May 9, 2025
Sara Davies
Driver Articles
Not ready to go fully electric just yet? You’re not alone. While electric cars are undoubtedly the way we’re headed with the government investing heavily in schemes and initiatives, if you want to try a hybrid first then now’s the time.
The term ‘hybrid’ covers several different types of vehicle that are electrified to different levels in varying ways. In some vehicles, called Mild Hybrids (MHEVs), the hybrid aspect comes in the form of a small electric efficiency boost to a diesel or petrol engine, while other vehicles can be plugged in (PHEVs) and provide around up to 50 (or sometimes more) miles of pure electric driving, suiting those who can charge at home and drive shorter distances. Self-charging hybrids on the other hand, charge via the engine and are better suited to drivers who don’t have the ability to plug in a car regularly.
We’ve selected 5 of the best hybrids covering different shapes, sizes and types, to kickstart your research into your perfect hybrid vehicle:
1. Honda Civic eHEV
A self-charging compact hybrid, this car doesn’t require plugging in to recharge its battery, which is instead charged by the internal combustion engine and through regenerative braking. Powerful yet quiet, the Civic eHEV handles longer journeys well while running at optimal efficiency around town, achieving over 50mpg. Generously equipped, even at entry-level in Elegance trim, the Civic also scored 5 out of 5 stars for safety when it was tested in 2022 by Euro NCAP and has been deemed one of the most reliable cars on the road for many years.
Standard equipment includes 17in alloys, climate control, cruise control, heated front seats, privacy glass, parking sensors and a touchscreen infotainment system. Sport trim adds extras such as 18in alloy wheels, wireless phone-charging and adaptive cruise control among other features. There’s also a top Advance trim including features like a BOSE 12-speaker sound system, a 10.2-inch driver’s display, enhanced safety features and a 100-degree wide-view camera.
2. BMW X5 xDrive50e
Thanks to a recent update, the BMW X5 xDrive50e gets an extra 95bhp compared with the previous 45e, courtesy of some upgrades to its electric motor which is now 194bhp and battery (25.7kWh), combined with the 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine. Claimed fuel economy now stands at 353mpg for this plug-in hybrid SUV, and the electric range is claimed to be impressive; between 60 and 70 miles.
As with all plug-in hybrids, economy does decline once the battery is empty as no miles can be completed in electric mode, meaning any remaining miles are covered on petrol power only at just 25.9mpg, rather than the 43.5mpg you could achieve with electric power in the mix too. A mid sized SUV, it’s regarded as a high performance vehicle with a premium feel that doesn’t compromise practicality. It’s roomy interior seats five people comfortably and there’s plenty of cargo space too.
3.Mazda MX-30 R-EV
The plug-in hybrid MX-30 R-EV enables you to drive up to 53 miles using the battery, but when you run out of charge a petrol ‘range extender’ engine takes over, generating electricity which drives the motor. This small SUV has a small battery but with the aforementioned compact petrol engine and a 50-litre fuel tank, provides a total range of around 400 miles.
It’s a good choice for drivers who need to cover lots of miles without worrying about charging. Though it’s definitely not the most spacious of the vehicles on our list, it’s well equipped with a well-executed interior and infotainment system. All trim levels come with built-in sat-nav but for those who would rather use their own apps there’s also Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.
4. VW Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid
The VW Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid is a spacious plug-in hybrid available only as an estate car, proving a comfortable, refined and practical vehicle for those who need plenty of interior and boot space (510 litres). With 201bhp and a 19.7kWh battery, this Passat can cover an official electric-only range of up to 81 miles. with an official 0-62mph time of 8.1 seconds. Best as a long-distance cruiser, the fact that it can run on electric power for so long means good cost efficiency, especially if you can charge at home on a cheap overnight tariff.
Unusually, the Passat can be plugged into a 50kW public DC charger, which makes top ups on the move much quicker than with most other PHEVs which are limited to a much lower charging rate. LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera all come as standard, as does a digital driver’s display.
5. BMW 330e
Another plug-in hybrid, featuring a new larger battery pack with a longer maximum electric range, most drivers will be able to cover a couple of days’ journeys on electric powper alone, up to 63 miles. BMW claims it reaches between 256.8 and 353.1mpg. With an 11kW on-board charger included, you get the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that’s in the regular 320 but with an electric motor. Once you’ve drained the battery, you’ll get around 40mpg which is decent for its performance, compared to some other similar PHEVs on the market.
Look to the standard 3-Series for interior design, and the 330e features the same infotainment system and digital gauge cluster. You’ll get a smaller boot in this hybrid though at 375 litres instead of the standard 480 litres. The 330e Touring gets 410 litres.
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