency, there’s even a unique diesel hybrid that’s more efficient once that battery is depleted.
7. Vauxhall Frontera
Price: £24,855 Fuel Economy: 54.3mpg 0-62mph: 11.0 secs
The Vauxhall Frontera is all about offering the maximum amount of space for a minimal outlay. It’s about the same price as a Corsa, but it’s a fully-fledged SUV offering up to seven seats.
Along with the impressive amount of space, the Frontera is also surprisingly well-equipped – although as it’s comfortably the cheapest car here the interior design is quite basic. Still, it’s reasonably comfortable and easy to see out of.
There’s no plug-in hybrid version, so you can choose from the Frontera Electric or the Hybrid. It’s technically more of a mild hybrid as it can only cruise at very low speeds on electric power. But it still manages to be efficient, and the more powerful 145hp version doesn’t use any more fuel on paper.
8. Kia Sportage
Price: £33,980 Fuel Economy: 49.6mpg 0-62mph: 7.7 secs
Like the Qashqai, the Kia Sportage has long been a sales hit for good reason. It’s also available with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid options – although we reckon the standard hybrid is the best overall bet for private buyers.
The Sportage isn’t a thrilling choice, but its combination of abilities Is impressive. You get a smartly designed, well laid-out interior with plenty of standard kit and good build quality, while there’s also loads of passenger space, flexible seating and a big boot.
On the road, the Sportage does a solid job of blending a comfortable ride with plenty of grip and precise steering. The hybrid is smooth even when running on petrol power, although there are more efficient alternatives. Factor in Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty, and it’s easy to see why the Sportage is a no-brainer for many.
9. Range Rover Sport PHEV
Price: from £90,310 (P460e) Fuel Economy: up to 388.6mpg 0-62mph: 5.5 secs
Looking for a hybrid SUV that’s more luxurious and desirable than anything else here? You’ll want the latest Range Rover Sport PHEV.
The Sport a seriously impressive all-rounder regardless of which engine option you choose. It’s great to drive, with enjoyable handling for a big SUV, and it’s also extremely comfortable and quiet.
The plug-in hybrid is worth splashing out for, though, thanks to its blend of effortlessly strong performance (especially in P550e form), exceptional smoothness and an electric range of up to 74 miles. You can even rapid charge it if you’d rather not use the petrol engine.
Combine that with a great design and a typically lavish Range Rover interior, and those who can afford such a car are unlikely to be disappointed.
10. Hyundai Santa Fe
Price: £49,090 Fuel Economy: 41.5mpg 0-62mph: 9.6 secs
The Skoda Kodiaq is a great family SUV, but in plug-in hybrid form it’s not available with seven seats. If that’s a deal breaker, then we’d steer you towards the latest Hyundai Santa Fe.
Not only is every version a seven-seater, but adults can sit comfortably in the third row too. The interior is smart, easy to use and loaded to the rafters with equipment, too. You don’t even lose much boot space with the plug-in hybrid’s boot.
On the road, the regular hybrid offers excellent comfort, up to 41mpg combined and a smooth, effortless (but not fast) driving experience. The plug-in hybrid claims up to 33 miles of range, which is only so-so by modern standards, but for smaller commutes that will be ideal.
