Hybrid cars combine a petrol engine with an electric motor to give low running costs, zero tailpipe emissions around town, and a useful driving range when you strike out further afield.
The best hybrid cars, and in particular plug-in hybrids (or PHEVs for short), offer this sort of versatility in a variety of body styles - SUV, saloon, estate, small car, or hatchback - so there should be something to satisfy you here.
You need to be able to charge a PHEV to get the best from its electric driving range, but you also don't need to worry about finding a charging station when the battery runs low as you do with a pure EV. Plug-in hybrids can also help lower running costs for private and company drivers.
You might want to take a look at our guides to the best small hybrid cars and the best hybrid SUVs if you've got a clearer idea of what you want. If you're ready to buy, we've got over 10,000 used hybrid cars for sale, while if you want more choice, we have over 90,000 used cars for sale. If you're looking to finance a new car, check out our guide to the best PCP deals.
Best hybrid cars in 2025
1. BMW 3 Series
Still a very desirable car
Pros
-
Exceptional to drive
-
Latest infotainment is slick and easy to operate
-
High quality cabin
Cons
-
Not as practical as certain hatchback or SUV alternatives
-
Some basic equipment is an expensive option
-
M Sport suspension is quite firm
The BMW 3 Series is a staple of the new and used car markets, and loved by business users and private buyers alike.
The 3 Series - along with BMW itself - used to be synonymous with creamy straight-six engines. The big reason the four-cylinder 330e is now so popular is because its plug-in hybrid system allows for super-low company car tax. It's the default choice for businesses, then, but it's also just such a good all-rounder.
Using a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack, it puts out a healthy 292PS and is capable of up to 62 miles on a charge, while a theoritical 353mpg is possible, according to official figures for the latest 330e. Even the earlier version was good for a claimed 217mpg. Of course, these figures demand you make the absolute most of EV driving.
Even so, the 330e is fun to drive, with superb handling yet also decent refinement, while the interior is a class act with top-notch quality and easy-to-use tech.
"Even with the extra weight on board, the 330e is extremely satisfying to drive"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Honey I shrunk the S-Class
Pros
-
Sublime interior
-
Powerful and frugal engines
-
Great for long journeys
Cons
-
Firm ride with big wheels
-
Augmented nav isn't standard
-
Autonomous driving aids cost extra
Compact executive cars with plug-in hybrid engines are big business. This shouldn't be surprising, when so many are company cars and PHEVs offer huge Benefit-in-Kind tax savings. The Mercedes C-Class is the posh small saloon of choice for this very reason.
You see, the C300e plug-in hybrid offers up to 71 miles of smooth, silent battery power before the petrol engine kicks into life. That's more than even the BMW 330e, and means the Merc is quite a bit cheaper to run for business users.
But there's plenty of appeal for everyone, as the long EV range means impressive economy so long as you charge it up regularly, and punchy performance thanks to 313PS with the petrol engine and electric motor working in unison. A comfortable ride combines with excellent refinement to make every journey relaxing, too.
What's more, you get a plush cabin loaded with fancy technology, more space than most rivals, and the feeling that you're driving around in a miniature S-Class.
"There's a lot to like here, but the biggest draw is probably the super-plush cabin"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
3. Kia Sorento
Spacious, comfortable seven-seat SUV
Pros
-
One of the best seven-seat SUVs for space and comfort
-
Available as diesel, petrol hybrid or PHEV
-
Well-equipped and backed by Kia's seven-year warranty
Cons
-
Rivals from Peugeot and Skoda are cheaper to buy
-
The driving experience could be better
-
High-spec models are pricey
If you're in the market for a hybrid car that can comfortably carry up to seven people, look no further than the new Kia Sorento.
The upmarket SUV (yes, Kia knows how to do upmarket very well these days) is available as a self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid (as well as a diesel), with both combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a battery pack and electric motor.
It's not a cheap option, and plenty of rivals undercut it on price. It's fully loaded, though, with an 12.3-inch media system, heated seats and LED headlights standard across the range. We'd suggest looking for a '2' model or above for leather seats and a generally plusher cabin.
