Where do you split the difference in the automotive market? Plug-in hybrids could be the perfect middle ground between gas and electric vehicles.
Purely gas vehicles, also known as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, don’t use any electric assist to add power or efficiency to the mix. EVs use only electricity to get the job done. Is there something between these two that blends the best elements of each vehicle type? Yes, plug-in hybrids offer some electric driving range while utilizing an ICE setup for most of the driving duties, giving you a fantastic middle ground.
Here are a few of the best plug-in hybrids to choose from.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
You might not expect an off-road-focused SUV, such as the Wrangler, to be created with a PHEV powertrain, but that’s what’s happening in the 4xe model. This SUV produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain and can drive for 22 miles using only electric power. The off-road credentials are still present, but this Jeep is probably the most efficient version of the Wrangler you’ll find.
Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime has been the leading model among plug-in hybrids for many years. It was a PHEV before this type of powertrain became cool. The latest version of the Prius Prime has the most power ever put into a Prius, delivering 220 horsepower to the wheels. It can drive for 45 miles using only electric power, giving you one of the longest all-electric driving ranges among PHEVs. The current Prius Prime is sporty and fun, making it a great option when you want a car that does most things very well.
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Volvo has several hybrid vehicles offered, giving you some excellent options when you want to save on gas and drive using electricity for a short stint. The Volvo XC90 Recharge is a three-row midsize SUV that can drive for up to 36 miles using electric power while delivering 455 horsepower to the wheels. There’s enough room for the whole family and plenty of gear in this luxurious SUV. The satisfying power, strong safety scores, and versatility make it easy to choose the XC90 Recharge.
BMW 330e
If you want a BMW 3 Series with a PHEV setup, the 330e is the way to go. Among plug-in hybrids, this sporty luxury sedan could be near the top of the charts. It’s not made to deliver M3 levels of power, but it has 288 horsepower and BMW’s near-flawless driving manners. The BMW 330e can drive for 22 miles on electric power, giving you a good starting point for any ride. If you want a small sports sedan with BMW’s luxury qualities, this could be the PHEV for you.
BMW XM
Do you want to see what a PHEV can really do? The BMW XM is like a science experiment on crack. It delivers more than 700 horsepower from the PHEV powertrain, which includes a twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This suggests the XM prioritizes power over efficiency, which is certainly true. Still, this high-powered performance SUV delivers up to 31 miles of all-electric driving range when the batteries are fully charged. The XM represents what PHEVs can do, showing off with amazing power and performance during every drive.
Ford Escape PHEV
A mild-mannered version of the Ford Escape with a hybrid setup makes it easy to enjoy better fuel efficiency in a compact SUV. The Ford Escape PHEV is a great option among plug-in hybrids, giving you 210 horsepower and up to 37 miles of electric-only driving range. This might be enough distance to complete your daily commute using only battery power, which saves gas for your weekend trips to your favorite getaway spot. Could the Ford Escape PHEV be the right choice for your driving needs?
Lexus NX450h+
The top model among the Lexus NX trims is the 450h+, which is an impressive PHEV. This SUV delivers 302 horsepower and can rocket to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds, making it an impressive choice for some spirited driving. The NX 450h+ returns 37 miles of all-electric driving and is a sensible choice for any driver looking for a little fun from a compact SUV. The handling doesn’t quite match up with its sprint speed, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue for most drivers looking for a well-rounded luxury SUV.
These seven plug-in hybrids are only a few examples of the movement toward something that fits in the middle of the ICE and EV markets. Could the PHEV market be the perfect place to find your next vehicle?
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