In the old days, choosing an SUV meant putting up with big fuel bills. Now, thanks to modern hybrid technology, there are plenty of practical models on sale with sky-high mpg figures.
Here are 10 of our favourite hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUV models. Every one comes with an automatic gearbox and are available to buy as used cars from Motorpoint with thousands off the original list price.
Toyota RAV4 – overall best hybrid SUV
Old Toyota RAV4s were practical and robust but struggled to shake their slightly dull image. The latest model, however, is a revelation with confident, chunky styling and an attractive cabin. None of the faultless functionality the RAV4 built its reputation on has been compromised, either, so it's still a fantastic choice for families with lots of passenger and cargo space. Toyota's 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid setup is far punchier than the slightly wheezy engines you found in older RAV4s, and returns strong economy without needing to be plugged in.
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Renault Captur – best small hybrid SUV
SUVs come in all shapes and sizes, and the Renault Captur is one of our favourite compact models. The small footprint means it's easy to park in tight spots, but you get a clever sliding rear bench to make the most of the space available – shifting it forward for more boot space, or backward for more rear legroom. There's also a choice of hybrid engines – a 145hp self-charging hybrid with featherweight fuel costs, or a 160hp plug-in hybrid that can save even more money if you have the ability to recharge at home or at work.
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Mazda CX-60 PHEV – best large hybrid SUV
The Mazda CX-60 feels like a home run from the Japanese brand. It has sleek lines and dramatic styling shared with other Mazda models, but a seriously luxurious cabin that's aimed squarely at rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. On the road, the brand's sporty DNA is obvious through the car's accurate controls and robust body control, but the CX-60 has a little extra softness to help it feel more luxurious on long drives. Hybrid buyers will be looking at the 2.5-litre PHEV with a 39-mile EV range and a muscular combined power output of 327hp.
Hyundai Tucson – best full-hybrid family SUV
The latest Hyundai Tucson is a real head-turner thanks to its deeply creased bodywork and vast front fascia with sharp headlights that flow seamlessly into the grille. Its qualities aren't skin-deep either, with a well-made and neatly trimmed cabin that has masses of space for family buyers. Your precious cargo won't be complaining about the refinement or ride quality, either, with well-judged suspension and hushed acceleration. There's both self-charging and plug-in hybrid engines, but the latter is only worth if it you have access to a charging point.
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Ford Kuga – best plug-in hybrid family SUV
There are plenty of engine choices if you're shopping for used Ford Kuga cars, with several strong non-hybrid options. However, we reckon the plug-in Kuga is one of the most compelling choices in the range because it blends the Kuga's existing strengths – its smooth ride quality, engaging driving experience and comfortable cabin – with a useful 35-mile electric range and strong mpg figures if you make the most of the on-board battery pack. There's also a self-charging hybrid version that makes a good choice if you can't recharge at home.
Hyundai Kona – best value full-hybrid SUV
If you're shopping used hybrid SUVs, the Hyundai Kona regularly pops up as one of the best-value options. It's no bargain-basement special, with a long equipment list and all the key mod cons such as cruise control, parking sensors and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There's a wide range of power options under the bonnet including a full-hybrid capable of more than 55mpg, a more affordable mild-hybrid petrol and even a fully electric model. The Kona's compact footprint means it's not the largest car in the segment, but urban parking should be fairly easy.
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Mazda MX-30 R-EV – best value plug-in hybrid SUV
The Mazda MX-30 first launched as a fully electric car but the initial reception was lukewarm to say the least. Its 35.5kWh battery pack meant a range of just 124 miles and, however much you might argue that it's enough for most drivers, that small number meant it struggled to stand out against longer-range rivals. That means many MX-30s are now on the used market with enormous discounts off the list price. The best part, however, is the latest R-EV model, which adds a petrol powered range-extender, turning this into a clever plug-in hybrid and basically fixing all the problems with the initial model.
Take a look at used Mazda MX-30 cars or read our Mazda MX-30 review
Cupra Formentor – best performance hybrid SUV
The Cupra Formentor is the first car designed from the ground up by SEAT's sporty spin-off brand. Leaning into the high-performance image means the Formentor gets some of the strongest engines in its class, with more than 300hp available in range-topping models. For this list, we're more interested in the 1.4-litre eHybrid version – this is a plug-in hybrid with the ability to return vast economy figures or run on electric power alone but, with 245hp on tap, can still launch towards the horizon with the ferocity you'd expect from a legitimate hot hatch.
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Range Rover Evoque – best luxury hybrid SUV
The second-generation Range Rover Evoque may look mostly unchanged from its predecessor at a glance, but it's substantially improved in nearly every way. For starters, it finally feels like a Range Rover inside, with plush materials and elegant-yet-minimalist style that closely mirrors the look and feel of its full-sized siblings. It's also much more comfortable and grown up on the road, with supple suspension and composed handling. P300e versions pair the company's 1.5-litre petrol engine with a motor and battery for lofty mpg figures.
Shop used Range Rover Evoque cars for sale or read our Range Rover Evoque review
Peugeot 3008 – best stylish hybrid SUV
Considering the Peugeot 3008 shares parts with the more affordable Citroen C5 Aircross and great-value Vauxhall Grandland X, it needs something to stand out. Thankfully, it has an enormous helping of style to lift it above rivals. If the sharp-suited exterior didn't completely capture your imagination, the quirky cabin won't fail to impress, with swoopy styling and Peugeot's peculiar i-Cockpit comprised of a small, flickable steering wheel and high-mounted driver's dials. You also get a choice of eager-yet-efficient 225 or 300hp plug-in hybrid engines.
SUV space with small fuel costs
Search Motorpoint's huge selection of used hybrid SUVs – all backed with warranty cover. For more inspiration, check out our picks for the best hybrid family cars.
