Plug-in hybrid SUVs are an option for those who want a vehicle that is not only good in terms of fuel economy but also has reliable performance.
Plug-in hybrids have a larger battery capacity than traditional hybrids, allowing the vehicle to travel longer distances on electric power alone. Additionally, the presence of a larger battery pack makes it possible to incorporate a more powerful electric motor, enhancing the car’s overall performance.
In this article, I will feature some of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs you can get for less than $50,000. I did not include luxury SUV models such as BMW or Volvo in this article because they belong to a different class.
Table of Contents
Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers excellent value for money. With its spacious cabin, peppy acceleration, and gentle ride, this hybrid SUV provides a fun and enjoyable driving experience.
One of the key highlights of the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is its spacious and comfortable interior. With ample room for both passengers and cargo, it offers a comfortable and versatile driving experience. Whether traveling with family or running errands around town, everyone can ride in comfort, and you’ll have plenty of space for all your belongings.
In terms of performance, the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid delivers with its peppy acceleration and smooth handling. It offers a gentle ride that remains comfortable in most driving scenarios, making driving a pleasure.
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has an electric range of 33 miles, allowing emission-free driving during daily commutes or short trips. In hybrid mode, it returns an EPA-estimated 80 MPG equivalent in combined city/highway driving and 35 MPG in gas mode.
Starting at $37,500, the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is competitively priced. It also comes with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile battery and hybrid components warranty, mind-blowing!
Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a well-rounded and capable SUV that offers a smooth ride and a potent and fuel-efficient powertrain. Its stellar fuel economy and peppy acceleration make it a top choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle.
One of the standout features of the Toyota RAV4 Prime is its impressive fuel economy. It offers excellent efficiency without compromising performance with an EPA-estimated 94 MPG equivalent in combined city/highway driving in hybrid mode and 38 MPG combined in gas mode. Additionally, it has an all-electric range of 42 miles, allowing for emission-free driving during shorter trips.
The interior of the Toyota RAV4 Prime may not be fancy, but it is comfortable, spacious, and well-built. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families or those who frequently travel with a lot of gear. The SUV also has a range of standard features, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.
Starting at $43,090, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is competitively priced in its segment. It also comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. An eight-year/100,000-mile warranty covers some hybrid components, and the battery is backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, providing peace of mind for owners.
Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is a competent and attractive SUV that offers a range of benefits for eco-conscious drivers. With an electric range of 31 miles, it allows emission-free driving during daily commutes or short trips, reducing your carbon footprint.
One of the standout features of the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is its extremely spacious cabin and cargo area. With ample room for both passengers and cargo, it offers comfort and versatility for all your needs. Whether you’re travelling with family or running errands around town, everyone can ride comfortably, and you’ll have plenty of space for all your belongings.
In terms of performance, the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid delivers with its responsive engine and smooth handling. It offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
The price of the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid starts at $42,410, making it a competitively priced option in the plug-in hybrid SUV market. Additionally, it comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers.
Overall, the Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid combines fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and a range of standard features with an attractive price point and warranty. It’s a top choice for eco-conscious drivers in 2024 who are looking for a reliable and versatile SUV.
Kia Sorento PHEV
The Kia Sorento PHEV is a great hybrid SUV that may not be at the top of its class but still offers a range of impressive features.
One of the standout qualities of the Sorento PHEV is its peppy powertrain, which consists of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 13.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. This combination delivers a total of 261 horsepower, providing a spirited driving experience.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Sorento PHEV achieves about 79 MPG, which is equivalent to combined city/highway driving. It also boasts an all-electric driving range of 32 miles, allowing for emissions-free driving in certain situations. This makes it a practical choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Inside the cabin, the Sorento PHEV offers a spacious and comfortable environment for both passengers and cargo. The interior is handsome and comes with a long list of standard features, ensuring that drivers have access to the latest convenience and safety technology.
Starting at $49,990, the Sorento PHEV is competitively priced for a plug-in hybrid SUV. Kia also provides a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, offering peace of mind to owners.
While the Sorento PHEV has many positive attributes, it does have a few drawbacks. The cargo hold is on the smaller side when the third row is in use. Additionally, the price of the Sorento PHEV is slightly higher than that of some of its rivals in the market.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a classy and capable SUV that offers great off-roading abilities, a comfortable and spacious cabin, and a ton of standard features. With its excellent off-roading capabilities, this SUV is ready to easily tackle any terrain.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find an upscale, comfortable space perfect for long drives or daily driving. The intuitive infotainment system keeps you connected and entertained, while the spacious seating ensures everyone can comfortably ride. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers a smooth ride, even for an off-road SUV, making every journey enjoyable.
Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee 4xe boasts a powerful powertrain. It combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a 17.3-kWh battery to deliver an impressive 375 horsepower. This power ensures that you have plenty of acceleration and performance when you need it.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers an EPA-estimated 56 MPG equivalent in combined city/highway driving on gas-electric power and 23 MPG combined using gas alone. It also has an electric vehicle (EV) range of 26 miles.
Starting at $59,865 for the base model and going up to $73,345 for the fully packaged model, the Grand Cherokee 4xe offers a range of options to suit your needs and budget. It also comes with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, providing peace of mind for owners.
Kia Niro PHEV
The Kia Niro PHEV is quite an impressive SUV with superb fuel economy, cool interior design and quality, roomy seating, and low price for a hybrid SUV. The Niro PHEV is a solid choice for eco-conscious drivers.
Regarding MPG and performance, the 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid doesn’t disappoint. It features a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that deliver up to 180 horsepower.
The plug-in-hybrid Niro achieves an impressive 108 MPG equivalent in combined city/highway driving, making it one of the most fuel-efficient PHEVs on the market. Additionally, this model offers an all-electric driving range of up to 33 miles.
In terms of price and warranty, the Kia Niro PHEV offers excellent value. Prices start at $33,840, making it an affordable option for those looking to save on fuel costs without breaking the bank. Additionally, Kia provides a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving owners peace of mind and confidence in their purchase.
Ford Escape PHEV
The 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is a fuel-efficient SUV that offers a spacious cabin and a long list of standard features. With an electric range of 37 miles, it provides eco-conscious drivers with the option for emission-free driving during their daily commutes or short trips.
One of the standout features of the Ford Escape PHEV is its roomy cabin. With ample space for both passengers and cargo, it offers comfort and versatility for all your needs. Whether you’re taking a road trip with family or running errands around town, everyone can ride in comfort.
The Ford Escape PHEV also comes equipped with a range of standard features that enhance the driving experience. From the intuitive infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touch screen to the advanced safety features, it offers convenience, entertainment, and peace of mind on the road.
With a starting price of $40,500, the Ford Escape PHEV is a competitive option in the plug-in hybrid SUV market. Its combination of fuel efficiency, spacious cabin, standard features, and affordable price make it an attractive choice for eco-conscious drivers in 2024.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid is a compelling option for those in the market for a versatile and efficient SUV. With its spacious cargo area, luxurious cabin, and respectable acceleration, there’s a lot to like about this vehicle.
In terms of performance and fuel efficiency, the Outlander PHEV delivers. It is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a 20-kW lithium-ion battery pack. This combination produces a total of 248 horsepower, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising.
The Outlander PHEV achieves 26 MPG in combined city/highway driving in gas mode and an impressive 64 MPG equivalent combined in hybrid mode. Furthermore, it has an electric-only range of 38 miles, allowing for emission-free driving in certain situations.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $39,845, offering good value for a plug-in hybrid SUV. Mitsubishi provides a comprehensive warranty package, including a five-year/60,000-mile warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
While the Outlander PHEV has many positive attributes, it does have a few drawbacks. The third row is too small for adults, limiting its seating capacity. Additionally, its fuel economy in hybrid mode is below average compared to other hybrid SUVs on the market.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a comfortable and versatile plug-in hybrid SUV that offers a range of benefits for drivers. One of the standout features of the Crosstrek Hybrid is its composed ride and handling, which provides a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Additionally, this SUV comes with many standard features, ensuring that drivers have access to the latest technology and convenience options. The infotainment system is also easy to use, allowing drivers to stay connected and entertained on the road.
In terms of performance and fuel efficiency, the Crosstrek Hybrid features a 148-horsepower plug-in hybrid system. This system consists of a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and an 8.8-kWh battery.
Crosstrek Hybrid can provide 17 miles of all-electric driving range and get 90 MPG, which is equivalent to combined city/highway driving.
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $36,845, offering good value for a plug-in hybrid SUV. Subaru provides a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the Crosstrek Hybrid.
While the Crosstrek Hybrid has many positive attributes, it does have a few drawbacks. The all-electric driving range is relatively short, limiting its electric-only capabilities. Additionally, the cargo area is on the smaller side, which may be a consideration for those needing ample storage space.
