Best plug-in hybrids to buy 2026
The plug-in hybrid market has grown exponentially in recent years. Here are our electrified favourites
For those not quite ready to make the switch to a fully electric car, a plug-in hybrid can act as a great ‘stepping stone’, offering periods of all-electric running with the security of a petrol engine when the battery runs flat.
Unlike standard hybrids, plug-in hybrids have larger batteries and can be charged via a plug just like an EV, while standard hybrids typically have a smaller battery and are charged through driving with regenerative braking. The very best plug-in hybrids on the market now offer over 50 miles of electric range.
Owners who can charge their car at home, and rarely exceed the electric range between charges, can use very little fuel. On longer trips, there’s no range anxiety because you can use the internal combustion engine (ICE) and refuel as you would in a petrol or diesel car.
Things to consider when choosing your a plug-in hybrid
Plug-in hybrids might sound like the best of both worlds but as they have two powertrains, one petrol and one electric, they can be heavy and more expensive to buy compared to a pure ICE car.
This extra weight also negatively impacts fuel economy when the battery runs flat and you’re just using the ICE engine. This, alongside the higher starting prices means that plug-in hybrid tech tends to be offered in larger cars.
Our expert road testers have thoroughly tested every PHEV on sale in the UK, and using their in-depth verdicts we’ve rounded up the best plug-in hybrid cars to buy.
Compare the best plug-in hybrid cars
We’ve given you a broad cross-section of what’s on offer including the top models available in various market sectors from SUVs and executive saloons, to hatchbacks and estates.
| Rank | Make and Model | Hybrid prices from | Buy |
| 1. | BMW 530e | £56,000 | Latest deals |
| 2. | Volkswagen Golf eHybrid | £36,500 | Latest deals |
| 3. | Mercedes C 300 e | £50,745 | Latest deals |
| 4. | Skoda Kodiaq | £42,200 | Latest deals |
| 5. | BMW 330e | £47,200 | Latest deals |
| 6. | Toyota Prius | £37,900 | Latest deals |
| 7. | Citroen C5 Aircross | £38,900 | Latest deals |
| 8. | Cupra Terramar | £44,000 | Latest deals |
| 9. | Audi A3 TFSIe | £39,935 | Latest deals |
| 10. | BYD Seal 6 | £34,000 | Latest deals |
Keep on scrolling to learn more about the best plug-in hybrid cars, or click the links in the table above to jump to a specific make and model..
1. BMW 530e
The BMW 530e is an exceptional all-rounder and our current plug-in hybrid car of choice.
- Prices from £56,000
- Maximum pure-electric range: 64 miles
- Auto Express Premium Hybrid Car of the Year 2025
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The BMW 5 Series has long been a staple of the company car and executive car worlds for more than 50 years, and this latest eighth-generation has gone big on electrification in order to meet the demands of its loyal customers. The move has certainly been successful, as the plug-in hybrid BMW 530e has been the Auto Express Premium Hybrid Car of the Year for two years on the trot now.
Thanks to its large 19.4kWh battery, the big brutish-looking saloon claims a pure-electric range of up to 64 miles, and in our testing we even managed to match the claimed electric range in a Touring estate model. When you’ve drained the battery, there’s a punchy 2.0-litre petrol waiting in the wings to make sure you reach your destination.
Sure it’s partly electric, but the 530e is just as enjoyable to drive as a 5 Series should be and offers peerless refinement. It’s equally impressive inside, too, where you’ll find a class-leading interior that’s very well put together, ergonomically designed and filled with top-quality tech.
Unfortunately, the 530e’s plug-in powertrain does come at a fairly sizeable additional outlay compared with the purely petrol-powered 520i model, but its reduced running costs will help to mitigate this initial financial sting. If that’s no concern for you, the legendary BMW M5 has also embraced plug-in hybrid power, so it spits out 717bhp but amazingly also manages to fall into the 9 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) company car tax bracket.
“The PHEV system has a slightly sluggish step off the line in its e-mode, so it doesn't feel as effortless as a BMW i5. Once rolling though, the 530e is staggeringly refined because of its ability to shuffle around in near-silence at town speeds.” – Alex Ingram, contributor.
- Who will like it: Drivers looking for a premium PHEV with keen handling.
- Who won’t like it: If you’re on a tight budget, the big price jumps between trim levels and expensive options may be a problem.
2. Volkswagen Golf eHybrid
The Volkswagen Golf is a solid family car, but opt for the eHybrid and you’ll also enjoy one of the longest all-electric ranges of any PHEV.
