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Hybrid cars can be a great upgrade to a traditional petrol or diesel model, especially if you can’t or don’t want a fully electric car just yet. We’ve rounded up the best models for every budget

Hybrid cars are, for the thousands of people who either can’t or don’t want to switch to a fully electric car, a brilliant solution. Hybrids offer some of the benefits of a fully electric car without some of the most significant downsides, and they tend to have significant advantages over regular petrol and diesel cars.

That’s provided you choose the right one, of course. Not all hybrid cars are made equal, and some of them are noisy, inefficient and nasty to drive.

But our expert reviews team is on hand, and we’ve rounded up the best of the best – cars of all sizes and body styles, and divided them by budget so no matter how much or little you’ve got to spend, there’ll be something to suit you.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Á«»¨Ö±²¥. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Up to £25,000

Our recommendation: Dacia Duster Hybrid (£24,830)

The Dacia Duster is one of those cars that really shouldn’t be as good as it is for the money you spend. It’s less expensive than a lot of small hatchbacks, but it’s a proper family-sized SUV with a big boot and super-cool rugged styling.

The Duster’s hybrid engine isn’t as smooth as the best out there, but it’s plenty powerful and it means you can get over 50mpg with ease. And despite its cheap status, the Duster is also good to drive – it’s comfortable, feels lightweight and agile, and can even handle a bit of light off-roading.

If you don’t want something as big as the Duster but you still want a hybrid car, consider the well-equipped and powerful MG3, or the cute-as-a-button Citroen C3.

Also consider: MG3, Citroen C3

£25,000-£40,000

Our recommendation: Honda Civic (£33,795)

The Honda CIvic is one of those cars that makes you question why anyone would bother buying the typical VW Golf or Ford Focus. For starters, it looks great – it’s low and sleek, yet practical with a huge, flexible boot and good rear legroom.

It’s also fantastic to drive. Honda is a master at making ‘normal’ cars feel satisfying in the corners and the Civic is no exception. Hybrid engines can often spoil a fine-driving car, but the Civic’s smart system operates more like an electric car most of the time, so it has the instant response and smooth power delivery of a full EV. It strikes a great balance.

If you need more space, the Dacia Bigster is closely related to the Duster (above) and gets another rather efficient hybrid setup but with a usefully roomier body. Or, you could consider the seven-seater Peugeot 5008 hybrid, which just slips in below our budget threshold here.

Also consider: Dacia Bigster, Peugeot 5008

£40,000 – £60,000

Our recommendation: Hyundai Santa Fe (£51,995)

The Hyundai Santa Fe’s time as our reigning Á«»¨Ö±²¥ Car of the Year will come to a close soon, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still fantastic – in fact, there isn’t really anything that’s come along in the last year or so that beats it at its own game. Space-age looks hide an interior that can accommodate seven people but, more impressively, up to 17 cupholders.

The Santa Fe’s hybrid engine is powerful and just about efficient enough that you won’t miss having a diesel engine, and it’s also comfortable to drive. It’s such a complete package that it was a deserving winner of the 2025 Car of the Year award.

For something completely different, consider the Ford Ranger PHEV – it’s the best pickup truck on sale and now it’s available with a petrol plug-in hybrid engine, which is fantastic. Or, the Skoda Superb Estate iV is hard to beat if you want a big, plush family car that isn’t an SUV.

Also consider: Ford Ranger PHEV, Skoda Superb Estate iV

£60,000 – £80,000

Our recommendation: Mercedes E 300 de Estate (£69,970)

The Mercedes E-Class is unique in that it gets the option of a diesel plug-in hybrid. In theory, this is the best possible option – you get more than 60 miles of electric range for your local driving, but the fuel economy of a diesel on a longer run.

It’s expensive, and you won’t save too much money unless you’re regularly doing those long trips – but if this is an option that suits you, it’s a truly fabulous one. The E-Class is supremely comfortable and feels great inside, too.

You could also consider the Land Rover Defender 110 – it’s an incredibly capable off-roader that does double duty as a brilliant family SUV, and it’s available with a plug-in hybrid engine too. Or, the BMW 530e Touring offers a similar package to the Merc, though it’s petrol rather than diesel and geared towards driving pleasure over comfort.

Also consider: Land Rover Defender 110 P400e, BMW 530e Touring

£80,000+

Our recommendation: BMW X5 50e (£82,255)

The BMW X5 is one of the most complete cars on sale today – as you’d hope for something that costs this much. Your money’s well spent, though, as you’re getting an SUV which can do it all – it’s superbly comfortable on a long motorway trip, yet still surprisingly good fun when you get it on a twisting back road.

The X5’s plug-in hybrid system is good for up to 64 miles on a charge, giving you the freedom to do a long commute without ever troubling the petrol engine. And when the engine does cut out, it’s a gorgeous six-cylinder petrol, instead of an asthmatic four-pot.

You could always push the boat out further, though. The Range Rover offers a similarly fantastic hybrid system in an even more luxurious package. Or, for the ultimate in driving pleasure, go for one of the stupendously powerful Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid models instead.

Also consider: Range Rover P460e, Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

Car change? Á«»¨Ö±²¥!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Á«»¨Ö±²¥ you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Á«»¨Ö±²¥ is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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