There’s a problem sweeping the nation and just about everywhere else. Gas prices are far too high, and people who drive poor gas mileage are suffering. There’s never been a better time to switch to an electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. If you’re not ready to make the switch to electric yet but still want some of the benefits, plug-in hybrids are the perfect solution. They offer excellent fuel economy and add electric power that can even get you a few miles without fuel. Here are the five most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids of 2022 that will save you money on gas.
5. Toyota RAV4 Prime
Supersonic Red 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | Toyota
If you’re looking for a compact SUV with some serious fuel economy, look no further. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the most popular vehicles in its class. We can’t blame customers for wanting to buy a luxurious, affordable, fuel-efficient SUV like this one. Although it shares a name with the RAV4, it’s not exactly the same, so don’t confuse the two.
Using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motor-generators and an 18.1-kWh battery pack, the RAV4 Prime gets 94 mpg-e. In total, the entire PHEV system makes 302 horsepower. Best of all, the RAV4 Prime comes with a standard all-wheel drive. Finally, it has the longest all-electric range of any model on this list. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 can travel up to 42 miles without fuel and has a total estimated range of 600 miles.
4. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
2022 Ford Escape | Ford
Another compact SUV, but this one is a bit better in terms of fuel efficiency. The Escape is an excellent upgrade if sedans don’t provide enough space for you and your family. It offers ample room for passengers and cargo but doesn’t sacrifice gas mileage to get the job done. That’s all thanks to its plug-in hybrid setup, which powers it to an astonishing 105 mpg-e.
The Escape PHEV is better than expected, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electrified CVT with a 14.4-kWh battery pack. Unfortunately, it only uses front-wheel drive, so those needing an AWD system will need to opt for the RAV4 Prime. Additionally, it has an all-electric range of 37 miles and a total estimated range of 520 miles. Once the initial electric charge depletes, the Escape gets 40 combined mpg.
3. Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
A gray Kia Niro PHEV is charging | Kia
Next on the list is the Kia Niro, a subcompact SUV that’s highly rated and affordable. Starting just under $30,000, the Kia Niro PHEV is an excellent option for those needing slightly more room than a standard sedan offers. It pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and rechargeable 8.9-kWh battery pack. Together, the system produces an output of 139 horsepower.
The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid and its electric and gasoline combination setup gets 105 mpg-e. Additionally, the Niro can travel 560 miles without stopping and an estimated 26 all-electric miles. According to Cars.com, the EPA rates the Kia subcompact SUV at 46 mpg combined once it runs out of electric charge.
2. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
Following the Kia Niro is one of its corporate cousins, the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid. This model is available in the SE, SEL, and Limited trims as both a standard and PHEV model. Only the SE trim level is available in PHEV for under $30,000. However, the SEL mid-trim is roughly a mere $1,000 over that price point. Regardless, the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is an excellent choice, and it’s affordable.
The Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid uses the same setup as the Ioniq Hybrid but with a larger, rechargeable 8.9-kWh battery pack. Next, the EPA estimates the PHEV has 29 miles of all-electric range and 620 miles of total range. Finally, Hyundai’s offering gets 119 mpg-e and 52 combined mpg when the electric charge is depleted.
1. Most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid of 2022: Toyota Prius Prime
Why aren’t we surprised to see a Prius at the top of the list? Toyota Prius models have long been leaders in the fuel efficiency game. For 2022, the story is no different. The best fuel efficiency offered by a plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2022 lies with the Toyota Prius Prime. It’s the most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid of 2022.
Although the Prius Prime uses the same 1.8-liter gasoline engine as its non-PHEV variant, it adds a rechargeable 8.8-kWh battery pack. Together, the entire system can output up to 121 horsepower. Additionally, the EPA rates the Prius Prime at 133 combined mpg-e while using electric and gasoline power. Its all-electric range is estimated to be 25 miles, and its total range is 640 miles. Finally, the Prius Prime gets 54 combined mpg once the battery charge is gone.
Which plug-in hybrid is right for you?
Those are the five most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids available in 2022, according to Cars.com. If you need a little more space than a car offers, the RAV4 Prime and Escape PHEV are available and are plenty fuel-efficient. However, those who can afford to go without space should opt for the Prius Prime or Hyundai Ioniq PHEV. If saving money on gas is a primary concern when purchasing a vehicle, any of these models will be perfect. That’s why they’re the five most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids that will save you money on gas.
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