Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
If electric vehicles have piqued your interest but the lifestyle change sounds daunting, consider a plug-in hybrid. A plug-in hybrid is simply a rechargeable hybrid with a larger battery than a standard hybrid that allows for all-electric driving over short distances. Conventional hybrids charge by capturing energy during braking and typically use battery power only at low speeds or while cruising. Plug-in hybrids charge from an electrical outlet, usually via a 240-volt (or “Level 2”) connection in a garage or public charger, and can typically travel 30 to 50 miles before the gas engine takes over.
Plug-in hybrids are ideal for drivers with short commutes or local routes that can be covered with electric range but still require a gas engine for longer journeys. However, the plugin also comes with some compromises. After the batteries are depleted, they’re typically heavier, more expensive, and less fuel efficient than standard hybrids, and some sacrifice cargo space to accommodate larger battery packs. Still interested? Here are our picks for five of the best plugins. Pricing includes destination charge.
2026 toyota Prius plug-in hybrid
The Prius plug-in hybrid continues Toyota’s tradition of unparalleled fuel economy. Its EPA-rated 45 miles of electric range beats the competition, although our test result was 34 miles of electric range. In hybrid mode, the gas engine and electric motor trade off depending on conditions, delivering up to 52 mpg combined. As befitting its sleek looks, the Prius Plug-in is also pretty quick, hitting 60 mph in about 7 seconds, a second faster than a regular Prius. Charging takes four hours, and while the battery reduces cargo space to 20.3 cubic feet (3.5 less than a regular Prius), the hatchback design ensures easy loading.
2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid starts at: $34,970
2025 hurry up Niro plug-in hybrid
The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid costs about the same as a Prius and gives you some unexpected and advanced tech features. There’s a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen, and adaptive cruise control automatically slows down corners by using the navigation system. Its total length is 33 miles USEPA Electric range estimates lag behind the Toyota’s, but Edmunds testing shows the Niro’s real-world range of 31.8 miles is close to that of the Prius. When it’s running as a hybrid, its EPA-estimated 48 mpg is easily achieved, too. Best of all is Kia’s industry-leading 10-year warranty.
2025 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid starting price: $35,935
2026 modern Tucson plug-in hybrid
By balancing comfort and value, the Tucson tops our list of plug-in SUVs. While its 32 miles of electric range lags behind several rivals, the Tucson’s roomy interior, reclining rear seats, advanced in-cabin technology and driver-assist features give it an edge over rivals like the Ford Escape and Mitsubishi Outlander. In our testing, the Tucson Plug-in achieved an electric range of just 29 miles, but achieved a combined mileage of 37 mpg in hybrid mode, beating the EPA estimate. Charging takes just two hours on a Level 2 connection, and at about $42,000, the Tucson is one of the most affordable plug-in SUV options.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Starting Price: $41,675
2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
If you want three rows, the Sorento plug-in hybrid offers 30 miles of electric range and averaged 41 mpg in our testing. The Sorento was recently updated with sharp styling that echoes Kia’s electric models and features 12-inch touchscreens and USB-C ports in all three rows to keep everyone’s devices topped up. Notably, the Sorento plug-in hybrid doesn’t sacrifice any cargo space compared to the non-hybrid model, retaining full practicality for passengers and storage. Note that towing capacity is limited to around 1,600 pounds, compared to the standard Sorento’s 4,500 pounds. Charging takes approximately 3.5 hours.
2026 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid starting price: $49,735
2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe answers a question no one asked, but it brings plug-in technology to the track. It combines a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a strong 375 horsepower, and a 17 kWh battery for 22 miles of electric range (19 miles in our testing), as well as a quirky appeal for quiet off-roading. While the 4xe’s 20 mpg combined rating is just average, it matches the efficiency of the non-hybrid V6 and produces more power. The 4xe charges in about two hours, but sacrifices about 4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the regular Wrangler.
2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Starting Price: $52,690
edmonds says
High prices limit the appeal of plug-in hybrids, but for many buyers they strike a sweet spot between the efficiency of electric cars and the versatility of gas engines.
____________
This story was provided to The Associated Press by automotive website Edmunds.
Dan Frio is an Edmunds staff writer.