So you find yourself doing your bit for sustainability, and part of that is wanting to go electric. However, public charging isn’t really covering itself in glory right now and if you’re a high-mileage driver or don’t have access to a home wallbox, the best option these days is to plump for a hybrid car.
There are a lot of options to choose from, but to get genuine battery running over a gmeaninful distance, then you need to go for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The best of these claim to return upwards of 200mpg on petrol or diesel combined with battery power in official testing, or can run for 20-40 miles on electric only.
For city dwellers who can keep their cars charged up, PHEVs are great for those who want clean running in town, but won’t cause a panic if they need to make an impromptu 200-mile journey. If you’re on a budget, may we also suggest plumping for a self-charging hybrid? It’s also worth noting that PHEVs work well for company car drivers as they attract considerably lower BIK tax.
Below you’ll find our pick of the best plug-in hybrids. As you can see, these start at family hatchbacks and make it all the way full-fat luxury cars.
Best plug-in hybrid cars 2024
Editor’s choice: BMW 330e
The clear winner for those who want a great all-rounder
Pros:
✅ Responsive performance
✅ Excellent hybrid efficiency
✅ A handling masterclass
Cons:
❌ There are much cheaper options
❌ Firm ride with M Sport suspension
The BMW 330e is a plug-in hybrid that’s worth serious consideration. For many, it ticks a lot of boxes, especially when viewed as a company car. For one, it doesn’t really feel like a PHEV most of time, being entertaining, crushingly capable and in estate form, usefully practical.
It’s impressively fast when you’re pushing for your next important meeting and surprisingly economical when you’re cruising after a long day at the office. It handles very well, too, although the added weight of the hybrid system means it’s not as light on its feet as its non-hybrid cousins.
Read our full BMW 330e review
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BMW X5
Luxury family SUV plays up to driving passion
Pros:
✅ Roomy for people and luggage
✅ Excellent battery-only range
✅ Refined and good to drive
Cons:
❌ It’s big and somewhat brash
❌ Expensive even before options
The BMW X5 plug-in hybrid has a great deal to recommend it, and not just for its dynamic prowess. For one, it has a large battery pack and a potential EV-only range of 60 miles. For another, combined petrol/electric running is seamless, and it’s often difficult to tell whether the engine is running or not.
Despite lugging around a huge battery pack, it doesn’t feel sluggish on the road – mostly because its maximum power is 489hp. Its suspension and steering are also a lot more responsive than most SUVs in this class, which makes it an excellent choice for keen drivers. However, there’s no escaping that you’re paying the big bucks.
Read our full BMW X5 review
Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall’s newly-desirable and capable mid-sized hatch is a winner
Pros
✅ Punchy and frugal when the battery is charged
✅ Long claimed battery range
✅ Stylish and well-made interior
Cons
❌ Limited rear legroom
❌ Expensive in Ultimate form
The latest Vauxhall Astra is a stylish thing – a genuine head-turner of a hatchback, in fact. After generations of worthy but dull offerings, it’s a genuine leap forward. PHEV buyers get a pair of engines to choose from (180 and 225hp), generous standard equipment and a build quality to take on top rivals in this field. However, it’s not the bargain it once was.
Families will be pleased with the amount of luggage space although the battery pack below the boot floor does rob it of some capacity. The lack of rear seat space means the Astra is better suited to smaller families. But despite this, and a high list price for the PHEV, there’s a lot to recommend it.
Read our full Vauxhall Astra review
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Skoda Octavia
Excellent hatchback, estate and sports models
Pros
✅ Available in standard and vRS plug-in forms
✅ Not cheap, but still great value
✅ Excellent passenger and luggage space
Cons
❌ Slightly dull to drive
❌ Performance drops off when battery depleted
While based closely on the more expensive Volkswagen Golf, the Skoda Octavia looks and feels very different on the road. Though prices have crept up, it remains very good value-for-money, and no longer feels like a budget alternative.
The Octavia vRS boasts 245hp and is genuinely rapid, even if it’s not quite as much fun as some other hot hatchbacks. The pay-off is that there’s tons of space, and it comes with a smooth ride and all the safety kit you’ll ever need.
Read our full Skoda Octavia review
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Mercedes Benz C300de
The luxury family choice with a superb interior
Pros:
✅ Excellent, usable interior tech and voice control
✅ Economical on diesel as well as long battery range
✅ Comfortable ride, good long-distance comfort
Cons:
❌ Disappointing interior quality issues
❌ Warranty lags behind cheaper rivals
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class feels like a smaller version of the company’s flagship S-Class, both inside and out. It has one of the most luxurious and technology-laden interiors in its class, and thanks to the availability of a diesel hybrid, it’s highly economical as well as relaxing to drive at speed.
Although you can get a petrol plug-in hybrid, we reckon the C300de is the one to go for for all the reasons above. With 300hp on tap, it offers a great balance between fuel economy, performance and all-round driving experience.
Read our full Mercedes-Benz C-Class review
Range Rover
A brilliant plug-in hybrid for a brilliant luxury car
Pros
✅ Unbeatable image
✅ Hefty battery pack
✅ Superbly comfortable
Cons
❌ Very expensive now
❌ Reputation for unreliability
The Range Rover has been the top choice of luxury SUV for longer than most people can remember, but for very good reason. This latest version is wonderful inside, packed with technology and equipped with plug-in hybrid power – while offering seating for up to seven.
The plug-in hybrid system really is a half-way house to full electric power, with a large battery and decent range, but with the added bonus of petrol running in near silence when the volts run out. It truly is a luxurious way to travel, and that’s why we love the Range Rover.
