Best hybrid SUVs of 2026
The best hybrid SUVs offer a blend of interior space, a big boot, a fuel efficient engine (be it self-charging or plug-in) and good ground clearance for the odd occasion when the going gets rough. There’s also a hybrid SUV for almost every budget.
The Dacia Duster, for example, is a properly rugged little thing for not much money, while the MG HS offers a lot more standard equipment than cars which cost twice as much. At the other end of the spectrum you’ll find the BMW X5 and the Audi Q5, both of which command attention on the school run - and come with very impressive plug-in hybrid engines.
Our expert reviews team have comprehensively tested every hybrid car on sale, in every body style. Here are the ten best hybrid SUVs:
2026
Car of the Year Award
1. Chery Tiggo 8
Chery Tiggo 8 review
Best for: a plug-in hybrid bargain
The Chery Tiggo 8 is a handsome SUV with a roomy, plush interior. It’s also phenomenal value for money, with a plug-in hybrid version coming in at around the same price as a mid-range Volkswagen Golf. It’s a shame the even cheaper petrol engine option is so dire, though.
You’d never guess the Tiggo 8’s price if you saw one pull up behind you in the rear-view mirror, though you might not be able to tell what it is, either. There’s a certain Audi- and BMW-ness to the Chery’s big grille, aggressive headlights and generally plus-sized proportions.
The interior is nothing like the Europeans in its design, but it’s definitely on par - if not better - in perceived quality than in some ‘premium’ SUVs costing twice as much. Almost all of the surfaces are upholstered in plush, soft-touch leatherette, while the enormous infotainment and driver displays feature super-crisp graphics and a fast response to your inputs. The menus - especially for the climate controls - could be easier to navigate, that being said.
Another big plus to the Tiggo 8 is its whopping interior space. Granted, that’s to be expected in a car of this heft, but this is a bonafide seven-seater SUV which will indeed ferry you and six passengers around in comfort. The third row is best suited for kids, however, but adults will be fine on short journeys - and with them folded away you have a capacious boot to fill.
Entry-level Tiggo 8s come as standard with a pure petrol engine, but not only is it not worth considering, it’s one to actively avoid, unless you enjoy a coarse driving experience with bad fuel economy. No, it’s the plug-in hybrid that you want, offering up to 56 miles of electric-only range from a full battery and over 50mpg on a motorway run.
You can tell where Chery has saved money once you get behind the wheel. It isn’t very comfortable in town and it doesn’t get any better on the motorway, but as a sensible, affordable family car to potter about in, the Tiggo 8 is hard to beat.
The Chery Tiggo 8 is a handsome SUV with a roomy, plush interior. It’s also phenomenal value for money, with a plug-in hybrid version coming in at around the same price as a mid-range Volkswagen Golf. It’s a shame the even cheaper petrol engine option is so dire, though.
You’d never guess the Tiggo 8’s price if you saw one pull up behind you in the rear-view mirror, though you might not be able to tell what it is, either. There’s a certain Audi- and BMW-ness to the Chery’s big grille, aggressive headlights and generally plus-sized proportions.
The interior is nothing like the Europeans in its design, but it’s definitely on par - if not better - in perceived quality than in some ‘premium’ SUVs costing twice as much. Almost all of the surfaces are upholstered in plush, soft-touch leatherette, while the enormous infotainment and driver displays feature super-crisp graphics and a fast response to your inputs. The menus - especially for the climate controls - could be easier to navigate, that being said.
Another big plus to the Tiggo 8 is its whopping interior space. Granted, that’s to be expected in a car of this heft, but this is a bonafide seven-seater SUV which will indeed ferry you and six passengers around in comfort. The third row is best suited for kids, however, but adults will be fine on short journeys - and with them folded away you have a capacious boot to fill.
Entry-level Tiggo 8s come as standard with a pure petrol engine, but not only is it not worth considering, it’s one to actively avoid, unless you enjoy a coarse driving experience with bad fuel economy. No, it’s the plug-in hybrid that you want, offering up to 56 miles of electric-only range from a full battery and over 50mpg on a motorway run.
You can tell where Chery has saved money once you get behind the wheel. It isn’t very comfortable in town and it doesn’t get any better on the motorway, but as a sensible, affordable family car to potter about in, the Tiggo 8 is hard to beat.
2. Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster review
Best for: rugged on a budget
The Dacia Duster has come a long way from being ‘just’ the cheapest SUV on sale in the UK. Now in its third-generation, the Duster has earned itself a swanky and sophisticated new look as well as a swanky and sophisticated hybrid engine option.
In fact, the new Duster has also earned itself a badge of honour as the winner of the Smart Spender category in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
Value for money still plays a big part in the Duster’s appeal, but it must be said that the hybrid version of the Duster is the most expensive way into Dacia ownership - no matter the trim level. It’s still cheaper than most of its small SUV alternatives though, with some good standard kit on the hybrid model.
With the engine and electric motor engaged, the Duster can crack 62mph in 10.1 seconds - but it’s the efficiency that impresses with an achievable 50mpg, if you’re very careful with your right foot. That’s even more impressive considering the Duster’s size, as it’s bigger than most of the family hatchbacks on sale.
Being the size that it is, the Dacia Duster is really practical compared to a lot of its alternatives. A boxy shape and tall roofline mean there’s plenty of interior space and a tall load space - but the hybrid battery does restrict boot volume to 430 litres.
The interior has taken a step up when compared to previous Dusters. There may not be any soft-touch plastics or leather in sight - this is still a value-focused car after all - but the cabin feels solid to the touch. Funky, thoughtful design features are abundant too, with a phone holder next to the Hybrid’s infotainment screen and rubber floor mats with fun little map references in their design.
Dacia has been just as creative with the outside of the Duster, and it’s a genuinely handsome SUV with nifty details. The front-end is dominated by its grille/headlight combo, giving the Duster the appearance of a super-rugged off-roader. Hard-wearing cladding surrounds the body too, which should protect your paintwork from dents and scrapes.
The Dacia Duster Hybrid really does punch above its weight class, and it’s one of our favourite hybrid SUVs as a result.
The Dacia Duster has come a long way from being ‘just’ the cheapest SUV on sale in the UK. Now in its third-generation, the Duster has earned itself a swanky and sophisticated new look as well as a swanky and sophisticated hybrid engine option.
In fact, the new Duster has also earned itself a badge of honour as the winner of the Smart Spender category in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
Value for money still plays a big part in the Duster’s appeal, but it must be said that the hybrid version of the Duster is the most expensive way into Dacia ownership - no matter the trim level. It’s still cheaper than most of its small SUV alternatives though, with some good standard kit on the hybrid model.
With the engine and electric motor engaged, the Duster can crack 62mph in 10.1 seconds - but it’s the efficiency that impresses with an achievable 50mpg, if you’re very careful with your right foot. That’s even more impressive considering the Duster’s size, as it’s bigger than most of the family hatchbacks on sale.
Being the size that it is, the Dacia Duster is really practical compared to a lot of its alternatives. A boxy shape and tall roofline mean there’s plenty of interior space and a tall load space - but the hybrid battery does restrict boot volume to 430 litres.
The interior has taken a step up when compared to previous Dusters. There may not be any soft-touch plastics or leather in sight - this is still a value-focused car after all - but the cabin feels solid to the touch. Funky, thoughtful design features are abundant too, with a phone holder next to the Hybrid’s infotainment screen and rubber floor mats with fun little map references in their design.
Dacia has been just as creative with the outside of the Duster, and it’s a genuinely handsome SUV with nifty details. The front-end is dominated by its grille/headlight combo, giving the Duster the appearance of a super-rugged off-roader. Hard-wearing cladding surrounds the body too, which should protect your paintwork from dents and scrapes.
The Dacia Duster Hybrid really does punch above its weight class, and it’s one of our favourite hybrid SUVs as a result.
3. BMW X5
BMW X5 review
Battery range up to 45 miles
Best for: pretty much everything
The BMW X5 isn’t just one of the best SUVs or hybrids on sale right now, but one of the best cars full stop. Little wonder that it’s at the top of this list then. The hybrid is so good in fact, that it’s the only petrol-powered offering aside from the big V8-engined performance models.
BMW was an early advocate of the comfy, sporty and road-focused SUV with the first X5 - and it’s a formula which the current X5 follows, with more poshness added in for good measure.