- Prices from £36,500
- Maximum pure-electric range: 89 miles
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The Volkswagen Golf has been around for over five decades now, so it’s clear that VW knows how to create a good family car. While some of the German brand’s fully electric cars might not have quite hit the mark, the plug-in eHybrid powertrain is one of the best engines of its type you can currently get.
According to Volkswagen, the Golf eHybrid can officially return up to 256.8mpg and while you’re unlikely to see figures this high in the real world, it will still be efficient, providing you keep the battery topped up.
Rapid charging is offered in the Golf with peak speeds of 40kW meaning a 20 to 80 per cent charge will take around half an hour, or around four hours when using a 7.4kW home wallbox charger. It’ll also cover up to 89 miles in pure-electric mode.
On the road, the Golf won’t blow you away with livewire handling, but it is safe, predictable and well-judged, while also being fairly comfortable. Performance is plentiful with 0-62mph being dealt with in just over 7 seconds, so merging onto faster roads from a standstill should be a breeze.
When the Mk8 Golf first arrived, the cabin did have quite a few technical and ergonomic flaws, but recent updates have fixed some of these issues. The infotainment touchscreen menu is now much more intuitive to use, and physical buttons have replaced much of the haptic buttons used previously. The cabin is generally well-screwed together, although some of the materials used feel more tough and hard-wearing than the Golf’s premium price tag would suggest.
The Golf is fairly practical with plenty of storage dotted around the cabin, so families are well catered for. The boot capacity in the non-hybrid Golf is rated at 381 litres, although the battery pack in eHybrid and GTE models does eat into space quite considerably, reducing the capacity to 273 litres.
“While some rivals handle more sharply, the Golf’s set-up is very well judged for Britain’s bumpy roads. The balance is impressively neutral, and grip, especially on the front axle, is strong” – Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
- Who will like it: Buyers looking for a classily dependable family car with a long all-electric range.
- Who won’t like it: Anyone who regularly carries large and bulky items might struggle with the Golf eHybrid’s smaller boot.
3. Mercedes C 300 e
The Mercedes C-Class has long been one of the best saloon cars on the market, and it’s even better with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- Prices from £50,745
- Maximum pure-electric range: 71 miles
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While in theory plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds, they often have to make concessions compared to their purely combustion-powered or electric counterparts. Not the Mercedes C 300 e though. The plug-in version of the long-serving Mercedes C-Class saloon offers a zero-compromise alternative for company car drivers who aren’t quite ready to go fully electric.
It looks and feels like any other C-Class, but a rather huge 25.4kWh battery means it’s capable of driving up to 71 miles without using a drop of petrol. You’ll have to cover quite some distance before waking the 2.0-litre engine, which is no hardship because the C 300 e is so comfortable and refined.
Its styling has been influenced by Mercedes’ flagship S-Class, as has the interior that feels almost as plush as the limousine’s. That car’s incredibly slick and intuitive MBUX infotainment system is fitted, too, displayed on a fantastic 11.9-inch touchscreen that’s standard on every model.
In our latest Driver Power survey, C-Class owners held the car in high regard, where it was ranked as the fifth best car to own out of fifty, commending the infotainment usability, interior design and reasonable running costs.
“The C-Class isn’t all style without substance, though, and there are plenty of useful practical touches included to help make life a little easier from behind the wheel. The standard reversing camera will help with tricky parking manoeuvres, while Premium cars come equipped with a 360-degree camera and an Active Parking Assist system.” - Pete Baiden, web producer.
- Who will like it: The premium feel and comfort of the C-Class will suit those who regularly drive long distances.
- Who won’t like it: The boot is quite small compared to rivals, especially in saloon guise.
4. Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda is well-known for creating cars which are highly practical and offer great value for money. The Kodiaq is not about to buck that trend.
- Priced from £42,200
- Maximum pure-electric range: 76 miles
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The Skoda Kodiaq is another one of our favourite family SUVs as it’s one of those cars that seems able to do just about everything well, from its driving experience to its practicality and understated, handsome looks. The latest model also adds a genuinely luxurious-feeling interior and well judged interior tech with, we’re delighted to see, physical controls on both the steering wheel and dashboard.
It also scores a direct hit as a PHEV thanks to a seriously impressive 76-mile EV range from a 25.7kWh battery. This is achievable in the real world, and if you’re out and about, can be topped up relatively quickly thanks to 50kW fast charging.
