While the popularity of electric cars may be wavering, plug-in hybrid electric SUVs are having a moment: Drivers are discovering that these low-range, high mileage gas-sippers are not just a great way to drive short distances and daily commutes on cheap(er) electricity, but there are lots of other advantages, too.
I’ve long been a fan of the PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Plug them in daily for a few dozen miles of all electric driving, then let the gas engine take over when the battery is drained. They can be operated at a fraction of the cost of a gas-powered engine; a nightly charge can cost a dollar a day (or less), versus $2 to $3 a day for gas for the average 35 miles of electric range that most PHEVs deliver. Most owners drive most of their daily miles on electric, using the gas engine only for longer drives or road trips.
And then, there are incentives that can bring the price down, too. Keep reading for the best plug-in hybrid SUVs under $44,000 and what we thought when we drove each one.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used.
Low Cost Fuel, Buyer Incentives and STILL Less Than the Average New SUV?
Yes, the purchase price can be less than the average new car, which is close to $49,000 and will still cost you $2,500 or so in gas each year. A PHEV, when charged daily, can cost $300-$400 per year to drive electric and another $800 or so to fuel the gas motor. So overall, buyers can save just on the cost of fueling.
And that’s just the start. Many carmakers are offering incentives on PHEVs right now, from cash back on a purchase to low interest financing to low lease rates. Additionally, federal incentives are available on most PHEVs and you don’t have to wait until you file your taxes to take advantage of them; most car dealers will add the incentive into your purchase price, though you’ll get a bill from the IRS if you don’t qualify at the end of the year.
Related: The Best Compact SUVs Under $32k — All the Fun and Function for Not a Lot of Cash
What Buyers Need to Consider When Thinking of Going PHEV
Even the best plug-in hybrid SUV won’t be the right choice if it doesn’t fit your your life, budget or lifestyle. Here are some of the things you need to consider
- Does driving an electric car appeal to you? If details like a quiet drive, one-pedal driving for regenerative braking and the added tech appeal to you, a PHEV is a great way to get those features
- Do you qualify for federal incentives? Incentives are different on different cars, and not all buyers qualify, based on income, state and other factors. Make sure you qualify before setting your heart on a PHEV
- Can you charge at home and can you install a Level 2 charger? This will make charging your new PHEV must faster and more efficient; you should be able to charge a PHEV in about 2-3 hours at a level 2 and can set the car to charge when electric rates are lowest. Charging at a 110V standard household outlet will take about 12-15 hours, and charging at a public charger will cost about the same as refueling with gas
- Does the PHEV fit your lifestyle, your passengers and your daily routines?
And then, it’s worth remembering that most PHEVs are pretty nicely outfitted with more premium features, from leatherette upholstery to advanced digital and safety technology. Carmakers decided to position these cars as more upscale, so they can sit at the top of the model’s trim line—a nice advantage for buyers who don’t love base-model cars. With all that in mind, these are the best plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market right now.
Read: Want to Save Money on Your Oil Change? Here’s How to Do it Yourself
The Kia Niro PHEV: Cute and Affordable
The Kia Niro PHEV, which was redesigned a couple of years ago with a more modern look and feel and with updated technology represents what may be the best-priced PHEV on the market right now. Priced from $34,390, it delivers 33 miles of electric range, and 180 HP from the 4-cylinder engine. While Kia’s lease pricing is pretty nice, there are not a lot of incentives on this model, but at this price, that’s reasonable. Even at full price it ticks in at thousands less than most of its competitors.
What’s it like to drive? Fun! The Kia Niro isn’t huge, so it’s easy to park and manage in traffic. Acceleration is quick and comfortable and the multimedia system is easy to use and feels much more expensive than you’d think you’d get in this car. The Niro is silent on startup and when driving in electric mode, though the low speed and back-up pedestrian warning is distinct; you’ll hear it and so will your neighbors.
Read: The 2023 Kia Niro Delivers Top-Drawer Tech and the Joy of Electric Driving
The Fun Kia Sportage PHEV is Among the Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs
Nearly every small SUV buyer does the Kia Sportage dance: is it right for me? Is there one at my local dealer that fits my needs? Is it in my budget? But factor in the PHEV model and the answer may be absolutely, yes. Priced from $36,690 and with 34 miles of all electric driving, this 4-cylinder turbo that generates 261 HP delivers powerful fun.
The Kia Sportage’s modern interior, great tech, safety features and upgraded details make it a natural go-do when shopping for an SUV. But the fact that the least expensive PHEV is the X-Line with standard AWD is even better; we’ve loved driving this fun and capable SUV since it was introduced last year.
Read: The Kia Sportage PHEV Electric SUV Has Changed the Way I Look at Kia
Hyundai Tucson PHEV
We love Hyundai’s approach to electric and PHEV powertrains: Put them in the cars that buyers like the most, including the uber-popular Hyundai Tucson, which is available as a plug-in hybrid, though with one caveat: it’s not sold in every state. The Tucson PHEV delivers 33 miles of all electric driving from its battery-powered motor and 4 cylinder engine, together generating 180 HP. The Tucson PHEV is priced from $37,725 and since it’s not sold in every state, buyers who decide to buy one and take it to a state where it’s not sold may find that the local dealer can’t service it.
