PHEVs offer the best of both worlds, all-electric driving for local school runs and trips to the shops, which means a strong reduction in running costs for daily driving. Along with the ability to switch to an internal combustion engine, for weekends or holiday trips, without having to stop and recharge for possibly lengthy periods.
Here are some attractive and affordable choices worth a closer look…
Peugeot 3008 family PHEV
The Peugeot 3008 family PHEV manages to be fast, fashionable, and frugal. Offering a respectable 225hp, while the Hybrid4 offers 300hp, making it the most powerful production Peugeot SUV yet.
The 3008 claims a high all-electric range of around 40 miles, and fuel economy of 200mpg. While it’s unlikely you’ll hit those figures, the 3008 offers an excellent all-electric range, that comes with real cost-savings benefits in terms of both tax and running costs, if the majority of your drives are local commutes.
Furthermore, the smart mid-sized crossover looks great from the outside, and has a fantastic interior, which is class-leading in terms of design, and great ergonomics (unless you’re tall, in which case the iCockpit format might not quite suit your stature). Overall, this model offers style and substance, and is an excellent choice.
Hyundai Tucson family PHEV
The Tucson is Hyundai’s best-selling model in the UK. And the PHEV version does not disappoint. It has a modest electric range, of 31 miles (almost 10 less than the Peugeot 3008 family PHEV), however it should be sufficient for most short journeys.
This PHEV pairs Hyundai’s 1.6-litre GDi four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 90bhp electric motor annexed to the car’s six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is also standard, and in total the range-topping Tucson produces a gutsy 261bhp and 258 lb ft. So it has some real oomph.
On the road you’ll notice the PHEV’s strong, electric motor-enabled throttle response. All-out power is more than sufficient for overtaking. And the model handles well, even on twisting B-roads, and motorway ride-quality is in general smooth and composed. So you won’t really compromise on performance.
Also, the Hyundai Tucson family PHEV has an exceptionally large boot (558 litres) which is bigger than a Tiguan. And the top spec model offers a panoramic sunroof, while an optional Tech Pack adds park assist, blind spot camera, as well as an electric tailgate.
Vauxhall Grandland family PHEV
The new Vauxhall Grandland SUV 2021 has been heavily tweaked and given new sultry looks, while standing out as one of the most affordable options in this family PHEV list.
The Grandland offers a decent electric range of 34 miles (a smidge more than the Hyundai Tucson PHEV) and with a full battery, it’s a competent and comfortable SUV, with the electric motor delivering a good level of power for typical urban driving. While 320Nm of torque can go to the front wheels from both power sources, so it’s brisk when required to be so, while smooth and near silent when driving around town at lower speeds.
Vauxhall claim that the PHEV is capable of returning as much as 192mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting 31g/km of CO2, so company car tax payments should be rather affordable. However, as with all plug-in hybrids, those figures are entirely reliant on frequent recharging.
The Grandland family PHEV top trim is cheaper than any Peugeot 3008 PHEV, while offering plenty of advanced tech, lots of comfort, good rear passenger space, strong efficiency, and a twist of new style. It isn’t the sportiest choice, but offers everything you need in a family PHEV.
Citroen C5 family PHEV
The Citroën C5 Aircross SUV family PHEV also offers up to 34 miles of electric driving range, with a practical and spacious body style, comfortable ride quality, and also strong claims to real value.
The C5 Aircross family PHEV has a 181hp 4-cylinder, 1.6-litre petrol engine and an 81kW electric motor powered by a 13.2kWh battery. Combined hybrid maximum power (petrol and electric) is 225bhp. The engine’s maximum torque is 250Nm, and the electric motor’s maximum torque is a considerable 500Nm. While offering low CO2 emissions of 32-41g/km (WLTP).
It’s spacious, with a large boot (460 litres), and very comfortable to drive thanks to its unique suspension system, with a refined and almost silent powertrain in electric mode, which makes it another strong contender for the family PHEV list.
MG HS family PHEV
An underrated family PHEV crossover, with 32 miles electric range. The first budget brand to offer plug-in hybrids and all-electrics. MG is one of Britain’s fastest growing car brands and its progress has been helped by an early adoption of electrified technology. And now the HS family PHEV £30,000 price tag makes it by far the most affordable car of its kind in its segment.
Using a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and works with a 90KW electric motor hitched to a four-speed drive unit, and powered by a 16.6kWh battery pack. Together, the motor and the engine combine to provide 10 electronically controlled gear ratios that seek to always provide the optimal gear combination.
Spacious inside, with good headroom, a much higher quality dash and interior than you might be expecting, with lots of useful tech. Definitely a good choice for those looking for value.
Other family hybrids to consider
If these family PHEV SUVs don’t seem quite right, then explore some of our other suggestions, that incorporate saloons, estates, and self-charging hybrids too.
Find your perfect family PHEV
If none of these plug-in hybrids feel right for you, then don’t despair, you can use our EV finder tool to put in your preferences and get your very own custom list! Have a play around to see what things are important to you, and compare and contrast the choices that you’re presented with, and if you find something you like then you can delve into model detail on each car’s individual page, and we can arrange a test drive or a quote for most models.
