PHEVs are becoming increasingly popular among car buyers as a great alternative to conventional gasoline-powered cars. These vehicles use a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, which makes them a unique and very versatile option. One of the key advantages of PHEVs is their ability to operate in electric-only mode for a certain distance, thanks to their battery packs, which are usually larger than those found in regular hybrids. It is rare to find a car model that is exclusively a PHEV, as most manufacturers tend to offer plug-in versions of existing models that originally used gasoline engines. This approach allows car companies to cater to a wider audience and offer a more diverse range of powertrains.
It is worth noting that although there are new models expected to be released in 2024 that could make this list, such as the Subaru Crosstrek PHEV or the Dodge Hornet PHEV, what matters, in this case, are the models available in 2023. In any case, PHEVs represent a good transition option if you are not quite ready to make the switch to fully electric cars. They offer the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of electric driving with the convenience of traditional ICEs.
10 BMW 300e Sedan - $44,900
The BMW 330e is a stunning example of how luxury carmakers are incorporating electrification into their lineup. It is surprisingly affordable for a BMW and can compete with many other cars in its price range. The BMW 330e PHEV combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, which together can generate an impressive 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. The car can go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.6 seconds and boasts an impressive 73 MPGe. However, one of the most striking features of the BMW 330e PHEV is its elegant design, which is typical of the German automaker. In this sense, the price-quality ratio is superb, even though there are cheaper cars in this segment.
9 RAV4 Prime - $43,090
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a highly efficient PHEV that offers a great driving experience. It is available at a reasonable price, starting at $43,090 for the SE version. The RAV4 Prime is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission, and AWD which produces a combined 302 Horsepower. It also has an impressive MPGe rating of 94, making it one of the most efficient PHEVs available on the market today. The RAV4 Prime has a maximum electric-only driving range of 42 miles and an excellent ground clearance of 8.0 inches. Besides, it has a spacious interior, with a total passenger volume of 101.3 cubic feet and cargo space of 63.2 cubic feet behind the front row and 33.5 cubic feet behind the second row.
8 MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid - $42,700
MINI has made a foray into the PHEV market with the Countryman PHEV, which is a relatively affordable option compared to other luxury PHEVs and has features typical of higher-priced cars. This car comes with all-wheel drive and generates a total of 221 Horsepower, making it a powerful contender in its segment. It takes just 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery, and it has an EPA-estimated 73 MPGe rating. The Countryman Plug-in Hybrid provides only 17 miles of all-electric range, and the combined range increases up to 300 miles. For a starting price of $42,700, this car seems like a great value. The MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid retains the signature style that MINI is known for, which makes it easily recognizable on the road.
7 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid - $42,110
The Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is undoubtedly one of the best PHEVs on the market for many reasons. This car has an electric range of 30 miles, so it’s an excellent option for daily commuters. It also has an MPG of up to 33 combined, which is exceptional for an SUV of its size. The Santa Fe PHEV's powertrain is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 260 horsepower. The car provides a smooth and stable driving experience, which is especially important for families or even for adventures in the wilderness. In addition, the Santa Fe PHEV stands out in terms of interior space and overall comfort. Its price of $42,110 is really convenient compared to other similar vehicles.
6 Ford Escape PHEV - $40,500
The Ford Escape PHEV is a solid choice if you are looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV. Although it may not stand out much within Ford's lineup, it does compete well in its segment. The powertrain combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, providing an output of 221 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.7 seconds. It also boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of 36 MPGe. Additionally, the Escape PHEV has almost perfect safety ratings, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2022. In short, it is an SUV that presents a good balance between performance, safety, and style, without neglecting comfort.
5 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid - $39,845
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a model that often flies under the radar, but it's actually quite impressive and might surprise you. It offers a range of up to 420 Miles, thanks in part to its regenerative braking system, and it also boasts a combined 64 MPGe, making it a very fuel-efficient choice. Charging the battery takes only 38 minutes, which is pretty impressive. Additionally, it has received some awards, such as the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year and the Family Green Car of the Year, which attest to its performance, capabilities, and other criteria. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV may not be as well-known as some of its competitors, but it's definitely worth considering for a price of $39,845. In fact, not many vehicles in this segment are priced below $40,000.
4 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid - $38,690
The Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid is an interesting alternative if you are seeking a budget-friendly PHEV: at $38,690, it's one of the most affordable options in the market. The 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is paired with a 13-kWh battery, providing a combined output of 261 Horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage PHEV offers a decent all-electric range of 34 miles and an impressive 84 MPGe. It's important to note that despite its affordability, it doesn't compromise on comfort and quality. The interior is spacious and modern, with comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. The exterior is sleek and sporty, with a bold grille and sharp lines. For a PHEV that doesn't break the bank, this is certainly one of the best options that the market has to offer today
3 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid - $37,300
The Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid is a small but efficient and powerful option in the PHEV market. With 261 Horsepower and HTRAC all-wheel drive, this vehicle is capable of handling both city and highway driving with ease. It offers 33 Miles of electric range and a combined MPG of up to 35, i.e., numbers that are within the average. The 19-inch alloy wheels add to the sleek and modern look of the Tucson PHEV, while the Apple Car and Android Auto integration ensure you can stay connected while on the go. In a way, it is a younger sibling to the Santa Fe, so if you want more power you have to look for that option. However, for less money, you can have this solid alternative.
2 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid - $33,840
The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is one of the most popular PHEV models out there. Its 33 miles of electric-only driving range is a great feature (although fairly standard) that allows for short commutes without burning any gas. The 510 miles total driving range is also an impressive feature, as well as its excellent fuel economy of 108 MPGe combined. Standard driver assistance features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking make it a particularly safe vehicle in almost all environments, which is why it stands out in this respect. The Kia Niro PHEV has already established itself as a classic in the transition toward electrification, and it's easy to see why considering its extremely low price for the segment and reasonably good performance combination.
1 Toyota Prius Prime - $32,350
The Toyota Prius Prime is a perfect example of Toyota's expertise in the field of hybrid cars. Although Toyota might be facing some challenges in transitioning to fully electric vehicles, there is no doubt that the Prius Prime is a top-notch PHEV. Besides, the recent facelift has given the Prius a fresh new look that it needed. The base model SE is priced at $32,350, which makes it an extremely inexpensive car. With an all-electric range of 44 Miles, the Prius Prime offers impressive fuel economy: a combined rating of 54 MPGe. The 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 6.9 seconds is not bad for a PHEV, but in any case, it is clear that those who buy a Prius do not do so with performance in mind.