► Our guide to the best new plug-in hybrid SUVs available in 2023
► New plug-in hybrid SUVs that offer useful electric range
► Go plug-in to benefit from reduced costs and increased flexibility
Electric SUVs are becoming more accessible, numerous and accomplished, but many buyers may still be better served by a plug-in hybrid SUV. Their green credentials are not as outstanding, of course, but their ease of use and blend of capabilities can make them easier to live with.
A lot of plug-in hybrid SUVs have a good all-electric range, for example, so you may well be able to complete your daily trips on electric power alone. But, when that battery is depleted, their internal combustion engine means you won’t have to deal with finding a charging point, waiting around or curtailing your trip.
Plug-in hybrids also offer reduced running costs, compared to their pure petrol or diesel alternatives, as well as the usual slew of benefits offered by substantial electrification – including silent and clean all-electric operation, which is ideal for urban areas.
There’s a good range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – PHEVs – available in the SUV sector, too, ranging from those focused on practicality to those aimed more at performance and driver enjoyment. To help expedite your search for, and to help you make a good buying decision, here are 10 of the best new plug-in hybrid SUVs available now.
The best plug-in hybrid SUVs available in 2023
10. Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid SUV
- Easy to live with and gratifying to drive
- All-electric range: up to 40 miles
Buying a plug-in hybrid SUV doesn’t have to be a one-way ticket to dullsville, as the Ford Kuga ably demonstrates. Primarily, thanks in part to Focus underpinnings, the Kuga handles remarkably well and is more enjoyable to drive than many a competitor. It also looks smart, features a practical interior, and comes with lots of equipment.
And, crucially, its 14.4kWh battery grants it an all-electric range of up to 40 miles. The Kuga’s admittedly not the punchiest thing around, though, with its 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor serving up a combined 222bhp. That grants a 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds which, while not attention-grabbing, should prove more than adequate for daily duties.
CAR verdict: ‘It’s not the cheapest of relatively compact mainstream crossovers. But why should it be? It drives well, it’s well equipped and has an all-round air of quality about it.’
Read the new Ford Kuga review
9. Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid
- Spacious seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV
- All-electric range: up to 36 miles
If your family is growing, or you need to regularly haul about plenty of passengers, there are a handful of popular three-row plug-in hybrid choices out there. Options such as the Volvo XC90 Recharge, however, command a serious premium. Buyers not set on spending that much, but in need of seven seats, should instead take a look at the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The more affordable Hyundai, comparatively speaking, ticks a lot of key boxes; it’s spacious, packed with equipment, easy to drive, and relaxing to both own and be in. Its 13.8kWh battery also gives it the potential to cover up to 36 miles on electric power alone, although you’ll probably see more like 20 miles in real-world usage. If the big Hyundai’s not to your liking, though, take a look at the closely related Kia Sorento.
CAR verdict: ‘Hyundai’s full-size, seven-seat Santa Fe has undergone a significant overhaul for 2020.’
Read more about the latest Hyundai Santa Fe
8. Lexus NX 450h+
- A plug-in hybrid that’s smooth and luxurious
- All-electric range: up to 40 miles
When you want comfort and refinement, or just if the conventional options aren’t grabbing your attention, it’s worth looking to Lexus. Its plug-in hybrid NX 450h+, for example, offers up a relaxing and neatly finished interior, and its ride quality is very good – especially if you opt for variants with the adaptive dampers.
Lexus has stacks of experience with hybrid powertrains, too, which shows in the capable way the NX performs; its 2.5-litre petrol engine and motors put out a combined 304bhp and it’ll dash from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds, while its 18.1kWh battery also permits a range of some 40 miles. Those wanting more in terms of driver engagement and fun, though, should look elsewhere.
CAR verdict: ‘It still won’t set any keen driver’s heart on fire, but the new Lexus NX is comfortable, efficient, and should prove utterly painless to own.’
Read the new Lexus NX SUV review
7. Mini Countryman Plug-in Hybrid
- A fun and efficient compact SUV
- All-electric range: up to 31.7 miles
Want a practical small family SUV that’s got decent performance credentials, all-wheel drive, hybrid technology and a bit of charm? Then put a Countryman Plug-in Hybrid on your list. For starters, the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid can cover up to 31.7 miles on electric power alone, according to the more realistic WLTP testing cycle.
A 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine puts 134bhp to the front axle, while an 87bhp electric motor drives the rear, granting all-wheel drive and a combined 217bhp. Bring both into play and the Countryman will get from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and, while heavier than its regular counterparts, it still corners like a Mini should. Then there are facets such as its equipment levels and personalisation options, all of which serve to make it even more compelling.
CAR verdict: ‘The Mini Countryman PHEV is the real deal and is a serious contender for those wanting a zero-emissions runaround and a lifestyle vehicle.’
Read the full Mini Countryman PHEV review
6. Volvo XC60 Recharge
- Quick, cosseting and practical
- All-electric range: up to 47.8 miles
Your first port of call, if you’re looking for a luxury SUV, might well be the highly regarded and long-standing Volvo XC90 – the plug-in version of which is called the Recharge. However, unless you need seven seats, you might as well save yourself a chunk of change and go for the XC60 Recharge instead.
