11) 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
$35,795 | U.S. News Score: 6.2/10 | EV-Only Range: 22 mi | 74 MPGe
The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is currently the only affordable compact SUV that’s available as a plug-in hybrid. It can’t carry as many people as the standard Outlander, a three-row SUV with room for up to seven people. However, forfeiting the third row translates to more cargo room. The Outlander PHEV’s maximum cargo space of 66.6 cubic feet is above average for the compact SUV segment.
When its lithium-ion battery pack has a full charge, the Outlander PHEV can travel about 22 miles on all-electric power and gets an estimated 74 MPGe.
Highlights of this SUV include standard all-wheel drive and a superb new-car warranty. It doesn’t fare well in our rankings, though. Much of the reason for its low placement relates to quality issues, including a below-average predicted reliability rating and mediocre cabin materials.
10) 2019 Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4
$36,900 | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10 | EV-Only Range: 12 mi | 65 MPGe
The 2019 Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is a nimble, engaging crossover SUV. It achieves a combined 221 horsepower from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which consists of a three-cylinder engine and an electric motor. When combined with its responsive handling and balanced ride, the result is a fun-to-drive subcompact SUV.
The EPA estimates that the plug-in Countryman gets 65 MPGe and 27 mpg combined city/highway. When you tally your estimated fuel and electric costs to keep it running, you’ll save about $350 in annual fuel costs with this SUV in comparison to its gas-only counterpart.
In typical Mini fashion, there are lots of ways to personalize your Countryman. The list of choices starts with three trim levels: Classic, Signature, and Iconic. Add-ons include a Harman Kardon sound system, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and leather seats.
9) 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
$40,245 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10 | EV-Only Range: 32 mi | 82 MPGe
It’s rare to find a large vehicle as efficient as the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. This minivan can drive up to 32 miles on all-electric power. It gets 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined city/highway. That’s quite a leg up in fuel savings over the nonhybrid Pacifica, which gets an estimated 22 mpg combined.
The secret to the Pacifica Hybrid’s efficiency is a lithium ion battery pack that’s abnormally large for a plug-in. The battery is so large, in fact, that this minivan qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, a bonus normally applicable only to battery electric cars.
Comfortable, spacious seating for seven, an enormous cargo hold, and a nice collection of standard features are among the pros of the Pacifica Hybrid. It places in the top half of our hybrid and electric SUV rankings.
8) 2019 Ford Fusion Energi
$34,595 | U.S. News Score: 6.8/10 | EV-Only Range: 26 mi | 103 MPGe
The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi has a premium vibe inside. It has plenty of soft-touch surfaces, some of which almost reach luxury levels of quality. Furthermore, a wealth of safety features come standard. These include must-haves such as automatic emergency braking, as well as systems that make life easier, such as automatic high-beam headlights, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist.
On a full charge, the Fusion Energi can drive about 26 emission-free miles and has a 103 MPGe combined city/highway rating. While this is very thrifty for a midsize car in general, other PHEV’s are more efficient. The Honda Clarity, for example, has an all-electric range of 48 miles when fully charged.
Its lower MPGe rating, along with somewhat sluggish highway acceleration, bring down the Fusion Energi’s score. It places in the bottom of our hybrid and electric car rankings.
7) 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
$34,995 | U.S. News Score: 7.6/10 | EV-Only Range: 17 mi | 90 MPGe
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid returns after a three year hiatus. While the previous model was a traditional hybrid, the latest version is a plug-in that can drive up to 17 miles solely with its electric motors.
The Crosstrek Hybrid’s EPA-rated 90 MPGe combined city/highway is one of the highest among subcompact SUVs. Compare that with the Nissan Kicks, one of the Subaru’s most efficient gasoline-only rivals. After combining fuel and electricity costs, the EPA estimates that the Crosstrek Hybrid will save the average driver about $250 a dollar each year over the Kicks.
6) 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid
$36,090 | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10 | EV-Only Range: 28 mi | 101 MPGe
The 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid tips just over the threshold into triple digits with its 101 MPGe combined city/highway rating. It has an all-electric range of 28 miles.
