Hybrids have blossomed from a leftfield choice to the definitive mainstream alternative to traditional petrol and diesel offerings. By combining combustion engines with clever electric motors and battery packs, the latest crop of hybrids deliver a tempting blend of low running costs, reduced tailpipe emissions, and zero range anxiety.
While petrol and diesel cars will be phased out of UK showrooms by 2030, hybrids get a stay of execution until 2035, giving UK drivers with feelings of disquiet towards pure-electric models peace of mind.
In recent years, hybrid technology has evolved at an alarming pace. Early plug-in hybrid models offered a modest zero-emission capability , but now several new PHEVS offer an electric-only range in excess of 80 miles. Newcomers from China, such as the Omoda, promise even more range, pushing past the 90-mile threshold on paper.
At the same time, self-charging hybrids like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic have also grown in popularity, too. They’ll achieve upwards of 60mpg without even trying, and don’t need to be charged.
While there are several standout hybrids from every segment, our current top pick is the Volkswagen Golf eHybrid. Its everyday usability, pleasing road manners, family practicality and class-leading electric range of around 80 miles, it's a cut above its hatchback rivals.
But which other hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars should you consider? Read on to find out.
The best hybrids at a glance...
| Model | Best For | EV-Only Range | Fuel Economy (MPG)* | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen Golf eHybrid | Everyday all-rounder | Up to 88 miles | Up to 300+ mpg | £35,490 |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | Plug-free daily economy | N/A (self-charging) | 60–70 mpg | £30,845 |
| 3 | Skoda Superb iV | Executive space & families | Up to 84 miles | Up to 270+ mpg | £41,580 |
| 4 | Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid | Supercar performance | Up to 50 miles | Up to 92 mpg | £178,920 |
| 5 | BMW 550e xDrive | Driver engagement & luxury | Up to 57 miles | Up to 350+ mpg | £76,830 |
Best for: All-around ability
The latest Golf is a real return to form for what was the archetypal family hatchback. It comes in two PHEV forms, the 201bhp eHybrid and the 268bhp GTE, the former of which is our pick of the range - and we think it's the best hybrid you can buy today.
The Golf eHybrid offers a simply enormous 88 miles of electric range in a package that drives well and has slick steering, assured handling and a reasonably supple ride.
And while it’s not a car that will have you grabbing the keys for an illicit B-road blast, its ability to effortlessly tackle any task is endearing, as is a chameleon-like quality to fit into any surroundings.
Downsides include the touchscreen infotainment is a little frustrating to use and hybrid variants get marginally less boot space, reduced to 273 litres.
| Buy it if... | Skip it if... |
|---|---|
| You want a practical family hatch with an enormous real-world EV range | You dislike touch-sensitive controls and want more physical switchgear |
| You want the duality of a PHEV but still want low BIK tax rates | Maximum boot space is essential – the PHEV battery sacrifices 100 litres of boot capacity |
Read our Volkswagen Golf eHybrid review