The xDrive50e model produces a combined 489hp from its 3.0-litre petrol engine and hybrid system. With a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds and up to 67 miles of electric-only range, not only is the X5 PHEV a properly fast SUV - it’s one you should barely ever have to fill up if you don’t have a long commute. Its battery can’t be topped up with a DC rapid charger, but it only takes three hours to fill up from an 11kW charging point.
The X5 M50e is a rather fun car to drive on a winding road too. It’s agile for a two-and-a-half tonne beast, better in corners than a Mercedes GLE, but still more comfortable than a Porsche Cayenne.
Inside, the X5 has a fantastic cabin - full of premium materials and soft-touch surfaces. A dual-screen infotainment and driver’s display combo sits on top of the modern-looking dashboard, whilst even the standard vegan leather trim is nice to the touch. Real leather is an option, however, and the X5 has an enormous 650-litre boot.
On the outside, BMW has avoided giving the X5 the same polarizing design treatment as some of its stablemates; a mix of crisp lines and curves. It’s a well proportioned big SUV. The X5 is a rather adept family bus, and in hybrid spec it’s easy on the wallet to run too.
The BMW X5 isn’t just one of the best SUVs or hybrids on sale right now, but one of the best cars full stop. Little wonder that it’s at the top of this list then. The hybrid is so good in fact, that it’s the only petrol-powered offering aside from the big V8-engined performance models.
BMW was an early advocate of the comfy, sporty and road-focused SUV with the first X5 - and it’s a formula which the current X5 follows, with more poshness added in for good measure.
The xDrive50e model produces a combined 489hp from its 3.0-litre petrol engine and hybrid system. With a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds and up to 67 miles of electric-only range, not only is the X5 PHEV a properly fast SUV - it’s one you should barely ever have to fill up if you don’t have a long commute. Its battery can’t be topped up with a DC rapid charger, but it only takes three hours to fill up from an 11kW charging point.
The X5 M50e is a rather fun car to drive on a winding road too. It’s agile for a two-and-a-half tonne beast, better in corners than a Mercedes GLE, but still more comfortable than a Porsche Cayenne.
Inside, the X5 has a fantastic cabin - full of premium materials and soft-touch surfaces. A dual-screen infotainment and driver’s display combo sits on top of the modern-looking dashboard, whilst even the standard vegan leather trim is nice to the touch. Real leather is an option, however, and the X5 has an enormous 650-litre boot.
On the outside, BMW has avoided giving the X5 the same polarizing design treatment as some of its stablemates; a mix of crisp lines and curves. It’s a well proportioned big SUV. The X5 is a rather adept family bus, and in hybrid spec it’s easy on the wallet to run too.
4. MG S9
MG S9 review
Best for: a value for money hero
Much in the vein of the Chery Tiggo 8, the MG S9 is a massive, plug-in hybrid seven-seater SUV with loads of standard kit and buckets of interior space. It isn’t particularly comfortable, though, and the infotainment lets it down.
Still, it is a good looking SUV, though much like the Chery, a bit generic in its design. The wide front grille and slim, swept-back headlights do look rather like a Cheshire cat, but with its non-descript sides and simple rear light, you wouldn’t be able to tell which brand makes the S9 - unless you saw the badge.
The cabin is certainly more interesting than what you’ll find in other Chinese SUVs, because there’s just a bit...more of it to look at. It avoids being overly-minimal thanks to an intricate dashboard design, as well as a high-set centre console and a row of physical climate control buttons below the twin 12.9-inch displays.
Shame the infotainment is quite so poor to use, with dated graphics and a slow interface. At least there’s loads of room inside, and though the third row is best suited to kids, it is usable. The boot is enormous at over 1,000 litres with the last row folded away, and almost as much as a Volkswagen Golf when in seven seat mode.
The 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid engine offers an impressive 62 miles of electric-only range, and though it is a bit uncomfortable in town, the S9 is still better to drive than the Tiggo 8.
Much in the vein of the Chery Tiggo 8, the MG S9 is a massive, plug-in hybrid seven-seater SUV with loads of standard kit and buckets of interior space. It isn’t particularly comfortable, though, and the infotainment lets it down.
Still, it is a good looking SUV, though much like the Chery, a bit generic in its design. The wide front grille and slim, swept-back headlights do look rather like a Cheshire cat, but with its non-descript sides and simple rear light, you wouldn’t be able to tell which brand makes the S9 - unless you saw the badge.
