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 full-hybrid and plug-in-hybrid 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 both petrol and 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
Hyundai Tucson
Like other cars from the Korean brand, the Hyundai Tucson can be had with either a full-hybrid or a plug-in-hybrid system – with the former being the best choice for buyers who don't have easy access to EV charging. Regardless of the exact engine chosen, all Tucsons are spacious and easy to drive, with loads of on-board technology and generous equipment lists. You'll also appreciate the robust build quality and eye-catching concept-car styling that stands out among its more conservative rivals.
Find a used Hyundai Tucson for sale at Motorpoint or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester isn't interested in chasing trends. This is a rugged SUV designed for practical people who actually need a little off-road ability – not just the occasional glamping trip. As a result, you get permanent all-wheel drive and lofty ground clearance to help the Forester keep going on mucky trails. Despite its blocky body and fizzy petrol engine, fuel consumption is kept in check by the car's e-Boxer hybrid setup, which means close to 40mpg in urban driving. Inside, you'll find enough space for a family of four and all their clobber.
Browse used Subaru Forester cars for sale
Kia Sportage
As the sibling car to the Tucson above, 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
Audi Q5
The latest Audi Q5 builds on the strengths of the old car with an upgraded hybrid system. There's the same punchy 299hp output as before, plus the same potential for sky-high three-figure mpg numbers if you make use of both petrol and electric power. However, the new car's 25.9kWh battery pack means electric range nearly doubles to 60 miles – or more in slow-speed urban environments. True quattro all-wheel drive means excellent all-weather traction, while the cabin features all Audi's latest glossy infotainment tech.
Find a used Audi Q5 for sale at Motorpoint
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.