Read: In A Word, The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid SUV is Fun
This is the One To Get Now: Ford Escape PHEV
We love this little SUV and are heartbroken by it at the same time: Ford is discontinuing the Escape this year. But until it’s gone, the PHEV, which is a very well outfitted model, delivers 37 miles of all electric driving for a reasonable price of $38,400. One thing to keep in mind: this is a front wheel drive model only; AWD is not an option.
Redesigned for 2023 with lots of upgrades, new SYNC 4 technology and a full suite of driver assist and safety features, if you don’t need AWD, the Ford Escape PHEV might be the car you’ll want to keep forever. It’s fun to drive, agile and offers a flexible interior.
Read: 2023 Ford Escape: This is Not Your Baby Sister’s First Car
When Is a PHEV a Better Deal Than the Gas Model? Dodge Hornet R/T
The Dodge Hornet might be the hidden gem of the car industry right now for many reasons, and the PHEV R/T model is just one of the reasons why. It has an all-electric range of 32 miles and delivers an astounding 288 HP for $41,400. Add to that the fact that the R/T trim is the upper middle of the trim line, and that Dodge is offering low interest rates and cash back or low lease prices that put it at less than the price of the entry level gas model, and suddenly, you might be thinking that learning to drive electric is worthwhile. We really love the Hornet’s sporty style and comfortable cabin, and it’s Dodge DNA that makes it feel even sportier.
Read: Electrification, The Dodge Way: 2023 Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid SUV
Maybe The Most Fun PHEV on the Road: Toyota RAV4 Prime
Toyota was the first to introduce the idea of the PHEV as a premium feature, with the idea that going to the gas station is decidedly not a premium experience, but getting 42 miles from a charge is, so they put the idea of PRIME right there in the car’s name.
The RAV4 Prime, priced from $43,690, is powered by a 4-cylinder 302 HP engine that owners and critics alike love for its fun-to-drive personality. I will admit, at 302 HP this little SUV is faster and peppier than you’d ever expect a compact SUV to be, and it belies the idea that electric cars are slow. They are not. Especially not this one. Read: 5 Features That Make the Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE a Great Car for Daily Life
The Best PHEV with a Luxury Upgrade: Alfa Romeo Tonale
When I did my research, this one surprised me: The Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV falls into this group of the best PHEV SUVs under $44K, but thanks to incentives and great lease prices it may come in under $40K. Alfa Romeo is offering low lease prices and will even factor in a $7,500 discount on leases. With an all electric range of 33 miles and 285 HP delivered by an inline 4 cylinder turbo engine, Alfa Romeo carries a $43,845 price tag before discounts or incentives.
This was one of our favorite cars to drive in the past year for its power, chic minimalist style and agile size. And everything about this car feels premium, as an Alfa Romeo should.
Read: 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale AWD PHEV First Drive: Electric for Errands, Gas for Road Trips
Not An SUV, But Worth Considering: Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime may be the ultimate PHEV on the road, and one of the most beautiful cars on the road, too. The Prius has been working toward those goals for a while, increasing the efficiency of the powertrain and in the Spring was recognized by the World Car Awards for design of the year for its redesign. But looks aside, the Prius Prime delivers 42 miles of all electric driving, a very respectable 220 HP and about 52 MPG when driving only on gas. And then, its known for being a super reliable car that can go the distance, which makes it a contender for your shopping list, even if you’re only considering SUVs.
Not An SUV But Worth Considering: Chrysler Pacifica PHEV
If you really need a 3rd row, need to keep the price down and really want a PHEV, you may want to pivot to the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV. While it does have an MSRP sticker of
$51,250, there are incentives on this car that will bring the price down by nearly $10,000: Chyrsler offers a $3,000 cash back incentive, there are tax incentives and in many states local incentives. Additionally, the lease price could come in below $600 with incentives, making this minivan even more attractive.
Read: The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Minivan: This Ain’t Your Mama’s Minivan
Worth the Splurge: Jeep Wrangler 4xe
This is the best-selling PHEV on the market and for good reason: The Jeep Wrangler 4xe gives you 22 miles of all electric driving that you can use when you like—for daily driving our silence on the off-road trail. Notable for the blue logo and blue recovery hooks, we see these Jeeps everywhere, and owners love them for the 4WD capability and 270 HP generated by the 4-cylinder turbo engine.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is all Jeep: It’s fun, capable and you’d never know you’re driving an electric, but you certianly know you’re driving a Jeep. Jeep is offering a $7,500 lease incentive, and buyers may qualify for a $3,750 tax incentive, shaving a little pain off the $50,695 price tag.
Read: The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Is an Incredible New Off-Roading Experience
There are other PHEV options, too: performance cars with PHEV systems designed to boost power more than offer electric driving; luxury cars with PHEV systems that keep you from having to stop at the gas station. And larger SUVs that will simply dull the pain at the pump with a PHEV option. But a plug-in hybrid SUV under $44,000? It’s easy to see why these are the best PHEV SUVs on the road.