The cabin is certainly more interesting than what you’ll find in other Chinese SUVs, because there’s just a bit...more of it to look at. It avoids being overly-minimal thanks to an intricate dashboard design, as well as a high-set centre console and a row of physical climate control buttons below the twin 12.9-inch displays.
Shame the infotainment is quite so poor to use, with dated graphics and a slow interface. At least there’s loads of room inside, and though the third row is best suited to kids, it is usable. The boot is enormous at over 1,000 litres with the last row folded away, and almost as much as a Volkswagen Golf when in seven seat mode.
The 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid engine offers an impressive 62 miles of electric-only range, and though it is a bit uncomfortable in town, the S9 is still better to drive than the Tiggo 8.
5. Citroen C5 Aircross
Citroen C5 Aircross review
Best for: affordable comfort
When it comes to SUVs these days, a lot of manufacturers try to emphasise their dynamic characteristics. Some hit the mark, but others are simply too heavy and too stiff to find that balance. The Citroen C5 Aircross, meanwhile, drops any sporting pretension in the name of comfort and style.
When it comes to SUVs these days, a lot of manufacturers try to emphasise their dynamic characteristics. Some hit the mark, but others are simply too heavy and too stiff to find that balance. The Citroen C5 Aircross, meanwhile, drops any sporting pretension in the name of comfort and style.
The plug-in hybrid C5 Aircross combines an electric motor with a 1.6-litre engine, and when they’re working in unison it produces 225hp and hits 62mph in 8.7 seconds.
Thanks to its 13.2kWh battery pack tucked under the boot floor, the Aircross Hybrid has up to 36 miles of electric-only range before the engine kicks in. If you live in a city or you have a short commute, this might be plenty - and your running costs could be kept to a minimum with the engine barely seeing any use.
On top of that, if the petrol engine does ever kick in it’s fairly smooth, making the C5 Aircross a very pleasant drive around town. It’s not just the powertrain that makes it a pleasant car to potter about in, but the interior too.
It may have a few hard plastics in the cabin and the buttons aren’t exactly stylish, but big windows, comfy seats with a high driving position and a sturdy feel make the C5 a relaxing drive - and a worthy choice compared to German and Korean counterparts.
The boot is a little smaller than the C5’s petrol and diesel powered siblings to fit its hybrid battery, but it’s still a usably large space at 460 litres and the loading edge is conveniently low. The Aircross is a very comfortable hybrid SUV - practical and stylish too - which is why it’s highly commended as one of Carwow’s best ‘Comfortable Cruisers’ in 2025.
When it comes to SUVs these days, a lot of manufacturers try to emphasise their dynamic characteristics. Some hit the mark, but others are simply too heavy and too stiff to find that balance. The Citroen C5 Aircross, meanwhile, drops any sporting pretension in the name of comfort and style.
When it comes to SUVs these days, a lot of manufacturers try to emphasise their dynamic characteristics. Some hit the mark, but others are simply too heavy and too stiff to find that balance. The Citroen C5 Aircross, meanwhile, drops any sporting pretension in the name of comfort and style.
The plug-in hybrid C5 Aircross combines an electric motor with a 1.6-litre engine, and when they’re working in unison it produces 225hp and hits 62mph in 8.7 seconds.
Thanks to its 13.2kWh battery pack tucked under the boot floor, the Aircross Hybrid has up to 36 miles of electric-only range before the engine kicks in. If you live in a city or you have a short commute, this might be plenty - and your running costs could be kept to a minimum with the engine barely seeing any use.
On top of that, if the petrol engine does ever kick in it’s fairly smooth, making the C5 Aircross a very pleasant drive around town. It’s not just the powertrain that makes it a pleasant car to potter about in, but the interior too.
It may have a few hard plastics in the cabin and the buttons aren’t exactly stylish, but big windows, comfy seats with a high driving position and a sturdy feel make the C5 a relaxing drive - and a worthy choice compared to German and Korean counterparts.
The boot is a little smaller than the C5’s petrol and diesel powered siblings to fit its hybrid battery, but it’s still a usably large space at 460 litres and the loading edge is conveniently low. The Aircross is a very comfortable hybrid SUV - practical and stylish too - which is why it’s highly commended as one of Carwow’s best ‘Comfortable Cruisers’ in 2025.
