The best hybrid SUVs – PHEVs and regular hybrids rated

Best for: Luxury

Now in its third generation, the most dynamic of all Range Rover models is, unsurprisingly, the best Sport yet.

The car earns particular credit for its excellent mechanical refinement and smooth drivability.

Matt Saunders, Road test editor

At the heart of the car’s appeal is JLR's latest PHEV drivetrain, which combines a lusty 3.0-litre turbo petrol straight six with a gearbox-mounted electric motor and very generous, 38.2kWh battery.

The result is an impressive electric range of up to 76 miles. So provided you don't put too many heavy options or big wheels on your car, this is one of the few SUVs in our top 10 to give you access to 6% BIK tax. 

For cosseting luxury, no car on this list can match the Range Rover Sport, its spacious and opulent interior dripping in rich materials and the sort of slick tech that adds plenty of showroom appeal.

On the move, it’s nearly as quiet and comfy as the full-size Range Rover, but the addition of four-wheel steering and active anti-roll adds an extra dimension of agility and driver engagement.

Best for: Performance 

The star attraction of the X5 xDrive50e PHEV is its smooth 3.0-litre straight six, which works in tandem with an electric motor to give both a startling turn of speed and surprisingly low running costs.

Set the suspension to Sport mode and, while you’re always aware of the X5’s size and weight, it can be quite enjoyable on a twisty road.

Illya Verpraet, Road Tester

This combination musters an impressive 485bhp and the electric motor has enough urge to make the car feel brisk enough while mooching around.

Speaking of which, thanks to a 25.7kWh battery, this X5 can travel on pure electricity for up to 66 miles, which is both nifty and allows it to qualify for 9% BIK tax.

Despite its 2495kg kerb weight, it's polished, slick and refined and controls its mass well with a compelling level of poise for such a big car. 

Best for: Space

The Santa Fe offers standout looks (love them or hate them), a huge amount of space, seven seats and a genuinely plush interior.

We would stick with the Premium, because the upper-level trims don't feel like a massive upgrade, either in terms of materials or features. The second-row captain's chairs aren't quite as adjustable as you might hope.

Illya Verpraet, Road Tester

The range opens with a 1.6-litre hybrid powertrain, which uses a turbocharged petrol engine supported by an electric motor. Total power stands at 212bhp and 270lb ft, and it’s nice to drive, with electric power available in town. 

Hyundai’s seven-seater also offers a PHEV powertrain, which uses the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine but with a 13.8kWh battery and a 96bhp electric motor. With 249bhp, the 0-62mph sprint takes just 9.3sec, which is competitive, but it’s slightly let down by its 33-mile electric range, which is behind much of the competition. 

Overall, though, the Santa Fe is a great hybrid SUV and should definitely be considered by those seeking a larger-than-average model.

Best for: Driver appeal

The Cayenne remains the segment's defining performance SUV. It has always offered knockout performance powertrains, but for its third generation Porsche put at least as much emphasis on PHEV power, in order to keep it relevant as the high-powered business executive's status SUV of choice.

The V6 makes more sense on paper. But should you buy a Porsche on paper?

Murray Scullion, Digital editor

Between the E-Hybrid, S E-Hybrid and Turbo E-Hybrid versions, there are now three PHEV models to choose from. 

The two lesser models combine V6 turbo petrol engines with their electric motors, with the S E-Hybrid making a little over 500bhp and managing 0-62mph in a little under 5.0sec. The Turbo E-Hybrid cuts this to 3.7sec and is one of few V8 hybrid PHEVs on the market, offering in excess of 700bhp. 

Bristling with driver appeal and with a refreshed interior packed with material quality and digital technology, there's no other PHEV quite like this - and few that justify a high price in such clear and direct sporting terms.

Best for: Fun

If you’re willing to sacrifice some practicality and interior space for a generous helping of sporting flair then the Cupra Formentor is the PHEV of choice. 

It’s clearly no hot hatch, but the Formentor turns in well and tucks in neatly on a trailing throttle. It’s a very enjoyable steer.

Matt Saunders, Road test editor

With taut handling, a free-revving engine and a willingness to be driven hard, the Formentor is as rewarding to drive as a family PHEV can get.

Cupra has even managed to digitally mimic the sound of a five-cylinder engine, which gives it a bit more character on the fly.

Like the rest of Volkswagen Group’s PHEVs, the Formentor gets a 25.7kWh battery, which promises a range of up to 74 miles, or around 60-65 miles in the real world. 

Sure, it may not be the most practical car here, but with a solid electric range and pleasing dynamics, it certainly makes a strong case for itself. 

Best for: Small families

Is it the ruggedness of its design, the seamlessness of its usability and drivability, or perhaps its excellent economy that makes the Dacia Duster such an appealing family car?

This is a big statement, but I mean it: the Duster really could be all the car you're ever going to need.

Will Rimell, News editor

Indeed, the Romanian value brand’s diminutive off-roader has a lot going for it, but it also makes a strong case for itself when it comes to running costs.

The Duster originally came with a 138bhp full hybrid powertrain but recently inherited the 156bhp unit from the Bigster. It will easily muster more than 50mpg day to day, if slightly less on the motorway. 

Prices for the full hybrid start from £25,000, undercutting rivals like the Hyundai Kona. Inside, the Duster is large and versatile enough to meet the daily needs of any family, plus its rides well and trumps all its rivals when it comes to off-road ability. 

Best for: Value

MG might be gunning for budget-busting value with the sub-£35k HS, but climb inside this roomy SUV and you would assume its list price was higher. 

On the motorway, the engine's contribution is more regular and important – but it always seems to run commendably quietly, unlike some hybrid systems.

Matt Saunders, Road test editor

Prod and poke the HS’s innards and you will be impressed by its material quality and overall fit and finish. It’s airy and spacious and there’s a generous amount of standard kit thrown in to keep you satisfied. 

What makes the HS really stand out is its 75-mile electric range, which is enough to rival more premium offerings from established European brands. 

Its road manners are pleasing too and there’s a level of maturity and sophistication to the ride.

Ultimately it's a solid all-round family car that offers much more than its sticker price suggests.

Best for: Versatility

You will have to look long and hard for a family car that is as practical as this. It's a fairly compact SUV but offers adult-appropriate passenger accommodation in both rows of seats and a robust and high-quality cabin.

The trim to go for is 3, as it comes with heated seats and digital instruments.

Illya Verpraet, Road Tester

The 48V mild-hybrid powertrain will easily achieve more than 40mpg day to day, but if you want more electric range, we would wait for the inbound 261bhp plug-in hybrid variant (expect around 45 miles of range). 

The Sportage's slightly anodyne handling is unlikely to excite you, but its styling remains really distinctive and its ownership credentials are clear.

With distinctive looks, endless practicality and easy-going drivability, it’s easy to understand why the Sportage is a best-seller in a widely popular class.