Unless you're a company car driver, we'd recommend the slightly more affordable self-charging hybrid model over the PHEV.
"The Sorento is one of many cars that prove Kia is no longer dull - it's a really sharp-looking thing"
Phil Hall, Senior Editor
4. Dacia Jogger
Cheap and cheery family car
Pros
-
A rare new car bargain
-
Removable third row of seats
-
Hybrid model is impressive
Cons
-
1.0-litre petrol low on refinement
-
Third row of seats only really for occasional use
-
Questionable safety record
The Dacia Jogger is an unusual proposition on this list. For instance, there aren't many cars here that can seat seven people: only the far larger Kia Sorento can manage that. And there are fewer still - none in fact - that can do so for less than the price of a Vauxhall Corsa. This thing is a genuine bargain.
Okay, so the sixth- and seventh seats in the Jogger are better suited to occasional use due to the tight space that surrounds them, but having them in reserve can be very handy indeed when your kids demand an impromptu playdate. The cabin is fairly no-frills in terms of its quality and finish, but that's entirely forgivable given the Jogger's low price.
The hybrid system pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to deliver 140PS. Performance is decent and the system makes the car capable of an official WLTP fuel economy figure of up to 58.9mpg. That's a very reasonable return. The Jogger is a reasonably comfortable and easy car to drive, too.
"As well as benefitting from better fuel economy, the Jogger Hybrid also has a smoother engine than the standard version of the car"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
5. MG HS Plug-in Hybrid
Offers impressive range
Pros
-
Keen pricing
-
Cabin quality and kit
-
EV range of PHEV
Cons
-
Petrol engine a bit noisy
-
Lazy infotainment
-
Too many warning bells
MG is quickly becoming a master of offering what buyers want just as they want it, and the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid is a prime example of this. While the MG4 fulfils EV buyers' wants, the latest HS comes in a petrol-only form, or this much more desirable PHEV version.
As a rival on size to the hybrid-only Honda HR-V, you might think the MG is going to be pricey. However, the HS Plug-in Hybrid is keen value, even if you go for the higher spec Trophy model. On top of that, you also get a seven-year warranty to rival the best out there.
None of this is at the expense of quality or comfort, either: the HS is well made and offers good space. It's also decent to drive, if not as agile or as good at smoothing out bumps as a Ford Kuga.
We can forgive this when the MG is capable of up to 75 miles on EV power alone and emits just 12g/km of carbon dioxide, while claimed economy is an impressive 564mpg. Use the electric motor and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine combined and the HS is brisk, taking a hot hatch-rivalling 6.8 seconds to deal with 0-62mph.
"The HS is cheaper than rival vehicles, but it doesn't feel like MG has needed to unduly compromise quality to make that possible"
Phill Tromans, Contributor
6. Honda Civic
More enjoyable than it looks
Pros
-
Smart and spacious cabin
-
Very well-sorted ride and handling
-
Hybrid system is Honda's best yet
Cons
-
Only offered with single hybrid powertrain option
-
Entry price point is higher than most rivals
-
Not the most exciting design
The incessant rise of SUVs means that midsize family hatchbacks aren't the dominant force they once were in the car market, but the latest version of the Honda Civic shows there's plenty of life left in the humble hatchback yet.
For this eleventh-generation version, the Civic is available only as a hybrid (unless you go for the insanely fast Type R hot hatch version, that is... ), and a jolly good hybrid system it is, too. It pairs a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, and the wheels are driven through an extremely clever gearbox that isn't technically a gearbox at all. Regardless, it all works smoothly, efficiently, and with very little fuss, complimenting the Civic's generally very grown-up driving manners. It's enjoyable, comfortable and refined on the road.
There's plenty more to like, too. The cabin looks and feels classy with thoughtful design and plush materials, and there's lots of space for passengers and luggage. Luxuries aren't in short supply, either. It's not a cheap option, the Civic, but it's one heck of an all-rounder.