2026
Adventurer's Choice Award
Highly Commended
6. Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda Kodiaq review
Best for: spacious travel
The Skoda Kodiaq is one of Carwow’s favourite family SUVs, and for good reason. Skoda has a habit of producing cars with Tardis-like interior space, without having outrageously large proportions on the outside.
Yet another example of the classic Skoda packaging is the new Kodiaq, which builds on its already spacious predecessor by giving it…even more space inside, and posher materials. The plug-in hybrid engine is new to the Kodiaq too, and it makes it a rather economical family hauler.
With almost 75 miles of electric range, it’s entirely possible that you’ll forget that the Kodiaq hybrid even has a petrol engine under the bonnet - without being desperate for a charger every time you park.
A big advantage of the Kodiaq’s 75 mile electric range is the low company car tax band, meaning that the Kodiaq isn’t just a good car - it’s fantastic value for money.
The battery pack in the boot means that the Kodiaq loses the two extra seats of the petrol and diesel version, but the boot itself is enormous and very useful for families who go on frequent trips. Dogs will be happy too, with their palatial mode of transport.
The rest of the family will be happy too, as the Kodiaq has plenty of room inside - and a stylish cabin design which is a huge step up from the old model. The use of multiple materials and swoopy lines elevates the Kodiaq’s dashboard from some of its alternatives. Who says practicality has to be boring?
The Skoda Kodiaq is one of Carwow’s favourite family SUVs, and for good reason. Skoda has a habit of producing cars with Tardis-like interior space, without having outrageously large proportions on the outside.
Yet another example of the classic Skoda packaging is the new Kodiaq, which builds on its already spacious predecessor by giving it…even more space inside, and posher materials. The plug-in hybrid engine is new to the Kodiaq too, and it makes it a rather economical family hauler.
With almost 75 miles of electric range, it’s entirely possible that you’ll forget that the Kodiaq hybrid even has a petrol engine under the bonnet - without being desperate for a charger every time you park.
A big advantage of the Kodiaq’s 75 mile electric range is the low company car tax band, meaning that the Kodiaq isn’t just a good car - it’s fantastic value for money.
The battery pack in the boot means that the Kodiaq loses the two extra seats of the petrol and diesel version, but the boot itself is enormous and very useful for families who go on frequent trips. Dogs will be happy too, with their palatial mode of transport.
The rest of the family will be happy too, as the Kodiaq has plenty of room inside - and a stylish cabin design which is a huge step up from the old model. The use of multiple materials and swoopy lines elevates the Kodiaq’s dashboard from some of its alternatives. Who says practicality has to be boring?
2026
Hybrid Hero Award
Highly Commended
7. Audi Q5
Audi Q5 review
Best for: premium electric range
The Audi Q5 is a long-standing family favourite posh SUV, now available in plug-in hybrid guise - and it’s rather excellent. It’s handsome, with a slick infotainment system and plenty of interior space. The cabin quality is lacking compared to Audis of old, that being said.
On the outside, however, this is the slickest Q5 there’s ever been thanks to the slim headlights, broad front grilles, curvaceous flanks and the slender, intricate rear light bar. You can even program different light designs on the poshest models.
The cabin is equally easy on the eye, with a sleek, sweeping dashboard housing a two-in-one curved display for the infotainment and driver screen. Again in the poshest models your passenger gets their own touchscreen, but it looks and feels like an afterthought. It’s a shame that so many of the surfaces have been made from scratchy, hollow-sounding plastics - especially given the old Q5 was so well made.
Still, the Q5 is properly spacious inside and you’ll easily manage long road trips with six-foot passengers in the front and back. The hybrid has a 438-litre boot, which is a bit disappointing as the petrol and diesel versions have a mighty 520 litres of cargo capacity.
The PHEV engine offers 62 miles of electric-only range, which is impressive, even though some alternatives can travel further on a charge. It’s a very comfortable way to get around, with soft suspension soaking up bad roads, especially on the motorway.
The Audi Q5 is a long-standing family favourite posh SUV, now available in plug-in hybrid guise - and it’s rather excellent. It’s handsome, with a slick infotainment system and plenty of interior space. The cabin quality is lacking compared to Audis of old, that being said.
On the outside, however, this is the slickest Q5 there’s ever been thanks to the slim headlights, broad front grilles, curvaceous flanks and the slender, intricate rear light bar. You can even program different light designs on the poshest models.
