The best self-charging hybrids combine petrol engines and electric motors to provide the fuel efficiency and pulling power once only possible with a turbodiesel engine, all while reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions.
Also known as “full hybrids”, self-charging hybrids are more economical than mild hybrids, which describes a petrol or diesel engine with very light electric assistance, and while they can’t run on electric for much more than short distances, they're less of a faff than a full electric car or plug-in hybrid SUV (or PHEV), because you don't need a driveway with a charger where you can plug them in.
Whatever flavour of SUV you’re looking at – whether it’s a chunky seven-seat family hauler, swish coupe-SUV crossover or a mainstream family five-seater – a self-charging hybrid SUV could well be one of the best hybrid cars for you. Here are some of the best hybrid SUVs (that you don't have to plug in). If you run a company car and would prefer a hybrid with a longer electric range, be sure to check out our guide to the best plug-in hybrid cars on sale.
Best Self-Charging Hybrid SUVs 2025
- Hyundai Tucson (2021-)
- Toyota Highlander (2021-)
- Toyota RAV4 (2019-)
- Honda CR-V (2013-)
- Kia Sorento (2020-)
- Kia Niro (2022-)
- Lexus RX (2015-2022)
- Toyota C-HR (2016-2023)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (2021-)
- Renault Arkana (2021-)
- Kia Sportage (2022-)
Hyundai Tucson (2021-)
With futuristic vibes to the styling – especially the jewel-like headlights – the Hyundai Tucson is certainly a striking mid-sized family SUV. It's sharper-looking than ever, too, after an update in 2024.
The interior has a classy feel and understated design that puts it almost on par with posh, premium-badged models from Mercedes or BMW, only with a much smaller price tag and more in the way of equipment. This self-charging hybrid car should be good for around 50mpg if you drive it carefully, too.
Hyundai Tucson Review
Toyota Highlander (2021-)
Long. That’s probably the first word that comes to mind with the Toyota Highlander. But to comfortably accommodate seven seats, it needs to be pretty long. Rearmost passengers are well catered for, though, and third-row occupants get their own cupholders and even their own air-conditioning vents.
That practicality and thoughtfulness is a vein that runs throughout the well-equipped cabin of the Toyota Highlander, from intuitive infotainment controls to wireless phone charging. On top of all that there’s Toyota’s proven hybrid engine and its well-deserved reputation for reliability, and as with smaller stablemates like the Toyota Yaris Cross and Corolla, a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty is available, provided you have the car serviced with a Toyota dealer.
Toyota Highlander Review
Toyota RAV4 (2019-)
The 10-year warranty (on condition of having the car serviced at a Toyota dealer) and a reputation for rock-solid reliability is at the heart of Toyota's appeal, and the RAV4 is no exception.
Add to that a 2.5-litre internal combustion engine combined with an efficient electric motor, an impressive list of standard equipment, a large boot and striking styling, and the RAV4 deserves to be on the shortlist of anyone looking for an efficient and spacious family SUV that’s not fully electric.
Toyota RAV4 Review
Honda CR-V (2023-)
Honda sold a hybrid version of the previous CR-V too, but it’s the latest model that we’re highlighting here. This is a roomy SUV with all-wheel drive as standard and plenty of equipment, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (important given Honda’s own touchscreen software is pretty rubbish), oodles of room for five people and lots of boot space.
There's decent performance from the 181bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and two electric motors (one to drive the wheels, the other to act as a generator). It’s the same drivetrain that you’ll find in Honda’s smaller SUVs, the ZR-V and HR-V (not to mention the current Honda Civic), but we think it works particularly well in the larger and more refined CR-V. There's also the promise of fuel consumption of around 40-45mpg if you take it easy on the accelerator pedal and make use of the regenerative braking. Who needs a diesel in a large family SUV?
Honda CR-V Review
Kia Sorento (2020-)
If you want a large seven-seat SUV and aren’t bothered about a swanky badge, then a Kia Sorento makes a lot of sense. Once upon a time, Kia was a byword for bargain-basement prices when it came to new cars. While that’s no longer the case, we reckon the Sorento still offers great value for money, and the latest model's build quality isn't far shy of the level you’d find in an Audi Q5. In top-spec trim, it’s got Nappa leather, 10-way electric seats, a head-up display and a panoramic sunroof as standard. The hybrid technology is smooth and efficient and there’s even a seven-year warranty.
