Plug-in hybrids, those electrified chameleons of modern transportation, are experiencing a second spring in 2025. And for good reason. They promise a quieter, cleaner and cheaper ride – at least on paper. On the road, however... well, it depends on how much time you have to charge and how long your daily routine lasts. So here's our list: the best family plug-in hybrids of 2025
In this guide – the best family plug-in hybrids 2025 – we take a closer look at 11 current PHEV models, covering everything from sporty crossovers to sleek sedans, and see which ones really can convince you – and which ones are more of a battery-powered marketing gimmick. Read on if you’re interested in more than just how many horsepower the latest digital cockpit has.
Volkswagen Passat eHybrid
Volkswagen Passat eHybrid is available as a mid-range plug-in hybrid (mostly as Variant station wagon) and combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor. The total system output is 150 kW (204 hp) in the basic version, and a more powerful 200 kW (272 hp) version is also available. The new Passat eHybrid boasts an exceptional electric range of up to 120 km (WLTP), which means that in everyday driving we can cover a lot of distance entirely on electricity. The battery has a net capacity of 19.7 kWh and supports DC fast charging with a power of up to 50 kW (in addition to 11 kW AC), which allows for much faster charging than the previous generation.
Charging at a DC station charges the battery to 80 % in about half an hour, which is a big advantage on long trips. Basic Passat eHybrid (150 kW) costs around €50,300 including VAT in Germany, which, given the parameters offered, represents a very competitive price in the business wagon segment. In our opinion, it is currently the first on the list of the best family plug-in hybrids of 2025.
MG HS Plug-in Hybrid
MG HS PHEV is an affordable mid-size SUV of Chinese origin (MG brand), which brings significant improvements in the revised edition for 2024/2025. Battery 24.7 kWh allows him to 120 km electric range (WLTP), which is among the best in its class. This long range is the result of almost double the battery capacity compared to its predecessor. The system power of the drive is around 200 kW (272 hp), as it combines a 1.5-liter turbo engine with a powerful electric motor. The disadvantage of the MG HS model is the lack of fast DC charging - the built-in charger only allows AC charging with a power of up to 6.6 kW, which means that charging at a home charging station takes about 3-4 hours, and faster public charging is not available.
This is definitely a trade-off to consider (especially for those who want to charge the battery while on the go). However, the MG HS PHEV excels in terms of price – in many EU countries it is the base model is around €37,000 (e.g. in Slovenia ~36,500 € for Comfort equipment). In Ireland the recommended price is from 40.995 €, which testifies to the accessibility of this vehicle given its size and capabilities.
Renault Rafale E-Tech
Renault Rafale is a new coupe-style upper mid-range SUV, which is being developed E-Tech 4×4 300hp equipped with a plug-in hybrid drive. It combines a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and three electric motors, and the total system power is impressive ~220 kW (300 hp)The battery has a capacity of 22 kWh, which is sufficient for approximately 105 km electric range (WLTP) – Renault states up to 65 miles. The Rafale therefore allows you to do most of your daily driving on electricity, while at the same time, thanks to its 4-wheel drive and powerful petrol engine, it has excellent acceleration (0–100 km/h in approximately 6.4 seconds). The battery is charged via an onboard charger 7.4 kW (it can be charged in less than 3 hours at a home charging station). Unfortunately, fast DC charging is not supported., which is expected given the size of the battery – charging at public fast charging stations will therefore not be faster than regular AC.
The base price for the Rafale E-Tech PHEV (300 hp, Esprit Alpine package) is around €1,000 in France and Germany. 48.000 €, while the better-equipped version (Atelier Alpine) exceeds 50 thousand. This places the Rafale among the more expensive plug-in hybrids, but it offers top-notch performance and technological features (e.g. 4-wheel drive with a separate electric motor on the rear axle).