The cabin is equally easy on the eye, with a sleek, sweeping dashboard housing a two-in-one curved display for the infotainment and driver screen. Again in the poshest models your passenger gets their own touchscreen, but it looks and feels like an afterthought. It’s a shame that so many of the surfaces have been made from scratchy, hollow-sounding plastics - especially given the old Q5 was so well made.
Still, the Q5 is properly spacious inside and you’ll easily manage long road trips with six-foot passengers in the front and back. The hybrid has a 438-litre boot, which is a bit disappointing as the petrol and diesel versions have a mighty 520 litres of cargo capacity.
The PHEV engine offers 62 miles of electric-only range, which is impressive, even though some alternatives can travel further on a charge. It’s a very comfortable way to get around, with soft suspension soaking up bad roads, especially on the motorway.
8. Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe review
Best for: sheer, unadulterated practicality
The Hyundai Santa Fe is an enormous seven-seater SUV with head-turning looks and a range of efficient hybrid engine options. It’s such a good all-rounder that it was the overall winner of the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
On the outside, the Santa Fe is one of the most uniquely styled cars on sale at the moment; the Santa Fe’s squared-off corners and retro pixel-effect light makes it look even bigger - and meaner - than it really is.
The interior isn’t quite as eye-catching as the exterior, but there's a chunky dashboard with a curved dual-screen setup set back into it and an array of plush trims in most easy-to-reach places.
Interior storage is where the Santa Fe really excels, with nifty touches such as the dual gloveboxes, enormous door bins, double phone holders in the centre console, loads of cubbies in the back and a whopping 16 cup holders spread out across all three rows of seats.
Speaking of which, you can spec your Santa Fe as either a seven-seater or as a six-seater with a pair of armchairs in the middle row, in lieu of a bench. The third row isn’t hugely spacious, but there’s plenty of space for a pair of kids or adults on short trips.
You get decent boot space with the third row of seats up, and with them stowed away there’s a plentiful 628 litres of room.
The Santa Fe fares well on the road, with its small but fairly powerful hybrid engines providing a mix of good fuel economy and enough poke to keep up with traffic easily. It’s comfortable and easy to place thanks to its square corners, and it’s notably quiet and composed on the motorway. Country lanes aren’t much fun, but the Santa Fe feels at home wafting along between bends.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is an enormous seven-seater SUV with head-turning looks and a range of efficient hybrid engine options. It’s such a good all-rounder that it was the overall winner of the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
On the outside, the Santa Fe is one of the most uniquely styled cars on sale at the moment; the Santa Fe’s squared-off corners and retro pixel-effect light makes it look even bigger - and meaner - than it really is.
The interior isn’t quite as eye-catching as the exterior, but there's a chunky dashboard with a curved dual-screen setup set back into it and an array of plush trims in most easy-to-reach places.
Interior storage is where the Santa Fe really excels, with nifty touches such as the dual gloveboxes, enormous door bins, double phone holders in the centre console, loads of cubbies in the back and a whopping 16 cup holders spread out across all three rows of seats.
Speaking of which, you can spec your Santa Fe as either a seven-seater or as a six-seater with a pair of armchairs in the middle row, in lieu of a bench. The third row isn’t hugely spacious, but there’s plenty of space for a pair of kids or adults on short trips.
You get decent boot space with the third row of seats up, and with them stowed away there’s a plentiful 628 litres of room.
The Santa Fe fares well on the road, with its small but fairly powerful hybrid engines providing a mix of good fuel economy and enough poke to keep up with traffic easily. It’s comfortable and easy to place thanks to its square corners, and it’s notably quiet and composed on the motorway. Country lanes aren’t much fun, but the Santa Fe feels at home wafting along between bends.
9. Toyota Yaris Cross
Toyota Yaris Cross review
Best for: fuel economy
Toyota’s Yaris Cross SUV brings a little sense of adventure to the mini-SUV category, with chunky styling in a small, city-friendly package. Think “Honey, I shrunk the RAV4”, but with the charm of the Yaris hatchback. Overall the Yaris Cross is a great little SUV, so much so that it drove off with the Urban Living Award at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre hybrid engine, and whilst you don’t get to choose when you’re in electric-only mode, the Cross does a fantastic job of starting the engine smoothly when it does kick in. That means it’s fairly hassle free, and drives pretty much like a regular petrol-powered SUV.
