2024 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
An Affordable PHEV Alternative
Best Plug-In Hybrid EVs for 2024 – CNET
2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid
Best PHEV for Large Families
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 or maybe you’re waiting for charging and price to become more accessible in your area.
For these drivers, plug-in hybrids have re-emerged as a compelling green 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 in 2024.
What is the best plug-in hybrid?
For the best efficiency bang for the buck, look no further than the OG poster child for hybridization, Toyota’s Prius Prime. The Prime boasts up to 45 miles of EV range thanks to its extremely efficient design which, at around 3.8 miles per kWh in 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 or weeks driving solely on cheaper electric power. That efficiency advantage continues even after the big 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 on longer journeys.
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The addition of a plug and a larger battery allows PHEVs to drive moderate distances on pure 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 in. Most PHEVs worth considering also feature a larger battery and a more powerful electric motor than their HEV ancestors, which allows them to operate on exclusively electric power for an increased distance before the combustion engine kicks in.
The electric range is significantly shorter than a dedicated EV, but even a few electric miles per 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
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When fuel efficiency and electric range are at the top of your PHEV \"Gotta Haves\" list, look no further than Toyota’s Prius Prime.
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When fuel efficiency and electric range are at the top of your PHEV \"Gotta Haves\" list, look no further than Toyota’s Prius Prime.
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When fuel efficiency and electric range are at the top of your PHEV "Gotta Haves" list, look no further than Toyota’s Prius Prime.
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The Jeep is, technically, the only convertible on this list.
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The Jeep is, technically, the only convertible on this list.
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The Jeep is, technically, the only convertible on this list.
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The best PHEVs for 2024 compared
(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 on the specific model and trim, and 30-34 miles of electric range per 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 per charge and around 20 mpg thereafter.
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To reap the benefits of a PHEV, you must plug-in regularly. Otherwise, you’re just paying more for a heavier hybrid.
Hybrid efficiency
Of course, the advantage PHEVs offer over full-electric cars is their ability to operate on 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 per gallon is always better, but this may not be the most important number on the spec sheet.
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. On 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’re also usually more expensive. With regular recharges, a PHEV has the potential to save money in the long run by using electricity rather than gas for most trips. How long it takes to justify the “hybrid premium” will depend on 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’re more ready to make the leap to a full-battery electric car than you think. Keep an open mind as you shop.
How we test plug-in hybrids
Over the last 16 years, I’ve driven hundreds of conventional and electrified cars — from eco hatchbacks to luxurious SUVs — but the process always starts by getting behind the wheel and driving them in real-world conditions on public roads. For each car I test, I cover over 200 miles behind the wheel on 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 in for flavor.
How long does it take to charge a PHEV?
When a PHEV’s battery is depleted, the vehicle reverts to regular hybrid operation, using the engine and regenerative braking to maintain a minimum state of battery charge. A PHEV can be driven like this for as long as there’s gas in the tank, although this will reduce the overall efficiency and negate some of the benefits of owning a PHEV.
Are PHEVs worth the extra cost compared to traditional vehicles?
A handful of PHEVs currently qualify for the full or partial Federal EV tax credit. Local or state incentives, credits or rebates may also apply, so check your local policies. Some states also allow PHEV access to carpool or express lanes, saving you time, which is almost as good as money.
