Plug-In Hybrids: Best of Both Worlds
Many new car buyers today are interested in the savings and reliability found in purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). These amazing hybrids offer enough all-electric range for a daily commute without ever engaging the vehicle’s gasoline engine. But unlike an all-electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid gives you hundreds of miles of range for longer trips because they still have a gasoline motor as well as an electric motor. These cars are perfect for those who are moving towards an electric future but still want the convenience of filling your gas tank for long road trips. They truly offer the best of both worlds.
For this list of the best plug-in hybrids currently on the market, we looked at vehicles that are ranked best by their electric range, their affordability, and overall reliability. We picked four-door sedans, crossover SUVs, and even a plug-in hybrid minivan all ranked by their electric range from most to least miles. These electric driving ranges are based on EPA estimates.
GreenCars' Top Four PHEVs
Note that our top four PHEVs will all take you at least 40 miles on their electric motors alone. That’s more than most people drive in a typical day. By plugging in your hybrid at home each night, it’s like always waking up to a vehicle that has a full tank and is ready to go! Also notice that the federal tax credit for PHEVs is calculated based on the size of the battery pack and note that local, state, and federal incentives change frequently. For the most current, personalized EV incentive information, check out our GreenCars EV Incentives tool.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Toyota is celebrating 27 years of producing the RAV4 by upgrading the PHEV Prime version. It is the template for the perfect crossover, offering a great ride, comfort, and handling characteristics. The PHEV version of the RAV4 comes with an 18.1-kWh battery pack that’s good for 42 miles of all-electric range and 600 miles of total driving range. With 302-horsepower, it is the fastest four-door Toyota today, taking you from zero to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Standard AWD delivers all-weather traction thanks to an independent rear motor.
- MSRP starts at: $42,340
- Electric range: 42 miles
- Total range: 600 miles
- Federal tax credit = $7,500
Ford Escape PHEV
Ford Motor Company was the first American automaker to produce a plug-in hybrid with the Escape back in 2004. The faithful PHEV utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor to produce a total of 221 horsepower. Thanks to its 14.4kWh battery pack, the Escape will take you 37 miles on all-electric power and has 530 miles of total range. There is no AWD version, but the SEL trim variant includes such upgrades as heated front seats, parking sensors, and Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ adds adaptive cruise control. For 2022, the Escape comes in three new paint options.
- MSRP starts at: $40,500
- Electric range: 37 miles
- Total range: 530 miles
- Federal tax credit = $6,843
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Imagine running family errands without using a drop of gasoline for 32 miles. The Pacifica Hybrid is still the only minivan on the market that offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Its 16kWh battery pack and electric motor is married to a 3.6-liter V6, 260-horsepower gas engine to take you a total of 566 miles. The Pacifica features 81 different seating configurations and more cargo space than a full-size SUV with three spacious rows that seats seven. Standard features include active safety systems, an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment interface and power-sliding rear side doors.
- MSRP starts at: $48,878
- Electric range: 32 miles
- Total range: 520 miles
- Federal tax credit = $7,500
Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV
All new for 2022, the plug-in hybrid variant of the splendid Santa Fe shines through a bold grille up front and full-width tailgate out back. The sporty and roomy crossover comes with a 177-horsepower 1.6-liter inline four gas engine that works with a 90-horsepower electric motor for a combined 260-horsepower. You’ll get 30 miles of electric range and 440 total miles on a tankful. The 13.8kWh battery pack means you’ll also get a federal tax credit of $6,587. The base SEL trim includes Hyundai’s Smart Sense safety and driver assist tech, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
- MSRP starts at: $42,110
- Electric range: 30 miles
- Total range: 440 miles
- Federal tax credit = $6,587
