Best hybrid cars on sale in 2025: Top 10

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that while electric cars outsold hybrids last year, over 420,000 hybrid cars still found homes. In Europe, one in three cars sold were some form of hybrid.

The best hybrid cars today offer many of the benefits of electric cars without the need to plug in and charge. That includes electric-only running about town, smoothness and keen acceleration off the line.

Plug-in hybrids are developing at a rapid pace, too, with many offering much greater distances between charges than ever. This allows buyers to use their car exactly like they would an EV, but with the safety net of petrol power on long journeys.

Our list of the top 10 hybrid cars on sale right now is made up of some of the most popular hybrid cars with RAC Drive readers. It’s a mixture of ‘full’ hybrids that don’t require plugging in to charge, and plug-in hybrids that (unsurprisingly) do. We’ve not included mild hybrids in this list because of the lack of meaningful electric-only range.

This list includes established names in hybrid power such as Toyota and Lexus, but also relatively new value players like Renault, Dacia and MG. That means a variety of sizes, bodystyles and price points, providing a hybrid car choice to suit all sorts of different needs.

Best hybrid cars 2025: the shortlist

1. Lexus LBX
2. Nissan Qashqai ePower
3. Renault Clio E-Tech
4. MG HS PHEV
5. Toyota Corolla
6. Honda Civic
7. Volkswagen Golf eHybrid
8. BMW 330e
9. Dacia Duster Hybrid 140
10. Skoda Kodiaq iV

Best hybrid cars 2025:

1. Lexus LBX

Price:  from £29,995           Combined MPG: 62.7

Lexus has a long and illustrious history with hybrid cars stretching all the way back to 2005, with the RX400h. Though the lineage is clear, the LBX is a very different kettle of fish: smaller and much cheaper to both buy and run.

The real beauty of the Lexus LBX is its genuinely compact size and attainable price tag, combined with a smooth driving experience and surprising levels of luxury inside. There are roomier small SUVs, sure, but few that offer such a sense of occasion, lots of kit and an efficient hybrid system.

2. Nissan Qashqai ePower

Price:  from £34,430          Combined MPG: 55

Nissan quietly hit the nail on the head with the Qashqai ePower, improved further with recent updates. Here is a hybrid car that can genuinely match electric cars in offering a smooth, easy and nippy driving experience around town.

By mainly running on electric power and relying on the petrol engine as a generator, the ePower system delivers excellent fuel economy in all situations. The rest of the car is comfortable, practical and surprisingly plush inside, too, while being competitively priced.

3. Renault Clio e-Tech

Price: from £21,695              Combined MPG: 67.3

The latest Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid really is a car that lets you have your cake and eat it. Here is a stylish, good to drive small car with a solid, well-equipped interior that also happens to be one of the cheapest hybrid cars on sale today.

The Clio’s hybrid powertrain lets it run for a mile or two on electric power alone, but when the petrol engine kicks in it efficiently generates electric power to top the small battery up again. Combine that with strong performance, and it’s the perfect example of a hybrid car with a broad range of talents.

4. MG HS PHEV

Price:   from £31,995           Electric range: 75 miles

To understand why the plug-in hybrid MG HS is so appealing you need to consider its rivals. PHEV versions of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Ford Kuga all cost more to buy but the HS offers almost double the electric range. The VW Tiguan eHybrid, meanwhile, isn’t far off on range but costs over £10,000 more in its cheapest form.

And it’s not as if the MG is lacking in the key areas. It’s quick, decent to drive, has a high-quality interior and offers plenty of space for passengers. It’s just a great value hybrid SUV.

5. Toyota Corolla

Price: from £30,795         Combined MPG: 62.7

Toyota knows a thing or two about hybrid cars, having made the world’s first mass-produced hybrid with the Toyota Prius. The Corolla continues that legacy really well. It isn’t the fastest, cheapest or most efficient hybrid car here, but its combination of talents make it a solid all-round choice.

