15 Best Plug-In Hybrid SUVs

As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, the popularity of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles has skyrocketed. In particular, hybrid SUVs offer the perfect combination of efficiency and performance, making them an excellent choice if you want to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing power or practicality. Of course, not all options are equal, and it all depends on the balance between power and electric range and performance in hybrid mode. Some brands tip the balance decidedly to one side, while others seek a reasonable balance, but that doesn’t mean that PHEVs are not free of problems.

Plug-in hybrid SUVs use a combination of electric and gasoline power, allowing them to travel further than fully electric vehicles while emitting fewer emissions than traditional gas-powered SUVs. In addition to being eco-friendly, Hybrid SUVs do not have the drawback of causing range anxiety, well known in the case of fully electric cars, and that is why they are an option chosen by many drivers. With so many models on the market, however, choosing the best plug-in hybrid SUV can be a challenge.

Related: 10 Reasons Why PHEVs Are Better Than EVs

15 Ford Escape PHEV: Near Perfect Price-To-Performance Ratio

Starting Price: $40,500

Back three-quarter shot of Ford Escape PHEV dynamic on a curve

The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is a comfortable and reasonably efficient SUV that has all the technology and support of a world-renowned brand such as Ford. While its 0-60 mph acceleration of 8.1 seconds is not the fastest in its class, it still offers plenty of power for most everyday uses. The Escape’s advanced hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor to deliver a combined output of 221 horsepower, which is more than enough.

2023 Ford Escape PHEV Specifications

In addition to its performance, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid’s Titanium trim level includes a height-adjustable passenger seat, which adds an extra layer of comfort for passengers. Of course, there are better options, but considering the price-performance ratio and the features it offers, it is a competitive candidate.

14 Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV: Excellent Fuel Efficiency And Electric Range

Starting Price: $43,090

Front and side angle shot of Toyota-RAV4 Prime running 

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a standout plug-in hybrid SUV equipped with impressive specs and features. With up to 42 miles of electric-only range, the RAV4 Prime offers excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions, making it a top choice if you are looking for an environmentally friendly vehicle. This PHEV SUV also offers great acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of just 5.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest vehicles in its class.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime Specifications

In addition to its impressive performance, the RAV4 Prime has ample space for both passengers and cargo, something that can be crucial for some specific uses such as travel or moving. It is a hybrid SUV that will not disappoint anyone and is fully supported by the large reputation of Toyota, one of the most prestigious car manufacturers in the market.

Related: Why The Toyota RAV4 Prime Is The Must-Have Plug-In-Hybrid Crossover of 2023

13 Kia Sorento PHEV: Feature Packed With 32 Miles Of Range

Starting Price: $49,990

Front three-quarters shot of a white 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid.

The Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid is another one of the best in this segment, which also has excellent fuel efficiency and performance. With an EPA-estimated 32 miles of electric-only range, the Sorento offers plenty of all-electric driving for daily commutes or short trips. The Sorento also has a very significant list of standard and optional features, including a 10.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless device charging, and a panoramic sunroof.

2023 Kia Sorento PHEV Specifications

The vehicle’s easy-to-use technology interface ensures you can stay connected and informed while on the road. In addition to its advanced features, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid boasts a fuel economy rating of 34 MPG combined, making it a top choice for drivers who want to save money at the pump. It is a really convenient option, although it is true that it does not stand out too much in some aspects.

12 Hyundai Tucson PHEV: Great Efficiency, Better Warranty

Starting Price: $37,500

Left three quarters of the Hyundai Tucson PHEV at a charging station

Another important competitor on this list is the Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid: a powerful and efficient SUV that offers an exceptional driving experience. With a power output of 261 horsepower, this hybrid SUV delivers excellent acceleration and performance, and it is also equipped with an advanced powertrain that automatically switches to hybrid mode when the battery level reaches 15%, ensuring you can continue driving without range anxiety.

2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Specifications

Moreover, on a recent test drive, the hybrid Tucson achieved an impressive average of 37.2 MPG once it entered the hybrid mode. In addition to all this, the Tucson comes with an excellent warranty: Hyundai offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the powertrain and battery components, giving drivers peace of mind knowing they’re covered in case of unexpected issues. It is fair to say that it is a competitive option.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Hyundai Tucson Is The Best PHEV Under $40,000

11 Lexus NX PHEV: Luxury and Efficiency In One Pretty Package

Starting Price: $59,045

Side and front view of a 2020 Lexus NX Hybrid

Needless to say: if it’s a Lexus, it’s a luxury vehicle. The Lexus NX 450h+ is an impressive plug-in hybrid SUV that stands out for its design and comfort. With a range of up to 37 miles on all-electric power, assuming the battery is fully charged, you can expect emissions-free driving for short trips and commutes. Once the battery is depleted, the NX 450h+ can achieve an EPA-estimated 36 MPG during normal hybrid operation.

