Best Plug-In Hybrids For 2023

Toyota built an all-new Prius Prime for 2023 and the result is a very desirable and efficient small sporty sedan. The re-do comes with a hefty price increase across all three trims, but the extra cost brings a host of improvements in design, power, content, handling and performance. There’s a downside: The Prime’s sporty new exterior eats up valuable rear headroom and cargo space. But the trade-off will be worth it to most. The 2023 Prius Prime, sportier, more fun to drive and still the segment’s fuel-efficiency champ, should be a big hit.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime brings the elements that made the original SUV a top-seller, but does so with better fuel economy, much faster acceleration and more off-road capability. The SUV gets Toyota’s latest and much-improved infotainment system and brings a generous list of standard features that make it a compelling choice. But really it’s 42 miles of all-electric driving range, which pushes its MPGe, the equivalent to all-gas efficiency, to 94. The battery can recharge in 12 hours using a household outlet on its 6.6 kW onboard charger. That time cuts to 2.5 hours on a 240 volt charger (known as a Level 2 charger).

The V60 distinctive station wagon shape is sure to stand out amongst the sea of sedans and tall crossovers. For the PHEV its 41 miles of fully electric range make it stand out. It can manage 31 mpg combined on average. With an electric motor, all that grunt doesn’t have to mean poor gas mileage. For 2023, the V60’s infotainment screen gets an Android-based operating system that incorporates things like Google Assistant, and Google Maps. It’s the same system found on Volvo’s XC40. Like the XC40, and many other Volvos, the V60 includes a bevy of standard safety features, like rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and collision avoidance systems. While wagons may not be as popular as they once were, the V60 offers an idiosyncratic, practical take on compact luxury.

The fourth-generation Mitsubishi Outlander is the Diamond Star brand’s best vehicle in years, and it gets even better for 2023. That’s because the popular plug-in hybrid Outlander is back after a one-year hiatus and now features more power, up to 248 horsepower (37% more than the standard gas version) and 38 miles of all-electric range (up from 24). The plug-in re-uses the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine of its predecessor but gets more powerful electric motors and a bigger battery pack. That equates to more power: 332 pound-feet of torque (increases of 37% and 83% from 2021). Like other PHEVs it costs quite a bit more than the gas version, but it falls between PHEV competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 Prime. It also shares the distinctive style and practical attributes of the regular gas-only version. The PHEV comes out ahead of the Tucson PHEV on range (33 miles) but behind it on efficiency (80 MPGe) and behind the RAV4 Prime in both (94 and 42). However, on SEL-grade and higher PHEVs, drivers can also juice the battery pack from zero to 80% in 38 minutes at a DC fast charger, though you’ll need to find a charger with an old-fashioned CHAdeMO cord. Still, not many PHEVs can charge off of anything but a home Level 2 charger.

The S90 Recharge PHEV is only available as the top-end Ultimate trim, and it comes with 38 miles of pure battery range, a big jump from its pre-2022 rating of 21 miles. The fuel-saving and more powerful Recharge’s larger battery allows plugging in and topping up its 18.8 kWh battery, and it achieves a combined EPA figure of 30 mpg, or 66 MPGe in full electric mode (the number of miles the vehicle can go using a quantity of fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline). Battery-only range of 38 miles is decent, and bests BMW’s 530e, which offers similar MPGe figures, but with less power and only 19 miles of EV-only range.

