Five top family SUV hybrids that can slash your motoring costs

It’s possibly the best of both worlds — a large and spacious SUV with seating for seven people and the fuel economy of a small hatchback.

Diesel engines made this reality but now that some manufacturers are ceasing to include diesels in their line-up — Jeep, Honda, Lexus and Renault among them — the focus is on either fully electric or hybrid cars.

Hybrid cars currently make more sense for this task. You can go on motoring holidays to the outback and beyond with the family in a big 7-seater SUV without needing the plug-in. They use their electric motor for low-speed tasks, making them quiet and without exhaust emissions for reversing, coasting, braking or stopping.

Against this is that hybrid cars tend to be more expensive than conventionally-fuelled vehicles, purely because there’s the extra expense of two power units and a battery.

But not always. Note that the premium on a Toyota Kluger hybrid seven-seater is only $2500 above the equivalent fuel-engined model. The hiccup is that a lot of buyers are aware of this and the Kluger hybrid has an extended waiting list for delivery.

Hyundai’s Santa F HEV hybrid is $6300 more than the fuel model, but only $3000 above the diesel. And the diesel gets the same fuel economy as the hybrid. So do the sums and see which suits you best.

There’s a growing number of hybrids available on the market. Here are some of the best. Oh, and yes! Only Cars has driven everyone to authenticate this comparison.

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV ($69,290 plus costs for the Exceed)

Mitsubishi has cemented its latest generation Outlander as a much sought-after hybrid that differs from most others by having an extended battery pack and the ability to plug the car into home, or public, chargers and effectively get fuel-free motoring.

That gives it a lot of flexibility for buyers who want zero fuel bills for suburban motoring but want a cord-free experience when going into the country. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) means it has a bigger battery pack aboard.

Nothing much else changes except that by maintaining a high battery charge, it will run on pure EV mode.

The plug-in gives the electric-only distance of a claimed 84km which in many cases is enough to get to work (perhaps back), or do the school and shop run. A home charger should fill in the car’s dormant at-home period.

Driving: The combination of a 2.4-litre gasoline engine and the motors gives the big Outlander sufficient verve in traffic. As it generally runs on electric mode, it’s also very quiet and smooth. Compared with the petrol Outlander the PHEV is a much more serene experience. Handling is good but it always feels like a heavy car.

Boot size: 485 litres (rear seats in place)

Power: 185kW/450Nm

Fuel thirst: Mitsubishi claims 1.6 litres/100km (based on fully charged batteries). The EV-only range is 84km. It has a 6.7 L/100km overall fuel average. Its gas engine uses the cheapest 91RON fuel.

Warranty: 10 years, unlimited distance.

Service intervals/costs: 12 months or 15,000km/average $549/year for 10 years.

Features: Standard kit includes heated and ventilated front seats; electric tailgate; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; twin 10.25-inch touchscreens; full autonomous emergency braking; eight airbags; and 18-inch alloy wheels.

HYUNDAI SANTA FE HEV ($63,000 plus costs for the Elite)

Hyundai has taken a similar tack to its cousin Kia in going down the hybrid line, although Hyundai doesn’t offer a plug-in (PHEV) version of its big Santa Fe SUV.

The HEV comes only as an all-wheel drive, too, although Hyundai does offer a two-grade choice with the Elite and the more upmarket Highlander.

The Santa Fe hybrid system is very similar to that used by class leaders including Toyota, with the electric motor used for duties including low-speed travel and initial acceleration. It also boosts the power of the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Santa Fe has become a go-to in the seven-seat brigade after being on the market for years and maturing in performance, features and safety.

Driving: This big family cruiser has brisk performance, mainly from the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and its dual-clutch transmission, and uses the cheapest 91RON petrol. Ride and handling are very good, with lots to like especially about seat comfort and head and legroom. Visibility is also good, aided by the camera parking system. Note the full-size spare wheel.

Boot size: 571 litres (rear seats in place)

Power: 169kW/350Nm

Fuel thirst: Hyundai claims 6.0 litres/100km. It uses the cheapest 91RON petrol.

Warranty: 5 years, unlimited distance. Battery: 8 years.

Service intervals/costs: 12 months or 10,000km/average $459/year for five years.

Features: Standard kit includes heated front seats; electric tailgate; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; 10.25-inch touchscreen; 12.3-inch driver screen; Harman Kardon audio; full autonomous emergency braking; seven airbags; and 19-inch alloy wheels.

KIA SORENTO HEV ($66,700 plus costs for the GT-Line front-wheel drive)

Kia extends its hybrid range with the Sorento (and soon Sportage) for people who want the seven seats and versatile cargo space along with the freedom and extended range offered by a conventional petrol-engined car.

