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Overview

There is no doubt, in that, the surge in the popularity of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), is set to continue for the foreseeable future. Another popular trend in the global automotive sector, is the migration to electric driving, to include, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Automotive manufacturers have been quick to capitalise on these two major global trends, introducing a number of environmentally-friendly plug-in hybrid SUVs for all price segments!

For those new to electric cars, a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), is more commonly referred to as a pure electric car. A BEV is ‘pure’, in that, the electric vehicle (EV) only uses electric power for propulsion i.e. a BEV does not have an internal combustion engine (ICE). It is easy to recognise these zero-tailpipe emission green cars, as these vehicles are silent (except for the artificial noise), and do not have a tailpipe!

In comparison, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), combines the technologies used in both, a pure electric car and a conventional internal combustion (ICE) vehicle, to increase vehicle efficiency and reduce tailpipe emissions. A PHEV incorporates an electric motor, an onboard EV battery and an internal combustion engine (ICE), to propel the electric vehicle (EV). Like in a BEV, the onboard EV battery in a PHEV is charged by using an external power source, like a dedicated EV charger.

Like BEVs, PHEVs have also improved considerably in performance and capability. The latest generation of plug-in hybrids offer more electric range and lower tailpipe emissions, compared to previous generations. A good example is the premium Range Rover plug-in hybrid SUV, which has tailpipe emissions as low as 18 – 21g (CO2/km) and an emission-free electric range up to 70 miles (WLTP).

In our list of the best plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs, we have considered a number of factors, to include: tailpipe emissions, vehicle efficiency, onboard EV battery size, pure electric range price, practicality, build quality, driving performance and more! Though assessing affordability has been a key criteria, we have also paid special attention to tailpipe emissions and electric range. Bottom-line, to gain from the benefits of driving a PHEV on electric mode, a real-world useful emission-free electric range is imperative!

Though PHEVs vary in tailpipe emissions, we encourage customers to choose plug-in hybrid SUVs with tailpipe emissions lower than 35g CO2/km. Of course, when a plug-in hybrid is driven on e-mode, the tailpipe emissions are zero!

In our list below of best plug-in SUVs, it is worth noting the increase in size of the onboard EV battery. Again, the Range Rover PHEVs lead the pack, with a 38.2 kWh onboard EV battery for both, the Range Rover PHEV and the Range Rover Sport PHEV. In fact, the average of the size of the EV batteries listed below is 22.75 kWh. Let’s put this in perspective. The first-generation Nissan Leaf pure electric car incorporated a 24 kWh EV battery!

It is also worth highlighting the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid SUV. A compelling proposition, combining, affordability, practical electric range, low tailpipe emissions and overall performance. The Toyota plug-in hybrid SUV has a 18.1 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP certified zero-emission electric range up to 46 miles. Both the EV battery size and the claimed emission-free electric range, are above average, when compared to other PHEVs in this segment.

The performance of the Toyota RAV4 is decent. The electric vehicle (EV) combines a 2.5-litre hybrid AWD-i petrol engine with an onboard electric motor, powered by the EV battery. Despite the additional weight of the EV battery, the RAV4 SUV PHEV can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.0 seconds. This performance is not shabby!

The Toyota plug-in electric car delivers 306 HP maximum power and 270 Nm torque. Top speed is 111 mph. Of course, on the pure electric mode, the drive is more refined and quieter. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-8%) tax rate for the PHEV, given the lower tailpipe emission of the PHEV (22g CO2/km).

The Lexus NX PHEV SUV also offers value for money. The Lexus PHEV has a respectable 18.1 kWh onboard EV battery, with a claimed zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 40 miles (WLTP certified). The all-wheel drive NX PHEV pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine (4-cylinder) with an electric motor.

The electric motor is placed at the rear of the electric vehicle (EV), enabling all-wheel drive (AWD). On EV mode, the e-SUV can achieve a top speed of 83 mph. The NX 450+ plug-in SUV can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds (maximum power: 306 hp). The top speed on the EV is 124 mph. As is the case with electric vehicles, the NX PHEV benefits from instant torque. The SUV has tailpipe emissions between 21 – 25g CO2/km.

The UK government does not offer any grants/ incentives for the acquisition of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. To read a more detailed review of the PHEVs, simply follow the links below!

Lease Electric Car

Gallery

Best Plug-In Hybrid Electric SUVs 2024

BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid, Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid, Mazda CX-60 Plug-In Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de Plug-In Hybrid, Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid, Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid

Top Reasons To Buy A PHEV SUV

To Reason To Own A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Reduced tailpipe emission: improved local air quality.
Cheaper to drive on electric mode: 5 pence to 10 pence per mile.
Improved fuel efficiency i.e. higher mpg!
Higher vehicle performance (instant torque and acceleration) and smoother drive.
Lower noise in electric mode.
Smoother drive in electric mode.
Easy to charge at the convenience of your own home or office.

Best Plug-in Hybrid Electric SUVs 2024: Top 10

Brand/ Model	Battery Size (kWh)	Electric Range (WLTP)	Tailpipe Emissions (CO2/km)
BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid	22.29 kWh	50 – 54 miles	31 – 27g (CO2/km)
Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	13.8 kWh	43 miles	25g (CO2/km)
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid	11.1 kWh	40 miles	23g (CO2/km)
Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid	18.1 kWh	40 miles	25 – 21g (CO2/km)
Mazda CX-60 Plug-In Hybrid	17.8 kWh	39 miles	33g (CO2/km)
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de Plug-In Hybrid	31.2 kWh	54 – 58 miles	20g (CO2/km)
Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid	38.2 kWh	71 miles	20 – 18g (CO2/km)
Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid	38.2 kWh	70 miles	21 – 18g (CO2/km)
Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid	18.1 kWh	46 miles	22g (CO2/km)
Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid	18.8 kWh	48.5 miles	25g (CO2/km)

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