Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2025

If you’re looking to save on fuel costs and company-car tax but aren’t ready to commit to an electric car, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) could be the perfect compromise. By combining a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, these vehicles offer the flexibility to drive on electric power for short trips, with the engine taking over for longer journeys. It’s a smart choice for those wanting to lower emissions without fully giving up internal combustion.

To get the best out of a PHEV, you need to charge it regularly. While regenerative braking can help recover some energy, it’s no substitute for plugging in. Without regular charging, a PHEV’s engine ends up doing most of the work, which reduces efficiency and negates the benefits of the hybrid set-up.

For those with access to a home charger or workplace charging, PHEVs make a lot of sense. Many models can cover considerable miles on electric power alone, as our testing team has found, which is ideal for commuting or running errands. The engine then takes over seamlessly for longer trips. However, if charging isn’t practical for you, a full hybrid – often marketed as a ‘self-charging hybrid’ – might be a better option.

Our road testers put every plug-in hybrid through rigorous real-world assessments to ensure their recommendations are reliable. They highlight that when used as intended, PHEVs can drastically cut running costs and emissions while offering the flexibility of a traditional engine. If you’re willing to commit to regular charging, a PHEV could be a game-changer for your wallet and the environment.

Best plug-in hybrid cars to buy now

If you think a PHEV is right for you, then read on to find our expert road testers’ top picks as the best plug-in hybrid cars on the market right now. However, if you feel ready to take the leap into full EV ownership then take a look at our list of the best electric cars.

1. Toyota Prius Plug-In

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• Prices from £37,315
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 53 miles

The Toyota Prius was one of Britain’s first hybrid cars in the early 2000s and has since sold millions. The latest version ditches the traditional self-charging system in favour of a plug-in hybrid set-up, pairing a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 220bhp. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, while its 13.6kWh battery offers a quoted 53 miles of electric range (WLTP), although opting for larger wheels or driving enthusiastically will certainly reduce this.

On the road, the PHEV system seamlessly switches between electric and petrol power, making for an effortless drive. The handling is composed yet responsive, allowing it to tackle corners with confidence, while the suspension smooths out rough surfaces. The interior feels solid, with no noticeable rattles, and features a smart, modern design. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, ensuring an easy, connected experience.

Read our full Toyota Prius review to find out more

2. Mercedes C 300e

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• Prices from £49,860
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 71.4 miles

The latest Mercedes C-Class saloon and estate are both available with plug-in hybrid power, offering no-compromise solutions for those not ready to make the switch to electric. The C 300e saloon and estate are both capable of more than 70 miles of electric running on a charge, returning over 400mpg, and with CO2 emissions as low as 13g/km, they promise rock-bottom running costs for most motorists. Mercedes has also swiped the best elements of its flagship S-Class and EQS’ cabins to give the new C-Class an exceptional interior. 

Read our full review of the Mercedes C 300e to find out more.

3. BMW 330e

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• Prices from £46,985
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 63 miles

The BMW 330e is, in many ways, the ideal plug-in hybrid saloon. With its latest updates, BMW has swapped the old battery for a larger 19.5kWh unit, increasing the quoted electric range from 36 to 63 miles – enough for most daily driving in EV mode. But that hasn’t made it any less fun. It still attacks corners better than most rivals, with a playful yet grippy chassis.Performance hasn’t taken a hit either. With a full battery, BMW claims to reach 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, thanks to a combined 288bhp – quicker than quite a few sports cars. As for company car appeal, its 19g/km CO2 emissions put it in the eight per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax bracket. It’s not as cheap to tax as a full EV, but if you’re not ready to ditch petrol completely, the 330e makes a seriously compelling case.

Read our full BMW 330e review to find out more

4. Skoda Kodiaq

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• Prices from £41,935
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 75 miles

The Skoda Kodiaq plug-in hybrid is an impressive family SUV that comfortably meets everyday needs. With an electric range of 75 miles, it’s more than capable of handling school runs and daily commutes without relying on petrol. The combined 210bhp from the 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor, paired with a DSG automatic gearbox, delivers a smooth yet potent driving experience.

The ride is generally comfortable, smoothing over the often-pothole-ridden roads of the UK, although it can become a little firmer when equipped with larger wheels. Inside, the quality materials and thoughtful features elevate the cabin, making it feel more premium than its price tag might suggest. The Skoda Kodiaq also boasts a five-star Euro NCAP rating, ensuring a safe environment for the family. Additionally, the 745-litre boot with the seats up offers ample space for all your family’s gear, making it an excellent all-rounder.

5. Kia Sportage PHEV

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• Prices from £40,575
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 43 miles

The latest Sportage combines striking exterior styling with a spacious, tech-filled cabin and superb quality interior. It’s also the first Sportage to be available with a plug: this petrol-electric version will do 43 miles without touching a drop of fuel and promises fuel economy north of 250mpg if you remember to keep the 13.8kWh battery topped up. It’s pricey for a private buyer, but company-car drivers will be laughing all the way to the bank.

Read our full review of the Kia Sportage PHEV to find out more.

6. Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

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• Prices from £39,285
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 43 miles

Previous generations of Tucson took a 'solid and sensible' approach to family motoring, but could hardly be called exciting. However, Hyundai has switched it up with the latest generation of the mid-size family SUV, which boasts a well equipped and well thought-out interior, in addition to being one of the most striking-looking family cars we’ve seen in recent years. The Plug-In Hybrid version adds superb efficiency to this already appealing package, with a promise of over 200mpg fuel economy and 43 miles of electric range.

