The best small hybrid SUVs to buy in 2024
Small SUVs are popular among British motorists, so why not consider a hybrid? Here's a list of the best small hybrid SUVs you should consider
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Small hybrid SUVs are quickly dominating the used car market, with some of the top models becoming the best-selling cars in the UK, overtaking the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta in sales.
The main reason for making the switch to hybrid if you’re not quite ready to buy an electric car is because you get better fuel consumption than with a petrol or diesel, and the option to drive on electric power alone is a bonus.
Here are 10 of the best small hybrid SUVs you should consider buying in 2024.
BMW X3
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Practicality, performance and comfort are things that don’t easily come together, but the BMW X3 has them all.
The BMW X3 xDrive30e is one of BMW’s largest plug-in hybrid SUVs, and offers up to 34 miles of all-electric range from its 11.15kWh battery pack.
But when this runs out, you also have a very reliable 2.0-litre, 184hp petrol engine that steps in.
Moving to the rear, you’ll find a 450-litre boot (100 litres smaller than the non-hybrid version) that grows to an astonishing 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
This is plenty of space for most people’s weekly shop or luggage for a trip away. You'll find used BMW models at lower prices as well, so it's worth checking them out.
Audi Q3
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With the crossover SUV remaining the most popular body style to have, the Audi Q3 is a great option for anyone wanting to join in on the fun.
The Audi Q3 45 TFSIe is a high-end plug-in hybrid SUV that comes packed full of great tech, from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to leather seats, and lots of practicality.
Speaking of which, the Q3’s boot measures in at 530 litres, which is more than you get in the X3, and so is more practical for families.
Power comes from a 1.4-litre engine that produces 245hp, and that’s paired with a 13kWh battery that gives you up to 38 miles of all-electric range.
A used Audi can be a great way to save on the cost of purchasing brand-new, as well.
Volvo XC60
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In the space of just a few years, Volvo went from being one of the more boring SUV options to one of the most exciting and innovative ones.
The XC60 is a stroke of engineering genius, from its perfect size to its hard-wearing engine options and solid build quality.
The plug-in hybrid XC60 T6 and T8 Recharge models offer lots of power and efficiency, but if you want the best of the best, you’ll opt for the fancier T8.
The T8 Recharge is powered by a reliable 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that’s mated to an electric motor to produce a total of 455hp, giving it a sub-five second 0-62mph time.
Its boot measures 468 litres that grows to 1,410 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.
It’s not the largest in its class, but we’d say it’s worth it for the interior quality and added comfort.
Ford Puma
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Following the Fiesta’s success, Ford decided it was time to revive the Puma name and stick it on a small crossover SUV.
This quirky little hybrid crossover comes packed full of loads of kit even in the entry-level model, which gets an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, sat-nav and smartphone connectivity.
There are two engine options comprising a 125hp and a 155hp 1.0-litre engine that both offer mild hybrid assistance, making it perfect for city driving and those longer road trips that benefit from added electrical power.
The boot of this used Ford offers 401 litres of space, which grows to 1,161 litres when the rear seats are folded flat, beating the Fiesta by more than 600 litres in total.
Nissan Qashqai e-Power
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Following a series of Best Car awards, the Nissan Qashqai is seemingly invincible – and the launch of the hybrid e-Power takes it to the next level.
This new Nissan Qashqai e-Power is more advanced than its mild-hybrid predecessors because it has a self-charging system, which means the petrol engine generates the energy that charges the battery pack – wave goodbye to plugging it in.
While it doesn’t offer electric-only driving, it does make your overall journey more efficient by switching between electric and petrol power.
It’s practical too, thanks to its 504-litre boot space that rivals that of the Citroen C5 Aircross and Dacia Duster.
Lexus NX450h+
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Sitting above the rest of the range, the Lexus NX450h+ is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid, and power comes from a 2.5-litre petrol engine that’s mated to a rechargeable 18.1kWh battery, giving it a vast 40 miles of all-electric range.
Inside, the interior is as you’d expect from a high-end Lexus – flawless. Getting the luxury from Lexus and the quality from Toyota, there’s no way you’d ever feel uncomfortable in one.
Being Japanese-built and designed, the NX offers every piece of tech you could ever want, from a 17-speaker sound system to wooden interior trim for that added style.
Don’t think it ends there either, as the inside is very practical – boot space starts at 520 litres and grows to more than 1,400 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.
BMW X1 xDrive30e
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There are three different types of BMW X1 hybrid, including one mild-hybrid and two plug-in hybrids. Like the X3, the smaller X1 is very capable and practical while still being incredibly modern and stylish.
It shares its platform with the Mini Countryman but adds that bit of BMW-ness to it through its luxurious interior, sleek exterior styling and driver-focused driving style.
The top-spec X1 xDrive30e gets a 150hp efficient petrol engine that’s mated to a 177hp electric motor, giving it a combined power output of 327hp, which is hot hatch level of performance.
While you may be able to thread it down a British country road with ease, the X1 is also practical enough for families, boasting a spacious 540-litre boot.
Renault Captur
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The Captur is to the Clio what the Puma is to the Fiesta. This larger version of the popular hatchback is wildly regarded as being one of the best in its class for affordability and comfort.
What makes this used Renault stand out from the crowd is its sneaky party trick – its rear seats slide forward and back to increase rear legroom or boot space.
There are 379 litres of boot space in the hybrid and 429 litres in the petrol, but if you’re moving up from a hatchback, you’ll notice a difference.
The engine in the hybrid Captur is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit that’s very efficient by itself, and is improved by the addition of an electric motor – offering up to 30 miles of electric-only range.
Honda HR-V
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If you need space for your family but don’t want to dip into MPV life, then the Honda HR-V is a great option for you.
It shares its hybrid tech with the Jazz – which Honda calls ‘e:Hev’ – but to keep things simple, it’s just a 1.5-litre petrol engine that’s mated to two electric motors to make it as efficient as possible.
Honda claims it will give you an impressive 52.3mpg thanks to its efficient hybrid setup. It’s also practical, offering a boot space of 304 litres which grows to 1,274 litres when the seats are folded flat.
Kia Sportage
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The Kia Sportage is like Aldi – it’s cheaper than other supermarkets yet still offers the same quality as its rivals.
This is what we love about the Kia Sportage. It’s that relatable car that’s got a whole host of features, creature comforts and style, but for a fraction of the price of a Range Rover Evoque.
The plug-in hybrid sits at the top of the Sportage range, but it does offer you 40 miles of electric-only range, which saves you money at the fuel pumps and on tax if it’s a company car.
Its boot is massive too, with 540 litres to play with. This beats many of its rivals and means that this small Kia SUV is excellently suited to families and those who may carry the odd heavier load.
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