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Fifth generation Toyota Prius The Plug-in Hybrid brings bold design and significantly improved PHEV technology. The new Prius PHEV has 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides up to 69 km electric range (WLTP) – about half as much as the previous generation. In addition, the powertrain has been upgraded: the 2.0-liter gasoline engine in combination with the electric motor develops a total 164 kW (220 hp) system power, which means much better acceleration than older Priuses. The Prius Plug-in remains efficient, as it allows most daily commutes to be done on electricity, while the economical gasoline engine kicks in for longer trips. One of the weaknesses of the Prius PHEV is the lack of fast DC charging – charging is limited to alternating current (built-in charger ~3.3 kW), so charging the battery at a home charger takes about 4 hours.
This is a bit disappointing, as some newer competitors already offer DC charging for similarly sized batteries. However, the Prius impresses with its low consumption and the option of an optional sunroof that can provide some extra energy. The price The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid in Germany starts at around €45,300 including VAT for the basic equipment, while higher-equipped versions approach 50 thousand. Toyota is counting on a loyal circle of customers who appreciate the legendary Prius name and its improved environmental properties.
Skoda Kodiaq eHybrid
Shame on the Kodiaq eHybrid (also referred to as Kodiaq iV) represents the first plug-in hybrid in the Kodiaq series and is the ideal choice for those who want a spacious SUV with electric supportThe new Kodiaq PHEV uses the second generation of VW hybrid technology: a 1.5-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine (110 kW) is combined with an electric motor (85 kW), together developing 150 kW (204 hp) system power. Battery is increased to 25.7 kWh gross (19.7 kWh net), which allows up to 120 km electric range in E-mode (officially up to 75 miles). This means that the Kodiaq iV can be driven locally almost like a real electric car. An important advantage of the Kodiaq eHybrid is the support DC fast charging – the battery can be charged from 10 % to 80 % at a fast charger in approximately 26 minutes, as the car receives power up to 50 kW DC. AC charging is available with a power of up to 11 kW (full in ~2.5 h) for convenient home charging. The Kodiaq retains all the features of the regular Kodiaq: a spacious seven-seat interior, a large trunk and advanced assistance, but in the eHybrid version it can drive quietly and emission-free around the city.
Affordable The Kodiaq iV is positioned in a higher class – in Germany it starts at €48,530 including VAT for the basic Selection equipment. This is a bit more than the comparable VW Passat eHybrid, but the Kodiaq SUV has more space and four-wheel drive (in versions with a 4×4 engine), which justifies the choice for buyers for whom this means a lot. One of the best on the list – the best family plug-in hybrids 2025.
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
The Hyundai Tucson PHEV is popular compact SUV, which offers an excellent performance-price ratio as a plug-in hybrid. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, the total system power is 265 hp (195 kW), which is sufficient for rapid acceleration (0–100 km/h in around 8 seconds) and confident driving. Battery has capacity 13.8 kWh, which allows Tucson to 56–62 km electric range (WLTP) in favorable conditions. This means that shorter daily journeys can be made using electricity alone.
Charging is via the built-in 7.2 kW charger (AC), which charges the battery in approximately two and a half hours at a suitable home charging station. Fast DC charging is not supported, which is typical for this size battery – users will rely on charging overnight at home or in the morning at work.
The Hyundai Tucson PHEV also stands out for including four-wheel drive (HTRAC) as standard for better traction. The price the basic PHEV version (Select) in Germany is around 44.700 €and the middle equipment package (Trend) costs approximately €47,700. Given the extensive standard equipment (e.g. 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, navigation) and capabilities, the Tucson PHEV is often described as a rational purchase in its segment.
Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid
The Ford Kuga PHEV has been one of the best-selling plug-in hybrids in Europe in recent years – and for good reason. It is spacious compact SUV with a reliable hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and an electric motor. Together, they develop around 165 kW (225 hp) system power, which is sufficient for comfortable family driving. Battery has capacity 14.4 kWh, giving the Kuga an electric range of between 57 and 67 km (WLTP), depending on equipment and conditions. In practice, around 60 km of range is enough for the Kuga to cover most daily journeys (work, errands) on electricity, which significantly reduces fuel consumption. The Kuga PHEV, although one of the first in its class, does not support fast DC charging – the battery can only be charged via AC (maximum ~3.6 kW), so charging at a home outlet takes about 5 hours. This is less convenient than with newer competitors with higher charging powers, but Ford is betting that users will charge overnight at home. Another special feature of the Kuga is that, as a PHEV, it still only has front-wheel drive (the electric motor is in the front, there is no drive at the rear). The price but the trump card: the Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid is one of the more affordable – in Germany, the basic version (Cool&Connect PHEV) cost around €100 before the price increase 43.750 €, which puts it below many of its rivals. Even the better-equipped versions (ST-Line X) rarely exceed 45-46 thousand with regular discounts, making the Kuga PHEV a financially attractive choice for families. Guilty – because it is often overlooked on the list – the best family plug-in hybrids 2025.
Cupra Formentor VZ e-HYBRID
The Cupra Formentor is a sporty crossover, in VZ e-HYBRID The updated Formentor for 2024 uses a new 1.5-liter TSI engine (instead of the old 1.4) in combination with an electric motor and an enlarged battery. Total power in the version VZ amounts to 200 kW (272 hp), which is reflected in acceleration – it is one of the most powerful PHEVs in this class. Battery pauses 19.7 kWh net, which ensures up to 116 km electric range (72 miles) according to official figures – an exceptional result that enables fully electric driving even over slightly longer distances. Of course, in reality the range will depend on the driving, but still the Formentor e-Hybrid significantly exceeds the previous limits in the compact PHEV segment. Cupra has kept up with the times and has also enabled DC-fast charging; The Formentor e-HYBRID supports DC charging (CCS standard) up to 50 kW. This means that the battery can be charged to 80 % in around half an hour at a fast charger – a great advantage for users on the go who want to take advantage of the long electric range. In the home garage, the battery can be charged in around 3 hours using a 6.8 kW charger. The Cupra Formentor VZ e-Hybrid is in the higher price range among PHEVs: in Germany, such a version costs from around 53.000 € (the basic 204-horsepower e-Hybrid variant without VZ equipment costs around €48,600). For this price, the buyer gets rich equipment, attractive design, a sporty chassis and a technologically advanced drive that convinces in both performance and efficiency.
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi PHEV AWD GT-Line
As a cousin of the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage brings similar technology in a slightly different package in plug-in hybrid form. The powertrain consists of a 1.6-liter T-GDi gasoline engine and an electric motor, which together provide 265 hp system power and serial four-wheel drive (AWD). Battery has capacity 13.8 kWh, which is sufficient for approximately 50–60 km electric range (WLTP) – officially up to around 55 km. This is comparable to the Tucson, although the Sportage is slightly larger; Kia has achieved a good compromise between range and consumption. The Sportage PHEV does not support DC fast charging (which means you are limited to AC charging ~7 kW), which is a minor disappointment considering the otherwise excellent overall package. However, the battery can be charged at a home charger in just over 2 hours, which will be perfectly acceptable for most users. The Sportage PHEV in Europe (e.g. in Slovenia) is only offered in rich equipment GT-Line, which raises the price, but also means full equipment (19-inch wheels, leather, assistance, etc.). The price The Sportage PHEV GT-Line is priced around 44.000 € with taxes included (in promotions or with financing, prices can be a few thousand lower). This is a competitive price considering the equipment, although slightly higher than the related Tuscon. Kia is betting on a 7-year warranty and reliability, and with the Sportage PHEV it is addressing buyers who want moderate electric range and proven technology in an attractively designed SUV package.