Kia Sorento Review
Kia Niro (2022-)
The Kia Niro was designed from the outset with electrified powertrains only. That means you can get it as a pure electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid version or a self-charging hybrid.
It’s a crossover SUV that’s roughly equivalent in size to a small family hatchback and, if you’re looking for a well-put-together family car with SUV looks and low running costs and the capacity for near-70mpg fuel economy, the Niro Hybrid (also known as the Niro HEV) is well worth a look. Its hybrid powertrain uses a 1.32kWh lithium-ion battery, which gives it occasional pure electric running at lower speeds and when you’re coasting off the throttle to deliver fuel economy of more than 60mpg in official WLTP tests.
Kia Niro Review
Lexus RX (2015-2022)
In many ways, the Lexus RX is the original SUV with added electric power thanks to its hybrid system. The first one arrived way back in 1998, but today the RX is in its fifth generation.
We're actually focusing on its predecessor here – it's still a great self-charging hybrid SUV and worthy of a place on this list. It's comfortable, well-equipped, reliable, and classy, offering a sense of unassuming luxury that you don't get in rivals from BMW, Audi, or Mercedes.
It's true there are more exciting cars to drive, but for relaxed motorway cruising and overall ownership experience, it really is peerless. What's more, unlike the latest RX, the 2015-2022 fourth-generation model was available with seven seats as the RX L.
Lexus RX Review
Toyota C-HR (2016-2023)
A fun driving experience is not always guaranteed with either hybrids or SUVs, but the dramatic-looking Toyota C-HR is, quite frankly, a small SUV that's a hoot to drive – especially the 182bhp 2.0-litre version in GR Sport trim.
Hot hatch-style driving fun is on the cards, but not at the expense of fuel economy or low emissions – many conventional petrol or diesel-powered SUV rivals simply won’t match the 50mpg you can expect from the C-HR. The biggest downside is that the small rear windows make it rather dark in the rear seats.
We're focusing on the previous-generation C-HR here – the version introduced in 2024 has an even bolder exterior design but it's not such great value for money.
Toyota C-HR Review
Hyundai Santa Fe (2024-)
Time was when the only sensible engine option for a large family SUV was a diesel. Times have changed, though, and now Hyundai doesn’t even offer a diesel for its seven-seat Santa Fe. But that honestly doesn’t matter, because the 212bhp developed by the combination of its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor in the self-charging hybrid is easily enough to make effortless progress.
What’s more, the 41.5mpg you can achieve (according to official figures)means it's on a par with many diesel engines when it comes to fuel economy. This latest Santa Fe also happens to be one of the most eye-catching SUVs on the market, so it’s a hybrid SUV you’ll be proud to walk back to in a car park.
Hyundai Santa Fe Review
Renault Arkana (2021-)
Swoopy-roofed coupe-SUVs are more common with more upmarket premium brands, but if you want a bit of BMW X6 styling on a more slender budget, then the Arkana could be the car for you. Plus, with the self-charging hybrid model you’re looking at fuel economy of almost 60mpg.
The Arkana is well equipped, too, as even base models are fitted with cruise control and climate control, an impressive infotainment system, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. And so, while the Arkana is not Renault's poshest self-charging hybrid SUV (the Rafale takes that honour), we still think it's the one to go for.
Renault Arkana Review
Kia Sportage (2022-)
Yes, it’s another Kia, and yes, it uses the same hybrid drivetrain and platform as the Hyundai Tucson elsewhere in this list. But the Sportage HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is such a compelling all-round package that we couldn’t not include it.
Similar in size to the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga, the Sportage stands out with its smart styling and a particularly hi-tech interior that in higher-spec models features a pair of 12.3-inch screens for a truly upmarket look. The hybrid system marries a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to give good efficiency and strong performance, with a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds in front-wheel-drive models, or 8 seconds when specified with all-wheel drive.
Kia Sportage Review
