Plug-in hybrids offer an intriguing compromise between old-school gasoline motoring and the fully-electric future. They offer you the ability to commute emissions-free on electric power for your daily drive, with the range and convenience of gasoline power, to make road tripping easier. Here are some of the most popular plug-in hybrids available in America today.
As fuel prices fluctuate, and as more of us look to reduce our carbon footprints, it’s no surprise that sales of electrified vehicles in America are rising quickly. What’s interesting is that, while sales of hybrid vehicles and pure-electric vehicles have risen sharply, sales growth for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have not grown nearly as fast. Improved charging infrastructure and longer-range options are making full-electric cars a viable option for more drivers, while their price premium is also coming down.
Still, for many drivers who want the option of driving emissions-free, but frequently need to take longer trips, a plug-in hybrid vehicle offers the best of both worlds: silent, super-clean commuting on a daily basis, with the ability to lean into a gasoline motor when significant range is needed. There are many great options available. Here are some of the most popular plug-in hybrids available today.
All mileage mentioned are EPA estimates.
Lexus’ compact luxury SUV, the NX, is available with a number of drivetrains, including a conventional gas engine (NX250), hybrid (NX350), and the new plug-in hybrid NX450h+. Not only is the all-wheel drive NX450h the most powerful version of the NX, with 304 total horsepower, it’s also the most efficient model.
Its full-electric driving range of 37 miles is a very impressive. You will likely do most of your commuting without ever using the gasoline engine. Plus, you get all of the usual Lexus goodies: a gorgeous, luxurious interior, distinctive styling, and a great suite of safety and driver assist features to keep you and your family safe.
The starting price is high for a relatively compact SUV, but you get a lot for your money and, as of this writing, the NX is eligible for state and federal incentives.
Starting MSRP: $62,415
EPA Estimated MPGe: 84
Updated for 2025, the Kia Sportage is one of the best-looking and most versatile compact SUVs on the market. The regular Sportage is one of our favorite small SUVs thanks to its upscale styling, premium interior, excellent technology and safety systems. It has a full suite of tech features, and a new choice of trims that offer you the ability to outfit the Sportage like a luxury car or an off-road adventurer.
The plug-in hybrid Sportage comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder combined with an electric motor. Total power output is an impressive 261 horsepower, and you get 34 miles of all-electric driving range. Plus, you’ll have a lot of fun behind the wheel, as the Sportage is a very entertaining SUV to drive.
Starting MSRP: $39,890
EPA Estimated MPGe: 84
Hyundai’s good-looking Tucson PHEV is one of the best compact crossovers as well as being one of the most affordable. It has distinctive styling, plenty of space, great tech, and a reasonable price.
Even in its least expensive SEL trim, the Tucson PHEV comes loaded with 19-inch alloy wheels, HTRAC all-wheel drive, and Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car system. The interior has a giant central touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and there’s plenty of space for your whole family and their stuff.
A powerful 1.6-liter turbo engine and electric motor deliver 268 horsepower, and you can cruise on electric power alone for 32 miles.
Starting MSRP: $39,730
EPA Estimated MPGe: 80
Completely redesigned in 2023, the Niro is halfway between a car and a crossover. It has no pretentions of going off-road, but has a higher seating position and a roomy body for passengers and cargo room. A long wheelbase makes the rear seat very spacious, and you can slide and tilt the rear seats individually. Exterior styling is distinctive, too, looking like no other hatchback on the road.
Power is delivered by an efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor. Total system output is 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and the 11.1-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery provides an all-electric range of 33 miles.
The tech is right up to date; you can use your phone to monitor your state of charge, lock and unlock, and even remote start. A standard 8-inch touchscreen has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and you can use your voice to operate most vehicle functions.
Starting MSRP: $34,490
EPA Estimated MPGe: 108
The Pacifica is proof that for practicality and efficiency, it’s tough to beat a minivan. The only plug-in hybrid minivan on the market, Pacifica offers excellent fuel economy, as well as 32 miles of all-electric driving range. Plus, it has similar interior room to some of the biggest SUVs, with a more compact footprint and big sliding doors.
