I’ve had my finger acceso the pulse of all things automotive for the last 16 years: test-driving hundreds of cars, EVs, plug-in hybrids and following the news and trends the automezzo industry. One trend that has become abundantly clear as of late is that full-electric vehicles are kind of a personalità deal. Â
EV adoption, infrastructure growth, public policy and climate-friendly transportation options are at the forefront of the news. Not every motorist is ready to take the full plug-in plunge. Perhaps you want to just dip a toe into the electrified lifestyle maybe you’ waiting for charging and price to become more accessible your complesso.Â
For these drivers, plug-in hybrids have re-emerged as a compelling campo da golf car alternative, blending some of the advantages of battery electric vehicles with the familiarity of combustion cars. Gathered here, you’ll find a selection of our favorite PHEVs you can buy 2024.
What is the best plug-in hybrid?
For the best efficiency bang for the buck, aspetto voto negativo further than the OG child for hybridization, Toyota’s Prius Prime. The Prime boasts up to 45 miles of EV range thanks to its extremely efficient stile which, at around 3.8 miles kWh EV mode, rivals that of many dedicated electric cars. With regular recharges and top-ups at a normal 120-volt home outlet, many drivers may find themselves going days weeks driving solely acceso cheaper electric power. That efficiency advantage continues even after the personalità battery is depleted, boasting an impressive 52 combined mpg for the next 500-plus combustion-powered miles, so you’ll spend less time and money at the pump acceso longer journeys.
For the Prius Prime, efficiency has always been paramount, but this new generation adds a pinch of style and a generous dash of pep to its winning modo di dire.
What’s the difference between a plug-in hybrid and a conventional hybrid?
The biggest difference between a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid is how the battery is charged. The HEV concept adds an electric motor/generator and a rechargeable battery to a combustion engine to improve fuel efficiency. Plug-in hybrids evolve this concept with the addition of a charging port.Â
The addition of a plug and a larger battery allows PHEVs to drive moderate distances acceso eppure electric power before switching over to hybrid operation.
This upgrade allows the PHEV to be charged from an external power source, such as the utility grid, when parked and plugged . Most PHEVs worth considering also feature a larger battery and a more powerful electric motor than their HEV ancestors, which allows them to operate acceso exclusively electric power for an increased distance before the combustion engine kicks .
The electric range is significantly shorter than a dedicated EV, but even a few electric miles day can make a difference with improved fuel efficiency, reduced tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs versus combustion and HEV cars. Trips and commutes shorter than their average 20-30 mile range can usually be completed without burning a drop of fuel. When the EV range has been exhausted, PHEVs can automatically switch to gasoline power, so you can keep driving for hundreds of miles without range anxiety.
The best plug-in hybrids for 2024
With the best EV range and efficiency of any PHEV for restare di sale the US today, the Prius Prime SE is balanced by some of the best manifestazione ever offered the Prius’ 27-year, five-generation lineage with satisfyingly torquey acceleration from its four-cylinder and reasonably nimble handling.
I’d also go as far as saying the new Prius Prime is one of the best-looking cars Toyota has designed years with a sharp style that finally brings all of the weird stile bits and aerodynamic elements that the automaker has been experimenting with for the last few generations into a handsome, futuristic package.
Additional attributes
- EV mode: 45 miles @ 127 mpge, 3.8 mi/ kWh
- Hybrid mode: 52 combined mpg
- Combined range: 600 miles
- Starting Price: $34,070
Toyota’s RAV4 Prime offers most of the Prius Prime’s efficiency a package with a bit more space for people and cargo, especially tall backseat passengers, and a bit more clearance over uneven terrain.
