Cheapest PHEV: The Most Affordable Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are a great link between traditional gasoline powered automobiles and fully electric ones.

They’re a fantastic way to save fuel costs while still retaining the ability to travel long distances without needing a complex route based around the public charging infrastructure. With recent advancements in technology, some PHEVs have become quite affordable too. We’ve looked at all the offerings currently on sale and compiled a list of the cheapest PHEV models.

Sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks are all accounted for on our list. Of course, when we refer to cheap, we mean low-priced and not of poor quality. Below we have ranked the 10 most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicles from highest priced to lowest.

Beginning our list of the cheapest PHEV models is the BMW 330e. The German brand’s compact sedan can be had with a plug-in drivetrain that uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor. Total system output is 288 hp and the car can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The standard car comes with rear-wheel drive, but a more expensive xDrive all-wheel drive models is also available.

BMW claims the car is capable of travelling up to 22 miles (35 kilometers) on a single charge. Most impressive though is the fact the 330e retains most of the 3 Series’ excellent driving characteristics that has made the model a favorite with enthusiasts.

Another premium brand makes this list, as the Alfa Romeo Tonale brings plug-in power to the Italian brand. Available only as a PHEV in America—Canada also offers a 2.0-liter gas model—the Tonale is a small SUV offering 33 mi (53 km) of range in an altogether sportier package than many of the other SUVs on this list.

Not feeling the Italian style? Don't worry, there's something a little more domestic coming up soon...

Next on our list is the plug-in variant of Toyota‘s wildly popular RAV4 SUV. Called the Prime, this RAV4 uses a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine coupled to a pair of powerful electric motors. Total system output registers at a staggering 302 hp, more than the BMW listed above. It can nearly tie the 330e in a straight-line dash as well, hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) from a standstill in 5.7 seconds.

All-electric range is quite impressive as well for a plug-in, with up to 42 miles (68 km) available on a single charge. The RAV4 Prime is all-wheel drive, but unlike a traditional AWD vehicle, the RAV4 has no driveshaft. Instead, it uses the rear electric motor to independently power the rear wheels for added traction.

The Dodge Hornet R/T is a Tonale after trading al fresco for apple pie. Like its Italian cousin, the Hornet employs a tiny 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo along with a rear-mounted electric motor. That's right; like the RAV4 Prime, it isn't a true AWD system, as there's no connection between the axles. Nonetheless, the 288 hp and 383 lb-ft ensures the Hornet buzzes along with real verve.

Dodge being Dodge, the Hornet comes with some fun features, including PowerShot. Pull both pretty aluminum shift paddles back and this adds 30 ponies to the corral in 15-second intervals. Expect around 33 miles (53 km) of electric range from this lil' guy.

For the next entry on our list, we head back to the world of compact SUVs. The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is price at just over $40,000 and delivers 210 total system horsepower. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor work together to provide this thrust and is capable of achieving 40 mpg when the electric range runs out.

While on the topic of electric range, the new Escape plug-in can go up to 37 miles on a single charge. Unlike most SUVs on this list, the Escape can not be had with all-wheel drive when opting for the plug-in variant. It is only available with front-wheel drive.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a unique offering on our list of Cheapest PHEV models. Although it is another compact crossover, it is one that can seat up to seven passengers, even as a plug-in. Power for the Outlander PHEV comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder coupled to a pair of electric motors to generate 248 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. That puts it about mid-pack in its class in terms of power.

Under all-electric power, the Outlander is rated to travel upwards of 38 miles (61 km)on a single charge. That puts it ahead of the Ford Escape Plug-In, but behind the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Of course, neither of those vehicles can carry seven passengers like the Outlander PHEV does.

The first of two Korean compact SUVs to appear on our list, the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid is the 5th cheapest PHEV on sale today. It has an all electric range of 34 miles which is a bit lower than many of its competitors. But the Sportage does include traditional all-wheel drive as part of the package and a drivetrain that produces a total of 261 hp.

More important than its numbers, the Sportage feels more premium and sophisticated than many of its main rivals. Inside, the driving experience is quiet, smooth, and enjoyable. Most of the materials feel of premium quality and the interior design is well laid out.

In our recent 11 vehicle small compact SUV comparison test the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid finished second overall. It’s a testament to how well Hyundai has put this vehicle together as not just a plug-in hybrid, but as compact SUV as a whole. Refined, premium, and spacious, there aren’t many brands doing it better than Hyundai these days when it comes to compact SUVs.

Like its corporate cousin, the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid produces a total of 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired to an electric motor. The Tucson is a bit more affordable price wise, but does offer one less mile of electric range compared to the Sportage, officially rated at 33 miles (53 km) per charge.

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid trades in all-wheel drive and off-road capability for better all electric range. The front-wheel drive Niro Plug-in is good for 33 miles (53 km) of EV range from its 180 hp drivetrain that also produces a generous 195 lb-ft of torque.

All-new for 2023, the second generation Niro has grown in size, with a greater emphasis on rear passenger space. The vehicle has also gained more style inside and out, borrowing a few cues from its EV6 sibling.

Topping the charts is only our second non-SUV to make the cheapest PHEV list. The Toyota Prius Prime is the only vehicle here to start at less than $35,000 USD. All new for 2023, the Prime builds on the strengths of the newly-stylish fourth-generation model with more power and range than before.

How much more power? Try 220 hp, very nearly 100 more than before. All-electric range is rated at 44 (72 km) miles on a single charge—the most of anything on this list. Once that’s used up, the Prius Prime should still deliver about 52 mpg in combined driving.