Just because you need a 4x4 for muddy tracks or winter trails, doesn't mean you need a big, thirsty engine…
Plenty of clever SUVs blend 4WD all-terrain prowess with the fuel-sipping manners of modern hybrid engines. They're no milk floats on stilts, either – these full-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid options have more than enough brawn for whatever task you throw at them, save for a proper rock-crawling off-road course.
If you're ready to step away from traditional diesel 4x4s, these are the best hybrid 4x4s to buy right now. Most are available as great-value used cars from Motorpoint.
BMW X1
The latest BMW X1 has gone from strength to strength, adding more performance and efficiency while also enhancing the car's premium look and feel. Gone is the tiny afterthought infotainment screen of the old X1, with a new wide twin-screen setup featuring crisp graphics and a minimalist layout. There's a choice of petrol and diesel engines under the bonnet, plus the fully electric BMW iX1, but we're looking at the xDrive25e and xDrive30e plug-in hybrids that can average more than 300mpg if you recharge regularly.
Find a used BMW X1 for sale or read our BMW X1 review
Hyundai Santa Fe
Previous Hyundai Santa Fe models gave you a lot of 4x4 for your money. This latest version, however, brings dramatic blocky styling and an overhauled interior containing far more tech and premium features. It's no longer available with diesel power in the UK, which might disappoint some buyers, but Hyundai's outfitted it with either a self-charging or plug-in-hybrid engine that both return impressive mpg figures even with a healthy amount of urban driving. The PHEV can achieve north of 160mpg in ideal circumstances.
Buy a used Hyundai Santa Fe or read our Hyundai Santa Fe review
Range Rover Sport
Nothing about the Range Rover Sport really suggests it's a planet-saving option. However, equip this luxury SUV with the P400e plug-in hybrid engine and it can travel around 25 miles without burning a drop of fuel. Make the most of the engine and on-board battery pack, and your leather-clad Range Rover Sport will be returning economy figures that'd make a supermini blush. Of course, all that technology doesn't compromise this SUV's legendary off-road ability, nor its spacious, opulently trimmed cabin.
Find a used Range Rover Sport for sale
Toyota RAV4
With such a long history building hybrids, it makes sense that the Toyota RAV4 should earn a spot on this list. Like the Kia and Hyundai options, the RAV4 is offered with both full hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, although we'll focus on the former as it's more common, more affordable and doesn't require access to a charging point. There's no seven-seat option, but you do get a vast, square load area behind the five standard seats, along with lots of space for tall adults or bulky child seats. All with the reassurance of Toyota's excellent reliability record.
Check out Toyota RAV4 cars for sale or read our Toyota RAV4 review
Jeep Compass
If you live somewhere a bit more rural, you might want a 4x4 with some more serious off-road chops. This may be the perfect job for the Jeep Compass. Track down a Compass in Trailhawk trim and you get lofty suspension, chunky off-road tyres, and reshaped bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Plus, you don't have to worry about sky-high fuel bills as the Compass is offered with a punchy 1.3-litre plug-in-hybrid setup. Claimed economy is more than 150mpg if you recharge often, and you get a respectable 240hp when the engine and motor are working together.
Check out used Jeep Compass cars or read our Jeep Compass review
Hyundai Tucson
Like other cars from the Korean brand, the Hyundai Tucson can be had with either a full-hybrid or a plug-in-hybrid system – with the former being the best choice for buyers who don't have easy access to EV charging. Regardless of the exact engine chosen, all Tucsons are spacious and easy to drive, with loads of on-board technology and generous equipment lists. You'll also appreciate the robust build quality and eye-catching concept-car styling that stands out among its more conservative rivals.
Find a used Hyundai Tucson for sale at Motorpoint or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Lexus LBX
The Lexus LBX is the brand's first compact SUV. Its 1.5-litre self-charging-hybrid engine is shared with the Toyota Yaris Cross. That means real-world fuel economy above 50mpg without needing to recharge, and range-topping models are available with all-wheel drive. The cabin is sumptuously trimmed and includes all the expected mod cons to make life on the road comfortable – complementing the easygoing, hassle-free driving experience. You also have the reassurance of warranty cover that lasts for up to 10 years.
Browse our choice of used Lexus cars for sale
Kia Sportage
As the sibling car to the Tucson above, the Kia Sportage has many of the same virtues. It's easy to drive, easy to use, well equipped and comes with the reassurance of the brand's strong reliability record. It carves out its own niche, however, with slightly more upright cabin styling that recalls more traditional off-roaders, and a stiffer, sportier ride. Engine options are the same, however, featuring a choice of full or plug-in-hybrid engines, with the former being a little more affordable and better for buyers without easy EV charging options.
Buy a used Kia Sportage from Motorpoint or read our Kia Sportage review
Audi Q5
On the outside, the Audi Q5 looks like any other SUV in the German brand's range, but you can specify it with the powerful 50 TFSI e plug-in-hybrid engine to get the best of petrol and electric worlds. The meaty 299hp output means you'll crack the 0-62mph dash in 6.1 seconds – as fast as most modern hot hatches but, if you can resist the temptation, you can travel more than 35 miles on electric power, or achieve a combined 150mpg if you take every opportunity to keep the battery pack topped up.
Find a used Audi Q5 for sale at Motorpoint
Suzuki S-Cross
Every Suzuki S-Cross is hybridised to some degree but, while manual models make do with a simple mild-hybrid setup, you can get a newer full-hybrid engine if you choose the 1.5-litre automatic version. It focuses mostly on economy compared to some of the speed demons on this list, but can achieve nearly 50mpg in day-to-day driving with no need to plug in and recharge. It's not the most luxurious choice here but strikes back by being one of the most affordable options while still retaining a spacious cabin and generous equipment list.
Buy a used Suzuki S-Cross from Motorpoint
Save money on a fuel-sipping 4x4
Motorpoint has a huge selection of used cars for sale, including hundreds of hybrid and 4x4 models. For more options check out our picks for the best nearly new 4x4s on sale.