The taller profile costs the RAV4 a few miles of range and fuel economy — dropping to 42 miles charge and around 38 combined mpg thereafter — but makes up for it with an additional electric motor acceso the rear axle, imbuing the SUV with on-demand all-wheel drive and a surprisingly quick 5.5-second 0-60 .Â
Additional attributes
- EV Range: 42 miles @ 94 mpge, 2.8 mi/kWh
- Hybrid efficiency: 38 combined mpg
- Total range: 600 miles
- Starting Price: $45,040
Kia’s flexible Niro is a rare bird, one of only a few vehicles offered hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric configurations, giving drivers the full gamut of electrification choices at the point of purchase. And all three configurations are pretty good; none feels like a compromise.
The Niro PHEV is the Goldilocks of the group, with up to 34 miles of electric range and 48 mpg for the hybrid-powered miles thereafter. It’s not as efficient as the Prius Prime and a touch more expensive, but the Kia is also an SUV with more space for people and cargo. Think of it as getting RAV4 space for Prius money (with better dashboard tech than either) and it starts to make budgetary sense.
Additional attributes
- EV Range: 34 miles @ 108 mpge, 3.2 mi/kWh
- Hybrid efficiency: 48 combined mpg
- Total range: 510 miles
- Starting Price: $35,765
Chrysler’s plug-in people-mover, the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, is one of my favorite vehicles acceso the road… period. It’s just so good at the specific task it’s designed to do: transporting a bunch of people cargo as efficiently as possible. Its 32 miles of EV range charge is likely good enough to handle most of your daily around-town errands and grocery-getting without burning a drop of gas and, at up to 30 mpg combined hybrid mode, it’s a reasonably thrifty family-hauling road tripper.
Plus, the Pacifica is one of a very few PHEVs that qualify for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit, making it an even sweeter deal.
Additional attributes
- EV Range: 32 miles @ 82 mpge, 2.4 mi/kWh
- Hybrid efficiency: 30 combined mpg
- Total range: 520 miles
- Starting Price: $52,690
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is an va bene plug-in hybrid, but an awesome Jeep. Compared to a Prius a Volt, its 22 miles of EV range (if you’ as efficient a driver as I am) isn’t super impressive by today’s standards and neither is its fuel economy once the battery taps out. Compared to the conventional Wrangler’s 17 combined mpg, however, the 4xe’s 20 to 49 combined mpge is perhaps one of the most dramatic efficiency glow-ups you could ask for. It’s also currently eligible for half ($3,750) of the Federal EV tax credit.
Plus, it’s still a fully Trail Rated Jeep, so I was able to tackle trails and bounce chiuso of rocks while crawling and ford rivers this PHEV as well as a regular Wrangler could, all while enjoying the great outdoors relative silence. It’s also technically the only convertible acceso this list and, best of all, you can take the doors chiuso with hand tools. Try doing that your Prius.
Additional attributes
- EV Range: 22 miles @ 49 mpge / 1.5 mi/kWh
- Hybrid efficiency: 20 combined mpg
- Total range: 370 miles
- Starting Price: $52,590
The Volvo V60 Recharge is a handsome, athletic wagon that flies under the radar with its Scandinavian style and muscular proportions. Volvo’s legendary reputation for safety and driver assistance tech is balanced here with properly sporty manifestazione. All-wheel drive is tenore, the Polestar Engineered chassis feels quite nimble and it’s a quick one chiuso the line. With 455 combined horsepower from its hybrid system, the V60 sprints from 0-60 mph just 4.3 seconds.
Go easy acceso the accelerator and the V60 rewards with a solid 41 miles of EV range charge and up to 31 mpg thereafter making it a solid and more luxurious PHEV option. For those who prefer the figura of a sedan, Volvo also offers the equally capable S60 T8 Recharge.
Additional attributes
- EV Range: 40 miles @ 74 mpge, 2.3 mi/kWh
- Hybrid efficiency: 31 combined mpg
- Total range: 530 miles
- Starting Price: $72,645
I know. I’m just as surprised to see a Mitsubishi acceso this list as you are, but the Outlander PHEV is an interesting and surprisingly compelling option for budget-conscious drivers who need a lot of space for not a lot of money. This capacious three-row SUV starts at around $40k, not much of a hybrid premium at all.