The Skoda will be a popular choice as a company car too, because its 11g/km CO2 emissions and EV range of 70-plus miles mean a BiK rate of only 5 per cent, rising to 6 per cent in 2025/2026. It’s just a shame that to enable this, Skoda has had to sacrifice a seven-seat option, though the flip side to this is a vast 745-litre boot.
“If you’re able to keep the battery topped up, then there’s a high possibility that you could cover a day’s driving on electricity alone, although it’s reassuring to know that it’s backed up by the petrol engine.” – Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
- Who will like it: Buyers who want to pay less without compromises as the Kodiaq offers serious value for money.
- Who won’t like it: If you want a plug-in seven-seater you’ll be disappointed as Kodiaq doesn’t come in that form.
5. BMW 330e
The BMW 330e is one of the best plug-in hybrid company car choices you can currently get.
- Prices from £47,200
- Maximum pure-electric range: 62 miles
- Best driving experience
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It may not be the most futuristic or innovative car on the road these days, but the BMW 3 Series is a brilliant all-rounder, with the plug-in hybrid 330e serving as the top choice in the range for company car drivers.
The 330e is just as enjoyable and engaging to drive as any other 3 Series, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor working in harmony to deliver plenty of pace. Running costs should be pretty easy on the wallet too, with fuel efficiency figures of over 43mpg even when the battery is fully depleted.
If you’re eyeing up the 330e as a potential family car, the good news is that the cabin and boot aren’t really intruded on by the PHEV powertrain’s components.
Four tall adults will be able to sit comfortably in the BMW’s plush seats, and with 375 litres of boot space on offer, you'll be able to load up the weekly shop without any complaints. Plus, there’s even the option of getting the 330e in Touring estate guise for those who need extra space but without the bulk of an SUV.
“The BMW 3 Series – and in particular this 330e plug-in hybrid – really does represent the best of both worlds for those wanting to dip their toe into the world of electrification (and save on their tax bill)” – Richard Ingram, deputy editor.
- Who will like it: The Touring estate bodystyle is a great option for those who need space but don’t want an SUV.
- Who won’t like it: BMW’s option list can get quite costly, which isn’t ideal if you’re keeping a close eye on your budget.
6. Toyota Prius
Toyota has given the Prius a sharp new look and it’s incredibly efficient, too.
- Prices from £37,900
- Maximum pure-electric range: 52 miles
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The Toyota Prius has been offered with PHEV technology since its third generation, but in the UK the latest version of Toyota’s seminal hybrid is plug-in hybrid only. We’re not complaining though, because while a regular hybrid would surely be pretty efficient on its own, the latest model uses its larger battery to good effect.
Not just in terms of efficiency either, though there’s the usual caveat to give on claimed economy of well over 176mpg: you’ll need to maximise your time in pure EV mode for figures like that, but you should still manage to achieve better fuel economy figures than you could in an a traditional petrol or diesel car. We saw more than 80mpg even when the car’s battery was fully depleted on our test.
The plug-in is also the most potent Prius offered worldwide, with 220bhp at its disposal, for genuinely quick performance – 0-62mph comes up in only 6.8 seconds.
It’s pretty good in the corners too, certainly compared to previous versions of the Prius, and while it has some of the same compromises - such as an unusual and not always intuitive dashboard layout, and reduced practicality thanks to the sloping roof - excellent real-world efficiency and Toyota’s reputation for longevity more than make up for it.
“The Toyota’s coupe-like profile harms its usability slightly as the roofline makes access awkward in the front, and rear headroom is a little on the tight side. Yet the kneeroom is better than in the VW Golf.” - Alex Ingram, contributor.
- Who will like it: If you’re after a car with top class efficiency, the Prius is a great option.
- Who won’t like it: Those who need a lot of passenger or luggage space might not be impressed.
7. Citroen C5 Aircross
The Citroen C5 Aircross is a really comfortable SUV and the plug-in hybrid powertrain only adds to the luxurious feel.
- Prices from £38,900
- Maximum pure-electric range: 53 miles
- Best for comfort
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Citroen has a great track-record when it comes to creating models with luxury car-levels of comfort for a reasonable price, and it's this trait, among others, which helps the C5 Aircross stand out in a crowded SUV market.
Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and 18kWh battery. This PHEV set-up provides up to 53 miles of pure-electric driving, and during our time with the car we covered 45 miles in EV mode before the petrol engine sparked into life. In short, this all-electric range should be more than enough if you’re running about town, to the shops, or completing the school run.
The Citroen C5 Aircross is far from a driver's car. Find yourself entering a corner a little too quickly and you’ll soon discover the comfortable ride and supple suspension makes way for plenty of body roll. Keep things calm, though, and its suspension will make light work of Britain’s potholed roads.
