When it comes to SUVs, there is always the presumption that they are thirsty, inefficient and expensive to run.
However, while this might be true for some models, the popularity of this sector means that many manufacturers are choosing to launch electric SUVs. These are usually their own bespoke models, though, but there are also a surprising number of hybrid versions of regular SUVs.
Here are seven SUVs you didn’t know were available with hybrid powertrains…
BMW X5
BMW has one of the most comprehensive line-ups of electrified powertrains of any manufacturer. By the middle of 2020 there will be plug-in hybrid versions of the X1, X2, X3 and X5, but it’s the latter that impresses the most.
It doesn’t cost considerably more than the regular X5, but it offers an impressive 50-mile electric range and the potential for incredibly low running costs, with BMW claiming more than 200mpg, along with CO2 emissions of just 31g/km – ensuring ultra-low company car tax.
Peugeot 3008
Peugeot will soon be launching its first plug-in hybrid models, and it will mean that you’ll be able to get an ultra-efficient version of the excellent 3008 SUV. Two electrified versions are available, one with front-wheel-drive and another that sends its power to the rear wheels.
Peugeot promises that they’ll be able to travel up to 36 miles on electric power, while delivering a claimed fuel economy figure of over 200mpg and CO2 emissions of just 29g/km. Choose the all-wheel-drive version and it’s also by far the most powerful 3008 available – producing 296bhp, and enabling a 0-60mph time of just 5.7 seconds.
Ford Puma
The Ford Puma offers a different hybrid powertrain to the rest of these cars on this list – utilising a mild-hybrid setup, which is where electrical assistance helps the petrol engine, rather than it being able to run purely on electric power alone.
It’s available on the 123bhp and 153bhp versions of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, and helps this excellent new compact crossover to be sharper to drive and also more efficient.
Citroen C5 Aircross
Citroen is also launching its first plug-in hybrid in 2020, too, with an electrified version of the funky and ultra-comfortable C5 Aircross.
It’s available with the same 222bhp petrol-electric setup as the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, with Citroen promising the model will able to run on electricity for 31 miles. This allows it to have some impressively low running costs, with a claimed fuel economy figure of 166mpg, and CO2 emissions of 39g/km. It’s priced from £35,340, with first deliveries expected in the middle of 2020.
Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman might be best known for being the most spacious version of the British brand’s chic models, but what many don’t know is that this crossover is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Featuring the same underpinnings as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the powertrain pairs a three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery to produce a combined 222bhp – similar to that offered by the hot Cooper S version. While not offering as lengthy ranges as more modern PHEVs, the Countryman can still travel 25 miles on a single charge. It also returns 134.5mpg, with CO2 emissions of 49g/km.
Vauxhall Grandland X
Vauxhall is also joining in with the hybrid SUV action with electrified versions of its popular Grandland X – the largest crossover in its line-up.
It shares its plug-in hybrid powertrains with the Citroen C5 Aircross and Peugeot 3008, with each being sister products under the PSA Group umbrella. It means buyers can pick between a 222bhp or 296bhp version, with the former being the most efficient. It can return up to a claimed 192mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 25g/km. You’ll also be able to travel 34 miles on electric power, too.
Volvo XC90
Just like BMW, Volvo is a manufacturer that’s got an impressive line-up of electrified models. The Swedish manufacturer is perhaps more impressive, though, given you can choose a plug-in hybrid version of each of its new cars.
But it’s the flagship XC90 T8 that appeals the most with its sublime blend of performance, efficiency and comfort. Despite producing 385bhp, it’s also capable of returning a claimed 113mpg with CO2 emissions of 55g/km. A 28-mile electric range could make this the ideal alternative to a petrol XC90 if you’re able to charge it up regularly.