It’s no slouch, that’s for sure, with even the entry-level 345bhp T6 powertrain option allowing it to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in 5.4 seconds. Go for the 449bhp T8 and that time drops to just 4.6 seconds. Either, though, delivers an impressive all-electric range of 47.8 miles. The polished interior and space on offer, and its relaxing nature, only add to its appeal.
CAR verdict: ‘The T8 feels outlandishly, almost incongruously, rapid.’
Read the full Volvo XC60 Recharge review
5. Renault Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid
- Excellent and affordable small SUV
- All-electric range: up to 31 miles
You might well be raising an eyebrow or two at some of the prices commanded by some of the SUVs on this list. If that’s the case, and if you want or would prefer something more affordable, have a look at the Renault Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid.
While the Renault is much less expensive than many of the alternatives here, it’s an impressive compact option that offers a pure electric range of 31 miles. It also drives well, it’s quiet, neatly finished and practical for its class. The Renault also attained the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, while standard equipment includes features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
CAR verdict: ‘If you want a small SUV, the Captur should be right near the top of your list.’
Read the full Renault Captur review
4. Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
- Impressive performance, prestige appeal
- All-electric range: up to 27 miles
A lot of plug-in hybrid SUVs serve up serious straight-line performance, thanks to the blending of internal combustion and electric power. All that technology adds a lot of weight to any car, though, which coupled with a tall SUV body can result in underwhelming handling and cornering capabilities.
Porsche’s Cayenne E-Hybrid, however, is far more agile than you might expect, given its 2.4-tonne kerb weight – and it still delivers the compelling and gratifying driving experience expected of a Porsche. It’s also quick, with Sport Chrono-equipped versions hitting 62mph in five seconds, and it’ll do 157mph flat out. Driven sensibly, the luxurious high-performance SUV will also cover up to 27 miles on electric power alone.
CAR verdict: ‘The Cayenne E-Hybrid is a versatile machine that won’t disappoint if you must have a large, luxurious yet sporty SUV.’
Read the full Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid review
3. Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
- Practical SUV with a ten-year warranty
- All-electric range: up to 46 miles
Buying a plug-in hybrid can often be the result of a pragmatic approach to purchasing a new car. And, if you’re being pragmatic about things, you’ll probably spend a lot of time contemplating manufacturer warranties. Buying a new car is not much fun if you’re forever fretting about it breaking down or wondering what it’ll be like to live with in the future, after all.
If you’re looking to keep fuss to a minimum, a new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid could be ideal because Toyota now offers up to ten years or 100,000 miles of warranty cover. The RAV4 is also inexpensive to run, comes with lots of standard equipment, is roomy, and it’s easy to drive. All in, it should be a doddle to own and pleasant to live with. It’s surprisingly quick, too; it packs a combined 302bhp and all-wheel drive, and can sprint from 0-62mph in six seconds.
CAR verdict: ‘There’s plenty to like about the new Toyota RAV4, from its economical low CO2 hybrid powertrain to the impressive practicality’.
Read the full Toyota RAV4 review
2. Range Rover PHEV
- Phenomenal plug-in hybrid SUV
- All-electric range: up to 70 miles
If you simply must have the most comfortable plug-in hybrid SUV around, and money is no object, go for a new Range Rover. The refinement offered is outstanding, the design sublime, and it’s still remarkably capable in off-road situations. And, despite its weight and size, it’s quick; even the standard plug-in hybrid P440e model is capable of 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds.
More significantly, thanks to a large battery, both the P440e and higher-performance P510e will cover around 70 miles on electric power alone. And, once that battery is spent, you can rely on the Range Rover’s smooth six-cylinder petrol engine to keep you moving for as long as it’s got fuel. Want something a bit more rugged? Look at the Land Rover Defender P400e plug-in hybrid instead.
CAR verdict: ‘The Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne handle better, but few cars are as comfortable as the Range Rover or quite so well rounded.’
Read the full Range Rover review
1. BMW X5 xDrive50e
- An excellent plug-in hybrid SUV
- All-electric range: up to 67 miles
There’s a host of tempting BMW plug-in hybrids on offer, including a version of its 5 Series Touring that’ll do 35 miles on electric power alone. Arguably, this is what most should aim for; estates weigh less, are better to drive, garner fewer unpleasant glances, and tend to be more practical as well.
There are often advantages to an SUV, though, such as easier ingress and improved rough-road capabilities. And if you’re set on an SUV, and want something capable and gratifying, BMW’s X5 xDrive50e should be at the top of your list. It’s just replaced the excellent X5 xDrive45e but offers more power and more electric range. It’ll do up to 67 miles on electric power alone and its powertrain delivers up to 482bhp, which propels it from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds.
CAR verdict: ‘It’s not the ultimate driving machine you’d instantly choose for picking apart a challenging road given its tall and heavy nature, but it manages to do all the muddy stuff you could ever need while still entertaining on the road.’
Read the BMW X5 review