Hybrid cars can offer the best of both worlds.
You get an electric motor to waft efficiently through stop-start traffic, backed up by a fuel-powered engine so you don't need to faff around with charging on long journeys.
Here are our 10 favourite hybrid family cars – they'll cut your fuel bills while having enough space to carry the little ones and all the gear that comes with them. We're only featuring full hybrids and plug-in hybrids on this list, because the latest mild-hybrid cars are mostly indistinguishable from regular non-hybrid models.
All of our picks are available as used cars from Motorpoint with big savings on their list price.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a great reminder that family cars don't always need to be SUVs. This handsome model comes as a spacious saloon or a practical Touring estate and has lots of passenger space, despite being one of BMW's smaller models. Choose the plug-in-hybrid 330e version to get a powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine combined with an electric motor and battery pack. Resist the temptation to use all the acceleration on tap and you can cover up to 41 miles on electric power alone or achieve more than 140mpg if you use both power sources optimally.
Shop used BMW 3 Series cars or read our BMW 3 Series review
Cupra Formentor
The Cupra Formentor is the first model designed from the ground up by SEAT's high-performance offshoot. And what a way to launch the new brand – this coupe SUV is big enough for the family despite its show-stopping looks and powerful performance. You don't need to sacrifice low running costs either, thanks to the Formentor's choice of two plug-in hybrid engines. Both include a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine for long-range cruising ability, with the entry-level version having 204hp and a 36-mile EV range, and the upgraded model getting 245hp with a 34-mile range. Average economy in ideal conditions can top 200mpg.
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Ford Kuga
Family buyers have flocked to the Ford Kuga thanks to its great range of strengths. It's composed and comfortable on the move, while also being easy to drive. There's room inside for five adults and lots of space to manoeuvre kids into their car seats. You get a choice of a full-hybrid engine with 190hp – this achieves 49mpg and doesn't need to be plugged in to recharge – or a more powerful plug-in hybrid engine. If you have the ability to charge your car, the Kuga PHEV can average 250mpg in ideal conditions and boasts a 29-mile EV-only range.
Check out used Ford Kuga cars for sale or read our Ford Kuga review
Kia Sportage
Earlier Kia Sportage models earned praise for their sensible qualities – their practicality, reliability and ease of use. The latest model, however, adds dramatic styling to the mix with a front-end look dominated by sharp angles and LED intersections between the headlights and the grille. All the sensible stuff remains with pin-sharp screens for the driver's dials and infotainment system, and acres of space in the cabin for passengers and their things. Like other Kia and Hyundai models, the Sportage comes with a choice of full-hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines allowing you to pick the one that best suits your driving style.
See used Kia Sportage cars or read our Kia Sportage review
Hyundai Tucson
Under the skin, the Hyundai Tucson shares lots of DNA with the Sportage. As a result, this is an equally sizeable family SUV with the Korean brand's latest styling verve – you get a bold, creased exterior that cloaks a really plush cabin which, like most of the brand's lineup, is absolutely loaded with on-board tech. Like the Kia, there's a choice of both a full-hybrid engine that doesn't need plugging in, and a plug-in hybrid that can cover around 30 miles on electric power alone. Both options offer excellent performance without the fuel thirst you'd expect from a large family SUV.
Search a choice of used Hyundai Tucson cars or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Renault Captur
There are plenty of reasons to like the Renault Captur including its style, its grown-up driving experience and its respectable practicality. It's just that the car's standard petrol engines feel a little gutless on the motorway. Equip the Captur with either of its E-Tech engines, however – available as a 145hp full hybrid or a 160hp plug-in hybrid – and the driving experience is substantially improved. Renault's hybrid setup has loads of low-down electric shove to slip effortlessly through urban stop-start traffic, and a smooth transition into conventional petrol power to propel the car up to motorway speeds – all while sipping fuel.
View used Renault Captur cars for sale or read our Renault Captur review
Peugeot 3008
You might think the 3008 is a case of style over substance but, get behind the wheel, and you'll find this SUV has both measures by the bucket load. Firstly, it looks great, standing out from rivals thanks to its chiselled styling and angry-looking front end. This impression is cemented once you step inside thanks to an upmarket interior with nice materials and Peugeot's distinctive small steering wheel and high-mounted dials. You also get a choice of two powerful plug-in hybrid engines that blend a turbo 1.6-litre petrol with an electric motor for either 225 or 300hp – the latter being a frankly absurd figure for a Peugeot family car.
Shop used Peugeot 3008 cars or read our Peugeot 3008 review
Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz is a small, city-friendly hatchback, so what's it doing on a list of family cars? Well – don't let its small footprint fool you – the Jazz has a Tardis-like cabin with lots of room for tall adults or bulky child seats on the second row. The tall side doors mean you won't have to stoop to secure your kids in their seats, and there's just about enough room in the boot for a small-ish pushchair. This most recent Jazz is both easy and satisfying to drive with rapid responses from its hybrid motor around town, and mature motorway manners that'll quickly see you forget this is a small, affordable car.
Take a look at used Honda Jazz cars or read our Honda Jazz review
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
Toyota is synonymous with hybrids thanks to the worldwide success of its Prius. The Corolla Touring Sports is a sweet spot in the Japanese brand's lineup for family buyers, combining a smooth, efficient full-hybrid engine with a practical body that's large enough for kids and clobber. Basic 1.8-litre models are fine for regular driving duties, but we prefer the effortless performance offered by the beefier 2.0-litre version. Opting for the Touring Sports estate version also means 2.0-litre buyers aren't as badly affected by the addition of the larger hybrid battery, which eats into cargo space in the hatchback version.
Browse used Toyota Corolla Touring Sports cars or read our Toyota Corolla review
MG HS
In an outright contest of looks or quality, the MG HS won't be going home with any silverware. It's spacious, well equipped and easy enough to drive, but the bland styling and slightly plasticky interior mean it doesn't earn many envious glances. Those judgemental eyes might feel different, however, if they took a look at the price, because the MG HS undercuts almost all its main rivals by several thousand pounds. This lets you buy a far newer and lower-mileage example than you could if you were shopping its rivals. It's also one of the cheapest routes into plug-in-hybrid ownership with a 32-mile electric range to save fuel on your commute.
See used MG HS cars for sale or read our MG HS review
Found the right hybrid family hauler for you?
Check out Motorpoint's huge range of used hybrid cars for sale. For more inspiration, check out our picks for the best hybrid SUVs you can buy nearly new.
