Best Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Cars in 2025

04th Sep 2025

By Ellie Brown

As we move closer to a world of purely electric cars, many drivers are opting for a practical middle ground between traditional petrol and diesel models and the leap to fully electric.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars offer the best of both worlds: the smooth, quiet drive, lower emissions, and reduced running costs of an electric car, paired with the flexibility and convenience of petrol or diesel power when you need it.

If you’re looking for value, practicality, or simply the right fit for your lifestyle, here are some of the best, most affordable, and longest-range PHEVs on the new and used car market to help you make an informed choice.

Audi A3 TFSI e

Grey Audi A3 Sportback, driving down country road

Electric range: Up to 88 miles

Starting off strong with one of the longest range PHEVs you can buy today, the Audi A3 TFSI e is living proof you don't have to choose between luxury and practicality. Not only does it take the cake for its impressive 88-mile battery range, it's comfortable and refined too, with a premium interior you won't want to leave.

Being an Audi, the A3 is pricier than some rivals, but in return you'll get superb build quality, a smooth and quiet drive, and a badge with plenty of prestige. No matter if you opt for a new or used model, the A3 is packed with technology, too, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, and a rear view camera in newer models.

Despite its eco-friendly side, the A3 doesn’t skimp on performance either. With 201bhp under the bonnet and a 0 to 62mph time of 7.4 seconds, it’s quick enough to feel lively on the road. Charging the A3 can be done in as little as 26 minutes when you use a rapid charger, and whilst home charging times vary, you can expect a full charge in around four hours.

Boot size is reduced by the battery in PHEV models, but you still get a decent 280 litres at your disposal - that'll do just fine for the weekly shop or luggage for a weekend away.

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Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota Prius in White Parked at Angle

Electric range: Up to 53 miles

A household name and a common sight on British roads, the Toyota Prius is popular for many reasons; the biggest being its exceptional efficiency and bulletproof reliability. These are only enhanced with the plug-in hybrid model, thanks to excellent fuel economy and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Covering up to 53 miles on electric power alone, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid also brings plenty of punch under the bonnet, with 220bhp and a 0 to 62mph time of just 6.8 seconds. Charging at home is quick and convenient too, with a full charge possible in as little as four hours.

True to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the Prius also shines in the safety department. It comes loaded with the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense, featuring a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. Where the Prius exceeds in safety, there's still all the kit you need for an enjoyable ride. With a powerful multimedia system complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, drivers can make calls, set navigation, and stream media via voice control or a crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either, with up to 360 litres of boot space (depending on the generation), giving you more than enough room for everyday use.

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Volkswagen Golf eHybrid

Volkswagen Golf eHybrid Driving

Electric range: Up to 89 miles

The award-winning Volkswagen Golf is now available as a plug-in hybrid, and it takes the prize for having the longest electric range on the market with a whopping 89 miles - that makes a great rival for the A3's 88 miles, but at a much lower price point.

There's plenty to like about the e-Golf, namely its flexibility across trims: the standard Golf eHybrid delivers up to 89 miles of electric range, the Style eHybrid up to 88 miles, and the GTE up to 82 miles.

Charging has also improved with the latest generation, with AC charging at up to 11kW (previously just 3.6kW), meaning a 0 to 100 percent charge can be done in as little as two and a half hours. It also supports DC quick-charging at up to 40kW for faster top-ups on the go.

Technology is solid, with a high-gloss centre console, infotainment screen with navigation, and smartphone connectivity. The interior is clean and functional, though if you want more luxury you may prefer stretching to the Audi A3 or BMW 330e.

Being a small plug-in hybrid car, boot space comes in at 273 litres, which isn't the biggest in its class, but still practical enough for shopping or a weekend away.

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Peugeot 308 Plug-in Hybrid

Peugeot 308

Electric range: Up to 42 miles

Peugeot has upped its game in recent years in terms of style and road presence, even rivalling some luxury manufacturers. The 308 Plug-in Hybrid was introduced to the brand's line-up in 2021, offering both efficiency and power in a compact package.

Capable of 42 miles on pure electric power, it may not be the longest-range model on the market, but it’s still more than enough for the average daily commute or school run. For longer journeys, the petrol engine steps in, giving you the flexibility to go further without range anxiety.

Step inside and you'll be greeted by Peugeot's signature i-Cockpit design, featuring a compact steering wheel, digital driver display, and a slick 10-inch central touchscreen. Technology is plentiful too, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance systems as standard.

Performance is another strong point, with power outputs of up to 222bhp depending on the version you choose. That makes it more than capable on the motorway while still feeling quiet and refined in town. Charging from a home wallbox takes around four hours, so overnight top-ups are quick and convenient.

Practicality remains solid, with 361 litres of boot space (dropping slightly from the petrol version due to the hybrid battery), which is still enough for daily use. Fold the rear seats down, and you’ve got over 1,200 litres at your disposal, providing plenty of space for most needs.

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BMW 330e

BMW 3 Series 330e

Electric range: Up to 63 miles

Famed for its driving dynamics and premium feel, the BMW 3 Series has long been a favourite among those wanting a sporty yet practical executive car. Available as either a saloon or an estate (badged Touring), the 330e Plug-in Hybrid brings an eco-friendly edge without losing any of the qualities that make the 3 Series so popular.

In Saloon form, the 330e can drive up to 63 miles on electric power, meaning plenty of shorter trips can be completed without using a drop of petrol. The Touring offers a still-impressive 60 miles of range, while adding extra versatility thanks to its larger 410-litre boot (compared to 375 litres in the saloon) and flexible interior space.