2023 Lexus NX PHEV Specifications

While the NX 450h+ is not particularly cheap for its segment, it comes better equipped from the get-go than most of its rivals and the cabin is spacious and attractive, offering plenty of room for passengers and cargo. If you are looking for luxury, in addition to the benefits of hybrid vehicles, this may be your option.

10 Lincoln Aviator PHEV: New, Fast, And Super Advanced

Starting Price: $68,680

Front three-quarters shot of a Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

Not everyone is aware of this option, and therefore it is sometimes not taken into account as it deserves. We are talking about the PHEV Lincoln Aviator, which is a luxurious and powerful SUV that delivers amazing performance and comfort. With an impressive acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, the Aviator offers a thrilling driving experience.

2023 Lincoln Aviator PHEV Specifications

The vehicle’s best characteristic, however, is its exceptional comfort: it is equipped with 30-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, adaptive suspension, and other advanced features that ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. At the top of the trim, it reaches an impressive 494 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market. Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or luxury, the Lincoln Aviator is an excellent choice.

Related: 10 Best Electric Three-Row SUVs

9 Porsche Cayenne PHEV: Impressively Fast

Starting Price: $91,700

A rear shot of a 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid with a taillight stripe. 

Another vehicle not to be missed in this segment is the Porsche Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid, an SUV that shines, above all, for its performance and excellent driving experience. With an acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, the Cayenne is one of the fastest PHEV SUVs on the market. However, in all-electric mode, it takes more than 20 seconds to hit 60 mph, so you should also keep that in mind. The Cayenne has an awesome design and high-quality materials that make it stand out from other SUVs.

2023 Porsche Cayenne PHEV Specifications

Nevertheless, it is quite expensive, with a starting price of $91,700, and another downside is its poor hybrid range. Despite these drawbacks, the Cayenne is a great SUV that offers top-of-the-line features, and impressive performance. If you’re looking for an SUV that combines power and luxury, the Porsche Cayenne is definitely worth considering.

8 Volvo XC90 PHEV: Safe And Efficient

Starting Price: $71,900

Photo of a Volvo XC90 Recharge driving along a coastal road

Volvo has done a lot of work on its hybrid models and one of the most notable of these is the XC90. It is a stylish and elegant SUV whose main virtue is awesome handling. With its sleek interior and exterior styling, the XC90 Plug-in Hybrid is sure to turn heads wherever you go. The vehicle’s precise handling makes it a joy to drive, whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. Using a Level 2 charger, you can recharge the XC90 T8’s battery in about 2.5 hours, making it easy to stay charged and ready to go.

2023 Volvo XC90 PHEV Specifications

The XC90 Recharge accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, making it another of the fastest plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market. And, of course, it comes equipped with all the Volvo safety features you’ve come to expect, ensuring a safe and secure driving experience for you and your passengers.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Volvo EVs Will Be A Force To Reckon With

7 BMW X5 PHEV: Arguably One Of The Best Plug-In SUVs

Starting Price: $72,500

A front three-quarter outdoor shot of a 2018 BMW X5

Now it is time to talk about a spectacular BMW: the PHEV X5, a powerful and luxurious SUV that is undoubtedly one of the best in the market. With an impressive acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, the X5 delivers a strong performance that is sure to impress. The vehicle’s luxurious and comfortable cabin features high-quality materials and advanced technology that makes every ride a pleasure. And with a spacious interior and cargo area, there is plenty of room for passengers and their belongings.

2023 BMW X5 PHEV Specifications

The X5 also features advanced technology, such as BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, which makes it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go. It obviously has everything you expect from such a vehicle and even more: you will not be disappointed.

6 Volvo XC60 PHEV: The Top Choice

Starting Price: $57,200

Photo of a silver Volvo XC60 Recharge parked on a platform next to the water.

Volvo is very interested in safety, but it’s not the only thing it excels at. The Volvo XC60 is an excellent PHEV SUV that offers a winning combination of power, fuel efficiency, and safety. With a respectable EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined in hybrid mode, the XC60 is both efficient and powerful, delivering 455 horsepower, which is not bad for this type of vehicle.

2023 Volvo XC60 PHEV Specifications

While it may not be the best in every aspect, this vehicle is the best when you combine them all: it offers excellent handling, a smooth ride, and a comfortable and luxurious interior that is perfect for long trips (considering that it is also very spacious). Safety is guaranteed by the Swedish brand, but you will also find in this SUV a perfect balance between all the features you want.

