Best plug in hybrid SUVs should be your top consideration if you want to be a responsible or eco-friendly driver but are not entirely okay with switching over to the all-electric cars. PHEV, or plug-in hybrid vehicles, give you the best of two worlds. Their core is a hybrid powertrain, but they can also run on all-electric power. Thus, you can easily switch between gasoline engines and electric power as per your desire.
You surely will not get the electric range of EVs with the PHEVs; however, their batteries will easily get you around town on electricity. And when the battery is about to run out of juices, the gas engine will kick engine, ensuring no break on your road run.
So, if you are in the market this year looking for the best plug-in hybrid SUV 2024 for potential buyers, you have reached the right place. In this blog, we will take you through the top 12 versatile plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market at present.
1. Kia Niro
- MSRP: From $34,390
- Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 104 hp
- MPG: 53 city/54 highway
- Range: 32 to 33 mi battery-only, 510 mi total
The all-new Kia Niro is one of the most affordable and best plug in hybrid small SUVs you can buy this year. It comes in two trim levels: EX and SX Touring, ranging from $34,390 to $40,140. This five-seater compact ride offers terrific value in its segment. It boasts excellent fuel economy estimates, spacious seats, and a long list of driver assistance features.
Niro comes with a 104 hp 1.6 L 4-cylinder engine under its hood paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive drivetrain, delivering a respectable 33-mile all-electric driving range. Under fast charging, you can get about 11 miles in 1 hour.
The only drawback this ride holds is that it offers less cargo space than its peers, its powertrain option is weaker than some rivals, and some of its infotainment controls are confusing to operate.
2. Hyundai Tucson
- MSRP: From $38,725
- Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 180 hp
- MPG: Up to 38 city/38 highway
- Range: 33 mi battery-only, 420 mi total
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is a compact SUV that is stylish and versatile. This South Korean ride comes packed with impressive features and offers a nice balance in terms of comfort and handling performance, especially with its standard all-wheel drive.
Its airy and upmarket cabin makes driving long distance a breeze. Most materials in the interior are high-quality, with some hard plastic usage here and there.
The front row seats are plush and supportive, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The second is equally good, allowing even adults to rest on long journeys. However, the tall passengers might wish for a bit more headroom.
3. Kia Sportage
- MSRP: From $39,590
- Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 177 hp
- MPG: Up to 36 city/35 highway
- Range: 34.18 mi battery-only, 426.9 mi total
The Kia Sportage PHEV is a well-rounded, versatile, and feature-packed compact SUV that stands out in terms of performance, interior space, and comfort. Its steering is light, body roll is well-controlled, all-wheel drive offers better handling, and it is easy to drive in nearly every situation. The interior is well-built, boasting top-notch finish and class.
This ride is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine channeling 177 hp to all wheels and delivering fuel efficiency of up to 36 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 84 MPGe in all-electric driving.
The new Sportage Plug-In Hybrid has a good value rating for the plug-in hybrid SUV class based on its estimated total cost of ownership along with its MSRP.
4. Mitsubishi Outlander
- MSRP: From $40,345
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 131 hp
- MPG: Up to 25 city/30 highway
- Range: 38 mi battery-only, 420 mi total
This compact Japanese plug-in hybrid is a well-rounded SUV that has a lot to offer. It comes with a spacious and comfortable interior with seating space for up to seven people.
It comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a 20-kWh battery pack, delivering a combined output of 24 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. In addition, it delivers good all-electric range of 38 miles and gives about 27 miles in 37 minutes of fast charging, which is impressive.
The smooth ride quality, classy and well-designed interior, and respectable acceleration make it a full package. However, the mediocre fuel economy and a tight third row do lower the charm.
5. Ford Escape
- MSRP: From $40,500
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 163 hp
- MPG: Up to 44 city/37 highway
- Range: 37 mi battery-only, 520 mi total
Another best plug in hybrid compact SUV that you can get your hands on this year is the popular Ford Escape. This stylish SUV offers a roomy interior, enough all-electric range to facilitate gas-free driving on shorter trips, and a broad, appealing range of standard equipment.