The Sorento HEV is sold alongside the PHEV version and has a bigger battery for an EV-only range of up to 68km. The HEV doesn’t have an EV-only range but then, the PHEV costs $11,330 more than the hybrid, so see which is better for you.

Kia uses a sparkling 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine as the main power unit, then adds an electric motor for the HEV to change to EV mode when needed. It’s a simple system that works very well.

Driving: It drives as well and as easily as any other Kia, with strong performance available from the turbo-petrol engine aided by the motor and then sharpened by the sporty dual-clutch transmission. Ride comfort and handling are Australian-honed and excellent. But most buyers would be attracted by the seven-year warranty and the amount of space inside the cabin. It also has a full-size spare wheel.

Boot size: 616 litres (rear seating in place)

Power: 169kW/350Nm

Fuel thirst: Kia claims 5.8 litres/100km. It uses the cheapest 91RON petrol.

Warranty: 7 years, unlimited distance.

Service intervals/costs: 12 months or 15,000km/average $699/year for seven years.

Features: Standard kit includes heated and ventilated front seats; heated outer seats (2nd row); three-zone air; electric tailgate; 12-speaker Bose audio; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; 10.25-inch touchscreen; full autonomous emergency braking; seven airbags; and 19-inch alloy wheels.

TOYOTA KLUGER HYBRID ($67,810 plus costs for the GXL)

One of the attractions here is that Toyota has got building hybrids down to pat. The Kluger uses a similar layout and drivetrain to the hybrid versions of the Camry and RAV4 (and similar to Lexus) and it works very well in the big SUV.

The electric motor operates over only a small distance at low speeds with its main role in reversing; helping the 2.5-litre petrol engine deliver extra performance; and replacing the engine when coasting, at the traffic lights or when braking.

Over its drive system, the Kluger is a spacious seven-seater that has easily adjustable seats to create a cabin for stowing cargo or mixing the load up with the family for a vacation. It’s also well designed with personal storage, lots of comfort and a great infotainment and navigation system.

Driving: Driving this is as easy as any Toyota, without any need to learn anything new. It uses an electric motor for reversing and low-speed forward motion so is quiet when you leave home in the morning, and when you return. For such a big car, the claimed 5.6 L/100km makes a big saving at the petrol bowser. This is made all the more attractive by the very reasonable $2500 premium of this hybrid over its petrol-only sibling. Comfort, handling and safety rate highly.

Boot size: 241-1882 litres

Power: 184kW

Fuel thirst: Toyota claims 5.6 litres/100km. It uses the cheapest 91RON petrol.

Warranty: 5 years (plus 2 years on drivetrain), unlimited distance. Battery: 10 years.

Service intervals/costs: 12 months or 15,000km/average $265/year for five years.

Features: Standard kit includes 6-speaker audio; heated front seats; electric tailgate; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; 12.3-inch touchscreen; full autonomous emergency braking; eight airbags.

VOLVO XC90 PHEV ($128,990 plus costs)

Volvo is phasing out its conventionally-engined models, but a few remain, including this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) beauty. It’s a large and impressive seven-seater and a lot more expensive than its rivals listed here.

Volvo uses a turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine as the main driving force and then adds electric motors for the EV-only mode (up to 52km fully charged) while giving extra power for impressive acceleration.

To maximise the fuel efficiency, the battery needs to be fully charged although the car will still use regeneration to coax power from the batteries and to reduce fuel use. The cabin design is understated in the Scandinavian style and beautifully finished and built.

Controls are mainly within the centre touchscreen, the audio is premium Bowers & Wilkins while the seats are perforated Nappa leather.

Driving: It’s a prestige car with all the class expected from Volvo along with excellent cabin space — and safety — for the family. The electric motors add a big kick for acceleration while limiting fuel use, and only need the battery to be topped up at the end of the day, ideally from a home charger. Comfort, quietness and handling rate as very good.

Boot size: 262-1874 litres

Power: 233kW/400Nm

Fuel thirst: Volvo claims 1.8 litres/100km (fully charged); 8.9 L/100 fuel average. EV-only mode is 52km. It uses 95 RON petrol.

Warranty: 5 years, unlimited distance.

Service intervals/costs: 12 months or 15,000km. A service plan costs $3000 for five years.

Features: Standard kit includes heated and ventilated front seats; Nappa leather; electric tailgate; Apple CarPlay; Bowers & Wilkins audio; 9.0-inch centre touchscreen; 12.0-inch driver screen; panoramic roof; full autonomous emergency braking; eight airbags; 360-degree camera; and 22-inch alloy wheels.

Start Your Hybrid Journey with OnlyCars

Whether you're an old hand when it comes to hybrids or are looking to make the switch, OnlyCars can help. Browse our range of cars for sale here, or search the models mentioned in this review by clicking on their respective headings.

Happy travels!