The interior is super-versatile, with a wide variety of seating configurations, and the cargo area is huge. Available Uconnect Theatre includes dual 10-inch touchscreens with Blu-Ray player, wireless streaming, and more. New for 2025 is a Pinnacle trim that offers an ultra-luxurious cabin that rivals a limousine for comfort and features.
Starting MSRP: $51,055
EPA Estimated MPGe: 82
The Prius is one of the original hybrids and is still a leader in fuel economy and low running costs. In many ways, it set the template for every hybrid to come, offering a sleek shape, hatchback body, compact drivetrain, and exceptional economy. The latest version of the Prius adds gorgeous styling to its list of practical attributes, and it’s a performer, too, able to dash to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with 220 horsepower.
What the Prius PHEV adds to the is the ability to plug in and the ability to drive up to 48 miles on electric power alone. While the regular Prius can go only very short distances without the gasoline engine, you might be able to do your entire commute in the plug-in version.
Combine that capability with Toyota’s traditional rock-solid build, amazing reliability, and high resale values, and you have a very intelligent buy.
Starting MSRP: $33,375
EPA Estimated MPGe: 114
The BMW X5 is one of our favorite luxury SUVs. It has a great combination of space, versatility, performance, and handling , all wrapped up in a good-looking package with easy-to-use technology. Well-designed and well-made inside and out, it is not an inexpensive vehicle, but offers impressive value for the money, and its cabin is one of the roomiest in its class.
The X5 is also one of the most innovative luxury SUVs, with the availability of a plug-in hybrid powertrain that utilizes BMW’s smooth, powerful turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor. Upgraded for 2025 from a “45e” to a “50e,” the plug-in X5 now has 483 total horsepower is on tap, along with up to 38 miles of all-electric range.
Standard all-wheel drive and BMW dynamics make it one of the best SUVs to drive along with being one of the most economical.
Starting MSRP: $73,800
EPA Estimated MPGe: 58
Ford’s versatile Escape is perennially a top-selling compact SUV, and it’s not hard to see why. It offers excellent features, space, and tech in an attractive package at a reasonable price. The 210-hp plug-in hybrid version has an impressive all-electric range of 37 miles thanks to its 14-kWh battery. It combines with a powerful but fuel-sipping 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, for a total range of 520 miles.
Standard tech includes Ford’s CoPilot 360 advanced driver assistance suite with pre-collision assist, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and more. Inside, the Sync-operating system offers a digital instrument cluster, user-friendly touchscreen, voice control, and Amazon Alexa.
Starting MSRP: $38,400
EPA Estimated MPGe: 101
Is it surprising that the best-selling plug-in hybrid in America is a trail-ready, off-road focused Jeep? It shouldn’t be because we Americans are SUV-mad, and the design of the Wrangler is truly iconic. The 4xe proves you don’t need to sacrifice green credentials even if you want to venture into the woods. It combines iconic style with go-anywhere ability and emissions-free commuting.
In full electric mode, the Wrangler 4xe can travel up to 21 miles emissions-free, and when you need gasoline power, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is there for you. Multiple driving modes let you cruise in full-electric, mix both engine and motor, and even use the engine to charge the battery. Plus, you get 375 total horsepower, 470 lb-ft of torque, and, depending on which trim level you choose, even Jeep’s top “Trail Rated” 4x4 designation.
Starting MSRP: $50,695
EPA Estimated MPGe: 49
Choosing a plug-in hybrid means having flexibility without compromise. With options ranging from compact, affordable daily drivers to luxurious, powerful SUVs, there’s a PHEV suited to almost every lifestyle. Whether your priority is emissions-free commuting, family-friendly versatility, off-road capability, or upscale refinement, today’s best-selling plug-in hybrids deliver exceptional efficiency and practicality.
As you consider your options, remember to factor in available incentives, daily driving needs, and your preferred balance between electric range and gasoline convenience.
Use our intuitive GreenCars Buyer’s Guide to quickly find and compare plug-in hybrids that perfectly match your lifestyle and budget.
Senior Editor and GreenCars Contributor
Laurance Yap worked for a decade as an automotive journalist before joining Porsche, where he ran PR and marketing in Canada. He led global marketing for RM Sotheby’s, and is a senior manager at GreenCars and a regular contributor to the site.
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