With its potent powertrain, you get up to 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. You get an all-electric range of 37 miles and about 11 miles in 1 hour over the fastest charging. The new Ford Escape PHEV holds a good value rating and comes with plenty of driver assistance features like intersection assist, evasive steering assist, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, and more.
However, it is undermined by a down-market interior and bland driving dynamics.
6. Dodge Hornet
- MSRP: From $41,400
- Engine: 1.3 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 288 hp
- MPG: 29 mpg combined, or 77 MPGe combined
- Range: 32 miles battery-only
The 2024 Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid is an impressive SUV that is reasonably powerful. It comes with good gas mileage and boasts some fun performance-focused features. Its peppy powertrain mated with all-wheel drive delivers a whopping 288 hp, making your everyday commute a bliss. This brand new model is ideal for anyone who wishes a ride with limited presence on the road.
However, the uninspiring interior, mediocre practicality, and worst-in-class fuel economy are a bit a downer.
7. Toyota RAV4 Prime
- MSRP: From $43,690
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 177 hp
- MPG: 40 City/36 highway
- Range: 42 mi battery-only, 600 mi total
Toyota always has a strong presence in the market, whether you are exploring the best plug-in hybrid SUV or the cheapest new car in 2025. For all the environmentally conscious buyers who want a ride that is reliable, sturdy, and worth your exploration, the latest RAV4 Prime is among the best.
This competitive PHEV comes with a modest yet comfortable and spacious cabin that is filled with high-quality materials and is seemingly built to last. This two-row ride can easily seat five people, with the front seats being adult-friendly with a good amount of cushioning, whereas the rear ones are a bit tight on legroom but still comfortable.
The affordable cost of ownership, high safety scores from NHTSA and IIHS, and plethora of standard driver assistance features make this ride an attractive purchase.
8. Alfa Romeo Tonale
- MSRP: From $43,845
- Engine: 1.3 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 180 hp
- MPG: 29 city/29 highway
- Range: 35 mi battery-only, 310 mi total
If you are a fan of Italian cars and engineering, look no further than the thrilling Alfa Romeo Tonale. This is among the best luxury plug in hybrid SUV 2024 has for buyers, and it also boasts an excellent value rating for its class.
This vehicle offers a satisfying blend of style and plug-in hybrid performance. It is surprisingly roomy, generously equipped, and fun to drive.
The punchy plug-in hybrid system with all-wheel drivetrain offers poised ride and handling, making each drive a bliss. The interior is good but feels on par with other entry-level luxury SUVs. However, you get to enjoy features like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.25-inch touch screen, Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, keyless entry, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting as standard.
9. Mazda CX-90
- MSRP: From $49,945
- Engine: 2.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 189 hp
- MPG: 24 city/27 highway
- Range: 26.1 mi battery-only, 490.3 mi total
The Mazda CX-90 is not only the top-rated plug-in hybrid SUV 7 seater but an ultimate family car. 2024 is the launching year of this model and offers moderate all-electric driving range with the practicality of a gasoline engine.
The seating is comfortable across three rows with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an eight-speaker stereo, HD Radio, Bluetooth, six USB ports, and voice recognition for your entertainment.
Your purchase is covered with Mazda’s three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Overall, its punchy powertrain, fun handling, and excellent interior quality for the price highlight it as a true Mazda.
10. Volvo XC60 Recharge
- MSRP: From $57,900
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 312 hp
- MPG: 28 city/28 highway
- Range: 35 mi battery-only, 560 mi total
The current Volvo XC60 in its PHEV offers you five trim levels to choose from, ranging from $57,900 to $75,250. This five-seater ride packs a robust powertrain, a luxe and spacious interior, and up to 35 miles of fully electric range.
The ride quality is firm and does not exactly feel sporty; however, it does look and feel luxurious even in the base model, giving you optimum comfort. This Volvo car carries a decent array of standard driver-assistance features that has helped it obtain the Top Safety Pick+ designation in IIHS safety ratings.
