6 of the best hybrid cars – reviewed

6 of the best hybrid cars – reviewed

One motor is good, but two are better – especially when it means you’re doing your bit to save the planet. Hybrid cars are here to stay, and they’re a lot more exciting than you might think. The six seen here all have electric motors to cut down on any nasty emissions, but will set tongues wagging in ways your typical Uber driver runabout won’t. It’s not all about looks, either: we’ve put the in-car tech to the test, too, to make sure what you buy today won’t be an out-of-date clunker in just a few years’ time.

TOYOTA PRIUS (FROM £24,115)

There are some things you can’t admit to in Stuff HQ – such as having owned a Microsoft Zune, subscribing to Tidal, or appreciating the design of the Prius. And yet, look at those striking proportions and sharp lines. On the road, it’s a genuinely good hatchback drive. It’s still best cruising around town, but performs well enough on motorways, with tight steering and sturdy grip. As for tech, it’s got a pair of 4.2in colour screens that display stats such as speed and fuel level. Step up from the entry-level Active trim and you also get a head-up display that projects the same information onto the windscreen. Verdict: The Walkers Crisps of hybrids: not audacious but likely to be the most popular

BMW I8 (FROM £106,300)

That unmistakable grille might give the game away, but the i8 doesn’t look like any other BMW. This cutting-edge coupé sits bum-scrapingly low to the ground, with aerodynamic curves and cutouts that wrap around the cabin like something straight out of Formula 1. There might only be a 1.5-litre Mini Cooper motor over the back wheels, but combined with the electric motor up front it’s as though you’re behind the wheel of a supercar. It feels planted to the road, though it won’t let you have quite as much fun as the rear-wheel-drive M5. It feels as futuristic inside as you’d expect, with an all-digital dash and BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system. It’s one of the most intuitive sat-nav systems out there, letting you scroll through menus with the chunky control knob. Parking sensors are a godsend, too, because rear visibility isn’t great. Verdict: With its futuristic good looks and impeccable performance, the i8 is the ultimate hybrid

HYUNDAI IONIQ (FROM £20,585)

Hyundai’s Ioniq looks like any other hatchback. Because not everyone wants a car that screams “Welcome to the world of tomorrow!” It’s a restrained
 affair inside, with plenty
 of soft-touch plastics and robust
 switches giving things a smart if 
dull feel. While it’s a tad slow to creep away from the line, you’ll be in for a thoroughly slick ride once it’s up and running. It’s a quicker beast than the Prius, even if you’re not investing in this thing for its sprinting credentials. Sold on an Ioniq? You’re going to want to upgrade to a premium trim. This swaps out its standard 5in touchscreen in favour of an 8in version with TomTom sat-nav. Better still, it comes with life-long map updates and connectivity with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Verdict: It might not be especially flash, but the Ioniq is a quality Prius alternative

VOLVO XC90 T8 (£61,705)

Volvo’s mantra for the XC90? Bigger is best. So while this car’s five-metre length is tastefully designed, you’re reminded of every centimetre when you try to park it. The two engines here combine to give you 400bhp – 38 more than the BMW i8. Don’t go eyeing one up at the lights, though – the XC90 is a lot heavier. But take it ‘off-road’ and you’ll find it’s fully capable of carrying you to your rural retreat. This car also has so much tech we’re surprised it has enough room for two engines. From lane assistance to a head-up display and electronic air-con, the only thing you need to do while driving is stay awake. Verdict: A different kind of luxury SUV, this is an essential if you want a big, green car

GOLF GTE (FROM £29,980)

If the GTI was a wild teenager, the GTE is that same teen but with stubble and a slightly less inflated ego. This car still has touches of boy racer, though, such as its LED lights, sporty-looking steering wheel and whooshing air vents at the front. We spent most of our time driving in hybrid mode, though there are sportier all-petrol modes on offer (and you might need them all if you forget to plug this car in to charge). The steering is assured, and it tops up hills with effortless power. As the first Golf to be fitted with gesture controls for audio and navigation, you might think the GTE would put paid to awkward menu systems, but nope, they’re as obedient as a toddler. Elsewhere all the standard in-car tech boxes are ticked, including Apple CarPlay and parking sensors front and rear. Verdict: A fine plug-in hybrid that’s a breeze to drive – job done, Volkswagen

TOYOTA C-HR (FROM £23,685)

Toyota might call it ‘Coupé – High Rider’, but the C-HR doesn’t ride that much higher than a regular hatchback. Mind you, the swept rear end – complete with boot spoiler and light clusters that wouldn’t look out of place on the USS Enterprise – certainly delivers on the Coupé part. With the same 1.8-litre hybrid petrol engine as the Prius, the C-HR is good for a few miles of all-electric range at best. Most of the time you’ll be using both motors together, with even a gentle prod on the accelerator needing petrol power to get you moving. Assisted, you’ll hit 62mph in 11 seconds. The centre console is dominated by Toyota’s Touch 2 infotainment system, sitting high up to make it easier to glance at while you’re driving. You get DAB, sat-nav and Bluetooth, but the 7in screen isn’t very sharp and the UI is clunky. Verdict: A high-riding alternative to Toyota’s Prius, but without that famously divisive styling