The Citroen might look quite boxy on the outside, but this bodystyle makes for a great family car. The boot is rated at 565-litres, is nice and square in shape and the load lip is quite low, so loading bulky luggage should be straightforward.
Headroom and kneeroom is also really generous, although our only real gripe is the fact the floor is a little high due to the space needed underneath for the batteries so your knees feel like they’re at an odd angle.
“The high ride height relative to the likes of a Tiguan or Ford Kuga will make loading and unloading young children easy, and the boxy roofline ensures the space feels light and open." - Jordan Katsianis, news editor.
- Who will like it: If you desire maximum comfort at an affordable price, the C5 Aircross is a great choice.
- Who won’t like it: Anyone who wants a family car that is fun to drive.
Latest Citroen C5 Aircross deals
8. Cupra Terramar
If you want your plug-in hybrid to come with a sporty flavour, check out the Cupra Terramar.
- Prices from £44,000
- Maximum pure-electric range: 74 miles
- Best for families
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The plug-in hybrid Cupra Terramar makes a compelling case for itself in the increasingly-competitive mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV class, combining an engaging ride, acres of space and up to 74 miles of all-electric running from its hybrid powertrain.
This mid-size SUV shouldn’t cost an arm or a leg to run, either. Officially, the Terramar eHybrid returns over 660mpg but you’re unlikely to see this figure in the real world. When we tested the best-performing 268bhp version of the eHybrid, we saw a fuel efficiency figure of between 35-45mpg once the battery had been fully depleted.
On the inside, the Terramar should be able to withstand family life quite well. The cabin isn’t the most exciting to look at, but Cupra has utilised various copper accents and sporty details to help it stand out. It all feels well-screwed together. The cabin is functional, although many of the controls are hidden within the touchscreen. The good news is that all the menus and the software layout is easy to navigate.
Practicality is decent as the rear door openings are nice and wide, and the easily accessible ISOFIX points are a plus point when fitting or removing a child seat.
There are plenty of deep storage pockets dotted around the cabin and there’s 400 to 490 litres of boot space in PHEV variants, or 540 in non-hybrid cars. The low boot lip means loading bulky items like pushchairs or suitcases should be fairly easy.
“The Terramar doesn’t demand much in the way of compromise for its sporty character. Head and legroom are fine inside, and the cabin is a comfortable place to spend time. We just wish the hybrid model had a bit more boot space.” – Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
- Who will like it: The sporty flair and angular design will help you stand out from the SUV crowd.
- Who won’t like it: If you’re looking for low prices, then some rivals will be more appealing on that front.
9. Audi A3 TFSIe
If you’re looking for a compact car which combines a fantastic balance of handling, refinement and a strong all-electric range, the Audi A3 should be on your shortlist.
- Prices from £39,935
- Maximum pure-electric range: 88 miles
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The Audi A3 has long combined family car practicality with a touch of luxury. Recent revisions have improved what was already a very good car, and now the Audi A3 TFSIe plug-in hybrid offers near-EV levels of cost efficiency; while retaining the safety net of an economical petrol engine.
With a starting price of just under £40,000, the Audi A3 TFSIe boasts one of the largest all-electric ranges of any plug-in hybrid currently on the market: up to 88 miles on the WLTP combined cycle. This isn’t a figure you’ll only see on paper, either, as we managed to match Audi’s range estimate and returned 3.8mi/kWh in EV mode after driving on a mixture of roads.
The A3 TFSIe is a very quiet and relaxing car to drive around town, with no noticeable jolt or noise when the petrol engine kicks in. The electric motor is peppy and quick to respond when travelling at low speeds. The revised suspension helps hide the extra weight of the PHEV system and isn’t overly harsh or wallowy when driving over rough road surfaces.
For a hatchback, the amount of space on offer is no better than average. Getting comfy up front is straightforward with lots of seat adjustment, and there’s enough space in the rear for two adults to sit comfortably. The boot offers 280 litres of storage, which is seven litres more than in the closely-related Volkswagen Golf eHybrid, but much smaller than the 361-litre boot capacity in the plug-in hybrid Peugeot 308.
“The Audi A3 TFSIe is fantastic, but if there was one wish, it would be the option of easier configurability to the plug-in hybrid system such as a ‘battery hold’ button to retain a certain amount of electricity for slow-speed driving.” - Jordan Katsianis, news editor.
- Who will like it: If you’re after EV-levels of efficiency and low running costs, the Audi A3 could be a good choice.
