What are the mpg and ride quality of hybrid vehicles on very long drives?

We own and run a 2013 Kia Sportage II 1.7, but because of changing lifestyles it rarely gets to stretch its legs. We love the high driving position and our travel is now a 24 mile daily round trip for work on a motorway with some local runs. I believe the Kia Niro or Toyota C-HR hybrid would be ideal for us. However, we do a 300 mile trip two - three times a year (possibly more often soon). I suspect these longer journeys would not benefit from the vehicles being a hybrid, but what mpg can I expect driving for over five hours? Will this be a relaxed quiet drive or a noisy high revving nightmare? What would you recommend?

Asked on 12 March 2017 by Big Dad Dom

Answered by Honest John

I've tested both of these. I'd buy the C-HR hybrid for style, ride, handling and roadholding. The Niro makes the best sense in lower grade versions, but its advantage is a dual shaft transmission that gives direct drive rather than the epicyclic drive of the C-HR and, of course, its seven year warranty compared to the five year warranty of the C-HR. But it doesn't ride or handle as well, or look as dramatic (it actually looks best in white). See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/toyota/toyota-c-hr.../ and www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/kia/kia-niro-2016-.../ Both of these cars are such hot sellers they are quite hard to get.

Tags: hybrid crossovers buying a new car ride quality buying and selling commuting engine noise mpg buying an suv plug-in hybrid high seating position small suvs buying a crossover consumer advice buying a hybrid long distance

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