Read our full review of the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In to find out more.

7. Volkswagen Golf

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• Prices from £36,140
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 89 miles

The Volkswagen Golf has been the go-to family hatchback for decades, combining practicality, reliability and a driving experience that never feels boring. Now, with the introduction of plug-in hybrid models, including the eHybrid and GTE, it’s raising the bar. Offering impressive all-electric ranges – up to 89 miles for the eHybrid and 62 miles for the GTE – these PHEVs are perfect for daily life. The eHybrid delivers 201bhp, while the sportier GTE ups the ante to 268bhp. 

On the road, the Volkswagen Golf strikes a strong balance between comfort and performance. Its well-judged ride smooths rough surfaces, while the car’s body control ensures it’s enjoyable in corners. With the DSG twin-clutch gearbox, it offers a refined driving experience that caters to both daily driving and spirited manoeuvres. The cabin has seen significant improvements over the previous generations, with updated ergonomics and an intuitive 13-inch touchscreen making it much easier to control key functions while driving.

Read our full Volkswagen Golf review to find out more

8. Toyota RAV4 PHEV

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• Prices from £44,175
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 46 miles

Toyota has been at the forefront of hybrid technology for years, and it seems to have perfected the formula for creating exceptional hybrids, with the plug-in hybrid RAV4 being no exception. The RAV4 impresses with its official WLTP economy of 282.4mpg and we were able to consistently average over 60mpg in real-world conditions. With a robust 305bhp engine, it accelerates to 60mph in under six seconds.

Toyota states that drivers should achieve a 46-mile electric range, ideal for daily commuting. The vehicle’s simple interior design and user-friendly technology that anyone can use without any lessons, ensures a stress-free driving experience. Offering a spacious boot and having convenient charging options, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV is a practical and efficient choice for families.

Read our full Toyota RAV4 review to find out more

9. Lexus NX 450h+

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• Prices from £49,995
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 40 miles

The latest iteration of Lexus’ popular mid-size SUV is the first available with plug-in hybrid power. The NX 450h+ boasts an impressive 40-mile electric range; when this is depleted, the Lexus SUV turns into a regular self-charging hybrid in order to maintain strong fuel economy. To top it all off, the NX 450h+ gets typically angular Lexus styling and rock-solid build quality, as well as an all-new touchscreen infotainment system. If you’d rather sit and relax instead of attacking the bends like a BMW driver, the NX 450h+ could be just the ticket.

Read our full review of the Lexus NX 450h+ to find out more.

10. BMW X5 xDrive50e

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• Prices from £82,055
• Maximum WLTP combined range: 64 miles

The latest BMW X5 xDrive50e stands out as a luxurious family SUV, boasting a refined plug-in hybrid powertrain. With an upgraded 194bhp electric motor and a bigger 25.7kWh battery, it now delivers an impressive combined 483bhp and a quoted electric range of up to 64 miles. While testing the car we achieved 50 miles per charge in cold conditions. It has a commendable fuel economy with an official 353mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. 

Inside, the X5 charms with its superbly crafted interior, advanced technology and commanding driving position, while on the road, it offers exceptional refinement, comfort, and a delightfully smooth six-cylinder engine.

Read our full BMW X5 review to find out more

Best plug-in hybrid cars to buy now

1. Toyota Prius
2. Mercedes C 300e
3. BMW 330e
4. Skoda Kodiaq
5. Kia Sportage PHEV
6. Hyundai Tucson Plug-In
7. Volkswagen Golf 
8. Toyota RAV4 PHEV
9. Lexus NX 450h+
10. BMW X5 xDrive50e

How we choose the best plug-in hybrid cars

Choosing the best plug-in hybrid cars isn’t just about looking at brochures or quoting manufacturer figures. Our team of expert road testers takes a rigorous, hands-on approach to ensure the cars we recommend are genuinely the best for real-world use. Every vehicle goes through extensive evaluations to give you accurate, honest and practical advice.

We start by thoroughly assessing the technical specifications. Plug-in hybrids are unique because they rely on both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, so we scrutinise how effectively they work together. Battery capacity, electric-only range and charging speed are critical metrics we test under real-world conditions, not just the idealised scenarios manufacturers often use to provide their figures. For example, our team verifies electric ranges during everyday driving, from city commutes to motorway trips, to determine how far you can really go before the petrol or diesel engine steps in.

Charging practicality is another area we examine closely. A plug-in hybrid is only as good as its ability to charge conveniently, so we evaluate how easy it is to recharge at home, work or public charging stations. We also test charging times using a variety of set-ups, from regular three-pin plugs to fast home wall boxes and public rapid chargers, to identify how each car fits into different lifestyles.

But performance isn’t just about numbers – it’s also about the driving experience. Our road testers spend hours behind the wheel of each car to analyse ride comfort, handling and how smoothly the engine and electric motor transition between modes. We check how these cars perform in various scenarios, such as stop-start city driving, long-distance cruising and country road manoeuvres to understand how they adapt to different needs. Practicality is another crucial area we consider, from boot space and passenger comfort to whether the hybrid system compromises usability.

Finally, we don’t just rely on single tests. Every plug-in hybrid is compared against its rivals to give you a clear picture of how it stacks up. By combining our road testers’ expertise with in-depth analysis, we ensure that our recommendations are grounded in real-world usability and tailored to different drivers. With our detailed approach, you can be confident that the plug-in hybrids we recommend are the very best the market has to offer.