The 2023 Ford Escape gets a big update with a new look and much-improved in-car technology. These additions make an already versatile, practical package even better and Ford offers the compact crossover in a plug-in hybrid version. The Escape drives pretty well too. This is a roomy and versatile small family transporter and deserves to be on more buyers’ radar. The Escape PHEV hits 105 MPGe for its electric operation and offers a fully electric range of 37 miles from its 14.4 kWh battery pack. The RAV4 has a longer official electric range, but the Escape PHEV is more efficient overall than either of these competitors and it offers more equipment than the Tucson or Sportage PHEV base models. Charging the PHEV on a Level 1 household outlet is an overnight affair, but a Level 2 home charger can juice it in about three hours.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 is a stylish and solid pick in the midsize premium crossover SUV market. It scores strongly in most categories, delivering best-in-class performance and fuel economy, and offers impressive cargo space. It’s not bargain-priced, but it has a unique style of its own. The T8 in the XC60 Recharge PHEV combines the B6’s engine with a pair of electric motors and an 18.8 kWh battery. Its EPA rating is 63 MPGe and has an electric-only range of 36 miles.

With the S60 Recharge T8, AWD is a given, whether you need it or not. Plug-ins have a rechargeable pure electric range (35 miles in the S60’s case) before switching over to a gasoline-electric hybrid. The average American commute is 41 miles per day roundtrip. Which means, charging the S60 Recharge T8 at home every night or at work every day, only 6 miles of that average commute would be using gasoline—a major reduction in fuel consumed (its 15.9-gallon tank would last 79.5 days at 30 mpg) and in tailpipe emissions. There’s a $7,650 difference between the gas-powered S60 and the S60 Recharge Plus T8 AWD. You will make that money back in fuel savings over time—but only if you keep it charged (studies have shown a certain percentage of PHEV drivers don’t and lose out on those all-electric miles). If you take advantage of the plug-in battery, you’re essentially driving an EV with the emissions advantages and buffered from the swings in fuel prices, but with the ability to take a long road trip on a moment’s notice without worrying about charging infrastructure and additional travel time. That combination of fuel economy and flexibility makes this a top choice.

With its futuristic looks, premium interior and dazzling new screens, Kia’s redesigned Sportage seems well-poised to stand out in the crowded compact-crossover segment. However, it’s more than just flash and sizzle: The Sportage distinguishes itself with solidly useful new tech and thrifty hybrid powertrains. It’s also much larger than its predecessor inside and out, lifting it out of shrimpy-crossover territory as a now legitimately comfortable people-mover with decent cargo capacity to boot. However, even while piling on tech amenities and luxe touches, the Sportage remains one of the more affordable compact crossovers on the market. The plug-in hybrid uses a 1.6-liter with a 66.9 kW motor and a 13.8 kWh battery that Kia says can reach full charge in about 2 hours on Level 2 charging. AWD is standard on the plug-in hybrid. A plug-in is still a relative rarity in this segment.

The Italian carmaker’s first plug-in hybrid, the Alfa Romeo Tonale blends the brand’s core DNA with stellar fuel efficiency and more practicality than earlier Alfas. It’s also gorgeous, even if its interior isn’t as dramatic as the outside. But being a PHEV, it drives less like a rev-happy Italian hot rod and more like a smooth, calculating torque machine. The result is a less sporty experience than the Stelvio, but not a bad one. Though pricier to start than many of its luxe gas-only rivals, it’s also cheaper than other premium PHEV SUVs. Several different Tonale powertrains are available abroad, but for now, the U.S. gets only one: the PHEV. Its cousin, the Dodge Hornet ,will have a PHEV option available here soon. It packs a turbocharged 1.3-liter gas engine and a 90-kW electric motor, good for 285 horsepower and fuel efficiency that puts both competitors and previous Alfas to shame. The Tonale is an “electrified” vehicle but its 15.5 kWh battery pack can only use Level 1 or Level 2 charging. Level 1 is an overnight affair but Level 2 takes only two-and-a-half hours at most, and charging is easy.

The Korean automaker clearly brought its A-game to this angular, distinctive design. It’s a style standout in a segment that can often be boring and formulaic, but it offers lots of practicality too. Rear seat legroom is excellent, active safety features abound and there’s more cargo room than the Toyota RAV4. The hybrid version gets standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and 1.3 inches of additional ground clearance. The plug-in hybrid Tucson averages 35 mpg combined around town and 80 MPGe on electric power, with up to 33 miles of electric range.