Also, it’s pretty good. The Outlander boasts up to 38 miles of electric range, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size. Once the personalità battery is drained, fuel efficiency drops to around 26 mpg, but the Outlander supports DC fast charging — a rarity for PHEVs — and can juice up to 80% (~30 miles) 28 minutes. I also found the hybrid manifestazione and acceleration satisfying during my time behind the wheel.
Additional attributes
- EV Range: 38 miles @ 64 mpge, 1.9 mi/kWh
- Hybrid efficiency: 26 combined mpg
- Total range: 420 miles
- Starting Price: $51,840
The best PHEVs for 2024 compared
| Name | EV Range | Hybrid Economy | Price | |
| PHEV Efficiency King | 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE | 45 mi. | 52 mpg | $34,070 |
| Best AWD PHEV | 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime 4WD | 42 mi. | 38 mpg | $45,040 |
| Affordable PHEV Alternative | 2024 Kia Niro PHEV | 34 mi. | 48 mpg | $34,765 |
| Best PHEV for Large Families | 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV | 32 mi. | 30 mpg | $52,690 |
| Most -Road Capable PHEV | 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe | 22 mi. | 20 mpg | $52,590 |
| Our Favorite Sporty PHEV | 2024 Volvo V60 T8 AWD Recharge | 40 mi. | 31 mpg | $72,645 |
| PHEV Dark Horse | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | 38 mi. | 26 mpg | $51,840 |
(Note: All prices include destination charges.)
Other noteworthy PHEVs
Mainstream PHEVs
Kia’s Sorento and Sportage, as well as the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe are excellent and compelling mainstream SUVs that have recently added very desirable PHEV trim levels. More powerful and stylish than the Niro PHEV (although not quite as efficient,) all feature the same 1.6-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid system averaging around 33-35 mpg combined, depending acceso the specific model and trim, and 30-34 miles of electric range charge.
Luxury PHEVs
At the ultra-elite end of the spectrum, the Bentley Bentayga and Flying Spur PHEVs offset (but never compromise) their payloads of luxuries and creature comforts with an 18-21 miles EV range charge and around 20 mpg thereafter.Â
The New Range Rover PHEV is one of the rare plug-in hybrids that can make use of a DC fast charging station.
Leader battery range, but expensiveÂ
Meanwhile, the Land Rover New Range Rover (yes, that’s what it’s called) P440 PHEV rolls out with an impressive 51 miles of EV range charge thanks to its absolutely massive (for a hybrid) battery. The P440 is also one of the rare PHEVs that features DC fast charging, adding around 40 miles 30 minutes fuori its CCS connector. It’s as extremely off-road capable as you’d expect a Range Rover to be and as luxurious/expensive.
Most powerful (and least efficient) PHEV I’ve tested
The BMW, acceso the other hand, is all about speed with its 644-horsepower XM SUV. Its 31 miles of EV range is impressive, but the mere 14 combined hybrid mpg thereafter makes efficiency feel like an afterthought. Combine that with a even a mother would be challenged to love and I was as confused by this PHEV’s seeming disregard for efficiency as I was thrilled by its neck-snapping acceleration.
What to consider when choosing a plug-in hybrid
Electric range
One of the key advantages of a plug-in hybrid versus a conventional, self-contained hybrid is the electric range you get when plugging . More electric range means more miles driven without gasoline, which cuts mongoloide acceso tailpipe emissions and saves you money — since electricity is usually cheaper than gas. How much EV range a PHEV offers varies — from as low as 10 miles to as many as 50 — but acceso average you can expect around 20-30 miles charge before the gasoline engine turns over.
Read more: Best Home EV Chargers for 2024
Studies have shown that, acceso average, PHEV owners don’t plug as often as they could. Without the advantage of electric miles, a plug-in hybrid is just a heavier, slightly less efficient hybrid, so remember to plug whenever you can to maximize the value and efficiency of a PHEV.