Similar to other PHEVs, the Optima comes with a regenerative braking system that partially recharges its lithium polymer battery. You can harness even more energy by selecting the Optima’s Charging Mode, which can fully recharge the battery while you’re driving. You can also recharge the battery in about three hours by plugging the car into a 220-volt outlet.
These fuel-sipping properties result in an annual fuel and electric costs of around $800, as estimated by the EPA for the average driver. In comparison, an Optima powered by the base gasoline engine costs about $1,450, or an additional $650. You’ll have to decide if the plug-in hybrid’s higher price tag (almost $13,000 without tax incentives) is worth these fuel savings.
5) 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
$33,400 | U.S. News Score: 7.9/10 | EV-Only Range: 28 mi | 99 MPGe
The 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has a lot in common with its corporate cousin, the 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid. In a side-by-side comparison, however, the Hyundai represents a better buy. The Sonata’s starting price of $33,400 undercuts the Optima by about $2,700. Its fuel economy rating is similar: 99 MPGe combined city/highway, and an estimated all-electric range of 28 miles. These figures result in similar costs for fuel and electricity.
The Sonata is also expected to be more reliable than the Optima. It received a predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power, in comparison to the Optima’s below-average score of 2.5.
4) 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In
$28,500 | U.S. News Score: 7.7/10 | EV-Only Range: 26 mi | 105 MPGe
When building a hybrid, automakers generally take an existing car or SUV, and then swap out its gasoline-only powertrain for an electrified version. The 2019 Kia Niro is different. This subcompact SUV has never operated solely on an internal combustion engine. It’s available as the Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-In Hybrid, and the full-electric Niro EV.
The Niro Plug-in Hybrid perfectly illustrates the appealing middle ground of a PHEV. It costs less to operate each year than the hybrid, and has a rating of 105 MPGe combined city/highway when its battery is fully recharged.
The Niro EV beats this with its 112 MPGe combined rating. However, the Niro EV has a hefty price tag that starts at $38,500 (without incentives). You’ll pay around $10,000 less for the PHEV. If you can take advantage of its available $4,543 federal tax incentive, the Niro PHEV costs only $5,000 more than the Niro Hybrid does.
3) 2019 Honda Clarity
$33,400 | U.S. News Score: 6.9/10 | EV-Only Range: 48 mi | 110 MPGe
One of the most impressive things about the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is its all-electric range; it’s capable of driving about 48 miles on full charge. On average, the daily route of most U.S. commuters is less than that. In other words, by plugging your hybrid car in at night, you’ll be able to do most of your driving without the help of your gasoline engine.
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid has an EPA-estimated 110 MPGe and 42 mpg combined city/highway rating. With a 220-volt outlet, its batteries can be recharged in about 2.2 hours.
2) 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In
$25,350 | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10 | EV-Only Range: 29 mi | 119 MPGe
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is an outstanding value. It’s the least expensive hybrid car on our list, and has a starting price of $23,350. This MSRP is also close to average for a compact car.
You won’t feel like you’re cutting corners, either. The Ioniq’s interior has a premium feel, thanks in part to its high-quality and eco-friendly materials. It also comes packed with standard features. A fully-fledged infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included in every model, as are automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. An uplevel trim adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and more safety systems.
The Ioniq also has one of the highest fuel economy ratings among plug-in hybrid cars. It gets 119 MPGe and 52 mpg combined city/highway. A fully charged battery delivers an all-electric range of about 29 miles.
1) 2019 Toyota Prius Prime
$27,350 | U.S. News Score: 8.0/10 | EV-Only Range: 25 mi | 133 MPGe
For years, the Toyota Prius has stood out as one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars on the market. The 2019 Toyota Prius Prime takes this fuel-sipping heritage even further. It gets 133 MPGe combined city/highway with a fully charged battery, and has an all-electric range of 25 miles.
Fuel economy is still impressive after the battery is depleted, at 54 mpg combined city/highway. Compare that with the regular Prius, which gets 52 mpg combined. For the average driver, the Prius Prime will cost about $600 for fuel and electricity in the course of the year, which marks a savings of $150 over the Prius.
Used Plug-in Hybrids
Vehicles continually go in and out of production as carmakers refine their lineups. In recent years, the roster has included a few models that won the popular vote, but didn’t post sales high enough to stay in the game. Examples include the Chevy Volt and the Ford C-Max.
