Best plug-in hybrid cars 2025 – best and worst PHEVs named

Think all plug-in hybrids are expensive? Prepare to think again, because in our preferred entry-level SE trim, the MG HS is one of the cheapest cars of its kind.

Don’t think that just because you’re paying a bargain price means it’ll feel cheap inside, either. In fact, the GS is easily a match for the more expensive Citroën C5 Aircross in terms of plushness. It’s well equipped, too, with a suite of driver assistance systems and a responsive 12.3in infotainment screen among its standard features.

Then there’s its 75-mile official electric range, which isn’t far off the longest in the plug-in hybrid category – despite the fact that the HS costs far less than most rivals.

The HS is also very practical, with more space for passengers than the Mazda MX-30 R-EV and a generous boot.

At the time of writing, the MG HS 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid costs £31,095.

"The HS may be cheap to buy by PHEV standards, but I don’t think it feels that way inside" – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

Read our in-depth MG HS review

The latest Passat is available only in estate form, meaning that it goes up against impressive rivals including the BMW 3 Series Touring, Citroën C5 X and Mercedes C-Class Estate. Fortunately, as a plug-in hybrid, it’s better than any of them.

Although there are two versions to choose from, we’d stick with the cheaper 201bhp option, which has a long official electric range of 80 miles in this trim.

Despite carrying around a hefty battery, you’ll get more into the Passat’s boot than you would in most estate rivals, while the interior mixes soft-touch surfaces with high-quality plastics in a way that puts the C-Class to shame.

At the time of writing, the Volkswagen Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid 204 Elegance costs £47,430.

"In recent Volkswagen models, I've struggled to adjust the temperature at night because the touch-sensitive controls didn't light up. And while the controls in the latest Passat are still touch-sensitive, they do at least light up now, meaning I don't need to be shivering in the darkness.” – Dan Jones, Reviewer

Read our in-depth Volkswagen Passat review

This version of the Range Rover Sport is as on trend for the wealthy as shopping at Erewhon, combining luxury with efficiency. A large, 31.8kWh (usable capacity) battery brings an official electric range of up to 76 miles – farther than the rival BMW X5 xDrive50e can manage – and with the combined power of its 3.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor, this heavy SUV practically leaps away from standstill.

Air suspension offers a well-cushioned ride, while four-wheel steering helps to improve agility both on and off road. And as with every Range Rover Sport, you get to enjoy the view from a driving position that places you high above the road, while your passengers relax in sumptuous comfort.

At the time of writing, the Range Rover Sport P550e Autobiography costs £114,050.

"I adore the Range Rover Sport's interior. It has precisely the right blend of style, elegance and opulence you'd expect. My passengers were all uniformly impressed." — James Tute, Content Editor

Read our in-depth Range Rover Sport review

While this plug-in hybrid version of the Mazda MX-30 shares some of the same shortcomings as its fully electric MX-30 (including cramped rear seats that are awkward to access), it does address one of our biggest concerns: range.

You see, this version uses a tiny engine to act as a generator for its battery, allowing you to go farther between charges as a result. And while the 53-mile official electric range isn’t as good as the best here, it’ll still be enough to cover the commutes of most buyers.

Inside, the MX-30 is impeccably built and covered in an eclectic variety of materials. For the people in the front, it’s an appealing place in which to travel.

At the time of writing, the Mazda MX-30 R-EV Prime-Line costs £31,495.

“Pressing the brake pedal on the MX-30 R-EV requires a bit more pressure than the one in the DS 4 E-Tense, but I don't think that's a bad thing, because its more precise response makes it easier to bring the Mazda to a halt smoothly.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

Read our in-depth Mazda MX-30 R-EV review

The Volkswagen Golf claims the honour of being the plug-in hybrid with the longest range. Indeed, its 88-mile official figure dwarfs those of some cars here and means you should be able to drive it most of the time on electric power alone, provided you plug it in regularly.

While the rival Seat Leon offers more driving fun, the Golf’s light steering makes it ideal for weaving in and out of traffic. Plus, it rides smoothly even on standard suspension, although you can add adaptive suspension that allows you to stiffen or soften the ride.

The eHybrid loses a chunk of boot space to the battery, mind, as well as the height-adjustable floor of other Golfs.

At the time of writing, the Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI eHybrid costs £37,165.

