Three of the most affordable mid-size hybrid SUVs compared

Petrol-electric vehicles are super popular right now, but which mid-size hybrid SUV is the best on sale? We find out.

Hybrid vehicles are extremely popular, but which is the best fuel-sipping car for growing families? We find out.

THE QUESTION

My daughter and her husband have two tall teenage boys and are looking for a new small to medium SUV, preferably hybrid. Budget is $45,000. I’ve researched the Toyota C-HR but it’s too confined in the back, so think the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the pick. I’ve also considered a Subaru XV Hybrid, but are there other options, including non-hybrids?

David Ryan, email

ANSWER

Hybrids have a petrol or diesel engine along with an electric motor and small battery pack which charges as the car slows down. There’s no need to plug them in, and are great at saving fuel – thus money – in urban areas or traffic jams. The Subaru XV would be too small for your grandsons, so the Forester Hybrid’s the real rival to Toyota’s excellent RAV4 Hybrid.

CHOICES

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was named News Corp’s Car of the Year in 2019.

TOYOTA RAV4 GXL 2WD HYBRID, ABOUT $44,095 DRIVE-AWAY

It’s been the nation’s best-selling vehicle, News Corporation’s 2019 Car of the Year and expect a waiting time of six months. Why? It’s very, very good. For urban use – where most of us drive – it uses a third less petrol than non-hybrid 2WD RAV4s: 4.8L/100km versus 7.8L/100km. It’s spritelier too – the 2.5-litre Hybrid offers 160kW versus the 2.0-litre’s 127kW. Its stylish, muscular body sits on a well-sorted chassis that feels well composed and quiet on the highway. There’s decent rear space, huge 542L boot, five USB points, wireless phone charging, dual zone climate control and excellent active safety. Warranty is an average 5-year/unlimited km, but services are super-cheap at $1075 the first five years.

SUBARU FORESTER HYBRID L AWD, ABOUT $45,300 DRIVE-AWAY

The Subaru is a mild hybrid at best.

The Forester Hybrid is simply no match for the RAV4 Hybrid economy-wise; its 6.7L/100km (combined) and 7.5L/100km (urban) returns are disappointing. A 110kW/196Nm 2.0-litre petrol is allied with a 12.3kW/66Nm electric motor, so don’t expect performance fireworks. But the all-wheel-drive Subaru is surprisingly competent off-road, so trumps the Toyota for weekend adventuring. It’s easy to drive, comfortable and offers excellent visibility through massive windows. The interior’s plain but comfy and functional; there’s Subaru’s comprehensive EyeSight safety, dual-zone climate control and three USB points. Rear passengers have lots of room and boot’s 509L. Warranty matches Toyota’s, but services are a far pricier $2430 the first five years.

MY20 EX-DEMO MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV ES, ABOUT $46,000 DRIVE-AWAY

You can drive the Outlander PHEV for up to 54km on electric power alone.

How about a more committed embrace of hybrid technology? The Outlander plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 54-kilometres from its two electric motors: excellent for zero-emissions school drop-offs or commutes. I lived with one for six months and barely used its 2.4-litre petrol engine. Plug into your garage power point and from near empty the batteries fully recharge in eight hours, or a public fast charger does the job in 30 minutes. Rear head and leg room are massive, boot’s 463L, there’s dual-zone climate control, three USB points and heated seats, but it lacks some smart safety gear. Comfortable, roomy and lovely to drive in electric-only mode, the warranty’s a great 10 years, and first five services $1795. Very cheap to run if you have solar.

WILDCARD

SKODA OCTAVIA WAGON STYLE, ABOUT $39,260 DRIVE-AWAY

Skoda’s turbocharged petrol Octavia wagon is almost as fuel efficient as some hybrids.

I’m going non-SUV and non-hybrid. Why? SUVs seem the default pick, but for tall kids, in my opinion, a well-packaged family wagon is better. You lose the SUV Price Premium too – the all-new Skoda Octavia Wagon Style is some $5000 less than others here. Fuel economy at 5.9L/100km (combined) and 7.6L/100km (urban) from its 110kW/250Nm four-cylinder turbo petrol engine can’t rival the RAV4 Hybrid, but boot’s a giant 640L and, being a proper car, rides and handles better than SUVs. Goodies galore too. Digital dashboard, dual USB-C ports, power tailgate and two tablet holders in the back, while safety is very good. Warranty’s five-years/unlimited km and a five-year service plan only $1400.

VERDICT

Long waiting list aside, the RAV4 Hybrid is ideal for your urban fuel savings and all-round ownership joy. If you can convince yourself an SUV isn’t really needed, that Skoda Wagon is a brilliant – and far cheaper – family car.

Originally published as Three of the most affordable mid-size hybrid SUVs compared