"It's far from the most thrilling choice, but the Civic will repay your pragmatism with great reliability and impressive fuel economy"
Matt Robinson, Car Reviews Editor
7. Toyota Prius
Classier, sleeker, fine driving hybrid
Pros
-
Elegant looks
-
Enjoyable to drive
-
Superb build
Cons
-
Rear seat and boot space
-
High entry price
-
Petrol engine can be noisy
Toyota hadn't planned to bring this latest Prius to the UK, but relented and are we very glad they did: it looks fantastic and goes every bit as well as the styling suggests.
On EV power, it can travel up to a claimed 47 miles, depending on which trim you pick. With a refined 2.0-litre petrol engine to back this up, you can also carry on for a lot further than any pure EV, so that's your holidays sorted.
However, what makes this latest Prius stand out is the way it drives. Gone are the dull manners of old and in their place are agile handling, precision, fun even. With a combined 223PS from the petrol-electric power combo, it ticks off 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds to be decently swift. It's all enough to make you reconsider that BMW 3 Series as your next car.
It's not all rosy: the petrol motor can get a bit vocal at its upper reaches, and the rear seats don't offer as much headroom as we'd like. Nor is the boot quite as big as some rivals, but these are small glitches in an otherwise very appealing hybrid car.
"A desirable Toyota Prius? We're as surprised as you are. And delighted, frankly"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
8. Hyundai Tucson
Cool and sophisticated family SUV
Pros
-
Bold appearance stands out from the crowd
-
Interior is upmarket and very spacious
-
Wide range of hybrid engines
Cons
-
Responses from the DCT automatic gearbox can be a little tardy
-
Ride quality can be harsh, especially with 19-inch alloy wheels
-
It's really not the affordable SUV it once was
The Hyundai Tucson is quieter in the cabin than a Nissan Qashqai, more fun to drive than a Skoda Karoq, and boasts one of the biggest boots in its class. What's more, there's a trio of hybrid options to pick from, so it should be cheap to run.
The mild-hybrid is the thirstiest of the options, so you’ll be better off opting for self-charging or plug-in hybrid power, although the latter reduces the cavernous 620-litre boot a touch to a still useful 577-litres.
If you need a spacious family SUV and want something that's going to turn heads, the Tucson is a great choice. It's got a smart interior that's well kitted out, while the infotainment system is one of the best in the business.
There’s plenty of space for passengers, too, with tall folks in the back benefiting from generous leg- and headroom. You’ll also find a pleasing array of storage cubbies and a large glove box.
Prices start at a little more than £30,000 for a new Tucson, but you can save yourself several thousand pounds if you look for a recent second-hand model.
"The latest Hyundai Tucson is far more stylish than its predecessor, and is one of the best cars in its class"
Matt MacConnell, Contributor
9. MG3 Hybrid
Well-rounded choice with appealing hybrid tech
Pros
-
Still great value
-
Powerful engine with standard hybrid
-
Good refinement
Cons
-
Slightly plain styling
-
Fiddly infotainment setup
-
Insurance higher than rivals
The MG3 Hybrid+ makes it into this list not by being the most glamorous or technically sophisticated car. Nope, it's here for two more pertinent reasons: it's mighty fine value and its fuel economy.
Taking that second point to start with, the latest MG3 offers a combined consumption of 64.2mpg. That's not quite as much as some rivals, but it's perfectly achievable and even harder driving will not see it drop below 50mpg.
As for value, you could drive off in a brand new MG3 for less than £19,000 without even haggling on the price. Look to the used market and you'll save more than £2500 by choosing a nearly new example with less than 3000 miles on the clock.
All this, and the MG3 is decent to drive, comfortable, and well-equipped. Blimey, that's a lot for this sort of money.
"The hybrid engine is the MG3's sole powertrain option, but that's fine by us - it's both economical and surprisingly pokey"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
10. Lexus LBX
Compact and bijou motoring
Pros
-
Pin-sharp drive
-
Strong performance
-
Likely to be reliable
Cons
-
Small boot and tight rear space
-
Pricey with desirable options added
-
Mediocre cabin quality
The Lexus LBX has the same platform and hardware as the Toyota Yaris Cross, which could have very easily featured in this list itself. However, we decided to plump for the Lexus instead, and for a variety of reasons.