Also, its integrated technology is great, but the entertainment depends extremely on the touchscreen, which is somewhat distracting to operate.
11. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
- MSRP: From $60,490
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 270 hp
- MPG: 23 city/24 highway
- Range: 26 mi battery-only, 440 mi total
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a stylish, capable vehicle that serves some impressive off-road capabilities. It features an upscale and spacious interior filled with high-end tech features like dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, ambient LED interior lighting, a 115-volt household-style power outlet, a universal garage door opener, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
This Jeep SUV is powered by a four-cylinder engine, but despite this, it is nearly as robust and more fuel-efficient than its V8 counterparts. You get up to 26 miles of electric range, but it takes about 1 hour of fast charging to get 13 miles.
Also, this model is way pricier than its gas-only variant, its powertrain is not the smoothest, and it has mediocre cargo capacity.
12. Volvo XC90 Recharge
- MSRP: From $71,900
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 312 hp
- MPG: 26 city/27 highway
- Range: 35 mi battery-only, 530 mi total
The 2024 XC90 Recharge is a fuel-efficient luxury vehicle. This best plug-in hybrid SUV range on battery alone is 35 miles, but it is lethargic in terms of charging. It only gets 7 miles with 1 hour of the fast charging.
But apart from this, this German-engineered SUV excels with its upscale interior, spacious passenger area, plenty of cargo room, and impressive fuel mileage with quick acceleration. The refined ride offers up to 7 people seating with standard niceties such as genuine leather upholstery, aluminum accents, and real wood trim.
The XC90 Recharge is more on the extravagant side when it comes to pricing. You will have to pay about $71,900 for the base model all the way to $80,100 for the top one.
Volvo promises safety, comfort, and luxury with this family-friendly ride.
Benefits Of Buying PHEVs In The USA
Buying a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the USA offers several benefits, both practical and financial. PHEVs are economical, eco-friendly, and practical, giving you the best of both worlds until you are ready to make a complete switch to fully electric vehicles.
Here are the key advantages you can enjoy with your purchase:
- Fuel Efficiency and Reduced Fuel Costs: PHEVs run on electricity for short distances (typically 20–40 miles), significantly cutting gasoline use. After the battery depletes, the gas engine provides excellent fuel efficiency. This dual system minimizes your trips to the gas station.
- Federal and State Incentives: You can qualify for federal tax credits up to $7,500, plus state rebates and perks like HOV lane access or reduced registration fees, lowering your overall purchase cost. Not only this, some utility companies also provide rebates for charging stations, further reducing the cost of ownership.
- Lower Emissions and Environmental Impact: These vehicles emit zero emissions in electric mode and fewer greenhouse gases when using gasoline, reducing environmental impact and pollution.
- Range Flexibility: PHEVs can switch to gasoline after the electric range is depleted, eliminating “range anxiety” and making your long trips worry-free, perfect for both city and rural use.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Less frequent use of the gasoline engine means reduced wear, fewer chances of engine damage from overheating, and fewer oil changes. The regenerative braking also extends the life of the brake system.
- Home Charging Convenience: You can charge your plug-in hybrid easily at home using a standard outlet or a faster Level 2 charger, letting you start each day with a full electric range for short commutes.
- Improved Technology and Performance: PHEVs offer smooth, quiet acceleration from the electric motor and often come with cutting-edge tech features and safety systems.
- Resale Value: The growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles increases their resale value compared to traditional gasoline cars, making plug-in hybrids a wise long-term investment.
- Contribution to Energy Independence: Driving on electricity helps reduce reliance on imported oil and promotes cleaner, domestically produced energy like wind and solar power.
Conclusion
A PHEV provides a versatile and cost-effective solution, offering you the environmental benefits of an EV while maintaining the practicality and long-range capability of a gasoline-powered car. This article covers the 12 best plug in hybrid SUVs of 2024, and we hope you find the most ideal ride as per your requirements.
