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Compare the best large hybrid SUVs

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Best large hybrid SUVs of 2023

A large hybrid SUV is arguably the best hybrid choice, as bigger cars have more room to package batteries and fuel tanks, and still leave enough space for people and luggage. Here are ten of the best hybrid SUVs on sale - covering both plug-in hybrids that can cover over 20 miles on battery alone and need plugging in and recharging, and so-called ‘self-charging’ hybrids that have a small battery capable of running the car at low speed and gather energy under deceleration or via the engine.

BMW X5

1. BMW X5

9/10
BMW X5 review
Battery range up to 45 miles
Hybrid power really seems to suit the big X5 — it can manage a useful (official) 55 miles on electric power with a full charge of its battery, and it’s not overly-thirsty on a longer run with the 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine doing the work. Best of all, it’s a proper BMW, so it’s lovely to drive.
Audi Q7

2. Audi Q7

9/10
Audi Q7 review
Battery range up to 34 miles
The Q7 isn’t Audi’s prettiest SUV (that’ll be the slinky Q8) but it is massive inside, and has lots of space for lanky teenage limbs in the back seats. It’s a shame you can’t have seven seats with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, but at least you still get a big boot.
Kia Sorento

3. Kia Sorento

8/10
Kia Sorento review
The Sorento has long been a giant-killer for Kia, and the current model, which manages to be both handsome and practical, is the best one yet. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is very efficient (30 miles of electric range and 45mpg in the real world on long runs) and the cabin is utterly gorgeous, and hugely comfy too. There’s also a simpler regular hybrid model, that has an official 41mpg economy figure.
Volvo XC90

4. Volvo XC90

8/10
Volvo XC90 review
Battery range up to 28 miles
The big XC90 has been around for quite a while now, and is up for replacement soon, but it still has charm. Charm and a big battery, with enough electric capacity for a claimed 41-mile range on a full charge. The XC, like all plug-in hybrids, does get thirsty once you’re on the motorway and the battery is depleted, but it’s so comfy you might not care.
Audi Q8

5. Audi Q8

8/10
Audi Q8 review
The Q8 TFSIe’s combination of menacing, gangster-spec looks with the saintly plug-in hybrid powertrain is quite the mix of yin and yang. 28 miles of electric range with 381hp is no bad mix either, although the Q8 likes a drink on a long run.
Volkswagen Tiguan

6. Volkswagen Tiguan

8/10
Volkswagen Tiguan review
Sensible and practical, the Tiguan was treated recently to a styling go-over by VW, and that resulted in a sharper-looking nose, and a cabin that looks and feels more appropriately expensive. It’s roomy, too, and while the 30-mile electric range is starting to look on the short side, it’s adequate.
Hyundai Santa Fe

7. Hyundai Santa Fe

7/10
Hyundai Santa Fe review
Basically the same under the skin as the Kia Sorento, but arguably not quite as good looking. The big Santa Fe is still a compelling choice, though, with either hybrid or plug-in hybrid models available, and a cabin that mixes exceptional comfort with the sort of quality you might expect from a premium brand.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

8. Toyota RAV4

7/10
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review
Toyota arguably knows more about batteries and hybrids than any other car maker, and in the RAV4 PHEV it really shows — no other car here can quite match the RAV4’s combo of 47-mile electric range with genuine, real-world 50mpg economy on a long drive. If only it was a little more fun to drive, but we do like the rugged and roomy interior. The standard hybrid might actually be the better all-rounder, depending on how it’s used.
Lexus RX (2015-2022)

9. Lexus RX

7/10
Lexus RX (2015-2022) review
Just about to be replaced, but the Lexus RX450 does have two things still going for it. On the one hand, it’s about the only way you can have a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with reasonable fuel economy. On the other hand, it’s one of the few cars that can just about match a Rolls-Royce Phantom for seat and ride comfort. Endlessly reliable, too.
Honda CR-V

10. Honda CR-V

6/10
Honda CR-V review
Did someone say endlessly reliable? Well, the Honda CR-V’s ears pricked up at that. The CR-V is hardly the most thrilling car around, but it’s one that grows on you the more you drive it. Clever gearbox-less hybrid system delivers 45mpg, and it’s roomy and practical inside.

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Large hybrid SUVs FAQs

It’s probably a straight tie between the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Both are based on the same chassis, and both offer the same choice of hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. Both also have excellent interiors, but it’s the Kia that’s narrowly our choice, simply because it’s better-looking on the outside.

Find out more: What is a self-charging hybrid?

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is really hard to beat, as it has an impressive electric range of up to 55 miles, and a buttery-smooth straight-six petrol engine for longer journeys. Yes, it can get a bit thirsty on a long haul after the battery is used up,, but the upside is proper BMW steering and handling. It’s not bad looking, either.

Find out more: What is a plug-in hybrid?

As ever, that answer depends on the model you’re looking at, but the average is around 40 miles now. Some can manage more, such as the Mercedes GLE 350de (62 miles), but remember that your real-world range will almost certainly be lower, unless you’re very good at hypermiling.

In terms of official economy figures, it’s the Mercedes GLE 350de diesel plug-in hybrid, with an economy figure of 353mpg. That’s entirely dependent on how far you can run it on battery alone of course, but it looks good on paper. More realistically, a Toyota RAV4 can easily manage 50mpg on a long run, if you’re reasonably careful.

To find out how you can improve the fuel efficiency of your SUV, check out our guide on ways to get better mpg.

The answer is the new Range Rover P440e plug-in hybrid, which offers a massive 725 litres of luggage space, or 1,050 litres if you stack it to the roof. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable than that, check out the Kia Sorento’s 608-litre boot.

Find our top recommended cars with bags of space in our guide on the best cars with big boots.

It depends on the model, of course, but mid-size hybrids such as the Kia Sorento can tow as much as 1,650kg, while heavier plug-in models such as the Citroen C5 Aircross can haul up to 1,300kg. The champs in this respect are the Audi Q7 TFSIe and the Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV which can both tow as much as 2,700kg.

A lot of hybrid SUVs can’t mix both batteries and seven seats, but the best two that can are the Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, and the Kia Sorento, both in hybrid and plug-in hybrid form. Both are massively roomy, with the Volvo having an edge on third-row seat space, but the Kia of course being much more affordable.

Check out our recommended 7-seater hybrid cars.

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