Best hybrid SUVs to buy in 2026: Top 10

SUVs have become the default family car type for many new car buyers, and even though more people than ever are making the switch to electric there are many who aren’t ready. Which is why hybrid SUVs remain hugely popular.

Over 473,000 electric cars found homes in the UK in 2025, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. But hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars still have a bigger combined share of the market, racking up well over half a million registrations last year.

If you’ve got a hybrid SUV in mind as your next family car, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether it’s a small SUV for everyday pottering about, or a larger family SUV that can swallow the kids and the dog without trouble, almost every major car brand has something to offer.

Our guide to the top hybrid SUVs includes small, large, affordable and premium options to suit all needs and budgets. We’ve included full ‘self-charging’ hybrids as well as hybrids with a bigger electric range that require plugging in.

Check out our regularly updated guide to choose your next hybrid SUV:

Best Hybrid SUVs: the shortlist

1. Nissan Qashqai ePower
2. Lexus LBX
3. Skoda Kodiaq iV
4. MG HS Plug-in Hybrid
5. Dacia Bigster
6. Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e
7. Vauxhall Frontera
8. Kia Sportage
9. Range Rover Sport PHEV
10. Hyundai Santa Fe

1. Nissan Qashqai ePower

Price: from £34,860       Fuel Economy:  64.2mpg          0-62mph: 7.6 secs

The humble Nissan Qashqai is one of the nation’s favourite new cars, and in ePower hybrid form it’s one of our favourites too.

It might not be a deeply exciting or head-turning car, but the Qashqai gets on with the job of delivering practical, safe and comfortable family transport. That’s true of any version, but the ePower takes smoothness, performance and efficiency to a whole new level over the petrols.

With brisk, EV-like acceleration, no clunky gearshifts and the ability to run about town on electric mode for a decent distance, the Qashqai ePower is a superb all-rounder. It’s well equipped, reasonably priced and promises well over 60mpg combined. What’s not to like?

2. Lexus LBX

Price:  from £29,995     Fuel Economy:  62.7mpg             0-62mph: 9.2 secs

The LBX is the smallest Lexus model on sale, yet it has a big range of talents. It’s based on the cheaper Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid, but while that car is easy to recommend, we reckon the Lexus is worth the extra due to its added performance, refinement and premium touches.

There’s the typical Lexus attention to detail inside – everything feels built to last and there’s a mini luxury car feel. Granted, the rear seats are tight for adults and the boot isn’t huge, but not everybody needs big car space.

With compact dimensions and light controls, it’s as easy to drive as the Toyota around town, but with extra soundproofing and a smoother, more powerful hybrid system it’s much more relaxing on longer trips. The icing on the cake is great fuel economy.  

3. Skoda Kodiaq iV

Price:  from £42,135     Fuel Economy:   up to 188.3mpg            0-62mph: 8.4 secs

Plug-in hybrids like the Skoda Kodiaq iV are an ideal stepping stone for those who can charge at home but can’t quite commit to going fully electric.

It’s a large, family-friendly SUV with a vast boot, flexible seating and plenty of standard equipment. But if you charge it up, it’ll also run for up to 75 miles before the engine needs to kick in. That results in incredible quoted fuel efficiency and company car tax savings.

Although you don’t get the more powerful plug-in hybrid option from the related Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid, you don’t need it as the 204hp Kodiaq iV delivers ample performance even when fully loaded. It’s easy to drive for such a large car, too.

4. MG HS Plug-in Hybrid

Price: from £32,345    Fuel Economy:  up to 565mpg      0-62mph: 6.8 secs

Chinese-owned MG has had a lot of competition from the new generation of China’s car making giants. But we still reckon the HS Plug-in Hybrid ranks above them as an overall package.

The MG HS is among the cheapest cars in this list, but it certainly doesn’t feel it when you climb inside, with nice materials and a wealth of standard equipment. Its spacious, too, although the touchscreen is on the fiddly side.

A 75-mile range from a 23.2kWh usable battery pack is impressive, too, but where the HS really pulls away from alternatives like the BYD Seal U DM-i is in the driving experience. It’s a more capable all-rounder, feeling stable in the bends despite a mostly comfortable ride.

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.