Best hybrid SUVs to buy in 2026: Top 10

If you are looking for a practical and fuel-efficient family car then a hybrid SUV should be at the top of your shortlist.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are the most popular types of vehicle in the UK, racking up well over half a million registrations last year.

Some of the UK’s biggest carmakers offer hybrid SUVs, ranging from the affordable Dacia Bigster to the luxurious Range Rover.

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.

Best Hybrid SUVs: the shortlist

1. Nissan Qashqai e-Power
2. Hyundai Santa Fe
3. Peugeot 5008
4. Skoda Kodiaq iV
5. Land Rover Defender PHEV
6. Citroen C5 Aircross
7. MG HS Plug-in Hybrid
8. Dacia Bigster
9. Lexus LBX
10. Kia Sportage

1. Nissan Qashqai

Price: from £34,875       Fuel Economy:  64mpg          0-62mph: 7.6 secs

The humble Nissan Qashqai is one of the nation’s favourite SUVs, and in e-Power hybrid form it’s one of our favourites too.

It might not be a 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 e-Power 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 e-Power is a superb all-rounder. It’s well equipped, reasonably priced and promises well over 60mpg combined. What’s not to like?

2. Hyundai Santa Fe

Price:  £49,090     Fuel Economy:   up to 166mpg          0-62mph: 8.0 secs

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a large and likeable hybrid SUV, with loads of interior space that will comfortably accommodate seven adults. You get the choice of hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power, with the latter having an all-electric range of 33 miles.

At 4.8m in length, the Santa Fe is a large car, but it drives very well with light and accurate steering that makes parking a breeze. Motorway refinement is also excellent, which makes this big Hyundai an excellent motorway cruiser.

All versions are backed by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty while standard equipment levels are generous, which means you don't need to pay for lots of costly extras to get the best out of this impressive seven-seater. We think the Ultimate trim is the best in the range, as it includes twin sunroofs and two-way electric lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat.

3. Peugeot 5008

Price:  from £37,045     Fuel Economy:   up to 122mpg   0-62mph: 8.3 secs

The Peugeot 5008 is one of the most affordable seven-seaters you can get, while its chic styling and practical interior make it a desirable family SUV.

The interior quality is on par with anything you'll find in the Hyundai Santa Fe, while the supportive and comfortable seats make the 5008 suitable for long motorway trips.

You can get the 5008 with a 1.2-litre petrol hybrid system with 145hp, which is sufficient for most drivers. You also get the option of a 1.6-litre petrol plug-in hybrid with an EV range of 47 miles from its 21kWh battery.

4. Skoda Kodiaq iV

Price:  from £42,140     Fuel Economy:   up to 188mpg       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.

5. Land Rover Defender

Price:  from £71,650     Fuel Economy:  110mpg             0-62mph: 7.4 secs

The Land Rover Defender is a fine car and the option of plug-in hybrid power elevates this iconic 4x4 to new heights by blending low fuel costs with effortless performance.

The PHEV version of the Defender is only available on the 110 model, but it combines a 2.0-litre petrol with an electric motor to develop 300hp and cover up to 31 miles on pure electric power.

The Defender 110 has seven seats and lots of head and legroom for adults to travel in comfort. The driver also gets a smart 13.1in touchscreen that provides access to Land Rover’s Terrain Response system that allows you to configure the four-wheel drive configuration to tackle all on- and off-road conditions.

6. Citroen C5 Aircross

Price:  from £31,030     Fuel Economy:  113mpg             0-62mph: 8.3 secs

If you want a hybrid car that majors on comfort, refinement and ease of use, then the Citroen C5 Aircross will be the SUV for you.

Affordable and well-equipped as standard, Citroen's family-friendly SUV has lots of likeable traits that include soft suspension and 'Advanced Comfort' seats that provide excellent support for your back.

The petrol hybrid uses a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine and a small electric motor to return up to 53mpg, while the plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and battery to officially return over 100mpg.

7. MG HS

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. It's 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.

8. Dacia Bigster

Price: from £25,215       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.

9. Lexus LBX

Price: from £36,695       Fuel Economy:  62.7mpg              0-62mph: 9.2 secs

The Lexus LBX is proof that cars with a premium look and feel don't have to be large and unwieldy. The compact LBX is based on the Toyota Yaris Cross and is relatively tiny in this company, yet is plush interior is filled with luxury and tech features, while it's also very comfortable and refined.

The LBX also impressive fuel economy thanks to its hybrid engine, yet it's also reasonably powerful. The only reason why it doesn't feature more highly in this list is due to its high price tag and relative lack of space.

10. Kia Sportage

Price:  £34,895        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.