The Best of Both Worlds
Driving an all-electric vehicle isn’t the only way to save thousands on fuel and do your part for a more sustainable future. While full EVs offer zero emissions and the best performance and refinement, they aren’t the best fit for drivers that regularly travel longer distances, or that don’t have regular access to home charging. For those drivers, plug-in hybrids offer the best option – combining the ability to drive emissions-free in many circumstances with the flexibility and fast refueling times of gasoline.
A plug-in hybrid offers the best of electric driving for daily use – even the least expensive models have more than enough range to complete the average daily commute – with long-range capability and convenience catered to by efficient gasoline engines. And because their batteries tend to be smaller, they also charge much more quickly than all-electric cars.
Most Popular Plug-In Hybrids
There are some remarkably popular plug-in models available on the market, and their affordability is bolstered by substantial federal and local incentives. We trawled the GreenCars comparisons for the five most popular plug-in hybrids today. You can find all of these vehicles and more on the GreenCars Marketplace powered by Driveway.com.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, MSRP $37,500
Some of the most popular plug-in hybrids these days are crossovers. The 2023 Tucson PHEV is one of the best compact crossovers as well as being one of the most affordable. Even in its least expensive SEL trim, it comes loaded with 19-inch alloy wheels, HTRAC all-wheel drive, and Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car system. The luxurious interior has a giant central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. There’s also plenty of space for your whole family and their stuff. A powerful 1.6-liter turbo engine and electric motor deliver 261 horsepower and impressive performance, and you can cruise on electric power alone for 33 miles.
- Total range: 420 miles EPA-Estimated
- Electric range: 33 miles EPA-Estimated
- Charging: 13 kWh / 1:50 to fully charge on level 2
2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, MSRP $40,500
The Ford Escape is a top-selling compact SUV, and it’s easy to see why. It offers lots of features, space, and technology in an attractive package. In 2023, the most appealing Escape is the plug-in hybrid version, which has an impressive all-electric range of 37 miles thanks to its 14-kWh battery; combined with a powerful but fuel-sipping Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, total range is an impressive 520 miles. Standard tech features include Ford’s CoPilot 360 advanced driver assistance suite with pre-collision assist, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and more. The Sync 3 infotainment system offers a user-friendly touchscreen, voice control, and Amazon Alexa functionality.
- Total range: 520 miles EPA-Estimated
- Electric range: 37 miles EPA-Estimated
- Charging: 14 kWh / 3:30 to fully charge on level 2
2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, MSRP $33,840
If a crossover is halfway between a car and an SUV, the Niro is sort of halfway between a car and a crossover. Niro’s long wheelbase makes the rear seat particularly spacious, and you can slide and tilt the rear seats individually. Power is delivered by an efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor; the compact 8-kWh battery doesn’t eat up any space and delivers a useful all-electric range of 26 miles. As you’d expect, the tech is right up to date; you can use your phone to monitor your state of charge, lock and unlock, and even remote start. A standard 8-inch touchscreen has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and you can use your voice to operate most vehicle functions.
- Total range: 560 miles EPA-Estimated
- Electric range: 26 miles EPA-Estimated
- Charging: 8 kWh / 2:40 to fully charge on level 2
2023 Toyota Prius Prime, MSRP $29,385
It’s not surprising that a Toyota Prius is on our list of the most popular plug-in hybrid vehicles, as the Prius is one of the original hybrids. In many ways, the Prius set the template for every hybrid to come: teardrop shape, hatchback body, compact drivetrain, exceptional economy. What the redesigned and sleeker 2023 Prius Prime adds to the package is the ability to plug in and recharge a larger battery that gives significant electric-only range. The Prime’s total range of 640 miles is an indication of just how efficient the overall package is, not just its electric components. Combine that capability with Toyota’s traditional rock-solid build, amazing reliability, and high resale values, and you have an incredibly intelligent buy.
- Total range: 640 miles EPA-Estimated
- Electric range: 50 miles EPA-Estimated
- Charging: 8 kWh / 2:40 to fully charge on level 2
