Summary
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe and the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge are among the best plug-in hybrid SUVs available in 2023, offering impressive fuel economy and luxury features.
- The Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Toyota Prius Prime are also top contenders in the plug-in hybrid market, with high fuel efficiency and a good all-electric driving range.
- The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and the Land Rover Range Rover SE P440e provide both comfort and off-road capabilities, making them excellent choices for those seeking a versatile plug-in hybrid vehicle.
When you want to save fuel, step into the EV world, and enjoy the versatility and convenience of a gasoline engine, one of the best plug-in hybrid vehicles can be right for you. PHEVs offer the best hybrid MPG numbers, surpassing traditional hybrid models at every turn.
What is the best plug-in hybrid vehicle? Although fuel economy figures are important, other factors could make one of these 10 models the best plug-in hybrid vehicles of 2023 for you to drive.
Using data from fueleconomy.gov, U.S. News & World Report, and Kelley Blue Book, we’ve compiled a list of ten of the best plug-in hybrid cars and SUVs.
1 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe – Off-Road Fun And Fuel Savings Combined
EPA Fuel Economy: 56 MPGe
When comfortable family-friendly driving is necessary, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs. This hybrid off-roader comes equipped with an efficient hybrid powertrain that enables smooth driving and plenty of trail riding, an expected quality of this Jeep.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 25 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 23 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 19.0 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus two electric motors |
| Horsepower | 375 horses |
| Torque | 470 pound-feet |
This hybrid Grand Cherokee utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD to deliver the desired capabilities on and off the road. Whether you’re stuck in a rainstorm or trying to storm the hill climb in front of you, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe can be a useful and capable SUV.
2 Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge – Safe, Efficient, Satisfying, Plug-In Hybrid Luxury
EPA Fuel Economy: 57 MPGe
The 2023 Volvo XC60 is an impressive luxury SUV, offering good value in its base version, but there’s more to this luxury SUV than meets the eye.
Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 35 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 25 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 18.8 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus one electric motor |
| Horsepower | 455 horses |
| Torque | 523 pound-feet |
Moving to the T8 Recharge model brings owners one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs of 2023. The XC60 is sleek, comfortable, and filled with cutting-edge technology at this trim.
3 Toyota RAV4 Prime – Easily One Of The Best Plug-In Hybrid SUVs
EPA Fuel Economy: 94 MPGe
Toyota has been the leader in the hybrid vehicle market for more than two decades. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Toyota RAV4 Prime is among the best plug-in hybrid vehicles. This PHEV includes modern tech features and comfort items making it a joy to drive.
Toyota RAV4 Prime Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 42 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 38 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 14.5 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine plus one electric motor |
| Horsepower | 302 horses |
| Torque | 165 pound-feet |
The RAV4 Prime’s powertrain is attached to a standard CVT automatic transmission and has AWD to power all four wheels during your time on the road. The 42 miles of all-electric range gives this hybrid crossover an impressive advantage over other PHEVs.
4 Toyota Prius Prime – The Most Popular PHEV Car
EPA Fuel Economy: 133 MPGe
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is one of the best plug-in hybrid cars and one of the most popular. When you hear the term hybrid, the Prius is the first to come to mind, and the Prime trim brings the PHEV package to your driving experience.
Toyota Prius Prime Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 44 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 52 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 10.6 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine plus two electric motors |
| Horsepower | 220 horses |
| Torque | 139 pound-feet |
5 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid – Comfort And Practicality From Hyundai
EPA Fuel Economy: 76 MPGe
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid includes the same comfort and modern features in this SUV’s traditional version. This makes the Santa Fe PHEV one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs. Power is sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing a traditional driving experience.
Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 31 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 33 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 12.4 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus one electric motor |
| Horsepower | 261 horses |
| Torque | 224 pound-feet |
6 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid – Power, Performance, and Fun In a PHEV
EPA Fuel Economy: 42 MPGe
If you’re looking for a little driving excitement and fun, the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is an excellent option. Although mired with a short all-electric driving range, this fun and active SUV is one of the best plug-in hybrids of 2023.
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 16 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 21 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 19.8 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 3.0-liter V-6 engine plus one electric motor |
| Horsepower | 455 horses |
| Torque | 516 pound-feet |
The E-Hybrid model is the base PHEV of two models in the Porsche Cayenne lineup. If you want more power and performance, the S E-Hybrid model includes a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine to deliver 670 horsepower.