The entire Niro family gets a complete makeover for 2023, returning with a larger overall size, more room for passengers and cargo, and improved power, mileage and range. It also boasts an attractive new design inside and out. With a 25% improvement in the electric-only range, the Niro PHEV comes in around mid-pack among plug-ins while undercutting larger competitors on price. With its upgraded 11.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, the 2023 Niro PHEV can clock up to 33 miles in all-electric mode.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica offers a compelling overall package for families on the move, with impressive options rivaling those of high-end luxury vehicles but packed into a spacious minivan interior. The Pacifica offers several unique features, including a plug-in hybrid system, Amazon Fire TV-based passenger entertainment system and Chrysler’s easy-to-use Stow ‘N Go seats that fold flat into the floor. With up to 32 miles of electric-only range, the Pacifica Hybrid the range is enough to take care of most short, in-town errands without ever needing to visit a gas station. It takes approximately two hours to completely refill the Pacifica Hybrid’s 16 kWh battery on a 240 volt Level 2 charger. Unfortunately, the Pacifica Hybrid doesn’t have a fast-charging mode, so don’t expect to get much use of its electric-only driving capabilities on a longer road trip.

Long a favorite of luxury SUV buyers, the BMW X5 offers the kind of comfort, technology and practicality that this crowd of discerning shoppers seek. A major update is due for 2024, so the 2023 models carry on largely unchanged and offer the same basic formula that’s won over customers since the original X5 (BMW’s first SUV) in 1999. With many versions and five variations, the fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid xDrive45e has up to 31 miles of electric-only range. The xDrive45e model is notable as the most efficient X5, utilizing a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines the six-cylinder engine of the 40i with an electric motor to produce 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. With a full battery charge, this model can run on electric power for up to 31 miles before switching to conventional hybrid mode. Despite its extra power, the xDrive45e’s acceleration is the same as the 40i models thanks to the added weight of the battery.

A roomy five-passenger family crossover, the Santa Fe crams in a brace of standard tech and safety features too. The hybrid rolls with standard AWD. With 30 miles of electric-only propulsion, the PHEV is nearly $10,000 more than the hybrid Blue trim and comes in the SEL Convenience and Limited trims. The Santa Fe PHEV is rated for 76 MPGe (the number of miles the vehicle can go using a quantity of fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline).

The Corsair is the perfect size for an SUV for a small family and works in the city as well as it does in the suburbs. Its redesign makes it look as premium as it is. With a more modern front-end featuring a bigger grille and new, sexier light arrangement and design, the 2023 just looks better. The new Whisper Blue (and Crystal Red) exterior paint help it look less like a dowdy family car. Inside, ActiveGlide 1.2 hands-free driving is available. There’s the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine or the 2.5 liter plug-in hybrid, only available in the highest Grand Touring trim. The Grand Touring is heavier (4,397 pounds) but has improved fuel efficiency. With 28 miles of pure battery range, the overall MPGe is 78.

The Jeep Wrangler is an old friend, and a fun one too. With battleground roots as a Willys in World War II, the four-wheel drive Wrangler is as comfortable slogging through mud as it is delivering mail or shuttling sorority sisters around town. It is a refreshing alternate ego playing against the auto industry’s penchant for giant screens and hermetically sealed cabins. The Wrangler’s off-road capability and classic style are second to none. The 4xe plug-in hybrid when fully charged can reach 49 MPGe.

Nothing quite compares to the engineering excellence that makes Cayennes feel thoughtfully designed, gloriously fast and solidly put together. The plug-in E-Hybrid steps up to a combined 455 horsepower, which makes for much more potent in passing when necessary. This PHEV, however, uses most of its juice for speed and torque, not necessarily for around-town electric operation with only 15 miles of pure battery range. The E-Hybrid plug-in model scores a combined 21 mpg, or 46 MPGe when the battery is fully charged after 4 hours.