If you’re looking to move out of a regular petrol and diesel car, but aren’t quite ready to make the full switch to an EV, a hybrid model can be a great middle ground.
The good news is that there’s now an impressive array of models available to suit a range of budgets and audiences depending on your needs. Here we’re taking a look at the best hybrids on the market for families, including both ‘self-charging’ and plug-in hybrid setups.
BMW 330e Touring
An estate car has long been a popular choice with families, and though SUVs might have now taken over in the sales charts, these wagons remain a great choice. One of our favourites is BMW’s 3 Series Touring, which has more recently been offered as a plug-in hybrid in the form of the 330e.
Pairing a smooth 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, it puts out a healthy 288bhp, allowing for swift performance. The 37-mile electric range is ideal for doing shorter trips without the engine on, too, while the 330e’s boot is practical, especially with the rear glass window that opens separately to the rest of the car.
Vauxhall Astra Hybrid
A standard hatchback can still make a great choice for families, especially if you don’t need a huge amount of room or have the option of a second, larger car. Vauxhall’s latest Astra is a real step up too, boasting a striking new design and far higher-quality interior too.
The Astra is also part of Vauxhall’s rapidly growing electrified range, and though an EV version is on the way later in 2023, a plug-in hybrid is already available. Offered in combined outputs of 178bhp and 222bhp, Vauxhall claims it can travel up to 43 miles on electric at a time.
Volvo XC90 T8
If you want a seven-seater hybrid SUV, your options are surprisingly limited. However, if you want lots of space and a great hybrid powertrain, you should take a look at the Volvo XC90 T8. It’s currently the Swedish firm’s largest model and offers an especially upmarket interior and enough room for seven adults.
Volvo has recently revised the hybrid powertrain in it too, increasing the power to a combined 449bhp, while a larger battery allows for an electric range of up to 41 miles.
Skoda Octavia iV
The Skoda Octavia has always been a popular choice for families, helped by the fact it’s available in a large hatchback bodystyle and also an even roomier estate. It’s also now available with a choice of plug-in hybrid powertrains, including a sportier vRS model that packs 242bhp.
While the boot of these hybrid models is slightly smaller than a regular Octavia, this is still an impressively practical model. Its powertrain is also exceptionally efficient, with Skoda claiming up to 44 miles once the battery is charged up.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai’s Santa Fe is one of the best large family cars on the market, with this SUV coming with seven seats as standard, and offering plenty of room in every row, even for adults. It’s very generously equipped too, with all models coming with heated seats, a Krell sound system and keyless entry.
The Santa Fe is also available with a choice of hybrid powertrains, with a regular ‘self-charging’ setup available alongside a very efficient plug-in version that can travel a claimed 37 miles on a charge.
Nissan Qashqai e-Power
Nissan’s e-Power system works differently from other hybrid setups – as such the firm doesn’t actually call it a ‘hybrid’ at all – in the fact the petrol engine serves primarily to power the electric motor, giving this crossover the feeling of driving an EV behind the wheel. It offers a smoother driving experience than other hybrid models as a result.
It works especially well in Nissan’s family-friendly Qashqai, which offers a generous amount of space for its relatively compact size, as well as plenty of safety kit to help protect you and your family.
Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid
Cupra is a brand that’s doing especially well in the UK at the moment, with many buyers appreciating its stylish and more sportier-focused models. Its best-seller is the Formentor crossover – an angular-looking model that’s good to drive and offers a well-built interior.
While the Formentor is available with a range of petrol engines, Cupra also offers it with a choice of hybrid setups, delivering up to 242bhp. When the battery is fully charged, it’s said to be able to achieve an electric range of up to 36 miles.
Ford Kuga
Ford’s Kuga SUV is another car that’s offered with a choice of a regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and where these really excel is when it comes to efficiency, even when the battery is depleted of range. With the plug-in hybrid, Ford claims an electric range of up to 41 miles.
The Kuga itself is a very impressive model, too, and as Ford’s roomiest SUV in the UK, offers plenty of space and usability for families. Equipment levels are generous, too.
Citroen C5 X Hybrid
Citroen recently returned to the large car segment with its striking new C5 X – a model that aims to blur the boundaries between an SUV, estate car and traditional saloon. It’s rather effective, too.
With a particular focus on comfort and quality, the C5 X is a real high point for Citroen and a worthy flagship. You can also choose it as a plug-in hybrid, with these able to offer a claimed full electric range of up to 39 miles.
Toyota RAV4
Toyota has really led the way when it comes to the development of hybrid models, with this Japanese firm being an early innovator of this type of powertrain. It remains a force to be reckoned with too, as most of Toyota’s current line-up now use a hybrid setup.
One of the highlights is the rough-and-ready RAV4, which can be had as a standard hybrid or plug-in hybrid – the latter able to travel up to an impressive 46 miles on a charge. The RAV4 also boasts a roomy interior and a great reputation for reliability.