7 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring – Lincoln Comfort With Excellent Fuel Savings
EPA Fuel Economy: 56 MPGe
The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring’s powertrain mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver a smooth ride on any road.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 21 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 23 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 18.0 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine plus one electric motor |
| Horsepower | 494 horses |
| Torque | 630 pound-feet |
This luxury SUV includes standard AWD, upscale Lincoln styling, and impressive comfort features. This Lincoln is one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs, and it can be had at the Grand Touring or higher Black Label Grand Touring trims.
8 Land Rover Range Rover SE P440e – Traditional Off-Road Prowess In A Modern PHEV
EPA Fuel Economy: 50 MPGe
This plug-in hybrid Land Rover offers one of the longest all-electric driving ranges among PHEVs. If you’re looking for a capable off-road SUV with excellent fuel savings, the Range Rover SE P440e is one of the best plug-in hybrid vehicles of 2023.
Land Rover Range Rover SE P440e Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 48 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 24 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 18.9 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 3.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus one electric motor |
| Horsepower | 434 horses |
| Torque | 406 pound-feet |
9 BMW 530e – Midsize Luxury Plug-In Hybrid Excellence
EPA Fuel Economy: 62 MPGe
The 2023 BMW 530e is a luxury sedan that offers the best of both worlds. This car enables owners to save fuel and drive a high-class sedan with plenty of power and performance. This impressive hybrid BMW includes elegant styling, comfort, and build quality.
BMW 530e Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 21 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 25 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 12.1 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus one electric motor |
| Horsepower | 288 horses |
| Torque | 310 pound-feet |
The BMW 530e is one of the best plug-in hybrid cars offered with both RWD and AWD setups. The all-electric driving range drops to 18 miles if the AWD model is selected. This PHEV tends to fly under the radar, but if you’re looking for one of the top models in the class, it’s worthy of consideration.
10 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – The Only Plug-In Hybrid Minivan
EPA Fuel Economy: 82 MPGe
The fuel savings offered in the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offset the high cost of this minivan. When searching for a family-friendly vehicle with upscale materials and excellent versatility it’s hard to beat the Pacifica Hybrid.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Specs
| Electric Driving Range | 32 miles |
| Gas-Only Fuel Economy | 30 mpg combined |
| Gas Tank Capacity | 16.5 gallons |
| Drivetrain | 3.6-liter V-6 engine plus two electric motors |
| Horsepower | 260 horses |
| Torque | 262 pound-feet |
Your family will thank you for choosing one of the best plug-in hybrid vehicles in the market when you bring this minivan home from the dealership.
FAQ
Q: What Is The Most Efficient Plug-in Hybrid Car?
The best hybrid MPG among plug-in models is found in the Ford Escape PHEV. This impressive PHEV SUV returns 105 MPGe and 40 mpg combined using only the gasoline engine. With a full tank of gas and fully charged batteries, the Escape PHEV can drive for 520 miles before refueling.
Q: Is a Full Hybrid Better Than A Plug-In Hybrid?
If you have access to a Level 2 charging station and most drives are relatively short, one of the best plug-in hybrid vehicles of 2023 could be right for you. On the other hand, if you can’t recharge the PHEV batteries regularly and aren’t concerned with the all-electric driving range, a regular hybrid could be the right choice.
Q: What Saves More Money, Hybrid Or Plug-In Hybrid?
It’s much cheaper to operate your vehicle on electricity than gasoline. The PHEV will save more money when most of your driving is completed without depleting the battery pack in a plug-in hybrid. In this situation, drivers can recharge the batteries to prepare the vehicle for the next drive. Using electricity costs less than half as much to drive a plug-in hybrid than driving a regular hybrid that combines gasoline and electricity for the drive.
Q: Is A Plug-In Hybrid Worth It In 2023?
The best plug-in hybrid vehicles offer impressive fuel savings and all-electric driving ranges. These vehicles also include regenerative braking, ensuring traditional hydraulic brakes last longer. Although more expensive than gas-only variants, plug-in hybrid vehicles offer the versatility necessary for long road trips and fuel savings in one package.
Q: What Is The Highest Mileage Plug-In Hybrid?
Although not a typical choice, the 2022 Karma GS-6 has the longest electric driving range among plug-in hybrids, with 61 miles. This sporty hybrid is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and a 28-kWh battery pack to deliver 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque.
Q: What Is The Best Plug-In Hybrid Car?
U.S. News & World Report lists the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, BMW 530e, and Land Rover Range Rover SE P440e as the best plug-in hybrid vehicles of 2023.