It’s good to drive in or out of town with an ultra-smooth hybrid system, while also being very comfortable and quiet. It’s spacious enough for a small family, has loads of standard kit and, most importantly for many, offers that famed Toyota quality and reliability reputation.

6. Honda Civic

Price: from £35,780           Combined MPG 56.5

Just like the Corolla (above) the Civic e:HEV is a supremely talented all-rounder and Honda has made a name for its high quality, long-lasting vehicles over the years. The Civic loses a little in fuel economy to the Toyota, but is even better to drive thanks to its well-sorted ride and handling, plus its powerful and engaging hybrid powertrain.

Combine that with loads of standard safety and comfort equipment, plenty of space and a huge boot, and it’s easy to see why the Civic finds a place in this list.

7. Volkswagen Golf eHybrid

Price: from £36,280            Electric range: 88 miles

The Volkswagen Golf eHybrid is a perfect example of the progress plug-in hybrid cars have made in just a few short years. Its fantastic range of up to 88 miles on a full charge is more than double that of the previous-generation hybrid Golf, making the latest model far more efficient in the real world.

Alright, so it can get expensive if you spec it up, but the Golf has a decently premium interior, good amount of space, a comfortable ride, an easy driving experience and plenty of poke thanks to a 204hp hybrid powertrain. Combine that with plenty of standard kit and great visibility and it really is a top-notch all-rounder.

8. BMW 330e

Price: from £48,120            Electric range: 62 miles

The default choice for many company car drivers, BMW’s plug-in 3 Series has recently got a whole lot better thanks to a mid-life update. A new 19.5kWh battery ups the electric range from 37 miles on the old version to 62 miles – more than enough to cover the average commute without waking the petrol engine.

Being a BMW, the 330e is also fast and engaging to drive. It’s a lovely place to sit, too, with a high-quality cabin, intuitive technology and loads of standard kit. It’s also available in 3 Series Touring form, meaning true family-friendly practicality.

9. Dacia Duster Hybrid 140

Price: from  £24,350          Combined MPG: 56.5

Everyone from families to farmers loves a Dacia Duster: it’ll handle the school run, tackle family holidays and go further in the rough stuff than most small SUVs. Its simple, practical and incredible affordable for what it offers.

With the latest Duster, that range of abilities is combined with a similar hybrid powertrain option to what you’ll find in the Renault Clio. It isn’t as efficient in the bigger, heavier Dacia, but it’s good enough to provide a viable alternative to diesel power in the modern age.

10. Skoda Kodiaq iV

Price: from £42,045           Electric range: 71 miles

Looking for a roomy, practical and comfortable large plug-in hybrid SUV? You should have the Skoda Kodiaq iV on your shortlist. Despite its size enabling loads of passenger space and a huge boot, it’ll travel further on a charge than most of its rivals and still be relatively efficient when the battery is depleted.

It’s well-made and well-equipped, too, while also being packed full of Skoda’s trademark Simply Clever features. The only disappointment is that, like many big plug-in hybrid SUVs, the location of the battery means the iV is the only Kodiaq version that doesn’t offer seven seats.

Best hybrid car FAQs

What is the best hybrid SUV?

Depending on your budget and whether your need a plug-in or full hybrid, the best hybrid SUVs on sale right now include the Dacia Duster Hybrid 140, the MG HS PHEV or the Nissan Qashqai ePower.

What is the hybrid car with the longest electric range?

Until to Omoda 9 arrives in the UK with its 93-mile electric range, the longest-range plug-in hybrid is the Volkswagen Golf eHybrid which manages up to 88 miles from a 19.7kWh battery pack.

Is it worth buying a hybrid car in the UK?

Absolutely. Hybrid cars are great for those currently unable to make to switch to fully electric, for example if they have no way to charge up at home. The best hybrid cars combine petrol and electric power to deliver much greater efficiency than pure petrol, while plug-in hybrids can do most average commutes without the petrol engine kicking in.