Performance is a real highlight, with a combined output of 288bhp and BMW’s electric boost function giving sharp acceleration when you need it. The 0 to 62mph sprint takes just 5.9 seconds in the Saloon and 6.0 seconds in the Touring, making the 330e not only efficient but genuinely fun to drive.

Inside, the 330e feels every bit as premium as you’d expect from a BMW. Elegant lines and quality materials are paired with the latest technology, including a high-resolution digital display, intuitive infotainment, and a wide range of intelligent driver assistance systems for added safety.

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Skoda Kodiaq iV

Skoda Kodiaq Side Profile Angle

Electric range: Up to 71 miles

Moving into SUV territory, the Skoda Kodiaq is a favourite in the UK thanks to its massively spacious interior and great value for money. Add the iV PHEV variant into the mix, and you get even more benefits to what was already a great car.

Under the bonnet, the Kodiaq iV makes use of a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 201bhp. That’s more than enough to keep up with motorway traffic, while the electric motor alone can handle most short trips in silence.

With an electric-only range of up to 71 miles (WLTP), it’s one of the longest-ranged plug-in hybrids in its class, making short daily drives impressively cheap to run.

Though it's not available with seven seats like its petrol-powered sibling, it still offers enough room for a family of five to ride comfortably, and a huge 745-litre boot that can swallow just about any equipment with ease.

Charging adds even more practicality to the Kodiaq experience. It's capable of 10 to 80 percent charge in just 26 minutes, and as little as two and a half hours with a home wallbox.

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BYD Seal U DM-i

BYD SEAL U DM-i Front Angle Driving

Electric range: Up to 79 miles

As one of the most recent additions to the plug-in hybrid market, the BYD Seal U DM-i brings plenty of fresh appeal with its looks, technology, and efficiency.

With up to 78 miles of pure electric range, it’s one of the longest-range PHEVs available today, making daily commutes and school runs a breeze without ever touching the petrol engine. Combine that with a total driving range of around 699 miles, and long-distance trips are just as effortless. Performance is strong too, with a 0 to 62mph time of 5.9 seconds, ensuring the Seal U feels every bit as lively as it looks.

Styling follows BYD’s 'Ocean Aesthetics' design language, giving the Seal U a sleek, modern presence on the road. Step inside, and you’re met with a futuristic interior that feels premium and high-tech. Highlights include a large central touchscreen that rotates between portrait and landscape, digital driver’s display, and a host of smart connectivity features as standard.

Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either. The Seal U DM-i offers generous passenger space and a family-friendly 425-litre boot, making it a genuine alternative to more established plug-in hybrid SUVs.

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MG HS Plug-in Hybrid

MG HS Hybrid + Front Angle Alternative

Electric range: Up to 75 miles

MG has made a reputation in the UK for its clever range of vehicles at a low price point, and the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid is a great example of this. It boasts sharp SUV styling with impressive efficiency, making it a solid choice for families who want to cut running costs without losing practicality.

With a sizeable 24.7kWh battery, the HS can travel up to 75 miles on electric power alone, which is far more than most rivals in this price bracket. For many people, that’s enough to cover the daily commute or school run without needing to use any petrol at all.

The HS' interior feels well put together and surprisingly upmarket for the money. Two large 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, giving you a crisp driver display and easy-to-use infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Out on the road, the HS is quiet and relaxed in EV mode, with enough power for motorway driving when the petrol engine joins in. It might not have the sharpest handling in the class, but as a family-friendly SUV that’s cheap to run and generously equipped, it makes a very convincing case for itself.

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Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo XC90 Hybrid

Electric range: Up to 44 miles

Winning first place on our list for interior space, the Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid is the ideal PHEV for large families, thanks to its comfortable seven seat configuration. With plenty of room in all three rows, it’s easy to fit children, adults, and luggage without feeling cramped.

The XC90’s plug-in hybrid system combines a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a smooth and refined drive while keeping emissions and running costs lower than a conventional SUV. It offers up to 44 miles of electric-only range, which is plenty for daily commutes or short trips around town, while the petrol engine ensures long-distance journeys are hassle-free.

Inside, the cabin feels luxurious without being fussy, with a large central touchscreen, digital driver display, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also plenty of thoughtful storage solutions for family life, and Volvo’s safety technology remains among the best in class.

Despite its size, the XC90 handles confidently, with a composed ride and enough power to keep motorway cruising effortless. Add in its 7-seat practicality and 640 litres of boot space (262 litres with all seven seats up), and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice for families looking for a capable plug-in hybrid SUV.

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Range Rover

Range Rover in gold side view lifestyle

Electric range: Up to 76 miles

When you think of luxury SUVs, Range Rover is one of the first names that comes to mind. The plug-in hybrid version brings that same premium feel, but with the added benefits of efficiency and reduced emissions.

Not only does the Range Rover offer smooth hybrid performance and a prestigious badge, it also retains the class-leading off-road capability the model is famous for, thanks to its four-wheel drive system.

With an electric range of up to 76 miles, it's among the best in its class too, handling most daily drives entirely on electric power, making it a genuinely practical option for commutes, school runs, or weekend trips.

Boot space is generous for the class at 818 litres, and the flexibility of the plug-in hybrid system means you can enjoy a lower running cost without compromising the luxury or capability you expect from a Range Rover.

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Find your perfect plug-in hybrid car at Evans Halshaw

At Evans Halshaw we have an extensive range of efficient and powerful new and used plug-in hybrid cars available across our nationwide dealership network.

If you're still unsure whether a PHEV is the right type of electrified vehicle for you, we have created plenty more handy buying guides in our blog section, including best used electric cars and best used self-charging hybrid cars.