First off, it just looks more glamorous: not just in comparison to the Toyota, but also next to just about every other small SUV out there, premium or otherwise. This is a very handsome little car.
Also, we're very impressed with the way the LBX drives. The ride is forgiving enough to keep you comfortable over scarred urban surfaces and pesky motorway expansion joints, while it's also good fun in the corners, with surprisingly tight body control and sharp, pointy steering.
There's a four-wheel drive model that delivers a bit more traction and grip than its front-driven counterpart if you need that added security. All that, and you also get the usual Lexus cocktail of solid build quality, generous luxury equipment, and a warranty that could last for up to ten years or 100,000 miles.
"While the LBX shares much in common with the Toyota Yaris Cross, Lexus has done plenty to set its car apart"
Ivan Aistrop, Contributor
The best hybrid car on sale today depends on your requirements. If you want an executive express, then the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class plug-in hybrids do a cracking job, while if you want something bigger with seven seats, then give the Kia Sorento or Dacia Jogger a look.
A hybrid car is one powered by both a conventional petrol or diesel engine, and an electric motor. A self-charging hybrid car features small batteries that can be charged from the engine, as well as via energy captured when the car's slowing down. Plug-in hybrid cars, meanwhile, feature bigger batteries that need to be charged by plugging the car in, but this also means that they can travel several miles on electricity alone and are great for short commutes.
In simple terms, a hybrid car uses an electric motor and battery pack to reduce your reliance on the petrol or diesel engine. In a self-charging hybrid car, an electric motor and small battery pack constantly assists the petrol engine, or allows some electric-only running for short distances. It charges itself as the engine puts out power, as well as via regenerative braking or coasting. Some self-charging hybrids use the engine as a generator to supply electric power for the electric motor to drive the wheels, which makes it more efficient than using the engine alone.
A plug-in hybrid - or PHEV for short - needs charging up by plugging in. That's the downside, but the upside is you can get several miles of driving without troubling the petrol engine once. They do cost more to buy, however, plus they're a lot heavier than standard versions.
Find a BMW 3 Series for sale
BMW 3 Series320i M Sport 4dr Step Auto
20209,060 milesPetrol£426 mo£25,600
AB123EWBMW 3 Series320i M Sport Shadow Edition 5dr Step Auto
201943,701 milesPetrol£413 mo£19,328
DN158PTBMW 3 Series330i M Sport 4dr Step Auto
202223,000 milesPetrol£456 mo£27,990
SS94XXBMW 3 SeriesM340i xDrive MHT 4dr Step Auto
2024172 milesHybrid£818 mo£53,895
IP16JZBMW 3 Series320d M Sport 4dr Step Auto
201856,468 milesDiesel£315 mo£14,250
EH288TGBMW 3 Series320i M Sport 4dr Step Auto
20251,996 milesPetrol£610 mo£39,993
MK410GLBMW 3 Series320d MHT M Sport 4dr Step Auto
