The best family hybrid cars to save on fuel costs
A hybrid family car is essentially still a car with a normal internal combustion engine (normally petrol-powered) but with assistance from an electric motor.
This either works solely alongside the engine or can run alone for up to 40-50 miles in some cars.
This is ideal for driving around cities and towns or on longer motorway journeys because the battery can give the engine that little boost of economy and acceleration.
Here are our favourite hybrid cars for families:
)
Hyundai IONIQ PHEV
The Hyundai IONIQ hybrid is one of those cars that offers everything a family could want from a hybrid car in such a well-sized package, while still being big enough for five people.
It’s also cheap to run and makes sense for longer-distance driving as well as shorter trips across cities or towns.
The IONIQ hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that work together to power the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
On the plug-in hybrid models, Hyundai claims you will get up to 39 miles on a single charge while using electric power only, and a total of 74.3mpg when both the engine and motor work simultaneously.
)
Peugeot 308 PHEV
Until recently you couldn’t buy a plug-in hybrid version of the Peugeot 308, but now you can – and it makes a fantastic family hatchback.
It’s powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a hybrid system that puts out a combined 180hp that drives the front wheels.
Being a plug-in hybrid, the 308 PHEV can travel on electric power alone and Peugeot claims it will travel up to 40 miles on a single charge. When working alongside the petrol engine, the two provide up to 281mpg.
Inside, the 308 is very spacious, despite being a hatchback, and is full of great tech options and has a boot space of 361 litres.
)
Mini Countryman PHEV
Despite the huge success of the all-electric Mini model, there is one unsung hero among the range – the Countryman PHEV.
This is the car that kicked off the proper plug-in hybrid electric trend for the brand, and it’s still a great buy on the used car market.
The beauty of it is just how much range you can get out of it in all-electric mode. If you charge it for 2.5 hours at home using a 9.6kWh home wall box charger, you can expect to see up to 38 miles of range.
It’s powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to two electric motors that produce a combined 220hp.
Despite having a full-blown hybrid system, the Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid still manages to offer up a 405-litre boot.
)
BMW 330e
If you’re after a more upmarket family hybrid, may we draw your attention to the BMW 330e?
This is a plug-in hybrid BMW saloon that offers high levels of luxury, style, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 113hp electric motor. Together, they return up to 157mpg, and on electric power alone the 330e can travel up to 31 miles.
Despite its weight of 1.8 tonnes, this used BMW is surprisingly light on its feet and feels rather sporty. It can launch itself from 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds and handles twisty country roads with ease.
Watch our BMW 330e review
)
Hyundai Tucson
Hybrid family SUVs are becoming very popular because there are few all-electric SUVs that are affordable (even on the used car market) and justifiable, but that’s where the hybrid steps in – more specifically, the Hyundai Tucson.
This hybrid Hyundai family SUV that offers a huge boot, great interior technology, and a solid hybrid system.
Power comes from a 1.6-litre petrol engine that either produces 150hp or 180hp depending on the trim you opt for.
In its top-spec guise, the mild-hybrid system can manage up to 230 miles of range when working alongside the engine, making it one of the best in its class.
)
Toyota RAV4
The second hybrid SUV to make an appearance on this list is the Toyota RAV4 – one of the most popular family vehicles around the world because of its excellent fuel efficiency and size.
Powering this used Toyota SUV is a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor that offers a combined 50.4mpg.
There’s also the choice between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Both produce similar power overall at around 220hp, but one will be better on looser surfaces.
Inside, the RAV4 is very spacious, offering seating for up to five people and a boot measuring 580 litres, expanding to 1,690 litres.
)
Skoda Superb estate
If ultimate luxury is what you want to treat your family to, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider a Skoda Superb estate hybrid.
The Superb is essentially Skoda’s answer to the Mercedes S-Class, offering plush leather seats, a large 510-litre boot, and an excellent hybrid system as seen in select models.
Powering it is a 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to a plug-in hybrid system comprising an 85kW electric motor, which puts out a combined 218hp.
Being a plug-in hybrid, the Superb is capable of travelling up to 38 miles on electric power only.
)
Volvo V60 Recharge
Volvo’s Polestar is absolutely crushing it at the moment, so much so that many of us had forgotten about the hybrid selection it makes.
The one in question is the Volvo V60 Recharge T6, which is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that’s both supercharged and turbocharged.
This, mated to its plug-in hybrid system, makes for a great all-rounder.
On electric power alone, the V60 Recharge can travel up to 54 miles, which is some of the best range from a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
)
Toyota Corolla
There’s a reason Toyota’s Corolla and Prius models are so common among taxi drivers – they’re some of the best hybrids money can buy.
Not only that but they’re also very easy to drive, efficient, well-built, and cheap to run. You can save even more money by opting for a used Toyota model.
Power options comprise of two hybrid units.
The first is the cheaper 1.8-litre hybrid that produces 122hp, and the second is a larger 184hp 2.0-litre petrol hybrid system that might be the better choice if you need that little bit more power.
)
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai's Santa Fe has long been a loved family SUV, and now there’s a plug-in hybrid variant that consists of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and a 13.8kWh battery, offering up to 36 miles of all-electric range.
Inside the cabin, the Santa Fe is very spacious, offering up to seven seats (depending on its trim level).
It also has some cracking features across its infotainment system and dashboard.
You can’t expect the Santa Fe to drive amazingly because it’s a practical family SUV, but you certainly can expect it to do everything you ask of it, from lugging the kids and all their stuff about to doing a long motorway journey up or down the country – it’s a true do-it-all type of car.
Learn more about hybrid cars:
Best family hybrid cars FAQs
Ready to hit the open road?
Let’s find your next car