If you’re set on one of these, or are hesitating over the high price tag of a new plug-in hybrid, consider buying used. We rank the best used hybrids, with lists that separate vehicles by class, by price, and model year.
Luxury Plug-in Hybrids
While the plug-in hybrid SUVs and cars of mainstream brands typically focus on fuel efficiency, electrification of luxury cars tends to emphasize performance. Having an electric motor onboard allows the powertrain to deliver instant torque to the wheels. This gives you quicker takeoffs from a standstill, and grants an extra power boost when you’re already at highway speed.
The penalty for these performance gains is clearly noted when scanning the group’s fuel economy ratings. In contrast to mainstream PHEVs, luxury plug-ins rarely reach the 20-mile all-electric range. Predicted MPGe ratings are almost never above 100, with an average that’s closer to 60.
10) 2019 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
$103,800 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 | EV-Only Range: 14 mi | 51 MPGe
The 2019 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is easily the most expensive PHEV in our list. Its price ranges from $103,800 to $198,100 without incentives. Reaching so deeply into your pockets pays off, though, as the Panamera may also be the quickest and fastest plug-in here. It can sprint to 60 mph in as little as 3.2 seconds, and has a top speed as high as 192 mph depending on the model.
Panamera owners will undoubtedly be crowing over this hybrid car’s performance specs, not its fuel economy ratings. This luxe wagon gets 51 MPGe and 23 mpg combined city/highway, and has an all-electric range of about 14 miles.
9) 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
$81,100 | U.S. News Score: 8.2/10 | EV-Only Range: 13 mi | 46 MPGe
To build the plug-in Cayenne E-Hybrid, Porsche started with its gasoline-powered Cayenne, and then added a 134-horsepower electric motor, the performance-oriented Sport Chrono package, and Acid Green brake calipers. The result is a 455-horsepower luxury midsize SUV with a zero-to-60 time of 4.7 seconds and a 46 MPGe combined fuel economy rating.
The Cayenne E-Hybrid currently places as one of the best in our luxury hybrid and electric SUV rankings. In addition to its dynamic performance, the Cayenne E-Hybrid makes a name for itself by coddling its passengers in style. The cabin is sophisticated, outfitted with the highest quality materials and a stunning 12.3-inch touch screen display.
8) 2020 Volvo XC90
$67,500 | U.S. News Score: 7.6/10 | EV-Only Range: 18 mi | 55 MPGe
If you want a midsize SUV that’s luxurious and engaging, you may want to consider the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 eAWD. It’s a much better value than the 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, both up front and in the long run. You’ll save around $13,600 right off the bat with the XC90’s lower starting price.
The Volvo is also more fuel-efficient than the Porsche. You can drive 18 miles on all-electric power in the XC90, which is five miles further than the Cayenne. The XC90’s estimated 55 MPGe combined also saves you $450 on average in annual fuel and electrical expenses.
7) 2020 BMW 7 Series
$95,550 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10 | EV-Only Range: 16 mi | 56 MPGe
The 2019 BMW 745e xDrive is so swanky, it resides in our super luxury car rankings. One of its star qualities are its posh seats: The front seats come standard with heat and 20-way power adjustments, the rear seats have a substantial amount of legroom, and supple leather covers both rows. On the highway, the 745e has a quiet, smooth ride. It entertains travelers with its 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Wi-Fi hot spot, and Apple CarPlay.
The BMW 745e may not be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan around, but considering its size, its numbers are still agreeable. This PHEV has an all-electric range of 16 miles and earns an estimated 56 MPGe combined city/highway.
6) 2020 Volvo XC60
$54,595 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10 | EV-Only Range: 19 mi | 57 MPGe
For shoppers who don’t need three rows of seats and prefer a smaller, easier-to-park SUV, the 2020 Volvo XC60 T8 eAWD is a great alternative to the Volvo XC90. It comes with the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the XC90. It also includes a four-cylinder gasoline engine that’s both turbocharged and supercharged. Together with its electric motor, it produces a combined 400 horsepower.
Because the XC60 is shorter and lighter, it ekes a little more out of this hybrid powertrain than the XC90 does. The smaller SUV reaches 60 mph in less than five seconds, trimming 0.3 seconds off the XC90’s sprint time. The XC60 PHEV achieves 57 MPGe combined, and has an all-electric range of 19 miles.