202132,739 milesDiesel£400 mo£24,742
NG94AJBMW 3 SeriesM340i xDrive MHT 4dr Step Auto
20254,758 milesHybrid£720 mo£49,295
RG20GH
Find a Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale
Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC200 Sport Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
202042,740 milesHybrid£365 mo£16,546
B903BSMercedes-Benz C-ClassC200 AMG Line Premium Plus 4dr 9G-Tronic
20259,687 milesHybrid£850 mo£41,995
NG21ENMercedes-Benz C-ClassC43 4Matic Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
202316,516 milesHybrid£651 mo£41,400
RG129FRMercedes-Benz C-ClassC300de AMG Line Edition Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
202037,611 milesHybrid£19,790
NG184TRMercedes-Benz C-ClassC200 AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic
20247,519 milesHybrid£521 mo£34,490
WA36DPMercedes-Benz C-ClassC200 AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
201813,998 milesPetrol£413 moor £18,992£19,491
£499 offRH136NXMercedes-Benz C-ClassC220d AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic
20242,622 milesDiesel£510 mo£35,000
S92FZMercedes-Benz C-ClassC220d Sport 4dr
201758,177 milesDiesel£270 mo£11,995
NR46ET
Find a Kia Sorento for sale
Kia Sorento1.6 T-GDi HEV 3 5dr Auto
202242,212 milesHybrid£408 mo£28,995
CH24RGKia Sorento1.6 T-GDi HEV 2 5dr Auto
20242,877 milesHybrid£36,990
TN240HBKia Sorento2.2 CRDi GT-Line 5dr Auto
201838,150 milesDiesel£495 mo£21,999
BH118PTKia Sorento2.2 CRDi GT-Line S 5dr Auto
201927,830 milesDiesel£342 mo£23,495
CO45XBKia Sorento1.6 T-GDi HEV 3 5dr Auto
20253,251 milesHybrid£651 mo£42,650
ME207UBKia Sorento2.2 CRDi Edition 5dr DCT
20239,713 milesDiesel£610 mo£39,690
DN48SJKia Sorento1.6 T-GDi PHEV 3 5dr Auto
202150,160 milesHybrid£27,720
NE83EJKia Sorento2.2 CRDi 3 5dr DCT
202319,425 milesDiesel£578 mo£35,995
ME207UB
Find a Dacia Jogger for sale
Dacia Jogger1.0 TCe Extreme 5dr
202310,326 milesPetrol£267 mo£17,045
DE214RXDacia Jogger1.6 HEV Extreme 5dr Auto
202411,486 milesHybrid£297 mo£20,795
DA26HHDacia Jogger1.6 HEV Extreme 5dr Auto
20251,281 milesHybrid£355 moor £22,288£24,305
£2,017 offDE214RXDacia Jogger1.0 TCe Extreme SE 5dr
20238,600 milesPetrol£242 mo£16,000
AB123ADDacia Jogger1.6 HEV Expression 5dr Auto
20248,239 milesHybrid£285 mo£20,299
BH229NQDacia Jogger1.6 HEV Extreme 5dr Auto
2025671 milesHybrid£326 mo£22,800
AB123ADDacia Jogger1.0 TCe Extreme SE 5dr
202320,234 milesPetrol£232 mo£14,959
BD12EPDacia Jogger1.0 TCe Comfort 5dr
202235,966 milesPetrol£205 mo£12,989
PL254TR
Find an MG HS for sale
MG HS1.5 T-GDI PHEV Trophy 5dr Auto
20254,780 milesHybrid£411 mo£29,290
WF29RYMG HS1.5 T-GDI PHEV Exclusive 5dr Auto
202134,701 milesHybrid£233 mo£14,991
BD21FAMG HS1.5 T-GDI Hybrid+ Trophy 5dr Auto
2025300 milesHybrid£431 mo£28,999
BH125BAMG HS1.5 T-GDI Trophy 5dr
20245,181 milesPetrol£297 mo£22,290
WF29RYMG HS1.5 T-GDI PHEV Excite 5dr Auto
20215,228 milesHybrid£262 mo£16,499
BH125BAMG HS1.5 T-GDI Trophy 5dr DCT
202415,062 milesPetrol£271 moor £17,795£18,295
£500 offBR13JEMG HS1.5 T-GDI PHEV Trophy 5dr Auto
202510,138 milesHybrid£388 mo£27,948
