Just because you need a 4x4 for muddy tracks or winter trails, doesn't mean you need a big, thirsty engine…
Plenty of clever SUVs blend all-terrain 4WD prowess with the fuel-sipping manners of modern hybrid engines. They're no milk floats on stilts, either – these hybridised options have more than enough brawn for whatever task you throw at them, save for a proper rock-crawling off-road course.
If you're ready to step away from traditional diesel 4x4s, these are the best hybrid 4x4s to buy right now. Most are available as great-value used cars from Motorpoint.
BMW X1
The latest BMW X1 has gone from strength to strength, adding more performance and efficiency while also enhancing the car's premium look and feel. Gone is the tiny afterthought infotainment screen of the old X1, with a new wide twin-screen setup featuring crisp graphics and a minimalist layout. There's a choice of petrol and diesel engines under the bonnet, plus the fully electric BMW iX1, but we're looking at the xDrive25e and xDrive30e plug-in hybrids that can average more than 300mpg if you recharge regularly.
Find a used BMW X1 for sale or read our BMW X1 review
Hyundai Santa Fe
Previous Hyundai Santa Fe models gave you a lot of 4x4 for your money. This latest version, however, brings dramatic blocky styling and an overhauled interior containing far more tech and premium features. It's no longer available with diesel power in the UK, which might disappoint some buyers, but Hyundai's outfitted it with either a self-charging or plug-in-hybrid engine that both return impressive mpg figures even with a healthy amount of urban driving. The PHEV can achieve north of 160mpg in ideal circumstances.
Buy a used Hyundai Santa Fe or read our Hyundai Santa Fe review
Range Rover Sport
Range Rover models are rarely associated with fuel-sipping mpg figures, but the latest Range Rover Sport might surprise you. Despite the P460e's mighty 460hp output and sports-car-like acceleration, you can average nearly 400mpg if you make the most of the available electric power. Keep the massive 38.2kWh battery pack topped up and you can travel for more than 70 miles without starting the engine. As you'd expect, there's no compromise to the Range Rover Sport's incredible off-road abilities either, as long as you're brave enough to leave the beaten trail in such an expensive car!
Find a used Range Rover Sport for sale
Toyota RAV4
With such a long history building hybrids, it makes sense that the Toyota RAV4 should earn a spot on this list. Like the Kia and Hyundai options, the RAV4 is offered with both full hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, although we'll focus on the former as it's more common, more affordable and doesn't require access to a charging point. There's no seven-seat option, but you do get a vast, square load area behind the five standard seats, along with lots of space for tall adults or bulky child seats. All with the reassurance of Toyota's excellent reliability record.
Check out Toyota RAV4 cars for sale or read our Toyota RAV4 review
Jeep Compass
If you live somewhere a bit more rural, you might want a 4x4 with some more serious off-road chops. This may be the perfect job for the Jeep Compass. Track down a Compass in Trailhawk trim and you get lofty suspension, chunky off-road tyres, and reshaped bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Plus, you don't have to worry about sky-high fuel bills as the Compass is offered with a punchy 1.3-litre plug-in-hybrid setup. Claimed economy is more than 150mpg if you recharge often, and you get a respectable 240hp when the engine and motor are working together.
Check out used Jeep Compass cars or read our Jeep Compass review
Suzuki Vitara
The Vitara is an old hand at the 4x4 game, now well into its fourth decade on sale, but it's still keeping with the times. Recent models are available with a choice of mild-hybrid and 'self-charging' hybrid engines, both of which have been offered with Suzuki's Allgrip all-wheel-drive system making them surprisingly capable off-road. Inside, the Vitara is cheap and plasticky – but with a likeable, rugged quality and plenty of light streaming in from the tall side windows. It's also good fun on paved roads, if a little firmly sprung.
Find a used Suzuki Vitara cars or read our Suzuki Vitara review
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek was previously sold in the UK as the XV, but it now has the same name as its North American counterparts. It was fully redesigned partway through 2023, with sharpened styling and updated on-board tech. Like almost all Subarus, the Crosstrek is all-wheel drive which, combined with its decent ride height, means it'll happily skip over rutted tracks and grassy fields. There's a plug-in hybrid available overseas, but UK buyers get the sole choice of a mild-hybrid 'boxer' engine driving both axles.
Browse used Subaru cars for sale or read our Subaru reviews
Kia Sportage
As the sibling car to the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage has many of the same virtues. It's easy to drive, easy to use, well equipped and comes with the reassurance of the brand's strong reliability record. It carves out its own niche, however, with slightly more upright cabin styling that recalls more traditional off-roaders, and a stiffer, sportier ride. Engine options are the same, however, featuring a choice of full or plug-in-hybrid engines, with the former being a little more affordable and better for buyers without easy EV charging options.
Buy a used Kia Sportage from Motorpoint or read our Kia Sportage review
Volvo XC60
Like the rest of the Volvo range, the XC60 is handsome and understated. Less flashy than its German rivals, and less techy than its Asian competitors. Standard engines already benefit from mild-hybrid assistance but the T6 and T8 versions pair a powerful plug-in-hybrid setup with all-wheel drive. Of course, you're probably not going to crush an off-road course in the XC60, but dirt roads and grassy lanes should pose the car no challenge. Plus, both versions can tow more than two tonnes, making them a great choice for pulling a trailer.
Find a used Volvo XC60 cars or read our Volvo XC60 review
Suzuki S-Cross
Every Suzuki S-Cross is hybridised to some degree but, while manual models make do with a simple mild-hybrid setup, you can get a newer full-hybrid engine if you choose the 1.5-litre automatic version. It focuses mostly on economy compared to some of the speed demons on this list, but can achieve nearly 50mpg in day-to-day driving with no need to plug in and recharge. It's not the most luxurious choice here but strikes back by being one of the most affordable options while still retaining a spacious cabin and generous equipment list.
Buy a used Suzuki S-Cross from Motorpoint
Save money on a fuel-sipping 4x4
Motorpoint has a huge selection of used cars for sale, including hundreds of hybrid and 4x4 models. For more options check out our picks for the best nearly new 4x4s on sale.