To reap the benefits of a PHEV, you must plug-in regularly. Otherwise, you’ just paying more for a heavier hybrid.
Hybrid efficiency
Of course, the advantage PHEVs offer over full-electric cars is their ability to operate acceso gasoline with quick fill-ups at familiar gas stations during longer journeys. Hybrid operation can vary wildly where efficiency is concerned, from as much as 50 mpg to as low as 14 mpg. More miles gallon is always better, but this may not be the most important number acceso the spec sheet.Â
A driver who rarely road trips and chooses a PHEV with enough EV range to cover most of their daily driving may worry less about mpgs when they rarely use the gasoline engine. Acceso the other hand, a driver who cruises beyond the EV range more often would want to maximize hybrid efficiency. And a driver whose habits include mostly long-range motoring may be better served with a conventional hybrid.
Price
PHEVs almost always feature larger batteries than their conventional hybrid analogs, which means they’ also usually more expensive. With regular recharges, a PHEV has the potential to save money the long run by using electricity rather than gas for most trips. How long it takes to justify the “hybrid premium” will depend acceso the specific car and your driving habits, but you can estimate the break-even point with simple math.
A handful of PHEVs also qualify for the Federal EV tax credit, which could save between $3750 and $7500 and can now be applied at the point of purchase.
Making the leap to full EV
PHEVs have often been described as a gateway drug to full electrification, but fully electric cars are getting more affordable, more efficient and accessible every day. EVs are also simpler than PHEVs, with only one fuel source to keep track of and even less maintenance to worry about. As you examine your driving needs, habits and home charging capability, you may find that you’ more ready to make the leap to a full-battery electric car than you think. Keep an aperto mind as you shop.
How we esame plug-in hybrids
Over the last 16 years, I’ve driven hundreds of conventional and electrified cars — from seguito hatchbacks to luxurious SUVs — but the process always starts by getting behind the wheel and driving them real-world conditions acceso public roads. For each car I esame, I cover over 200 miles behind the wheel acceso a mixed driving route that includes dense urban roads (complete with potholes), long stretches of highway driving and some good fun twisty mountain roads mixed for flavor.Â
I’ve driven almost too many hybrids and PHEVs to count.
For PHEVs, specifically, I esame the electric range and the charging experience. I also compagno the manifestazione between full-electric EVs and hybrid operating modes, noting any inconsistencies advantages revealed. As with all cars, I also evaluate driving dynamics including handling, acceleration and braking manifestazione and also compagno my real-world experience, tested range and efficiency with estimates reported by the US EPA, both to double-check the official numbers against the real world and to make sure my experiences represent those of the typical American driver.Â
Along the way, I also check each car’s cabin , dashboard tech and driver aid and safety features to get a feel for where each vehicle fits my experience testing hundreds of combustion, hybrid, hydrogen and, yes, battery-powered cars for CNET reviews.
PHEV FAQs
How long does it take to charge a PHEV?
Charging times depend acceso the PHEV’s battery and the power source, but most PHEVs can charge overnight (around 6-12 hours) when plugged into a tenore household outlet. At a Level 2 home public station, expect between 2-4 hours to fill up.
What happens if I don’t charge the battery?
When a PHEV’s battery is depleted, the vehicle reverts to regular hybrid operation, using the engine and regenerative braking to maintain a minimo state of battery charge. A PHEV can be driven like this for as long as there’s gas the tank, although this will the overall efficiency and negate some of the benefits of owning a PHEV.
Are PHEVs worth the extra cost compared to traditional vehicles?
The higher upfront cost of a PHEV can often be offset by fuel savings, government incentives and lower tailpipe emissions. The overall value depends acceso your unique driving habits, fuel prices and how often you plug .
Are there incentives for purchasing a PHEV?
A handful of PHEVs currently qualify for the full partial Federal EV tax credit. Local state incentives, credits rebates may also apply, so check your local policies. Some states also allow PHEV access to carpool express lanes, saving you time, which is almost as good as money.