The Yaris Cross’s small footprint means it’s perfect for zipping around narrow streets and squeezing into small parking spaces, where some of the other hybrid SUVs on this list would certainly struggle. It’s also fairly capable on a twisty road, even if it can be a little firm over bumps and potholes at low speeds.
Being slightly longer than the Yaris hatchback and with a marginally taller roofline, Toyota have managed to eke out a surprising amount of space in the front of the Yaris Cross’s interior.
A lofty driving position with highly adjustable front seats means it’s easy to get comfortable in the Cross, but there isn’t a lot of interior storage and taller adults in the back might find headroom is at a premium. It’s the design of the cabin that lets it down, being a little drab with a lot of dark plastics - though they’re soft to the touch
Toyota’s Yaris Cross SUV brings a little sense of adventure to the mini-SUV category, with chunky styling in a small, city-friendly package. Think “Honey, I shrunk the RAV4”, but with the charm of the Yaris hatchback. Overall the Yaris Cross is a great little SUV, so much so that it drove off with the Urban Living Award at the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year awards.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre hybrid engine, and whilst you don’t get to choose when you’re in electric-only mode, the Cross does a fantastic job of starting the engine smoothly when it does kick in. That means it’s fairly hassle free, and drives pretty much like a regular petrol-powered SUV.
The Yaris Cross’s small footprint means it’s perfect for zipping around narrow streets and squeezing into small parking spaces, where some of the other hybrid SUVs on this list would certainly struggle. It’s also fairly capable on a twisty road, even if it can be a little firm over bumps and potholes at low speeds.
Being slightly longer than the Yaris hatchback and with a marginally taller roofline, Toyota have managed to eke out a surprising amount of space in the front of the Yaris Cross’s interior.
A lofty driving position with highly adjustable front seats means it’s easy to get comfortable in the Cross, but there isn’t a lot of interior storage and taller adults in the back might find headroom is at a premium. It’s the design of the cabin that lets it down, being a little drab with a lot of dark plastics - though they’re soft to the touch
10. MG HS
MG HS review
Best for: affordable electric range
The MG HS represents serious value for money when it comes to hybrid SUVs. It may not be as cheap to buy as an entry-level Dacia Duster, but for the standard kit it comes with and its outstanding electric range and performance - it’s a very wise buy. It’s rather handsome, too.
75 miles on electric power alone puts the HS in line with some of the most expensive cars on this list, and with its powerful motor it feels like you’re driving a full electric car. Keep it charged and HS will barely use any fuel, plus you won’t be scrambling to plug it in every night if you have a reasonably short commute.
On the motorway the HS is a very comfortable cruiser, with soft suspension and well controlled wind, road and engine noise. However, its soft suspension means it’s not the best performer on a twisty road - and the HS can feel a little bouncy on bigger bumps in the city.
Large windows, plenty of head and leg room and fairly supportive front seats are highlights of the interior - but the dashboard layout and storage for smaller bits and bobs is lacking. A 507-litre boot doesn’t disappoint though.
The HS’s fit and finish is still a step up compared to any other modern MG, and it does have a sleek looking pair of digital displays for infotainment and the driver. It’s just a shame that the software is clunky to use.
The MG HS represents serious value for money when it comes to hybrid SUVs. It may not be as cheap to buy as an entry-level Dacia Duster, but for the standard kit it comes with and its outstanding electric range and performance - it’s a very wise buy. It’s rather handsome, too.
75 miles on electric power alone puts the HS in line with some of the most expensive cars on this list, and with its powerful motor it feels like you’re driving a full electric car. Keep it charged and HS will barely use any fuel, plus you won’t be scrambling to plug it in every night if you have a reasonably short commute.
On the motorway the HS is a very comfortable cruiser, with soft suspension and well controlled wind, road and engine noise. However, its soft suspension means it’s not the best performer on a twisty road - and the HS can feel a little bouncy on bigger bumps in the city.
Large windows, plenty of head and leg room and fairly supportive front seats are highlights of the interior - but the dashboard layout and storage for smaller bits and bobs is lacking. A 507-litre boot doesn’t disappoint though.
The HS’s fit and finish is still a step up compared to any other modern MG, and it does have a sleek looking pair of digital displays for infotainment and the driver. It’s just a shame that the software is clunky to use.
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