The plug-in hybrid SUVs with the longest ranges
The plug-in hybrid SUVs with the longest ranges
If you like the idea of an electric car but 'range anxiety' is a worry, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can make a lot of sense. That's because they have a combustion engine, an electric motor and a battery to give you the option of using electric power for short journeys, and the engine for longer ones.
Indeed, an SUV can be a great match for plug-in hybrid power, because in most cases they're practical for ferrying around a family. On top of that they can also make brilliant company cars, because if they have a long electric-only range, their low official CO2 rating can place them in low benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax brackets.
So, which plug-in hybrid SUVs have the longest electric-only ranges? Here, we'll name the car with the longest official range from each manufacturer, as determined by official combined WLTP test ratings. Where applicable, we've also included more realistic real-world range figures.
To find out more about any of the cars listed, follow the links on each slide to our full new car reviews. Or, to find more prices, search our free New Car Deals or Car Leasing pages.
Alfa Romeo
The Tonale is an all-new model for Alfa Romeo, and it slots below the Stelvio in the company's range. Unlike that car, though, the Tonale is offered with the option of plug-in hybrid power. While it offers a decent electric-only range and strong performance, it isn't the most refined system. Elsewhere, the Tonale isn't that practical, either.
Model Tonale | Version 1.3 PHEV | List Price from £45,995 | Target Price from £45,204 | Target PCP from £553 | Electric-only range 43 miles | Star Rating 3
Audi
If you're after a big, posh family SUV, the Audi Q5 makes a fine choice. It's good to drive and smart inside, plus it has a range of smooth, yet punchy engines. Indeed, the plug-in hybrid version is more powerful options, although we think the 40 TDI makes the most sense in the Q5 (unless you're a company car driver).
Model Q5 | Version 50 TFSI e Sport | List price £53,715 | Target Price £50,270 | Target PCP £626 | Electric-only range 39 miles | Star Rating 4
Bentley
As you would expect from a Bentley, the plug-in hybrid version of the Bentayga is no slouch. It combines a 3.0-litre V6 with an electric motor to produce 443bhp, meaning it can go from 0-62mph in just 5.5sec. The only downside is the electric-only range, because rivals such as the Range Rover P460e can travel much farther between charges.
Model Bentayga | Version 3.0 V6 Hybrid | List price £155,675 | Target Price £155,675 | Target PCP NA | Electric-only range 28 miles | Star Rating 4
BMW
BMW offers several SUVs with plug-in hybrid power, but the X5 xDrive50e has the longest electric-only range of the bunch. It can travel 68 miles officially, while the X1 xDrive30e and X3 xDrive30e can travel 55 miles and 30 miles officially. Unlike those cars, the X5 PHEV pairs a silky smooth 3.0-litre straight-six engine with the electric motor, while other two have four-cylinder units.
Model X5 | Version xDrive50e M Sport | List price £79,265 | Target Price £77,698 | Target PCP £910 | Electric-only range 68 miles | Star Rating 5
Citroën
Citroën is famous for producing cars that prioritise ride quality over a sporty drive, and that's no exception with the C5 Aircross. It's enormously comfortable thanks to its soft suspension set-up (although that does mean it isn't very good in the corners). Of all the engines, the plug-in hybrid version is much smoother and quieter than the 1.2-litre engine, which is why we think it's the one to go for. Shine trim is also our favourite, and gives you privacy glass and heated door mirrors.
Model C5 Aircross | Version 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid Shine | List price £35,935 | Target Price £34,354 | Target PCP £451 | Electric-only range 41 miles | Star Rating 4
Cupra
Cupra only makes one plug-in hybrid in the form of the Formentor eHybrid. It might not be as powerful as the 306bhp range-topping model, but it does offer decent performance (0-62mph takes 7.8sec) and a good electric-only range. It's also one of the better handling SUVs out there, although the plug-in hybrid doesn't feel as sharp as the non-hybrid versions with the additional weight of the battery.
Model Formentor | Version 1.4 eHybrid 204 V1 | List price £39,165 | Target Price £38,774 | Target PCP £493 | Electric-only range 34 miles | Star Rating 4
DS
If you're buying an SUV, you want it to be practical – and thankfully the DS 7 is just that. It's spacious in both the front and back seats, plus the boot is a good size (with identical capacities for both the plug-in hybrid and non-hybrid versions). Of the three plug-in hybrids, the 225 model has the longest range between charges. It can cover 40 miles officially, whereas the 300 and 360 models can travel 39 miles and 35 miles respectfully.
