Are Diesel Hybrid Cars Still Worth It in 2025?
With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and petrol hybrids, you might wonder: Do diesel hybrids still have a future in 2025? The answer is YES—but with some important considerations.
Why Diesel Hybrid Cars Still Make Sense in 2025
✅ Better fuel efficiency for long-distance drivers.
✅ Lower CO₂ emissions than conventional diesel cars.
✅ Superior torque for towing & highway driving.
✅ Ideal for business users & high-mileage drivers.
However, new emission regulations and the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure mean that diesel hybrids may not be the best option for every driver. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of diesel hybrid cars in 2025 and whether they are better than petrol hybrids or full EVs.
1. How Do Diesel Hybrid Cars Work?
Diesel hybrid cars combine a diesel engine with an electric motor and a small battery to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. They work in a similar way to petrol hybrids but have a few key differences:
🔋 Hybrid System Types:
- Mild Hybrid (MHEV) – Small electric boost but cannot drive on electric power alone.
- Full Hybrid (HEV) – Can drive short distances on electric power, but cannot be plugged in.
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) – Can be charged and drive longer distances (20-50 miles) on electricity before switching to diesel.
Most diesel hybrids are MHEVs or PHEVs, making them ideal for long-distance driving where full EVs may struggle with range.
2. Pros of Diesel Hybrid Cars in 2025
✅ 1. Better Fuel Efficiency on Long Journeys
Diesel engines are more efficient than petrol at highway speeds. A diesel hybrid can achieve up to 70 MPG, compared to 50-55 MPG for petrol hybrids.
🔹 Example:
- Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 (Diesel PHEV) – 72 MPG (highway).
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Petrol Hybrid) – 52 MPG (highway).
✅ 2. Lower CO₂ Emissions Than Standard Diesel Cars
Modern diesel hybrid engines have lower NOx and CO₂ emissions, making them more future-proof than older diesels.
🔹 Example:
- Mercedes-Benz E300de (Diesel PHEV) emits 33g/km of CO₂ – lower than many petrol hybrids.
✅ 3. Higher Torque – Best for Towing & Heavy Loads
Diesel engines produce more torque than petrol, making diesel hybrids ideal for towing caravans, trailers, or heavy loads.
🔹 Example:
- Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e (Diesel Hybrid) – 600 Nm torque, compared to 300 Nm in petrol hybrids.
✅ 4. No Range Anxiety Like EVs
Unlike full electric cars, diesel hybrids don’t rely on charging stations and offer over 600 miles of driving range per tank.
🔹 Example:
- BMW X5 xDrive45e (Diesel PHEV) – 55 miles electric range + 500 miles on diesel.
3. Cons of Diesel Hybrid Cars in 2025
❌ 1. Higher Initial Cost
Diesel hybrid cars are more expensive than petrol hybrids due to complex emissions control systems.
🔹 Example:
- BMW X5 xDrive45e Diesel Hybrid – £65,000.
- BMW X5 xDrive30e Petrol Hybrid – £61,000.
❌ 2. Stricter Emission Regulations
Diesel cars face higher road tax and more restrictions in some cities due to concerns over NOx emissions.
🔹 Example:
- Some UK cities (e.g., London, Oxford, Bristol) have diesel restrictions, while petrol hybrids and EVs are allowed.
❌ 3. Limited Model Availability
Many manufacturers are phasing out diesel hybrids in favor of EVs and petrol hybrids.
🔹 Example:
- Volkswagen and Volvo have discontinued diesel hybrids in 2025.
❌ 4. Maintenance Costs Can Be Higher
Diesel engines require more expensive maintenance than petrol hybrids or EVs.
🔹 Example:
- Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) need regular cleaning – petrol hybrids don’t have this issue.
4. Diesel Hybrid vs Petrol Hybrid vs EV – Which Is Best in 2025?
| Category | Diesel Hybrid | Petrol Hybrid | Electric (EV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Long-distance drivers, towing | City driving, short commutes | Zero emissions & low-cost charging |
| Fuel Economy | 65-75 MPG | 50-60 MPG | N/A (electric) |
| Electric-Only Range (PHEV) | 30-50 miles | 30-40 miles | 200-350 miles |
| Running Costs | Moderate | Lower than diesel | Lowest |
| Road Tax & Emissions | Moderate | Lower than diesel | Lowest (Zero-Emissions) |
| Availability | Limited | Most common hybrid type | Increasing rapidly |
5. Best Diesel Hybrid Cars in 2025
🚘 1. BMW X5 xDrive45e – Best Luxury Diesel Hybrid
🚘 2. Mercedes-Benz E300de – Best Executive Diesel Hybrid
🚘 3. Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 – Best Affordable Diesel PHEV
🚘 4. Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e – Best for Towing
🚘 5. Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine – Best Large Family Diesel Hybrid
🔗 Related Article: Top 5 Diesel Hybrid Cars to Purchase in 2025
Final Verdict: Should You Buy a Diesel Hybrid in 2025?
✅ YES, if you:
- Drive long distances regularly.
- Need high torque for towing or heavy loads.
- Want better fuel efficiency on highways than petrol hybrids.
❌ NO, if you:
- Mostly drive in urban areas with emission restrictions.
- Want lower maintenance costs & tax benefits.
- Prefer a future-proof option like an EV or petrol hybrid.
FAQ – Diesel Hybrid Cars in 2025
Q1: Are diesel hybrids better than petrol hybrids?
For long-distance driving & towing, YES. For city driving, petrol hybrids or EVs are better options.
Q2: Will diesel hybrids be banned soon?
No, but some cities have stricter diesel regulations. Always check local emission rules before buying.
Q3: Is a diesel PHEV better than a petrol PHEV?
Diesel PHEVs offer better range & MPG, but petrol PHEVs have lower maintenance costs & emissions.
Q4: What’s the best diesel hybrid in 2025?
For luxury, the BMW X5 xDrive45e. For affordability, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4.
Final Thoughts
Diesel hybrid cars still have a role in 2025, but their future is uncertain as EVs & petrol hybrids dominate the market. If you’re a long-distance driver or need towing power, a diesel hybrid is still a smart choice.