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.
Dominated by SUVs, our list also includes a traditional hatchback. 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.
10. Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Starting Price (USD): $52,225
Starting our list is the only vehicle to cost over $50,000, and that is the Mazda CX-90 PHEV. A mid-size SUV with a full three-rows of seating, this SUV generates a healthy 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a 68 kW motor.
All-electric range is on the lower end at just 27 miles (43 km), but this is easily the heaviest vehicle on our list.
9) Kia Sorento PHEV
Starting Price (USD): $49,785
The next vehicle on our list is another three-row SUV, albeit a class smaller. splitting the difference between traditional compact and mid-size SUVs, the Sorento offers seating for seven and the ability to travel upwards of 31 miles on a single charge.
Power from this all-wheel drive hybrid SUV comes from a 1,6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired to an electric motor for a total output of 261 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.
8) Mazda CX-70 PHEV
Starting Price (USD): $46,575
Next on our list is the two-row twin to the Mazda CX-90, the Mazda CX-70. Essentially the same vehicle minus the third row of seating, the CX-70 also utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a 68 kW motor. Total system output is listed at a healthy 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
When driven in all electric mode, expected the CX-70 to deliver up to 32 miles (51 km) of range, which is more than the CX-90.
07. Dodge Hornet R/T
Starting Price (USD): $43,640
The Dodge Hornet R/T 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.
6) Toyota RAV4 Plug-in
Starting Price (USD): $43,095
Next on our list is the plug-in variant of Toyota‘s wildly popular RAV4 SUV. The RAV4 Plug-in uses a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine coupled to a pair of powerful electric motors. Total system output registers at a staggering 324 hp, capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) from a standstill in 5.4 seconds.
All-electric range is quite impressive as well for a plug-in, with up to 52 miles (89 km) available on a single charge. The RAV4 Plug-in 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.
5) Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Starting Price (USD): $42,485
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 Plug-in. Of course, neither of those vehicles can carry seven passengers like the Outlander PHEV does.
4) Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Starting Price (USD): $42,425
In our 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 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired to an electric motor. The Tucson is a bit less affordable price wise and is officially rated at 32 miles (51 km) per charge.
3) Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
Starting Price (USD): $41,985
The second of the Korean compact SUVs to appear on our list, the Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid is the 3rd 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 268 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.
2) Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
Starting Price (USD): $36,895
The lowest price plug-in hybrid SUV currently on sale is one that has had a price reduction recently. The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid is price at just just under $37,000 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.
1) Toyota Prius Plug-in
Starting Price (USD): $35,070
Topping the charts is our only non-SUV to make the cheapest PHEV list. The Toyota Prius PHEV is the only vehicle here to start at less than $36,000 USD. The super-sleek PHEV 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 miles (72 km) 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.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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