Model DS 7 | Version 1.6 E-Tense Performance Line + | List price £46,890 | Target Price £43,892 | Target PCP £516 | Electric-only range 33 miles | Star Rating 3
Ford
The Kuga is one of Ford's most popular models, and is offered with petrol, hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power. While the PHEV isn't our favourite (that's the regular hybrid), it can travel 41 miles officially on electric-only power (which translates to around 30 miles in the real world). This makes it a better choice for company car drivers.
Model Kuga | Version 2.5 PHEV ST-Line Edition | List price £37,755 | Target Price £35,495 | Target PCP £403 | Electric-only range 41 miles | Star Rating 4
Hyundai
Hyundai offers two SUVs with plug-in hybrid power, but it's the Tucson that has the longer range. Being the range-topping model, the PHEV version gets 261bhp and four-wheel drive. The official range is rated at 38 miles, which is slightly less than the PHEV versions of the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage. However, it is quick and slick to drive when in electric mode.
Model Tucson | Version 1.6 TGDi Plug-in Hybrid Premium | List price £40,930 | Target Price £38,815 | Target PCP £428 | Electric-only range 38 miles | Star Rating 4
Jaguar
The F-Pace is one of the better driving SUVs, combining sharp handling with precise steering. With a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, the plug-in hybrid model produces a combined 399bhp, with plenty of instant muscle thanks to the motor. It's officially capable of up to 40 miles of electric-only driving, which is decent but exactly half of what the Mercedes GLC 300e can manage.
Model F-Pace | Version 2.0 P400e R-Dynamic S | List price £60,985 | Target Price £59,022 | Target PCP £646 | Electric-only range 40 miles | Star Rating 3
Jeep
It might be the longest range plug-in hybrid Jeep, but the Grand Cherokee 4xe is outclassed by almost all of its rivals – especially in terms of range. The similarly priced Range Rover Sport P460e, for instance, can manage 75 miles officially, while the BMW X5 xDrive50e can manage 68 miles. Both of those cars also get silky-smooth 3.0-litre engines, while the Grand Cherokee only gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder.
Model Grand Cherokee | Version 2.0 Turbo 4xe PHEV Summit Reserve | List price £85,605 | Target Price £85,605 | Target PCP £1158 | Electric-only range 31 miles | Star Rating 2
Kia
In petrol form, the Kia Sportage is our Family SUV of the Year. So, is it any good in plug-in hybrid form? The answer to that question is yes, because it's quick, quiet and efficient if you charge it regularly. In fact, the system is very similar to what you'll find in the Hyundai Tucson, but in the Sportage you get a slightly longer range. On top of that, it feels slightly more polished to drive than its sibling.
Model Sportage | Version 1.6T GDi PHEV 3 | List price £41,400 | Target Price £39,672 | Target PCP £547 | Electric-only range 43 miles | Star Rating 5
Land Rover
Our Luxury Car of the Year, the Range Rover Sport is a brilliant SUV that goes big on luxury, comfort and off-road ability. In fact, we think it's a better option that the full-size Range Rover, offering much of the same but for less money. And, like that car, the plug-in hybrid P460e brings silent low-speed driving, while the lengthy pure-electric range makes it a great option for company car drivers.
Model Range Rover Sport | Version 3.0 P460e Dynamic SE | List price £92,980 | Target Price £92,980 | Target PCP NA | Electric-only range 75 miles | Star Rating 5
Lexus
What's the best plug-in hybrid you can buy? We think it's the Lexus NX, because it offers strong performance, impressive refinement, good electric range, low CO2 emissions and a low company car tax rate. Those are just a few of the reasons why we named it our 2023 Plug-in Hybrid of the Year.
Model NX | Version 450h+ Premium Pack | List price £55,900 | Target Price £54,662 | Target PCP £692 | Electric-only range 45 miles | Star Rating 5
Mazda
The CX-60 is Mazda's first and only plug-in hybrid. While it's a decent system that has strong performance and a good official range, it's let down by a firm ride. In fact, the extra weight of the battery makes the ride is much less settled in the PHEV, so for that reason we'd steer you towards the diesel models. On the plus side, the CX-60 is very well equipped in entry-level Exclusive-Line trim, which gives you heated leather seats, a head-up display and LED headlights as standard.