These gains are somewhat marginal, however. The XC90 provides extra space for passengers and gear without dramatically increasing annual expenses. The larger Volvo is worth considering if you need the extra space and can comfortably spend an additional $13,000 when you buy.
5) 2020 Volvo S60
$56,045 | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10 | EV-Only Range: 22 mi | 69 MPGe
In addition to its array of plug-in hybrid SUVs, Volvo also offers several of its luxury cars as PHEVs. The least expensive of these is the 2020 Volvo S60 T8 eAWD. In our rankings of the best luxury plug-in hybrid cars and SUVs, the S60 has one of the longest all-electric ranges. With a full charge, it can drive about 22 miles without tailpipe emissions.
The S60 PHEV has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 69 MPGe and 30 mpg combined city/highway. That’s a significant boost over the nonhybrid S60’s rating of 25 mpg combined. Keep your S60 plug-in fully charged and you’ll save an additional $700 a year over the predicted fuel costs of the gas-only S60.
4) 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
$50,650 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 | EV-Only Range: 10 mi | 56 MPGe
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic is among the least expensive plug-in hybrid SUVs you can buy. It has a starting price just over $50,600. If you can take advantage of the current federal tax credit, you may be able to reduce this by almost $4,500.
In this price range, you’ll find one of the most opulent cabins inside the GLC. Highlights of its lavish interior include sumptuous seats, first-class materials, and a comprehensive set of advanced safety features. Because of these advantages, along with a few others, the GLC dominates the No. 1 spot in our luxury compact SUV rankings.
The GLC 350e has an EPA-rated all-electric range of 10 miles. It gets 50 MPGe combined city/highway.
3) 2019 Volvo S90
$63,845 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10 | EV-Only Range: 21 mi | 71 MPGe
The 2019 Volvo S90 T8 eAWD packs a one-two punch, posting above-average ratings for both range and fuel economy. Its 21 miles of all-electric range will cover the commute of many drivers. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 71 MPGe and 29 mpg combined city/highway, both of which are exceptional for a luxury midsize car.
The S90 also has an outstanding safety score from U.S. News. This is partly because of its superb crash test results, and partly due to its exhaustive list of standard safety features. Standard technology includes oncoming crash mitigation, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
On the flip side, the S90 has a below-average predicted reliability rating. This pulls the luxury sedan to the middle of our rankings.
2) 2019 BMW 5 Series
$53,900 | U.S. News Score: 9.0/10 | EV-Only Range: 16 mi | 72 MPGe
If you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient luxury sedan, you can’t go wrong with the 2019 BMW 530e. This well-rounded hybrid car is agile, responsive, and powerful. Its balanced handling appeases passengers with a well-cushioned ride quality. There’s also a lot to love about the 530e’s interior, with a handsome cabin, spacious seats, and user-friendly technology.
These dividends helped the 2019 5 Series take its place at the top of our luxury midsize car rankings. It also has one of the best combinations of safety and reliability ratings, family-friendly features, and interior space. For these reasons, it won our award as the 2019 Best Luxury Midsize Car for Families.
The 530e plug-in hybrid earns 72 MPGe and 29 mpg combined city highway. It can drive about 16 miles on electric-only power.
1) 2019 BMW i3
$48,300 | U.S. News Score: 7.7/10 | EV-Only Range: 126 mi | 100 MPGe
The 2019 BMW i3 is a fully electric car with a range of up to about 153 miles. The i3 with Range Extender (also called the i3 Rex) adds a two-cylinder gasoline engine, turning this into a plug-in hybrid. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the batteries. This extends the car’s total range to 200 miles, 126 of which are all-electric.
With a fully charged battery, the i3 with the Range Extender gets an EPA-estimated 100 MPGe combined city/highway. Once the gas engine kicks in, fuel economy drops to 31 mpg. It takes about seven hours to recharge the battery with a 220-volt connection.
In either its EV or its PHEV form, the i3 is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in our luxury hybrid and electric car rankings.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Whether you’re in the market for a hybrid car, an electric vehicle, or a gas-powered SUV, we have a new car ranking to help you. We’ll also help you with every step of the buying process, starting with estimating how much you can spend using our car affordability calculator.