Related: 10 Advantages Of Plug-in Hybrids Over Electric Vehicles

5 Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV

Starting Price: $41,590

Front three-quarters shot of the Dodge Hornet R/T

With the Hornet crossover, Dodge entered a few markets it hadn’t explored before. First, the Hornet is the company’s first small crossover SUV, but also its first electrified model. The Hornet is offered in two trims: GT – powered by a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine – and the R/T which combines a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a 90-kilowatt electric motor mounted on the rear axle. The system delivers a combined 285 horsepower, while a «PowerShot» button adds an extra 25 horsepower for up to 15 seconds.

2023 Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV Specifications

The battery provides an all-electric range of 30 miles and can be recharged in 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger. The Hornet R/T PHEV is almost just as fast as the RAV4 Prime, needing 6.1 seconds to hit 60 mph. The cabin is almost identical to the Alfa Romeo Tonale – to which the SUV shares its platform, with lots of cool tech features and plenty of interior room and cargo space. According to TheDrive, the Hornet R/T is also very fun to drive and offers two different driving experiences. It is both comfortable and docile on tight, winding roads, and more than confident at lower speeds.

4 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV

Starting Price: $42,410

Front shot of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid on a dirt road 

The current, fourth-generation Santa Fe has been announced in 2018, and it received a major update for the 2021 model year when it was moved to a newer N3 platform that allowed the addition of a new hybrid and plug-in hybrid model. The Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine combined with an electric motor for a total of 261 horsepower.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid Specifications

A 13.8-kWh battery provides an all-electric range of 31 miles, while the SUV offers a combined 76 MPGe and a total range of 440 miles. The cabin is both spacious and luxurious and offers up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Also, the Santa Fe Hybrid delivers impressive handling thanks to its advanced HTRAC four-wheel-drive system, which controls torque distribution and braking power. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is priced from $42,410.

Related: Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Which Plug-in Hybrid SUV Should You Buy?

3 Kia Niro PHEV

Starting Price: $33,840

Side shot of a 2023 Kia Niro PHEV model in Cityscape Green

Announced early in 2022, the second-generation Kia Niro brings a lot of updates when compared to the previous generation. It has a new, more aggressive, and modern look, a completely revised interior, and a new powertrain lineup. One of the best-sold Niro models, the plug-in hybrid version combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a 32-kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor for a total of 180 horsepower.

2023 Kia Niro PHEV Specifications

The electric motor gets its juice from an 11.1-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that ensures a range of 33 miles and needs under three hours to be recharged. When fully charged, the Niro PHEV offers a combined 108 MPGe – a 25 percent improvement over the 2022 Niro PHEV. The interior is very nicely equipped, with lots of cool technologies and safety features, and plenty of room for even larger families. The 2023 Niro PHEV is offered in two trims with prices starting from $33,840.

2 Kia Sportage PHEV

Starting Price: $38,690

Front three-quarters shot of a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV

Announced back in 2022 at the same time as the launch of the fifth generation, the Kia Sportage PHEV is the latest addition to the Sportage lineup. The SUV features the same plug-in hybrid system as the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine combined with a 66.9-kW electric motor for a total of 261 horsepower. The electric motor gets its power from a 13.8-kWh battery pack that ensures an all-electric range of 32 miles.

2023 Kia Sportage PHEV Specifications

When fully charged, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a combined 84 MPGe and a total driving range of 430 miles. The SUV looks very futuristic, and features a cabin packed with lots of cool tech features. It also offers plenty of interior space and up to 73.7 cubic feet of cargo space. A full driver safety suite makes the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid a very safe SUV, while a ground clearance of 8.3 inches makes it very safe for off-roading. Plus, it can also tow up to 2,000 pounds. The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV is offered in two trims, with prices starting from $38,690.

Related: 10 Cheapest Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles In 2023

1 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

Starting Price: $60,360

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe at a charging station. 

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is the perfect example of a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines power with speed and off-road capabilities. The 4xe model was added to the lineup at the same time as the launch of the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee and can be had in five trims. It combines a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with one electric motor for a combined 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque – making it the most powerful model in the Grand Cherokee lineup.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Specifications

More than that, the 4xe is also the quickest with a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of just 6.0 seconds. The electric motor gets its power from a 14-kWh battery pack that ensures an all-electric range of 25 miles. The SUV gets a combined 57 MPGe and an overall combined diving range of 470 miles. Jeep also equipped the 4xe with the Quadra-Trac II 4×4 System that offers a higher level of four-wheel-drive capability. The system also includes Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD) that further improves the SUV’s capability to conquer any terrain. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is priced from $60,360.