A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV, can provide most of the benefits of an electric car in around-town driving while also delivering that seamless road trip experience that we've become accustomed to in gasoline-only (and hybrid) vehicles.
The best PHEVs for 2024 offer an acceptable amount of all-electric driving range. Some of these plug-in hybrids could cover your work commute without burning gasoline. However, that gas engine is there when needed, so a cross-country drive could be accomplished without charging up.
For this list of "affordable" crossover plug-in hybrids, we decided on a price of no more than $50,000. This price cap excludes some PHEVs that offer substantially more all-electric range, but those vehicles can cost upwards of $100,000 in some cases and are not considered mainstream.
So, here we’ve listed the top 2024 crossover PHEVs in terms of total all-electric battery range. We consider the listed vehicles to be both affordable and mainstream. We’re using EPA window-sticker data, as listed for each vehicle on FuelEconomy.gov. Let’s see which affordable 2024 crossover PHEVs can get you the most electric miles on a fully charged battery.
1. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime: 42 Miles
$45,040
The plug-in hybrid RAV4 nearly matches the Prius Prime on all-electric driving range. With its crossover ride height and larger utility body, the RAV4 Prime can’t match the Prius in overall fuel economy. Still, with 94 MPGe and 432 miles of electric range, it’s a solid offering—and it’s got passenger and cargo space the Toyota Prius Prime can’t match.
- Tow Rating: 2,500 pounds
2. 2024 Ford Escape PHEV: 37 Miles
$40,500
The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid gets 101 MPGe in combined city/highway driving when operating in gas-electric mode. The Escape PHEV boasts 37 miles of all-electric driving. Its 14.4-kWh battery can be fully recharged in around 3.5 hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) charging station.
If buying, the Escape PHEV is the only vehicle on this list that qualifies for the $3,750 federal tax credit for PHEVs. Other vehicles may be eligible for the credit through leasing.
- Tow Rating: 1,500 pounds
3. 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid: 34 Miles
$40,965
Kia has been on a roll lately, introducing bold, futuristic designs in vehicle segments that usually feature bland, unexciting styling. The updated Sportage is no exception. In plug-in hybrid guise, the Sportage offers 34 miles of gas-free driving, averaging 84 MPGe when the gas engine kicks on.
- Tow Rating: 2,000 pounds
4 - tie - 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale: 33 Miles
$45,440
A new type of vehicle for Alfa Romeo, the Tonale is a small SUV with a plug-in drivetrain offering up to 33 miles of electric range and 77 MPGe overall. The Tonale stands out among this bunch by offering 285 total horsepower and a massive 360 lb-ft of torque, giving this crossover the kind of performance we used to expect from hot hatchbacks, including a 0-60 time of 6 seconds flat.
- Tow Rating: 2,000 pounds
4 - tie - 2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV: 33 Miles
$42,995
Built on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Dodge Hornet offers a plug-in hybrid drivetrain on the top two trims, R/T and R/T Plus. Thus equipped, the Hornet PHEV serves up 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, enough muscle to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The Hornet PHEV gets the same 33 miles of all-electric range and 77 MPGe as its Alfa twin.
- Tow Rating: 2,000 pounds
4 - tie - 2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid: 33 Miles
$40,100
The Hyundai Tucson is an excellent choice for families that want a roomy, practical family SUV with exceptional fuel economy. In PHEV format, the Tucson gives you up to 33 miles of all-electric driving on a full charge. After that, you can expect up to 80 MPGe, which is rather impressive for a vehicle of this size.
- Tow Rating: 2,000 pounds
4 - tie - Kia Niro PHEV: 33 Miles
$34,390
The Kia Niro is unique in that it comes in hybrid, PHEV, and electric variants. With a starting price of $34,390, the Niro is one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids. Offering 33 miles of electric-only range, the Niro PHEV can charge to full using a 240V charger in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Tow Rating: 1,653 pounds