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 PHEV Twin Engine
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a pioneer among plug-in hybrid SUVs and for 2025 it comes in a refreshed version that finally reaches Europe again. It is powered by a 2.4-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors (front and rear), which allows permanent electric four-wheel drive (Twin Motor 4WD). The total power of the updated model has increased to around 302 HP, which is a significant jump over the previous generation (252 hp). The biggest gain is the larger 23 kWh battery gross capacity (approximately 20 kWh net, depending on the market) – in the European specification this is 22.7 kWh, which allows up to 86 km electric range (WLTP)The Outlander PHEV therefore exceeds the 50 km mark and approaches 90 km of range, placing it at the very top of the SUV plug-in hybrids. Another special feature of the Outlander is the support DC fast charging: Mitsubishi remains one of the few that offers a DC connection (in Europe a combination of Type2 and CHAdeMO). The battery can be charged at a fast charger with up to 50 kW, allowing the 80-% to be fully charged in approximately 38 minutes. This is a big advantage for customers who travel long distances and want to quickly add some range. The Outlander PHEV remains a spacious family SUV with five (in some markets even seven) seats and a solid trunk, and in the new edition it also brings upgraded infotainment technology and safety systems. Prices new generations are starting in Europe around 50.000 € – in Germany, for example, the basic model costs approximately 49.990 €That's a bit higher than the previous model, but given the increased battery and performance, the Outlander is still an interesting alternative to mainstream plug-in hybrids. Often overlooked on the list - the best family plug-in hybrids 2025.
Honda CR-V 2.0 e:PHEV Advance Tech
The Honda CR-V, in its sixth generation, is also available for the first time as a plug-in hybrid, called e:PHEV. It is Honda's first PHEV model on the European market, promising to combine the advantages of their proven e:HEV hybrid system with a decent electric range. The drive consists of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors (Honda uses an innovative system where the gasoline engine is a generator most of the time, and the electric motor takes over direct drive to the wheels at lower speeds). The total power of the drive is 135 kW (184 hp), which is enough for a smooth and quiet ride; the CR-V PHEV is not intended as a sports car, but as an economical and comfortable SUV. Battery has capacity 17.7 kWh, which is sufficient for up to 80 km electric driving range (50 miles)In EV mode, the CR-V e:PHEV can reach speeds of up to ~130 km/h, meaning that even on the highway we can maintain electric propulsion for some time. Battery charging is efficient – it charges in ~2.5 hours on a 7 kW charger – but Honda has not built in support for DC fast charging, which somewhat disappointed some expectations.
This means there is no option to quickly top up the battery while on the go; Honda is clearly counting on PHEV users to mostly charge at home. As for price, the CR-V e:PHEV is only available in the highest trim level Advance Tech, which in the United Kingdom costs from £53.995 (approx. €63,000). According to unofficial data, the price in Europe is around 59.900 € for a fully equipped version. This places it among the more expensive plug-in hybrids in the mid-range. In return, Honda offers a wealth of equipment (e.g. a head-up display, a comprehensive set of Sensing 360 assistance systems, parking pilot), excellent workmanship and, of course, proverbial reliability. The CR-V e:PHEV will be interesting primarily for buyers who trust Honda and want a combination of long electric range and classic hybrid mode for longer journeys.
Conclusion: Which one to choose? Best Family Plug-in Hybrids 2025
The reviewed plug-in hybrids for 2025 prove that technology is advancing rapidly – many models now offer 80-120 km of electric range, which significantly exceeds previous generations of PHEVs. Some manufacturers are also incorporating fast charging options – DC charging, which reduces the limitations of use on longer distances. When comparing key parameters (range, battery, charging, price), it was particularly evident Volkswagen Passat eHybrid, which with a range of around 120 km and 50 kW DC charging for around – in some markets from 42,000 euros onwards – represents the most rational purchase in terms of price-performance ratioThe Passat eHybrid offers a balanced package: plenty of space, excellent range, fast charging and a moderate price compared to competitors, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of buyers. On the other hand, for SUV lovers who need a higher seating position and more space, Skoda Kodiaq eHybrid probably the best choice – it brings similar technology to the Passat (large battery, DC charging) in an SUV form with more usable space. Although it may be a bit more expensive, the Kodiaq eHybrid impresses those who want an electrified family SUV without making too many compromises. In the end, the choice depends on individual priorities: one might prefer the sporty character of the Cupra Formentor, another the uncompromising range of the Outlander or the prestige of the new Renault Rafale. But on average, the Passat eHybrid stands out as an all-round balanced PHEV, while the Skoda Kodiaq takes the crown in the plug-in hybrid SUV segment in 2025.
