Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars: Top 12 Used Models in the UK

Plug-in hybrid cars have gained immense popularity in the UK, and this guide will help you discover the best plug-in hybrids available. They strike a balance between traditional petrol and diesel models and fully electric cars. For those inclined towards the latest EVs or prefer the familiarity of older models, plug-in hybrids provide a reassuring transition. So, you get flexibility, as well as green credentials.

What’s intriguing is that you can find these hybrid cars in the used market because their production spans more than a decade. This guide will shortlist twelve models for you to check out.

In your quest for the best car, Carplus is here to help you secure them with favourable financing terms. So, explore our selection with this in mind.

1. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a remarkable petrol plug-in hybrid SUV with a combined power output of 221bhp. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 2.0-litre petrol engine (2.4-litre on later models). It is combined with a hybrid system featuring two electric motors, one for each axle. This setup allows the engine to drive the wheels with electric assistance, charge the batteries, or operate in pure electric mode for up to 30 miles.

In 2018, Mitsubishi made improvements by adding a new rear electric motor and increasing the battery capacity to 13.8kWh. Behind the wheel, the Outlander PHEV determines the optimal power source for your driving needs, which results in low CO2 emissions of just 44g/km. This qualifies for £0 vehicle excise duty on hybrid SUVs. The official fuel economy figures claim 148mpg.

2. Audi A3 e-tron

If you have any preconceptions that plug-in hybrids using battery power will feel slow, then you’ll find the A3 Sportback e-tron a revelation. This is a versatile vehicle that combines the best of both worlds: electric power and a 1.4-litre petrol engine. When combined, these power units deliver impressive performance.

The A3 e-tron offers a theoretical total range of 584 miles, with up to 31 miles achievable on electricity alone. The claimed fuel efficiency is 188mpg and emits just 35g/km of CO2.

The Audi A3 e-tron offers three powertrain modes: EV, Hybrid, and Battery Hold. EV mode offers a practical range of 15–20 miles. Hybrid mode blends electric and petrol power for optimal efficiency and fuel costs, while Battery Hold mode conserves the battery by relying on the petrol engine.

3. BMW 330e

The BMW 330e has long been known for its stylish design, top-notch equipment, and enjoyable driving experience. It is particularly appealing to company car drivers due to its low CO2 emissions and cost-effectiveness. This holds the 330e against esteemed plug-in hybrids like Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Under its hood, the 330e combines a 2.0-litre 184bhp turbo petrol engine with an 87bhp electric motor. This results in a combined power output of 249bhp.

Expect fuel economy of 148.7mpg and emissions of only 44g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle, especially if you opt for the SE version. The Luxury or M Sport versions, with their slightly thicker tires, are on a similar level.

The BMW 330e apart can run on electric power alone. For this, you need to have the battery regularly charged and your daily commute falling within the electric-only range of 25 to 41 miles.

4. Toyota Prius Plug-in

Building upon the success of its earlier models, the Prius Plug-in takes hybrid technology to the next level. It features a 1.8-litre petrol engine complemented by twin electric motors, forming an efficient plug-in hybrid system. A used hybrid like this handles city traffic and overtaking on highways with ease.

The electric-only range offers approximately 25 miles of emissions-free driving. When fully charged, this model achieves impressive fuel economy figures, with some drivers approaching the official 217mpg rating.

Additionally, the Prius, as a traditional hybrid or self-charging hybrid, features a low official CO2 emissions level of just 28g/km. Overall, the car is reliable and comes with an excellent warranty of up to 10 years when serviced at Toyota garages.

5. Volkswagen Golf GTE

Volkswagen Golf GTE is a hybrid version of the popular Golf family car. Beneath the surface, the hybrid and non-hybrid models of the Golf are nearly identical. But let’s focus on the used plug-in hybrid specifically. It features a 148bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine and a 101bhp electric motor, which provides a total power output of 248bhp.

The Golf GTE can run in four different modes: pure electric, hybrid, GTE, and battery charge. In pure electric mode, it operates like the fully electric e-Golf — a silent and smooth ride with zero emissions. In other modes, it can cover around 20 miles on electric power alone when the battery is fully charged, although this may vary based on conditions.

The claimed economy is at 166mpg with low CO2 emissions of 39g/km, but keep in mind that older models may not achieve these figures.

6. Volkswagen Passat GTE

The Volkswagen Passat GTEs are plug-in hybrids based on the popular Passat estate car. There are different plug-in hybrid versions available, including the standard GTE model and the upgraded GTE Advance. What sets it apart visually are its C-shaped daytime running lights integrated into the front bumper.

You have the option to choose between the standard GTE model or the upgraded GTE Advance. Both variants share a capable powertrain consisting of a 154bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine and a 113bhp electric motor. This combination delivers a maximum power output of 215bhp and 664 miles of petrol-electric range.