Model CX-60 | Version 2.5 PHEV Exclusive-Line | List price £45,420 | Target Price £43,265 | Target PCP £456 | Electric-only range 39 miles | Star Rating 3
Mercedes
Like the smaller C-Class, the Mercedes GLC in plug-in hybrid form has an enormous electric-only range. In fact, it can travel 80 miles officially between charges – the longest of any SUV on this list. In other areas, it impresses with its spacious interior and generous equipment list. Plus, thanks in part to the standard-fit rear air suspension on the GLC 300e, the ride is very comfortable, too.
Model GLC | Version GLC 300e 4Matic AMG Line | List price £63,210 | Target Price £63,210 | Target PCP £864 | Electric-only range 80 miles | Star Rating 4
MG
The HS PHEV is one of the cheapest plug-in hybrid SUVs out there, and yet it offers lots of standard equipment, a classy interior and decent performance. The downside of the keen price is that it feels less polished than some rivals, especially the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage PHEVs.
Model HS | Version 1.5 T-GDI PHEV Excite | List price £31,095 | Target Price £29,174 | Target PCP £357 | Electric-only range 32 miles | Star Rating 4
Peugeot 3008
The 3008 is available with a wide range of engines, including three plug-in hybrid options. Of the three, the 225 version has the longest official electric-only range – but only just. It can manage 43 miles, while the 180 can manage 39 miles and the 300 42 miles. In the real world, though, all models are likely to achieve a figure in the region of 25 miles.
Model 3008 | Version 1.6 Hybrid 225 Allure Premium + | List price £42,840 | Target Price £40,318 | Target PCP £475 | Electric-only range 43 miles | Star Rating 4
Porsche
Porsche has recently given the Cayenne an update with a refreshed exterior design, a heavily revised interior and a tweaked engine line-up. Of course, that means the plug-in hybrid model has been revised, and it can now manage 46 miles officially between charges (thanks to a larger 25.9kWh battery). While the new Cayenne is a very impressive package overall, rival plug-in hybrid SUVs (such as the Range Rover Sport) can travel farther on electric power.
Model Cayenne | Version E-Hybrid | List price £76,855 | Target Price £76,855 | Target PCP £475 | Electric-only range 46 miles | Star Rating 5
Renault
The plug-in hybrid Captur is one of the smallest plug-in hybrid SUVs you can buy, and it uses a 158bhp system that offers decent performance and efficiency. For company car driver's it does make sense, but overall the regular hybrid is a better all-rounder, being cheaper, nicer to drive (thanks to its lighter weight) and equally cheap to run.
Model Captur | Version 1.5 E-Tech Techno | List price £32,495 | Target Price £30,433 | Target PCP £321 | Electric-only range 30 miles | Star Rating 3
Suzuki
The Suzuki Across stacks up well as a company car, offering a good electric-only range and punchy performance. However, its high list price narrows its appeal among private buyers, with many alternatives being cheaper, better to drive and smarter inside.
Model Across | Version 2.5 PHEV E-Four | List price £48,129 | Target Price £47,177 | Target PCP £648 | Electric-only range 46 miles | Star Rating 3
Vauxhall
With both the Vauxhall Grandland and Peugeot 3008 using the same underpinnings, it may come a little surprise that both cars use similar plug-in hybrid systems. Indeed, the Grandland uses a 222bhp system that combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery to give an official range of 39 miles. That's slightly less than the 43 miles the 3008 can manage officially. Unfortunately, the Grandland doesn't stack up well in other areas, either, with the Kia Sportage being more practical, quieter and smarter inside.
Model Grandland | Version 1.6 Hybrid Ultimate | List price £44,360 | Target Price £41,856 | Target PCP £506 | Electric-only range 39 miles | Star Rating 2
Volvo
The plug-in hybrid versions of the XC60 not only offer a good official electric-only range, but they also offer impressive performance. The T6 Recharge produces 345bhp and can manage a sub-six second 0-62mph time (we clocked 5.4sec at our private test track). In other areas, it's well equipped, smart inside and safe, although the Lexus NX is a better all-rounder.
Model XC60 | Version 2.0 T6 Recharge PHEV Core Plus | List price £60,055 | Target Price £60,055 | Target PCP £562 | Electric-only range 47 miles | Star Rating 2
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