Can you recommend a plug-in hybrid 4x4?

I am looking to buy a new car (nearly new/used probably) but have quite a few criteria and despite spending some time looking on the internet have not had much luck in finding what I'm looking for!

I used to drive Suzuki Grand Vitaras which I absolutely loved, especially the high driving position and chunky style. I then decided to go from a manual to automatic (to help my knee) and that's where the trouble started! I have wasted money trying to find a car I love as much as the older GV (I really want to have the higher traditional 4x4 type).

My criteria is: Plug-in hybrid; 4x4 - 4 wheel drive with 2 wheel drive option; higher, traditional 'chunky' style 4x4 like my old Vitaras without being the size of a tank; automatic gear box; 1.4 engine size or above; smaller rather than family-size; and mileage - less than 20,000.

Asked on 12 April 2022 by Amanda Lambert

Answered by Russell Campbell
The Land Rover Defender 90 is available as a plug-in hybrid, has a high driving position, automatic gearbox, a 2.0-litre engine and is relatively small. That said, they're expensive and have permanent four-wheel drive.

Cheaper options don't have some of the kit you have requested, but if you can live without the car being a plug-in hybrid, the Suzuki Jimny sounds like it would be ideal. It has an old-school SUV design so it feels – and genuinely is – rugged, has a high driving position, switchable four-wheel drive, is available as an auto and has a 1.5-litre engine.
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