On paper at least, plug-in hybrids represent a seemingly compromise-free way of motoring. That's because they have a larger battery than a regular hybrid car (also known as self-charging hybrids) to allow for a healthy electric-only range, but with the backup of a traditional engine (usually petrol) to eradicate range anxiety.
Most of the latest plug-in hybrid models will do at least 30 miles using only battery power, and some can do more than 80, so you might be able to go emissions-free for your commute and local journeys.
If you have a home charger or regular access to a well-priced public charging point, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can also give low running costs, and they are also competitive when it comes to benefit-in-kind company car tax. Just remember that you’ll only get the best out of a PHEV – and anywhere near the official mpg figures – if you charge it regularly and use battery power as often as possible.
Here we round up what our expert reviewers rate as the best new and used plug-in hybrids you can buy in 2025.
The Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars for 2025
- Skoda Superb Estate (2024-)
- MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (2024-)
- Kia Niro (2022-)
- Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid (2020-)
- BMW 330e (2019-)
- Mercedes-Benz GLC300 de (2023-)
- Volkswagen Passat eHybrid (2024-)
Skoda Superb Estate (2024-)
We were already big fans of the Skoda Superb Estate and the latest model – introduced in 2024 – is better than ever. Let’s do the numbers first. A 1.5-litre combustion engine and an electric motor combine to produce 201bhp and give smooth, strong performance. The electric-only range is an impressive 62 miles and the official fuel economy figure is remarkable, at more than 700mpg.
And here’s another number: 690. That’s the capacity of the Superb Estate's boot in litres, which is more than just about any other estate car (and lots of SUVs) can offer. When it comes to outright practicality, very few cars at this price can touch it. There's limo-like legroom in the back, too, and the cabin has a classy feel throughout. Estate cars might not be the height of fashion, but if you’re after a mega-spacious family car with plug-in hybrid power they don’t get much better than this.
Skoda Superb Review
MG HS Plug-in Hybrid (2024-)
MG has become known for its great-value electric cars over recent years and it now offers some extremely well-priced hybrid models too. The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid is a great example – a spacious, well-equipped family SUV with plug-in hybrid power that's available for about £8,500 less than the cheapest Ford Kuga PHEV.
It looks good inside and out and although not especially exciting to drive, it generally feels smooth and comfortable on the road. Entry-level SE trim is far from basic, with a full range of advanced safety features, a rear-view camera and 19-inch alloys as standard. Top-spec Trophy models are still very keenly priced and come with goodies such as heated front seats, a power tailgate, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree parking camera.
MG’s cars don’t have a stellar reliability record, admittedly, but you do get the reassurance of a longer-than-average seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.
MG HS Review
Kia Niro (2022-)
The Kia Niro is one of a handful of models that you can buy as a regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure-electric model. We are, of course, focusing on the PHEV version here. Launched in its second generation in 2022, this compact crossover doesn’t do anything in particular that’s spectacular, but it does a lot of things well enough to make the overall ownership proposition an attractive one for families and fleet drivers.
Combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an 83bhp electric motor to create a total output of 168bhp, the Niro makes smooth progress and benefits from having a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, rather than the often-used continuous variable transmission (CVT), which doesn't suit all drivers. In all-electric mode it has a range of up to 40 miles. Kia's latest models have some of the most appealing interiors around and that's true of the Niro’s cabin, which uses good-quality materials and has a smart, user-friendly infotainment system. You also get Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
Kia Niro Review
Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid (2020-)
The Ford Kuga is one of the most popular crossover SUV models in the UK and the plug-in hybrid variant makes it attractive not only to families keen to reduce their environmental impact, but also business car users.
The Kuga is a typical Ford in that it has a sweet balance of ride and handling that makes it more enjoyable to drive than most other family SUVs. The cabin is appealing, too – it's not a match for a Range Rover Evoque in terms of quality, but it looks good and works well.
The plug-in hybrid system in the Kuga combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor to produce a healthy 222bhp, and give more than 200mpg according to the WLTP testing regime. With a fully charged battery the electric motor on its own allows the Kuga to travel up to 41 miles, giving this plug-in hybrid SUV good performance and a real-world range that should be good enough for many commutes to be completed using electricity alone.
Ford Kuga Review
BMW 330e (2019-)
The BMW 3 Series has long been a favourite among company car drivers. But whereas the 320d diesel used to be the fleet chariot of choice, it’s been usurped by the 330e plug-in hybrid. It's super-low CO2 emissions make all the difference and the latest version (after an update in 2024) gives you 62 miles of pure-electric range.
And because this is a 3 Series, there’s lots more to commend it. Apart from the superb driving experience delivered by its beautifully balanced rear-wheel drive chassis, it looks sharp and the interior is comfortable and supremely classy. There’s plenty of space in the rear and although the boot space for the 330e is 105 litres down on non-hybrid versions, its 375-litre capacity should still be sufficient for most, so this executive saloon works just as well as an off-duty family car.
BMW also sells plug-in hybrid versions of the larger BMW 5 Series and BMW X5, but we reckon the 3 Series hits the sweet spot in terms of practicality, cost and all-round ability.
BMW 3 Series Review
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 de (2023-present)
The Mercedes-=Benz GLC 300 de is a bit different to all the other cars on this list. For lots of technical reasons – and some marketing ones – most hybrids mate an electric motor with a petrol engine. And while Mercedes-Benz does indeed produce hybrids that use petrol engines, the German firm also makes diesel-electric hybrids.
It’s been doing this for a few years since a diesel-electric powertrain first appeared in the C-Class saloon and nowadays you can also have brand new diesel hybrid versions of both the latest C-Class and the E-Class models. However, we’ve gone for their SUV equivalent here, because according to the numbers, the GLC 300 de has the most efficient powertrain of Merc’s diesel PHEV line-up. Its 31.2kWh lithium-ion battery gives it an all-electric driving range of up to 84 miles, and a WLTP fuel economy figure of 706.3mpg, although do bear in mind that this figure is every bit as implausible – and nigh-on impossible to replicate – as it sounds.
Aside from its unconventional powertrain, the GLC 300 de showcases everything that’s good about a modern Mercedes-Benz. It delivers a smooth and relaxed driving experience, lots of space, plenty of luxury equipment and Mercedes’ brilliant infotainment tech. And if this SUV looks a bit too upright for your tastes, don’t forget there’s a sleeker coupe version too.
Mercedes GLC Review
Volkswagen Passat eHybrid (2024-)
Volkswagen released an all-new Passat in 2024, which offers eHybrid plug-in hybrid drivetrains among various others. While it’s not terribly exciting, the Passat is a good, solid car; consistent and comfortable, sensible in all that it is and all that it does. And besides, not everyone wants excitement from a car anyway.
The plug-in powertrain combines a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a healthy 201bhp or 268bhp depending on model, while a 19.7kWh battery pack can store enough energy for the Passat eHybrid to travel around 70 miles without emitting any CO2 from its tailpipe. The interior quality, meanwhile, maintains the German firm’s reputation for cars that feel solid and built to last.
Volkswagen Passat Review