BD21FAMG HS1.5 T-GDI SE 5dr DCT
202410,543 milesPetrol£272 moor £17,593£18,027
£434 offEX313TH
Find a Honda Civic for sale
Honda Civic1.0 VTEC Turbo SR 5dr
201756,625 milesPetrol£217 mo£9,800
LS197BZHonda Civic1.5 VTEC Turbo Sport Plus 5dr
201925,241 milesPetrol£394 mo£17,856
TS183SEHonda Civic1.5 VTEC Turbo Sport 5dr
202116,439 milesPetrol£259 mo£18,565
RH103EQHonda Civic1.5 VTEC Turbo Prestige 5dr CVT
202029,190 milesPetrol£419 mo£18,617
TN240GRHonda Civic1.0 VTEC Turbo 126 SR 5dr
202084,216 milesPetrol£208 mo£9,390
HD21AAHonda Civic2.0 eHEV Sport 5dr CVT
202410,388 milesHybrid£386 moor £27,450£28,650
£1,200 offGU33LDHonda Civic1.0 VTEC Turbo 126 SR 5dr
202116,060 milesPetrol£244 mo£15,290
DN312SYHonda Civic1.5 VTEC Turbo Sport 5dr CVT
201916,937 milesPetrol£392 mo£17,780
NG184LQ
Find a Toyota Prius for sale
Find a Hyundai Tucson for sale
Hyundai Tucson1.6 GDi Blue Drive SE Nav 5dr 2WD
201853,247 milesPetrol£229 mo£9,990
WF29SAHyundai Tucson1.6 TGDi 48V MHD 180 N Line S 5dr 4WD DCT
202219,986 milesHybrid£294 mo£23,799
GU11RUHyundai Tucson1.6 GDi N Line 5dr 2WD
202043,175 milesPetrol£228 mo£15,443
GU11RUHyundai Tucson1.6T Hybrid N Line S 5dr Auto
20248,759 milesHybrid£446 moor £30,462£31,686
£1,224 offNG184LWHyundai Tucson1.6 TGDi N Line S 5dr 2WD
202411,621 milesPetrol£364 mo£25,334
GL15SWHyundai Tucson1.6 GDi SE Nav 5dr 2WD
201934,383 milesPetrol£280 moor £12,687£13,034
£347 offOX162RSHyundai Tucson1.6 TGDi 48V MHD SE Connect 5dr 2WD
202120,285 milesHybrid£266 moor £17,854£18,441
£587 offGL15SWHyundai Tucson1.6 GDi SE Nav 5dr 2WD
201851,000 milesPetrol£260 mo£11,450
SN58YG
Find an MG3 Hybrid+ for sale
MG MG31.5 SE 5dr
20252,484 milesPetrol£224 mo£14,990
BD21FAMG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
202410,075 milesHybrid£237 mo£15,990
TW25NTMG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
20244,306 milesHybrid£266 mo£17,314
DH11AUMG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
202413,560 milesHybrid£240 mo£16,990
BD21FAMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Exclusive 5dr [Navigation]
202226,799 milesPetrol£170 mo£9,972
SO403ADMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Exclusive 5dr [Navigation]
202323,600 milesPetrol£185 mo£10,910
CW16GYMG MG31.5 Hybrid Trophy 5dr Auto
20247,262 milesHybrid£229 mo£15,999
BH125BAMG MG31.5 VTi-TECH Excite 5dr
202226,014 milesPetrol£185 mo£10,514
CA30GW
Find a Lexus LBX for sale
Lexus Lbx1.5 Premium 5dr E-CVT
20253,204 milesHybrid£470 mo£33,295
DE248BYLexus Lbx1.5 Premium Plus 5dr E-CVT
20244,578 milesHybrid£445 mo£30,500
PE217QSLexus Lbx1.5 Premium Plus 5dr E-CVT
20255,000 milesHybrid£472 mo£33,999
GU11TBLexus Lbx1.5 Premium Plus 5dr E-CVT
20254,298 milesHybrid£418 mo£31,350
LE40DZLexus Lbx1.5 Premium Plus 5dr E-CVT
20252,482 milesHybrid£422 moor £30,326£32,146
£1,820 offLS118TULexus Lbx1.5 Takumi 5dr E-CVT AWD
202514 milesHybrid£522 mo£37,950
LE40DZLexus Lbx1.5 Premium Plus 5dr E-CVT
20255,000 milesHybrid£432 mo£31,999
GU11TBLexus Lbx1.5 Takumi 5dr E-CVT
20241,650 milesHybrid£477 mo£35,029
S662JL
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