Best Hybrid SUVs in Ireland
What are the best hybrid SUVs? In this article we are going to take a closer look at some of the best hybrid SUVs available in Ireland right now. With rising fuel costs and environmental awareness, there's never been a better time to take a look. Hybrid SUVs can benefit from lower CO2 emissions, better fuel economy and lower motor tax rates than conventional petrol and diesel cars.
What is a hybrid?
Hybrids combine the benefits of a combustion engine, battery and electric motor. There are two types of hybrid car currently on sale in Ireland:
A standard hybrid has a fuel engine (usually petrol but occasionally diesel engine) but there is also a small capacity battery and an electric motor on board to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption. It does not need to be plugged in, often known as a 'self-charging hybrid'. At very low speeds in town for example or stop/start traffic, the car can often run off its electric motor alone and energy can be restored to the battery when braking for instance. But most of the time the car is intelligently using power from a mixture of engine and electric motion with a bias towards efficiency.
Also known as a PHEV, the plug-in hybrid has an engine and typically a larger capacity battery than the full hybrid. The plug-in hybrid is most efficient when it is plugged in and charged regularly, just like an electric car. It can be driven using just battery power for typically a range between 50 and 130 km depending on model and driving conditions. There is no fear of range anxiety because when the electric range runs out, the car can draw power from the engine.
Best Hybrid SUVs
1. Toyota Yaris Cross
The hugely popular Toyota Yaris Cross is currently the bestselling hybrid and bestselling car overall in Ireland. A recently revamped one has just arrived in dealers. The Yaris Cross continues to tick the boxes for affordability but also being cheap to run thanks to an extremely frugal hybrid engine. Its compact size and chunky SUV looks also make it a hit with Irish buyers, though if you're looking for something a little bigger but equally efficient, take a look at the larger Toyota Corolla Cross.
2. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is another SUV with enduring popularity in the Irish market. It's available in a variety of fuel types, however it does offer popular hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The five-seat family SUV continues to be a top choice for buyers looking for style, space and practicality. Kia's hybrid range is set to expand shortly with the arrival of the new Seltos Hybrid, which is even more compact and affordable than the Sportage.
3. Toyota RAV4
An all-new generation of the legendary Toyota RAV4 has arrived in Ireland with Toyota Ireland's initial allocation of hybrids selling out fast. The new RAV4 Plug-in hybrid boasts a bigger battery than before giving a pure EV range now up to 137 kilometres. It's still a practical and desirable SUV with classic rugged styling, new interior and technology on board. 
The new Toyota RAV4 is on sale in Ireland now
4. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is another hugely popular SUV in the Irish market. It's available in a range of different fuel types, including full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. A popular sight on Irish roads, you can't go wrong with its mixture of design, technology and practicality. But for something a little more compact from the Korean car brand, there's also the popular Hyundai Kona Hybrid.
5. BYD Sealion 5
The BYD Sealion 5 offers good value in the Irish market and joins the Chinese car brand's widening range of hybrids that also includes the newly launched Atto 2 and the popular Seal U. The compact but practical Sealion 5 uses the brand's 'Super Hybrid' technology to deliver a smooth, EV-like driving experience and excellent efficiency. It's a plug-in hybrid so the battery can also be charged to enjoy more EV driving.
6. Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai has long been one of Ireland's favourite family SUVs. The brand's e-Power technology is a type of hybrid that brings an EV-like driving experience to the popular five-seat SUV, while boosting efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions compared to the standard petrol Qashqai. The Qashqai otherwise shines for its quality and family-friendly features like wide-opening rear doors and a large boot.
7. Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster has come along way from its humble beginnings and the latest one introduces a full hybrid for the very first time. It keeps fuel economy in check while adding extra refinement to the Duster driving experience along with plenty of space and rugged style.
8. Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a quirky looking crossover with plenty of space and style, as well as a frugal hybrid powertrain. It's something different to rivals, and boasts incredibly good quality with plenty of practical features that make it well worth a look.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
