If you’re in the market for a new car but don’t want to go full EV just yet, you may want to consider a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle). Here’s why and 10 compelling models to look at.
PHEVs are the sweet spot between ICE (internal combustion engine) and EVs (electric vehicles) and an excellent stepping stone for drivers who want to gradually move towards fully electric vehicles while still having the option to use gasoline when needed. For example, according to mobility analytics reporting platformReplica, the average daily commute in the US was 42 miles in 2023, with many people commuting much less than that.
More than half of the vehicles on our list have an all-electric range exceeding that average commute range, meaning if you were to buy one, you’d be able to cover your daily commute on electric power only, using more expensive gas for those longer trips out of town. And for quick errands around town, you’re able to lean entirely on the EV side of things and save.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of PHEVs on the market for us to pick through and analyze for you. We’ve done the legwork on your behalf, so let’s dig into our list of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with the longest electric-only range.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites.
10Lexus NX 450h+
MSRP: $57,505
Think of the Lexus NX as the Toyota RAV4’s upscale cousin, with its plug-in hybrid variant using the same setup as the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, which also features on this list. It’s a great choice if you’re seeking a hybrid that balances comfort and innovation.
2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas/electric engine
CVT automatic
304 horsepower
199 lb.ft
0-60 MPH
6.0 seconds
200 mph
(Data was collected from Lexus)
Not only is this luxury SUV a comfortable cruiser, offering a smooth ride, but it’s relatively roomy, with a plush cabin to boot. The most powerful NX, the 450h+ will sprint from 0-60 in just 6.0 seconds, courtesy of 304 net combined horsepower. Lexus estimates the NX 450h+ has an all-electric driving range of 37 miles.
9Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
MSRP: $40,500
If you’re in the market for a practical small crossover with curvy European looks, the Ford Escape should be on your list of vehicles to consider. It may not look big from the outside, but they say looks can be deceiving, and that’s very much the case here, with ample passenger and cargo space on offer.
2.5-liter plug-in hybrid
210 horsepower
155 lb.ft
7.7 seconds
(Data was collected from Ford)
A reasonably peppy vehicle when you’re driving on the highways, the car tries to spend most of its time initially in EV mode (up to 37 miles) until it drains the battery. That’s perfect for daily driving, as it means you can drive around town without using a sip of gasoline.
8BMW X5 xDrive50e
MSRP: $74,095
The BMW X5 was among the first luxury SUVs in the ’90s and early 2000s—leading the vehicles that paved the way for the glut of high-riding, high-rolling rigs that dominate the roads today. The X5 xDrive50e illustrates the evolution of a successful formula over 24 years, as well as how priorities have so dramatically changed.
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with integrated electric motor
8-speed STEPTRONIC
483 horsepower
516 lb.ft
4.6 seconds
130 mph
(Data was collected from BMW)
Powering the xDrive50e is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six with an electric motor, combining to deliver 483 horsepower, good for a 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds, and an all-electric range of up to 38 miles—not bad for a car weighing two and a half tons.
7Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered Plug-In Hybrid
MSRP: $71,250
A sporty station wagon with power on tap from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Volvo V60 is a unique proposition in the US. It doesn’t come cheap, though, and it’s only produced in small numbers, but it does offer an enticing combination of style and performance.
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with two electric motors
8-speed automatic
455 horsepower
523 lb.ft
4.4 seconds
155 mph
(Data was collected from Volvo)
Speaking of the latter, the V60 plug-in hybrid blends gas and electric propulsion in buttery-smooth fashion, with its turbocharged mill and electric motor combo delivering 455 ponies, good for 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, and an all-electric range of 41 miles.
6Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
MSRP: $43,865
It probably comes as no surprise that the RAV4 appears on this list, namely because it’s one of the bestselling vehicles in the US. And why’s that? The RAV4 not only offers great overall reliability and practicality, but in plug-in hybrid guise, it also offers a solid electric-only range (42 miles).
2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine
302 horsepower
5.5 seconds
112 mph
(Data was collected from Toyota)
It may be the quickest model in Toyota’s wide-ranging lineup, but it’s also the most expensive. That being said, it’s a car that drives well and is very comfortable for up to four adults, or five if everyone’s friendly.
5Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
MSRP: $33,375
Once upon a time, the Toyota Prius wasn’t cool, but that all changed when a 2023 redesign brought sleek new styling to the hybrid hatchback. As a middle ground between the standard Prius and a full EV, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers the best of both worlds with norange anxiety.
2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine
220 horsepower
139 lb.ft
6.6 seconds
115 mph
Along with its physical makeover, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain got more oomph, too, now offering 220 horsepower to deliver an impressive all-electric driving range of 44 miles.
4Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4Matic
MSRP: $71,350
There are no ifs or buts about it, the Mercedes GLE is one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today, thanks to a top-notch interior, exceptional build quality, and helpful tech features. But what’s it like to drive? The answer: it’s relatively fast, extremely quiet and comfortable, and feels supremely stable in most situations.
2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine with plug-in hybrid technology
9-speed automatic
381 horsepower
479 lb.ft
5.8 seconds
(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz)
Powering the 450e 4Matic is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. As for all-electric driving range, the 450e 4Matic offers an impressive 49 miles.
3Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic
MSRP: $50,650
Another strongoffering from Mercedes-Benzis the GLC, which is more compact than its GLE sibling, making it better suited to city driving and parking. Step inside, and it’s typically Benz, with nicely chosen upscale materials and a modern design, not to mention heaps of tech.
GLC 350e 4Matic Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine with 85 kW plug-in hybrid electric motor
7-speed automatic
320 horsepower
413 lb.ft
6.2 seconds
But where the 350e really stands out is its all-electric driving range of 54 miles—around 10 miles more than the average American’s daily commute.
2Mercedes-Benz S580e 4Matic
MSRP: $122,550
If you’ve got deep pockets, then you may want to consider the Mercedes-Benz S580e as your transition into electrification. Granted, it doesn’t come cheap, but the hybrid version of Benz’s flagship stands head and shoulders above other plug-ins in a host of areas.
3.0-liter inline-6 turbo plug-in hybrid
510 horsepower
553 lb.ft
4.8 seconds
Not only is it quick off the mark, the S580e provides a huge amount of electric range (56 miles), too, thanks to its big battery (28.6 kWh).
1Range Rover Sport P460e
MSRP: $95,100
While a fully electric version is set to land later in 2025, anyone looking to get their electric kicks from the Range Rover Sport will have to make do with a plug-in hybrid for now. As the name suggests, the Range Rover Sport is a bit sportier than the bigger and slightly more expensive regular Range Rover. Comfort, luxury and design are top of the agenda, too, albeit not to the same degree as with its bigger sibling.
3.0-liter inline-6 with 38.2 kWh battery
454 horsepower
487 lb.ft
5.3 seconds
140 mph
(Data was collected from Jaguar Land Rover)
The Range Rover Sport P460e gets a 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 215hp electric motor, for a total output of 454 horsepower, though the more pertinent figure is the 75 miles of claimed electric range.
Pros
Cons
Whether you’re in the market for a PHEV, or you’re ready to make the leap and go full EV, you’ll want toget your home ready for EV charging.