Read our full Range Rover review
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Volvo V90
Fast, unobtrusive and superbly designed
Pros:
✅ Super-cool design
✅ Excellent passenger room
✅ Peerless safety
Cons:
❌ Getting long in the tooth
❌ Needs better infotainment
Volvo was the first carmaker to publicly announce it was going to offer a fully electrified range, and today, it’s now impossible to buy one without some form of battery and motor in it. The T8 plug-in hybrid sits at the top of the tree and and we adore it for being the quickest and most economical V90 yet, even if it’s getting on in years now.
What makes the T8 so good is the combination of its high-tech advanced driver assistance suite – which aids long-distance driving – truly eye-opening performance and its impeccibly designed (and trimmed) interior. While the boot space isn’t brilliant, you get plenty of passenger room front and rear in a very charismatic package.
Read our full Volvo V90 review
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Citroen C5 X
Comfortable and eye-catching – it’s a proper Citroen
Pros:
✅ Comfortable ride and seats
✅ Excellent at long distances
✅ Roomy cabin
Cons:
❌ PHEV robs boot space
❌ Squidgy handling takes acclimatisation
The Citroen C5 X is a new direction for its maker, and yet it feels completely right for our times. It’s a mid-sized estate, but with SUV attitude and styling for all those buyers who want to make a lifestyle statement. As a result, it’s an unconventional choice but one that simply works for being good value, unpretentious and highly usable.
The plug-in hybrid offers 225hp for a sub 8.0 second 0-62mph time, and yet with a range of close to 30 miles on battery, it’s a feasible alternative to an EV. The battery for the hybrid setup eats into boot space a bit, but the good news is that we find the PHEV version of this car to be the most relaxign version of the lot to drive.
Read our full Citroen C5 X review
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Kia Sorento
Award-winning seven-seater family hero
Pros:
✅ Usable and roomy family car
✅ Adaptable and spacious interior
✅ Excellent warranty
Cons:
❌ Expensive with limited model range
❌ It’s a big beast around town
The Kia Sorento is a bit of a hero car, offering loads of space and an efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, while offering decent room for seven people. The level of standard equipment is also spot-on, the connectivity features work seamlessly and Kia’s seven-year warranty brings peace of mind for both the first and second owners.
It’s well made, reliable and although lacks excitement, makes light work of long drives. It makes good use of its battery pack, and if you’re a city dweller, you’ll be surprised at how little time the engine will be running for you. Overall, still one of our favourites despite rising prices.
Read our full Kia Sorento review
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Lexus NX
Premium mid-sized SUV stands out from the crowd
Pros:
✅ Excellent interior quality and materials
✅ Four-wheel drive in a two-wheel drive class
✅ Best dealers, according to customer surveys
Cons:
❌ Infotainment is fiddly to control
❌ Not the sharpest car to drive
This NX isn’t short of rivals, but it remains an attractive proposition thanks to all those qualities that makes a Lexus stand out from the crowd. With that, the excellent dealers and the best reliability comes as standard.
The plug-in hybrid system is shared with the Toyota RAV4, so there’s plenty of power and brilliant refinement, as well as excellent all-round economy on petrol and a decent battery range. It isn’t faultless – the steering wheel controls are quite confusing – but you get lots of luxury car extras to make up for it.
Read our full Lexus NX review
Best plug-in hybrid cars FAQ
What’s best: plug-in hybrid or self-charging?
We’d happily nail our flag to the self-charging hybrid if you’re looking at all-round convenience and simplicity of your driving experience. Yes, plug-ins can offer petrol-free driving if you’re prepared to keep them charged up, but in reality, unless you’re a low-mileage driver and have your own wallbox – and access to low-cost electricity – it might be easy to conclude they’re not worth the bother.
What are the disadvantages of a plug-in hybrid car?
The main disadvantage of owning a plug-in hybrid is that they cost more to buy than more conventional cars, and are more complex and weighty. In addition, expect poorer fuel consumption than petrol or diesel cars when the battery pack has been flattened and it’s driven primarily by the engine, and the limited hybrid assistance you get at this stage.
Is it cheaper to run a plug-in hybrid?
It all comes down to how you use it. Run the battery down and drive it as a normal car, it’ll get disappointing economy as you’d expect it you’re lugging around a heavy motor and battery pack. But if you keep it topped up with electricity and have access to cheap overnight power at home through your wallbox and the picture changes significantly. Aldo, because very, very few PHEVs have access to rapid chargers, you can use the slower public destination chargers, which often cost much less to use.
What is the highest mileage plug-in hybrid?
According to official figures, the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers the best electric-only range on the market today, with 66 miles. Next up is the BMW x5, with the Toyota RAV-4 and Suzuki Across next up offering 47 and 46 miles respectively.
Is plug-in hybrid worth it for long distance driving?
In our experience, the benefits of the hybrid assistance tail off after between 50 and 100 miles at motorway speeds, depending on how hilly it is, and how you drive it. Unless you stop regularly and top up over repeated coffee breaks, there really is no advantage over a traditional petrol or diesel-powered car. Having said that, if you use your PHEV primarily for short journeys, with the odd long-distance trip, the picture changes considerably where you’re more likely to be content to take the hit on motorway journeys.
Keith Adams is the editor of Parkers and has been an automotive journalist since 2004. He’s also edited Classic Car Weekly, Modern Classics, Honest John Classics as well as contributed to CAR, Evo, Octane, Autocar and Pistonheads as well as many other titles in a varied career.