The U.S. News Best Price Program can save you thousands off your new car lease or purchase. You can also save money with one of this month’s new car finance deals and lease deals. Our consumer advice content covers all other questions, including how to get the right financing.
Best Mainstream Plug-In Hybrids of 2019
- 11) 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: EV-Only Range: 22 mi | 74 MPGe
- 10) 2019 Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4: EV-Only Range: 12 mi | 65 MPGe
- 9) 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: EV-Only Range: 32 mi | 82 MPGe
- 8) 2019 Ford Fusion Energi: EV-Only Range: 26 mi | 103 MPGe
- 7) 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: EV-Only Range: 17 mi | 90 MPGe
- 6) 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid: EV-Only Range: 28 mi | 101 MPGe
- 5) 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid: EV-Only Range: 28 mi | 99 MPGe
- 4) 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In: EV-Only Range: 26 mi | 105 MPGe
- 3) 2019 Honda Clarity: EV-Only Range: 48 mi | 110 MPGe
- 2) 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In: EV-Only Range: 29 mi | 119 MPGe
- 1) 2019 Toyota Prius Prime: EV-Only Range: 25 mi | 133 MPGe
Best Luxury Plug-In Hybrids of 2019
- 10) 2019 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid: EV-Only Range: 14 mi | 51 MPGe
- 9) 2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: EV-Only Range: 13 mi | 46 MPGe
- 8) 2020 Volvo XC90: EV-Only Range: 18 mi | 55 MPGe
- 7) 2020 BMW 7 Series: EV-Only Range: 16 mi | 56 MPGe
- 6) 2020 Volvo XC60: EV-Only Range: 19 mi | 57 MPGe
- 5) 2020 Volvo S60: EV-Only Range: 22 mi | 69 MPGe
- 4) 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE: EV-Only Range: 10 mi | 56 MPGe
- 3) 2019 Volvo S90: EV-Only Range: 21 mi | 71 MPGe
- 2) 2019 BMW 5 Series: EV-Only Range: 16 mi | 72 MPGe
- 1) 2019 BMW i3: EV-Only Range: 126 mi | 100 MPGe
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These Are the Best Mainstream and Luxury Plug-In Hybrids on the Market
A plug-in hybrid is one of the smartest types of green cars you can buy. These vehicles are typically more fuel-efficient than a traditional hybrid. This translates to higher fuel savings and a further reduction of your carbon footprint. Most plug-ins are also eligible for tax credits and incentives, which traditional hybrids are not typically eligible for. Lastly, there is less range anxiety, thanks to the combination of gasoline and electric power.
The technology powering a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) looks very similar to a traditional hybrid. It pairs a gasoline engine with one or more electric motors and a rechargeable battery pack. This last component is the biggest difference: A plug-in hybrid’s battery is usually much larger and requires plugging in to a wall outlet to get a full charge. The benefit is you can drive further on electricity alone, using less fuel. Sometimes, however, this larger battery pack infringes on cabin space. In comparison to their gas-only counterparts, plug-ins often have less cargo space and occasionally a smaller back seat.
You’ll also see a different fuel economy rating from the EPA for plug-in hybrids, labelled MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). This rating applies when the battery has a full charge. We further explain what MPGe is here to help you understand the math behind this rating, and how to estimate your actual fuel and electricity expenses.
The final price of a plug-in also appears to be more complicated. These types of vehicles come with the possibility of tax credits and incentives that lessen the blow of their higher price tags. This perk doesn’t usually act like bonus cash that directly reduces the cost when you buy. For more information, read our article on how the plug-in hybrid tax credit works.
Right now, almost two dozen vehicles with plug-in hybrid powertrains are on the market. We’ve collected these in two different lists – mainstream brands and luxury brands – and scored them based on MPGe, all-electric range, current U.S. News score, and other metrics. Each vehicle’s overall score represents their base model. Keep in mind that a vehicle’s overall U.S. News score may change over time as we receive updated crash test results, predicted reliability data, and expert reviews.
Our list starts with the 11 best mainstream plug-in hybrids, and then covers the 10 best luxury plug-ins. Can you guess which vehicles are at the top of the podium?