“I think the Golf plug-in hybrid's Style trim offers all the kit you could need, such as three-zone climate control and sports seats. Plus, to my eyes, the extra styling details it brings are well worth the money.” – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor

Read our in-depth Volkswagen Golf review

The GLC 300e is a big SUV with a big electric range; at 76 miles officially in this trim, it’s farther than the Lexus NX 450h+ and Volvo XC60 T6 can go. The 300e is punchy, too, with the instant pulling power of its electric motor helping to make progress effortless.

While it offers plenty of grip and composure, the 300e doesn’t handle with the same agility as non-plug-in GLCs, and its ride isn’t as polished as that of the Audi Q5. However, the 300e is still a quiet and comfortable cruiser.

The striking interior has plenty of space for adult occupants, but you can’t fit as much into the boot as you can in most plug-in rivals.

At the time of writing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e AMG Line Premium costs £68,360.

“With standard air suspension at the rear, the GLC does a fine job of soaking up bumps, plus it remains hushed even at motorway speeds” – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor

Read our in-depth Mercedes GLC review

Not only can the Kodiaq iV help to slash your running costs, but it can save you money in the first place, because it undercuts most rivals on price.

With an official electric range of up to 76 miles, it’ll be able to cover most daily commutes without calling on its 1.5-litre petrol engine, but when the latter does join in, it’s smooth and punchy.

Although the Kodiaq’s ride is firmer than the Citroën C5 Aircross’s, it offers better body control as a result. The Volkswagen Tiguan still feels sharper to drive, though.

Bear in mind that, unlike other Kodiaqs, the iV can’t be had with seven seats or a height-adjustable boot floor.

At the time of writing, the Skoda Kodiaq 1.5 TSI iV SE costs £41,935.

“I love the driving position in the Kodiaq, because it places you high up in the car, allowing you to see what's happening around you. The seats are pleasantly supportive, too.” – George Hill, Staff Writer

Read our in-depth Skoda Kodiaq review

The E300e plug-in hybrid is our recommended choice, and gets a combined 328bhp from its 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor. In fact, it's currently the most potent E-Class you can buy, accelerating from 0-62mph in a hot hatch-rivalling 6.5 seconds.

As a luxury car counting the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series among its key rivals, you'd expect the E-Class to be comfortable inside, and to be surrounded by premium materials. That's largely the case, although the E-Class' infotainment system is neither as slick nor as intuitive to operate as the 5 Series' iDrive setup. And while the interior is visually appealing, the materials aren't as plush as those used on the A6.

This sixth-generation E-Class is larger in every respect than its predecessor, and that means there's lots of head and leg room throughout. And while plug-in hybrid models lose some boot space compared with regular versions, there's still likely to be enough for your family's holiday luggage.

At the time of writing, the Mercedes E-Class E300e AMG Line Premium costs £64,610.

“I like the E-Class' rear seats – the space is generous, and the seatbacks fold down in a handy 40/20/40 split, so you can load longer items with ease while still keeping space for a passenger or two.” – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor

Read our in-depth Mercedes E-Class review

As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW 330e is seriously impressive, with a decent electric-only range of 62 miles, a punchy 0-62mph sprint time of 5.9sec and the promise of low running costs if you can keep its 19.5kWh battery topped up. 

More than that, though, the 330e impresses as an executive car, with a higher-quality interior than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Tesla Model 3 and the best infotainment system in the class. Plus, it’s good to drive.

The 3 Series is more accommodating for rear passengers than the C-Class and has more space in its boot for their luggage – even with some capacity given over to its battery.

At the time of writing, the BMW 330e M Sport costs £48,345.

"The extra weight of the 330e means it's not quite as agile as other models in the 3 Series range, but on a twisty set of roads, I found it far more fun than the equivalent C-Class or Volvo V60." — Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer

Read our in-depth BMW 3 Series review

Given that three of its models appear in this list, you’d be right in assuming that Mercedes knows a thing or two about building plug-in hybrids. Indeed, this version of the C-Class has many of the same positive attributes as its GLC and E-Class siblings, but it costs less to buy.

Not only does the C300e have a longer official range than its BMW 330e rival (up to 71 miles), but it’ll also cost you less in benefit-in-kind tax as a company car driver. 

Standard rear air suspension helps to make the C300e supremely comfortable, despite the battery’s weight. And while the interior feels a bit flimsy in places, there’s no denying its visual wow factor.

At the time of writing, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300e Urban Edition costs £49,860.

“It's easy to get comfortable inside the C-Class. All versions come with plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, while AMG Line Premium cars and above get electric seat adjustment – useful if, like me, you have a long commute.” – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor

Read our in-depth Mercedes C-Class review

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