The allure of the Passat GTE is its fuel efficiency — 180.8mpg and 33g/km of CO2. Also, it offers a pure electric driving range of 33 miles under the WLTP cycle. This means that for short trips within the city, you can rely solely on electric power.

7. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In

The plug-in hybrid version of the Hyundai Ioniq offers a blend of a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. The motor is connected to a battery and managed by a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This combination of the engine and electric motor makes the Ioniq one of the most practical cars, with 256.8mpg and 26 g/km of CO2 emissions.

When driving around town, the Ioniq Plug-In truly shines because it utilises its electric motor’s immediate low-end power delivery for swift acceleration. However, like many electric vehicles, its performance becomes more modest at speeds above 50 mph.

In 2019, Hyundai updated the Ioniq plug-in model. The automaker enhanced its electric-only range to 39 miles for the plug-in hybrid model, and the fully electric version can now cover an impressive 194 miles on a single charge.

8. Kia Niro PHEV

The Kia Niro PHEV is a small family SUV that strikes a balance between a family hatchback and a small crossover SUV. As a used plug-in hybrid, it appeals to a wide range of drivers.

Here, you’ll find an efficient 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine combined with an 8.9kWh battery. When fully charged, this hybrid can travel over 34 miles using pure electric power. Even when the petrol engine kicks in, the Niro stays very quiet.

In terms of running costs, the Niro PHEV offers a fuel economy of 353.1mpg and a range spanning from 634 to 772 miles, depending on your driving conditions. It emits 100-106g/km of CO2, but it varies across the trim levels.

9. Volvo XC90 T8

The Volvo XC90 T8 defies the notion that Volvos are merely practical family cars. It’s a luxurious and spacious SUV that has versatility and elegance, a top contender in the world of plug-in hybrids.

The model has a total power output of 449bhp, thanks to its 2.0-litre petrol engine and 143bhp electric motor. Its earlier models offered a pure electric range of 27–34 miles. The newer versions push that to an official 42 miles on a single charge.

The XC90 T8 brings it home with low emissions of just 49 g/km CO2. For short trips around town, you can rely on pure electric power with nearly 100mpg. The typical cross-country and city driving return around 30mpg and 24mpg respectively.

10. Mercedes-Benz C 350e

The Mercedes-Benz C 350e is a plug-in hybrid car with rapid cruising capabilities. It houses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which churns out 208bhp and is paired with an 80bhp electric motor. The duo collaborates to deliver an impressive 275bhp.

The hybrid car system offers various driving modes, including Hybrid, E-mode for pure electric driving, E-save to maintain the electric charge, and Charge to replenish the battery. Because of its smaller batteries, the Mercedes-Benz C 350e offers an electric range of only 19 miles.

The emission figures are fairly low — 48g/km of CO2. As for the official combined fuel economy figure, the automaker claims 134.5mpg. But in the estate form, the model produces 53g/km of CO2, according to official testing.

11. Volkswagen e-Golf

The Volkswagen e-Golf may not be like traditional plug-in hybrids, but it’s worth considering. It’s more like an electric vehicle with a synchronous electric motor delivering 134bhp.

There are two transmission modes: D and B. In B mode, you experience strong regenerative braking when you release the throttle, similar to engine braking in a petrol car. This feature helps conserve energy and extend the car’s range.

In real-world use, you can expect around 80 miles of pure EV range for early models and approximately 120 miles for later versions. While the e-Golf has limited range compared to some plug-in hybrids, it’s an excellent introduction to electric driving.

12. Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e

The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e is a plug-in version of a comfortable, spacious family SUV. However, you should know that the hybrid isn’t available with seven seats like the usual one.

The model combines a 200hp 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor on the rear axle. This hybrid system offers all-wheel drive capabilities and a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. You’ll find the Discovery Sport P300e to be responsive and capable on various road types, including motorways. It manages engine noise well unless pushed to its limits.

As for CO2 emissions, they’re rated at just 36g/km. Finally, it has an electric-only driving range of up to 37 miles, which makes the model a great choice for short commutes or urban driving.

Final words on plug in hybrid cars

It’s great that you’re considering plug-in hybrid cars. While they may cost more initially, using PHEVs for short trips and keeping the batteries charged will ensure low running costs (at least 50% saved on fuel). They also have a backup combustion engine for longer journeys, and you get to enjoy the financial benefits of buying second-hand.

Before we finish, let’s go over other PHEVs that didn’t quite make the list (but are definitely worth considering):

• Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
• Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
• Ford Fusion Energi
• Škoda Superb
• MINI Countryman PHEV

Lastly, for a hassle-free path to PHEV ownership, check out the Carplus tool. It’s designed to simplify your financing process and make owning an eco-friendly and cost-effective hybrid easier than ever.