What Is the Best Hybrid SUV?

Choosing a new car today can feel confusing. There are petrol cars, electric cars, and something in the middle called hybrids. A hybrid SUV uses both a petrol engine and an electric motor. This means it can drive on electricity for short trips and switch to petrol for longer journeys. For many drivers in the UK, this is a smart choice because fuel prices are high and people want to cut costs. If you drive a company car, hybrids are even more helpful. They can lower the amount of tax you pay each month, thanks to lower CO2 emissions.

Another reason hybrids are popular is how well they work in cities. In stop-and-go traffic, the electric motor does most of the work, so you save fuel. On the motorway, the petrol engine gives you power and range. This mix of savings and convenience makes hybrid SUVs a strong choice in 2025. But here’s the tricky part: there are many options. Some hybrids focus on long electric range, others on space for big families, and some on style and luxury. To help you decide, we tested and compared the top models on sale today. Below, you’ll find the best hybrid SUVs you can buy in 2025, each with its own strengths.

Best Hybrid SUVs You Can Buy Today

1. Mercedes GLC 300e 4Matic – The Long Distance Hybrid

The Mercedes GLC 300e is one of the best choices if you want to drive on electricity most of the time. It can go up to 80 miles using only the battery, which is more than many other hybrids. This means if you charge it often, you might barely use petrol for your daily trips. For people who use it as a company car, this also means very low tax rates because of the low CO2 emissions.

Inside, the GLC feels modern and high-tech. The cabin has big screens, comfortable seats, and excellent safety systems. You sit high up, so you get a great view of the road. Many drivers say it feels more premium than rivals like the BMW X3.

When you drive, it feels smooth and quick. The electric motor makes the car quiet and easy to handle, while the petrol engine adds extra power for longer trips. Families will like the big boot and roomy back seats. The ride can feel a bit firm on rough roads, and some of the fancy trim inside may scratch easily, but overall, this is one of the most balanced and practical hybrid SUVs in 2025.

2. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – The All-Round Choice

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is great if you want style, space, and value all in one package. It comes in different versions, including a plug-in hybrid for longer electric trips. This makes it flexible depending on your needs.

The design is bold and eye-catching. The outside has sharp lines and bright LED lights. The inside feels modern too, with two digital screens instead of old-fashioned dials. There’s also a sporty version called the N Line, which adds details like red stitching on the seats and bigger wheels. But the Tucson isn’t just about looks it’s also very practical. The back seats have lots of legroom, and the boot is big enough for family trips.

On the road, it uses a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor. Together, they make 231 horsepower, so the car feels strong and fast on the motorway. Paddle shifters let you change gears quickly if you want a sportier drive. Fuel economy is good at about 35 mpg, though not as high as the Toyota RAV4. Still, the Tucson has special features like “Baby Mode,” which makes the ride smoother for kids. This mix of performance, space, and family comfort makes the Tucson a top all-round hybrid SUV.

3. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid – The Family SUV

If you have a big family, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a top pick. It’s one of the few hybrid SUVs with seven seats, so you can carry more people without losing comfort.

The latest Santa Fe looks bold and boxy on the outside, but the real magic is inside. There’s plenty of space in all three rows of seats. Even adults can sit in the back without feeling squeezed. With the back seats folded down, the boot is massive, perfect for family holidays or big shopping trips. Compared to rivals like the Kia Sorento, the Santa Fe feels a little more polished and well-built.

The hybrid engine pairs a 1.6-litre petrol with an electric motor. It’s not built for racing, but it’s smooth and powerful enough for daily driving. It’s also affordable to run, and Hyundai’s long warranty gives peace of mind. On motorways, the Santa Fe is quiet and comfortable, though some other SUVs feel a bit steadier at high speeds. Overall, it’s a safe and dependable choice for families who need both space and efficiency.

4. Range Rover Sport P460e – The Luxury Hybrid

For drivers who want power and luxury, the Range Rover Sport P460e is hard to beat. It combines a 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, giving a total of 454 horsepower. That makes it very fast, but also very efficient for such a big SUV. With its large battery, it can drive up to 73 miles on electricity alone, almost as far as the Mercedes GLC 300e.

The cabin is pure luxury. You’ll find leather seats, high-quality materials, and a big infotainment screen. The driving position is high and commanding, which makes you feel in control. Plus, it still has all the famous off-road features that Land Rover is known for, so it can handle rough terrain just as well as city streets.

Of course, it’s not perfect. The Range Rover Sport is very expensive, and Land Rover doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability. But if money is no issue, this SUV offers a rare mix of luxury, performance, and eco-friendliness.

5. Range Rover Evoque P300e – The Stylish Compact SUV

The Range Rover Evoque P300e is smaller than the Sport but just as stylish. It has sharp looks that make it stand out in traffic, and the hybrid system makes it eco-friendly too. With up to 38 miles of electric-only driving, it’s perfect for city commutes and school runs.

Inside, the Evoque feels just as premium as bigger Land Rover models. You get soft-touch materials, a high driving position, and a smart design. One big advantage is that it doesn’t lose boot space to the battery, so it stays practical. On the road, it feels quiet and smooth, with plenty of power when needed.

The downsides are fuel efficiency, which isn’t as strong as some rivals, and Land Rover’s hit-or-miss reliability record. But the Evoque holds its value well over time, and it remains one of the most desirable compact SUVs in the UK. For style-focused buyers, this is an excellent choice.

Why Hybrid SUVs Are Worth Considering in 2025

Hybrid SUVs give you the best of both worlds. You get the clean, quiet driving of electric cars and the long-distance power of petrol engines. In towns, hybrids can run mostly on electricity, which saves money and cuts pollution. On motorways, the petrol engine keeps you going without range worries.

In the UK, hybrids also mean savings on company car tax because of their low emissions. With fuel prices still high, they’re a smart way to keep costs down. They also prepare you for the future as rules around clean air zones become stricter. In short, hybrids are practical, affordable to run, and a great step toward going fully electric.

Key Factors to Consider Before Buying a Hybrid SUV

1. Electric Range – Plug-in hybrids with longer electric ranges are best if you can charge at home or work.
2. Running Costs – Look at fuel economy, but also think about insurance, charging, and servicing.
3. Practicality – Some hybrids lose boot space to batteries, but others manage to keep it.
4. Reliability – Brands with strong warranties and good track records are safer bets.
5. Tax Benefits – Company car drivers should compare BiK rates for extra savings.

FAQ

Final Note

Hybrid SUVs are no longer a small niche they are now some of the smartest cars you can buy. If you want long electric range and tax savings, the Mercedes GLC 300e is the best choice. If you need a big family car, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is dependable and practical. For luxury buyers, the Range Rover Sport P460e delivers everything in one package. And if you want style in a smaller SUV, the Range Rover Evoque P300e is hard to ignore. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, meanwhile, offers one of the best all-round options for families.

No matter which one you choose, a hybrid SUV in 2025 gives you a mix of savings, comfort, and peace of mind that’s hard to beat.