Hybrid SUVs - What to Look For

25-04-2023

Hybrid SUVs are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. They offer the best of both worlds: the space and practicality of an SUV, with the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a hybrid.

If you're thinking about buying a hybrid SUV, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to decide what type of hybrid you want. There are two main types of hybrid SUVs: mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Mild hybrids use a small electric motor to assist the petrol or diesel engine. This can improve fuel economy by up to 20%. Mild hybrids are the most affordable type of hybrid SUV, but they don't offer as much electric range as plug-in hybrids.

Plug-in hybrids have a larger electric motor and a larger battery pack. This allows them to travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone. Plug-in hybrids are more expensive than mild hybrids, but they offer the most benefits in terms of fuel economy and emissions.

Once you've decided what type of hybrid you want, you need to choose a model. There are a number of hybrid SUVs available in the UK, from a variety of manufacturers.

Here are some of the most popular hybrid SUVs available in the UK:

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a compact SUV that is available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. It is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, which combine to produce 219 horsepower. The RAV4 Hybrid gets up to 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.

The RAV4 Hybrid is also available in a variety of trim levels, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. The base LE trim comes standard with features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The XLE trim adds features like a sunroof, heated front seats, and a JBL sound system. The Limited trim adds even more features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a wireless charging pad.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a mid-size SUV that is available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, which combine to produce 212 horsepower. The CR-V Hybrid gets up to 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.

The CR-V Hybrid is also available in a variety of trim levels, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. The base LX trim comes standard with features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The EX trim adds features like a sunroof, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Touring trim adds even more features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display.

Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid is a compact SUV that is available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. It is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, which combine to produce 139 horsepower. The Niro Hybrid gets up to 50 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.

The Niro Hybrid is also available in a variety of trim levels, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. The base LX trim comes standard with features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The EX trim adds features like a sunroof, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Touring trim adds even more features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display.

Ford Kuga Hybrid

The Ford Kuga Hybrid is a compact SUV that is available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. It is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which combine to produce 190 horsepower. The Kuga Hybrid gets up to 44 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.

The Kuga Hybrid is also available in a variety of trim levels, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. The base Kuga Hybrid comes standard with features like an 8-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The ST-Line trim adds features like a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a black exterior styling package. The Vignale trim adds even more features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a B&O sound system.

Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine

The Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine is a plug-in hybrid SUV that is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine that produces 316 horsepower, and an electric motor that produces 87 horsepower. The combined output of the two power sources is 407 horsepower.

The XC60 T8 Twin Engine can travel up to 28 miles on electric power alone, which makes it a great choice for city driving. When the battery runs out of power, the gasoline engine automatically kicks in.

The XC60 T8 Twin Engine is available in a variety of trim levels, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. The base Momentum trim comes standard with features like a 9-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and a 10-speaker sound system. The R-Design trim adds features like a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a black exterior styling package. The Inscription trim adds even more features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a B&O sound system.

These are just a few of the many hybrid SUVs available in the UK. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly SUV, a hybrid is a great option.

Benefits of Buying a Hybrid SUV

There are many benefits to buying a hybrid SUV. Here are just a few:

• Fuel economy: Hybrid SUVs are much more fuel-efficient than traditional petrol or diesel SUVs. This can save you money on your fuel bills.
• Emissions: Hybrid SUVs produce lower emissions than traditional petrol or diesel SUVs. This is good for the environment.
• Tax benefits: Hybrid SUVs are often exempt from road tax and benefit-in-kind tax. This can save you money on your annual motoring costs.
• Government grants: There are a number of government grants available for hybrid SUVs. This can help you to offset the cost of buying a hybrid SUV.

Things to Consider When Buying a Hybrid SUV

There are a few things to consider when buying a hybrid SUV. Here are just a few:

• Price: Hybrid SUVs are more expensive than traditional petrol or diesel SUVs. However, the fuel savings and tax benefits can help to offset the cost of buying a hybrid SUV.
• Range: If you plan on doing a lot of long journeys, you'll need to choose a hybrid SUV with a long electric range.
• Charging infrastructure: If you plan on charging your hybrid SUV at home, you'll need to make sure that you have a suitable charging point.
• Warranty: Make sure that the hybrid SUV you choose has a good warranty. This will protect you in the event of any problems with the vehicle.

Hybrid SUVs are a great option for drivers who want a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle. They offer the best of both worlds: the space and practicality of an SUV, with the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a hybrid.

If you're thinking about buying a hybrid SUV, be sure to do your research and choose the right model for your needs.

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