Yahoo Autos Best plug-in hybrid cars, SUVs and minivans for 2024
We’re fans of electric vehicles, but they have their shortcomings. They’re not available in as wide of a range of body styles as gas-powered cars, and they’re still limited by range and charging infrastructure. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a great compromise, though, allowing for all-electric driving, but also having a gas engine for when you need more power or to travel long distances. Choosing a plug-in hybrid vehicle also allows more options; for instance, you can’t get an all-electric minivan in the U.S. … yet.
But with those extra PHEV offerings, it might be difficult to know where to start shopping. We’ve narrowed it down a bit, bringing you the best plug-in hybrids for 2024, as voted on by Autoblog staff, in various segments to help you pick a great PHEV based on your budget and needs.
Best luxury plug-in hybrid large/midsize SUV: Volvo XC90 Recharge
Despite showing its age, the Volvo XC90 remains an excellent three-row crossover in terms of design, comfort and safety, and the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid only improves the formula with both power and efficiency. Interestingly, with the gas motor powering the front axle and the e-motor powering the rear, the XC90 Recharge operates as a rear-wheel-drive car when only using electric power, and front-wheel-drive when only using gas. The powertrain is good for 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, with a 5-second 0-60 time. It can travel 32 miles on electricity alone.
Runner-up: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Best mainstream plug-in hybrid large/midsize SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Do you want an American PHEV with style, refinement and off-road capability? The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combines all that with a turbocharged 2.0-liter and electric motor good for 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, as well as an electric range of 26 miles. That means you can enjoy your favorite trails in near silence and make fewer trips to the gas pump on the way there.
Runner-up: Kia Sorento Plug In-Hybrid
Best luxury plug-in hybrid compact/subcompact SUV: Volvo XC60 Recharge
Volvo borrows the formula from the XC90 and places it in a smaller package to get the XC60 Recharge. It has the same 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, but it drops the 0-60 time to 4.5 seconds while offering 35 miles of electric range. You can even pony up for the Polestar Engineered trim to get the Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, 21-inch forged wheels and unique styling.
Runner-up: Lexus NX 450h+
