Top 10 Best Hybrid Cars 2020

Almost 10% of cars sold in Q4 2019 have some form of electric propulsion and the bulk of these (over 80%) are hybrids. Not all hybrids are the same of course. They range from the plug-in type - typically with a 20 to 40 mile electric-only range - to mild hybrids.

If you have somewhere to charge, a plug-in can make great sense, especially for commuters doing regular and relatively short journeys. They are also advantageous for company car drivers with their lower benefit in kind (BIK) tax rates.

If you don’t have a handy charging point, a hybrid which charges from the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking while on the go and self-manages its use of battery power might be a good option. It will help eek out each tank of fuel, saving money and of course keeping emissions to a minimum.

The choice of available hybrid models is expanding rapidly, but here are our top 10 as we enter 2020.

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid

The family-sized Hyundai Ioniq is available as a plug-in or regular hybrid, each using a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine alongside the electric motor.

Toyota Prius Hybrid and Prius Plug-in

Arguably the best-known hybrid, the Toyota Prius, is now in its fourth generation and has been on our roads for over two decades. It is available as a plug-in or regular hybrid and even offered with all-wheel-drive.

MINI Countryman Cooper SE All4

Combining practicality with a funky interior, the hybrid version of the MINI Countryman adds electric propulsion to the rear wheels for all-wheel-drive and offers an electric range of up to 25 miles.

Kia Niro Hybrid Plug-in or EV

Kia sells its roomy Niro as a plug-in, regular hybrid or full EV so there’s a model for all needs. It is a good drive and of course comes with Kia’s attractive seven year warranty.

BMW 330e

If you are after an exec saloon with decent handling and an electric range exceeding 30 miles, the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid makes good sense. 6.1 seconds 0-62 mph is more than respectable too.

Mercedes-Benz A250e EQ Power

Using Mercedes’ EQ sub branding, the 75kW motor complements an efficient 118PS petrol engine in this premium segment plug-in hybrid hatchback. It promises a healthy 46 mile EV range too.

Audi Q5 TFSI e

The latest version of Audi’s sizeable SUV has undergone the plug-in treatment. With electric motors complementing its two-litre petrol engine, it develops a punchy 299 PS in the 50 specification or 367 PS in the 55.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

2019 brought some significant updates to Honda’s CR-V, including the option of a hybrid. It is spacious, refined and available as 2WD or AWD depending on your needs.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Toyota has relaunched the Corolla name to package its famous hybrid technology into neat hatchback and saloon models. There are two petrol-electric hybrid engine options: the slower 1.8-litre is the more frugal but the 2.0-litre still promises over 50mpg with more spirited performance.

Volvo XC40 T5 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo’s smallest SUV, the XC40, is now available as a plug-in hybrid with a range of up to 30 miles. If pleasing Scandinavian design and plentiful safety kit isn’t enough, British buyers will also benefit from a year’s free electricity to charge their plug-in models courtesy of Volvo, offer available up to mid-2020.