7 Great Plug-In Hybrid SUVs

The best plug-in hybrid SUVs might not be the same for everyone, but check out the options we've collected in this list.

Nicole Wakelin | 
Apr 11, 2022 | 5 min read

Jeep Wrangler 4xe in the wildernessJeep

The best plug-in hybrid SUVs might not be the same for everyone. There are lots of choices with two-row and three-row models as well as less expensive and luxury options. What works for you might not be the best for someone else.

We took a look at the current crop of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs and chose some of the best of the lot. We considered overall fuel economy, all-electric range, and standard features to make our selections. We also aimed to get a mix of models for a variety of needs and budgets.

All of the SUVs on our list meet the following criteria:

  • Fuel economy: Each of the SUVs on our list has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of at least 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe).
  • All-electric range: Each of the SUVs on our list has a minimum of 18 miles of all-electric range.

Here are seven of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs, arranged in alphabetical order:

A green Audi Q5 parked in a driveway outside a buildingAudi

2022 Audi Q5

Combining a luxurious interior with strong performance and responsive handling, the Audi Q5 is available in three trims with a PHEV powertrain. The 55 TFSI e also comes only with all-wheel drive. There's seating for five people with a standard power liftgate, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, brown walnut wood inlays, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touch screen. It gets an EPA-estimated 61 MPGe with an all-electric range of 23 miles.

Ford Escape PHEVFord

2021 Ford Escape PHEV

The Ford Escape PHEV SUV has seating for five people and is available in three less expensive trims with front-wheel drive only. There's a sliding second row that moves forward to increase cargo room behind the second row or backward to give second-row passengers extra legroom. It gets an EPA-estimated 105 MPGe with an all-electric range of 37 miles. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and SYNC 3 infotainment.

Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV at charging stationHyundai

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV

The Santa Fe PHEV is available in a single trim with all-wheel drive only. It's a roomy five-passenger SUV with 36.4 cu.-ft. for cargo behind the rear seats and 72.1 cu.-ft. behind the front seats. It gets an EPA-estimated 76 MPGe with an all-electric range of 31 miles. Standard features include an eight-way power driver's seat with two-way lumbar, heated front seats, an 8-inch infotainment touch screen, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe with driver on dirt roadJeep

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

This Jeep Wrangler 4xe is unique for its legendary off-road capability with seating for five people. The Wrangler is also the only SUV on our list that has a removable roof, removable doors, and a windshield that flips down for an unparalleled open-air experience. It gets an EPA-estimated 49 MPGe with an all-electric range of 22 miles. Available only in the four-door body style, the Wrangler 4xe has standard four-wheel drive, leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone air conditioning, power heated side mirrors, side steps, and an 8.4-inch infotainment touch screen.

Kia Niro PHEVKia

2022 Kia Niro PHEV

The Kia Niro PHEV is a compact SUV with seating for five people and a choice of three trims. It gets an EPA-estimated 105 MPGe with an all-electric range of 26 miles. The Niro PHEV has 19.4 cu.-ft. for cargo behind the rear seats and 54.5 cu.-ft. behind the front seats. Standard features include cloth seats, a six-way manual driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic alert.

Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring parked on road off lake & mountainLincoln

2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

The Lincoln Aviator in the Grand Touring trim is available exclusively as a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive. It gets an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe with an all-electric range of 21 miles. The Aviator is only the second model on our list that has three rows. There's seating for up to six people in a roomy and beautifully appointed interior. It has a long list of standard features in keeping with its luxury car status. These include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats with a 12-way power driver's seat, second-row captain's chairs with power tip and slide, heated front seats, and a 14-speaker Revel audio system.

Volvo XC90 T8 RechargeVolvo

2022 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge

The Volvo XC90 Recharge is a three-row SUV with seating for either six or seven people. It has a luxurious yet understated interior with a smooth, quiet ride. It gets an EPA-estimated 55 MPGe with an all-electric range of 18 miles per charge. All-wheel drive is standard with a choice of three trims. Standard features include leather seating surfaces with walnut interior trims, heated front seats, a power driver's seat with memory, aluminum front tread plates, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a high-performance audio system.

The best plug-in hybrid SUV is different for everyone, so there are lots of choices. All have exceptional fuel economy that includes an all-electric range that covers many day-to-day errands. There are seating options for up to seven passengers, including models with second-row captain's chairs for added comfort.

There's even an option for off-road enthusiasts who want to enjoy the quiet of an electric ride when they're off the beaten path. Finally, there are both options suited to those on a tighter budget and more luxurious choices for those who want exceptional comfort along with plug-in hybrid efficiency.

*Availability is subject to specific trim level selections

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Edited by humans.

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Nicole Wakelin

I write about cars. A lot. That's because I’ve always loved cars and the fact that they regularly hand me the keys to shiny new automobiles so I can write about them is a constant source of amazement. I cover breaking news, write reviews, and attend auto shows and new vehicle launches across the country. The more winding the road and the more unknown the route, the better.