The 10 best plug-in hybrids on sale today

The Outlander is often seen as the car which sparked the plug-in hybrid revolution. It presented itself as a practical, well-finished and solidly-made SUV. Plus, its low rate of tax – when it was first released – meant that it was a solid-gold hit with business users. Naturally, this popularity means that there are loads of options when it comes to used Outlanders.

Inside, the Outlander does feel a bit dated but it’s jam-packed with features while its boxy design means that there are good levels of headroom available for all those inside. Mitsubishi also has a great reputation for reliability and this was no different with the Outlander. So don’t be afraid of higher-mileage models, providing they’ve been well maintained and looked after.

Toyota’s RAV4 has a backstory as a no-nonsense SUV but it has become more premium and – in the case of this PHEV version – more electrified, too.

Large, practical and comfortable, the RAV4 follows the classic SUV design but has good levels of technology and in-car features. Remarkably, it performs well thanks to the electric motors and petrol engine. The RAV4 PHEV develops just over 300bhp – which is the same as many hot-hatches.

Despite this, it should be able to return around 40 miles of electric-only running. This means that you’ll be able to cover some longer journeys on battery power alone. Add in Toyota’s ability to create cars that remain reliable no matter the mileage and you have a very impressive package in the RAV4 PHEV.

The Golf is often seen as the ‘go-to’ hatchback all-rounder, providing space, comfort and a well-built interior wrapped up in a design which rarely looks out of place. With the introduction of the GTE, that list of attributes grew with the addition of low running costs.

Integrated into the seventh-generation Golf, this GTE model delivers excellent value for money as a used purchase. It’s largely the same as the standard car on the outside, yet you could get around 30 miles of electric-only running. So it’ll be a lot cheaper to run if you do local journeys on battery power alone.

Having ‘GT’ in the name means that the GTE has a hint of the sporty driving that you’d get from the GTI, making this a good-to-drive – yet very efficient – plug-in hybrid.

There was a fair bit of controversy stirred up when Mini released an SUV. Yet the Countryman has given buyers who want all the style of the standard hatch a far more practical option.

The plug-in hybrid version of the Countryman – called the S E 4ALL – adds to this spaciousness with some good fuel-saving features. Like others here, the blend of petrol and electric power gives the Countryman all-wheel-drive. Mini claims that you could get up to 25 miles of electric-only motoring.

As with other Mini models, there are loads of packs and colours to choose from, so it’s a great used plug-in hybrid for those who like to stand out. It’s well made inside, too, with good materials and a generally robust level of build quality.

If you’ve seen a BMW 3 Series on the motorway lately, we’d bet that it was a 330e. Beloved by business car users for its low rate of tax, the 330e is a common sight on the used market. This makes it a great buy if you’re after a comfortable and refined plug-in hybrid that feels like a ‘normal’ saloon or estate.

This third-generation 330e delivers more electric range than its predecessor – around 40 miles in all. Plus it delivers the same refined, comfortable approach as the regular petrol or diesel model. Remember, too, that the 330e is available as both a saloon or a practical touring – or estate – model, with the latter being particularly good for families.

Before Audi started using the term ‘e-tron’ as a sub-brand for its electric cars, it had kicked off by applying it to its hybrid models. A key member of this group was the A3 e-tron, a plug-in hybrid version of the firm’s ever-popular hatchback.

As with other Audi models, the A3 e-tron is built to a high standard with loads of excellent materials used throughout. It’s also put together solidly, just as you’d expect from an Audi. While its electric-only range of around 20 miles may not be the longest, it’s still usable for those shorter trips around town. Refinement is just as good as in the ‘regular’ A3, too, so when you do stray away from local roads it’s still quiet and comfortable.

If you like the idea of the 330e but want something a little more high-riding, then the X1 could be a great alternative. The plug-in hybrid arrived later on in the X1’s lifecycle, bringing the combination of petrol and electric power that can deliver up to 31 miles of electric-only range.

This generation of X1 is a great option for drivers who want a ‘Goldilocks’ car. It’s not overly large like other SUVs, but still gives that confidence-inspiring driving position and well-sized boot that you’d expect. Plus, with high-quality materials and a great level of build quality throughout, the X1 is a car which feels as though it was built to last. So a used example will have stood the test of time.

MG may be known in the UK for its classic sports cars, but this Chinese-owned firm has shown dominance in creating low-cost but good-value electrified models. The HS is the largest SUV that it offers. It is a great choice for drivers after plenty of in-car space and this PHEV version has lower running costs too.

With up to 32 miles of electric-only range, the MG HS PHEV is great for the school run. When topped up it also proves a lot more efficient than petrol versions. That said, you still have a 1.5-litre petrol to fall back on when the electric is all gone. Inside, there are bags of equipment while all models get leather upholstery and adaptive cruise control.

Ford’s Kuga is one of the Blue Oval’s most popular models. Smartly designed, well finished inside and practical enough for even the most demanding of families, the Kuga is a great multi-tool car.

The PHEV version joins traditional diesel and petrol models in the Kuga range, promising improved efficiency and the chance to cover 42 miles on silent battery-only power. Luckily, the plug-in hybrid setup doesn’t diminish the Kuga’s usually sparkling characteristics. It’s still just as spacious and usable inside, while even with battery power fully depleted it should still deliver reasonable consumption figures. However, one of the Kuga’s real plus-points is the way it drives, making this an SUV that still feels great to take down your favourite twisty lane.

If you’ve been looking for a large, comfortable and well-made seven-seater SUV, then we’re sure that the Volvo XC90 has already been on your radar. However, while the diesel and petrol versions are good in their own right, it’s the plug-in hybrid – or Recharge T8 – which could prove the most cost-effective, particularly if you’re going to be using the XC90 for the school run.

Managing the 0-60mph sprint in just over 5.5 seconds means that the XC90 T8 is no slouch, yet it should manage around 32 miles on battery power alone. Keep it topped up and there’s little reason why you’ll need to trouble the petrol engine, though it’s a smooth and refined unit to fall back on should you need to.