The world is heading towards full electrification, and there is no doubt about that, but not everybody is ready to stop and wait for a recharge. There is no doubt that there are lots of electric cars out there with a great range, but not all of them are affordable. So, what should you do if you still want some sort of electrification in your car, but you are not ready to stop mid-journey for a full recharge or if you take a lot of long trips? In this case, you have plug-in hybrid vehicles. PHEVs are perfect for all-electric short city drives when you can use only the electric motor, but also for longer rides, when the gasoline engine comes into play while the electric motor helps improve fuel economy. And, when it comes to plug-in cars, the best and most reliable choices are – without a doubt – the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime and the RAV4 Prime, but there are a few other good options out there too.
1 2023 BMW 330e - Predicted Reliability 4/5
The BMW 3 Series was completely redesigned in 2019, and in 2020, the 330e plug-in hybrid version was added to the lineup. The model sits above the 330i in BMW's lineup, and it is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine paired with one electric motor. The system delivers a combined 288 horsepower, while an Overboost function adds an extra 40 horsepower for 10 seconds, which helps improve its performance figures. It has an all-electric range of 23 miles, a combined mileage rating of 75 MPGe, and a total driving range of 320 miles. According to Consumer Reports, the 330e has a predicted reliability of 4 out of 5 and a predicted owner satisfaction of 3 out of 5. The model also received an overall score of 85 and was found “an interesting choice”.
2 2023 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid - Predicted Reliability 4/5
The Lexus NX was updated in 2022, and although the exterior design remained pretty much unchanged, lots of improvements were made under the hood. With the update, the NX lineup also received a new plug-in version - the NX 450h+ - that offers a combined 302 horsepower, an electric range of 37 miles, and 84 MPGe. According to Consumer Reports, the NX 450h+ has a predicted reliability of 4 out of 5, and a predicted owner’s satisfaction of 3 out of 5. They also tested the hybrid version of the NX and give it an overall score of 77 out of 100. The test concluded the NX Hybrid "feels more refined during normal, non-sporty driving” and was recommended over the gasoline-powered NX. We expect similar results once they will be able to test the plug-in hybrid version of the NX.
3 2023 Toyota Prius Prime - Predicted Reliability 4/5
Toyota unveiled the new generation Prius Prime at the end of November 2022, and it brings lots of updates when compared to the previous generation. For the 2023 model year, the Prius Prime is offered in three grades: SE, XSE, and XSE Premium - with all of them powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. The system delivers a combined 220 horsepower and offers an all-electric range between 39 and 44 miles - depending on the trim. This takes the Prius Prime up to 133 MPGe and to a full range of up to 654 miles - 610 miles for the gas tank plus the 44 all-electric miles. According to Consumer Reports, the 2023 Prius Prime has a predicted reliability of 4 out of 5 and a predicted owner’s satisfaction of 4 out of 5.
4 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime - Predicted Reliability 3/5
One of the most successful Toyota models ever - the RAV4 - enter its fifth generation in 2019, while the Prime trim was added starting the 2021 model year. It sits at the top of the RAV4 lineup, and it is powered by a special-built 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine combined with two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor generators. The system delivers a combined 302 horsepower, while an 18.1-kWh battery pack provides an all-electric range of 42 miles. The RAV4 Prime received an overall score of 81 out of 100 and has a predicted reliability of 3 out of 5. However, its predicted owner satisfaction is 5 out of 5, and Consumer Reports says the crossover is a "good option for buyers who are looking toward an EV but don’t want to worry about re-charging the battery when taking long trips."
5 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge - Predicted Reliability 3/5
The S60 Recharge combines a turbocharged four-cylinder with one electric motor for a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. A 14.9 kWh battery pack provides a range of about 40 miles, and up to 74 MPGe on the combined cycle. The S60 Recharge is also a very fast luxury sedan, as it only needs 4.3 seconds to run from 0 to 60 mph. It received an overall score of only 70 out of 100, and that's because Consumer Reports thinks it "feels neither sporty nor luxurious to drive." The S60 has a predicted reliability of 3 out of 5, and an identical predicted owner satisfaction. If you are interested in the model, the S60 Recharge starts at $51,250 and it is eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax rebate.
6 2023 BMW 745e xDrive - Predicted Reliability 3/5
With the introduction of the seventh generation 7 Series, BMW also added to the lineup new plug-in hybrid and all-electric models. And, for those customers not ready yet to opt for the i7, but still want some sort of electrification, the 745e xDrive is the perfect choice. It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine combined with one electric motor for a total output of 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. A 12-kWh battery pack provides an all-electric range of 17 miles and a combined 56 MPGe. The 745e has a predicted reliability of 3 out of 5 and a predicted owner satisfaction of 4 out of 5. However, Consumer Reports still didn't test the luxury sedan just yet, so maybe you should wait a little bit longer if you plan to buy one.
7 2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid - Predicted Reliability 3/5
Hyundai put the fourth-generation Tucson on sale in time for the 2022 model year, and at the same time, it added the plug-in hybrid version. The latter is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo engine connected to an electric motor for a combined 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 13.8 kWh battery pack offers a range of 33 miles, and a combined efficiency of 80 MPGe. During the test drive of the Tucson, the guys over at Consumer Reports "appreciated its accurate, well-weighted steering and responsive, nimble handling" and give it an overall score of 77 out of 100. As for the predicted reliability and the owner’s satisfaction, both are rated at 3 out of 5. The 2023 Tucson Hybrid is priced from $37,300.
8 2023 BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV - Predicted Reliability 3/5
Now in its fourth generation, the BMW X5 saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid version for the first time back in 2020. Called the X5 xDrive45e PHEV, the model comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a single electric motor for a total of 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The motor gets its juice from a 24-kWh high-voltage battery pack that provides an all-electric range of 30 miles, and helps deliver a combined 50 MPGe. When testing the X5, Consumer Reports revealed the "driving experience is exemplary because the X5 feels like a true luxury car" and gave it an overall score of 87 out of 100. The SUV also has a predicted reliability of 3 out of 5 and a predicted owner satisfaction of 4 out of 5.
9 2023 Porsche Panamera 4 and 4S E-Hybrid - Predicted Reliability 3/5
Both the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and the 4S Hybrid are powered by a 2.9-liter V-6 engine combined with one electric motor. But, in the Panamera 4 this system delivers a combined 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, while in the 4S it goes up to 552 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The first one runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the second one needs only 3.5 seconds, but both models offer an all-electric range of 19 miles. The Panamera E-Hybrid has a predicted reliability of 3 out of 5 and a predicted owner satisfaction of 4 out of 5. It is of course worth paying the $109,000 for the 4 E-Hybrid and the $119,200 for the 4S E-Hybrid as the "Panamera delivers performance and agility along with enough room for four adults to ride comfortably."
10 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid - Predicted Reliability 3/5
The Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor for a total of 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 13.8-kWh battery pack ensures a range of 31 miles and 76 combined MPGe. The SUV also runs from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds and can hit a top speed of 116 mph. The 2023 Santa Fe received an overall score of 76 out of 100, and during the test drive, Consumer Reports concluded that the hybrid version is the "sweet spot within the Santa Fe lineup." Just like with the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, for the Santa Fe, both the predicted reliability and the owner’s satisfaction are rated at 3 out of 5.