Best Used Plug-In Hybrid Cars

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Sophie McMillanAutomotive Correspondent
a blue-grey byd seal u dmi driving along a country road in the UK,it is sunny and the road is surrounded by trees and hedges
a blue-grey byd seal u dmi driving along a country road in the UK,it is sunny and the road is surrounded by trees and hedges

Why buy a used PHEV?

Plug-in hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular as manufacturers move away from pure combustion engines. This shift also takes the stress out of clean air zones and helps everyone meet government emissions targets.

As battery technology is improving, the electric-only range of plug-in hybrids is rapidly increasing, meaning you can benefit from electric-only, zero-emission travel, lower running costs and improved air quality, all while having a petrol engine to fall back on when needed.

A PHEV can also be beneficial for those who do not feel confident in making the switch from a traditional engine to a fully electric vehicle, offering them the best of both worlds.

Buying a plug-in hybrid used helps to bypass initial depreciation, as the brunt of it is absorbed by the first owner – this is especially true if you are going for a car over three years old.

Even when buying used, many manufacturer warranties carry over to the new owner, allowing you to benefit from long warranties at a much lower cost.

Why buy from Vertu?

Vertu has over 8000 used cars available across a nationwide network of dealerships.

Additionally, all Vertu used cars are inspected and prepared to the highest standard.

And, if after a week you decide you aren’t keen, you can relax knowing there is a 14-day money-back guarantee.

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BYD Seal U DM-i 

Brand new, the Seal U DM-i is priced very competitively against other SUVs in its segment, meaning the used prices offer fantastic value for money.

For those after high-tech equipment, the Seal U is a great choice – the entry-level trim is generously equipped with a panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker sound system, heated front seats and steering wheel, along with a number of other features that are often at the behest of a new, luxury price tag.

With plenty of space to accommodate passengers in the front and rear, as well as an all-electric range big enough to cover your commute, the Seal U is a practical choice for those wanting a well-equipped, sleek and sophisticated family SUV. 

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Kia Sportage PHEV

The Kia Sportage has cemented itself as one of Britain’s favourite family SUVs, owing to its practicality, equipment, value for money, as well as Kia’s transferable seven-year warranty. 

The Plug-in hybrid Sportage combines all the benefits of the regular Sportage, and adds the benefit of pure-electric driving range, usually up to 43 miles.

The Sportage has an all-wheel drive system in place that helpfully distributes power to whichever wheel needs it most, meaning if you lose grip or accelerate harder, more power will be sent to the rear wheels to balance this out, giving you a controlled and sturdy ride.

With this handy AWD feature, 540-litres of boot space and fantastic suspension, the Sportage PHEV makes for a comfortable ride over long distances, with enough space for both passengers and luggage.

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Toyota RAV4 PHEV

Built with the ruggedness we’ve come to expect from Toyota, the RAV4 PHEV is likely to be a long-lasting investment, already giving it an advantage over the competitors.

For those who are fans of physical buttons, the RAV4 offers a very appealing dashboard, with physical temperature controls, a volume dial and more. 

Overall, Toyota’s cabin ergonomics are well calculated, so outward visibility is great, and access to key functions is straightforward and natural.

Under the RAV4’s boxy charm, most used models will come with an 18.1kWh battery, providing electric power for around 46 miles.

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Volvo XC60 Recharge

The VolvoXC60 has surpassed the legendary Volvo 240 to become the brand's best-selling model ever, and for good reason.

There are two XC60 PHEV models, the T6 and the T8 - both models use a 2.0-litre turbo petrol, alongside an 18.8kWh battery. The T6 gets an impressive 345bhp and 51 miles of pure electric range, while the T8 gets an even more impressive 449bhp, for only a couple of miles less.

Within the cabin, the interior feels premium with a minimalist and logical layout, focusing on an 11.2-inch portrait-style touchscreen. A high roofline makes for very spacious seating for passengers, as well as a 468-litre boot, perfect for big shopping trips, buggies or even a run to the airport.

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MG HS PHEV

Since its 2024 update, the MG HS has gained a reputation for being one of the best value family SUVs on the market. 

Using an all-new powertrain, pairing a 24.7kWh battery and 1.5-litre turbo petrol, the car offers up a class-leading electric range of up to 75 miles, meaning you’ll likely be using it like an electric vehicle a majority of the time, with the added reassurance of a petrol engine when needed.

Roomier than its closest competitors, the MG HS also provides a spacious, premium-feeling cabin, with a great level of standard equipment, including an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and keyless entry, even on the lowest trim level.

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