- Who won’t like it: The ride can feel a bit harsh compared to rivals, which might put some people off.
10. BYD Seal 6
The Seal 6 is one of the latest crop of plug-in hybrid models from BYD, and it’s a pretty commendable family car.
- Prices from £34,000
- Maximum pure-electric range: 62 miles
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BYD’s UK line-up has expanded in rapid fashion over the past few years, and it’s the Seal 6 plug-in hybrid which is the latest model to come ashore. With its long all-electric range and competitive starting price, the BYD Seal 6 has all the ingredients to be a sales success.
The Seal 6 starts from around £34,000 in Boost trim, although you’ll need to shell out an extra £3,000 to get behind the wheel of the Seal 6 with the longest PHEV battery range of up to 62 miles.
BYD quotes a fuel efficiency figure of up to 166mpg although this isn’t a figure you’re likely to see on the road. When we put the Seal 6 up against a Volkswagen Passat, we saw an average of 53.3mpg from the car once the battery was flat, but this was almost 10mpg more than what the Volkswagen could achieve under the same conditions.
Around town, the Seal 6’s powertrain is pretty smooth in its power delivery. Visibility is good and the abundance of driver tech helps when navigating congested roads or tight car parks. The acceleration should be sprightly enough for most and you never feel like the car is lacking in power, just don’t expect the BYD to rewrite the rulebook when it comes to comfort as things can get quite fidgety over rough surfaces. The handling is off the pace as well
The cabin is smart in its appearance and the materials used feel fine. Getting comfy behind the wheel is a doddle thanks to plenty of wheel and seat adjustment, and there’s enough space for taller adults in the rear with acceptable levels of head and shoulder room. The cargo space in the boot is 500-litres and on-par with rivals like the Volkswagen Passat and Skoda Superb, both with 510-litres respectively.
“There’s a six-year warranty on the Seal 6 and the mileage limit on that is nearly 100,000 miles, so if there are any issues, there is cover on offer that should help. On top of that, the battery has an eight-year or 150,000-mile warranty.” – Dean Gibson, senior test editor.
- Who will like it: Buyers looking for a versatile plug-in hybrid have the option of both estate and saloon bodystyles.
- Who won’t like it: Some might feel BYD is an untested brand, at least here in the UK.
How we choose the best plug-in hybrid cars
We pay particular attention to running costs and real-world efficiency because these are strong motivational factors for buyers in this PHEV segment. We test the electric range and fuel efficiency on all our road tests. Our 2025 range test showed the difference between claimed EV range figures and real-world numbers in PHEVs can differ a lot. While the MG HS achieved 99% of its official range, the Omoda 9 only got 82% on the same drive.
As it's typically larger cars which are offered with PHEV powertrains and feature on this list, we also pay closer attention to space and practicality in the cabin. The boot area can sometimes be compromised by the addition of the large battery pack so this gets plenty of attention on our tests.
A good plug-in hybrid will also transition seamlessly between the electric power source and the engine, offering quick responses and strong performance. The inevitable extra weight of the complex battery and engine combination shouldn’t be too evident in the way the car corners and rides over bumps.
PHEV FAQs
Is a plug-in hybrid right for me?
To make the most of having a plug-in hybrid, owners need to charge them regularly either at home or at work.
If you never exceed the electric range of a PHEV you will never use any fuel but once the battery is depleted on longer journeys, efficiency is likely to be worse than in an equivalent petrol car. That makes PHEVs a very cost effective option if you do lots of short trips with the occasional longer journey of 100 miles or more thrown in. If you rarely do longer journeys and have easy access to charging, a pure EV is worth considering. If you don’t have access to easy charging, do lots of long distance miles, a full hybrid or mild hybrid may prove cheaper to run.
Which is the safest plug-in hybrid?
There’s no simple answer to that particular question. For starters, every single one of the cars in our best plug-in hybrid rankings that has been crash tested by industry experts, Euro NCAP, have received the maximum five-star rating.
The Toyota Prius is the only car that we don’t have an official safety score for yet, but considering the Japanese brand’s reputation for reliability and the amount of standard safety kit it gets, we think a five-star rating is a pretty safe bet.
Which plug-in hybrid holds its value best?
According to our latest expert data, the Land Rover Defender 110 P300e is the plug-in hybrid that holds onto the most of its original value after three years of ownership and 36,000 miles covered. As much as 68% of its sticker price in fact, depending on the exact specification. Meanwhile the DS9 depreciates the most, retaining as low as 29per cent after the same period of ownership.
Best plug-in hybrid car deals
