2026 Lexus NX 450h+ | Allison BarfieldDrive one the best PHEV SUVs for electric range and hybrid power to deliver the best of both fuel efficient worlds.Not ready to go fully electric but wince every time you get gas? You’re not alone. And, you don’t have to stand the pain any longer, because there’s a great solution: The PHEV.If you’re new to the term, it means plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a greener hybrid SUV that plugs in for a nice range of all electric driving, usually 30-50 miles or so, and it’s complimented by a gas-powered hybrid motor that gets good fuel economy, usually 10-50% better than similar gas-only SUVs. Plus, the best PHEV SUVs use regenerative braking and fans to recharge the batteries, adding even more miles to the electric range.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe best part may be that you can plug in your PHEV car at home with a regular household outlet to charge it over night, so there’s no need for electrical work in your garage or expensive level 2 charge systems. There are plenty of options to consider that have been available on the market for years.This is great news, because that means you can drive on electric power all week and only get gas when you need to, such as longer road trips. Plus, PHEVs are available as both two and three row SUVs with some of the most modern tech you can buy—even used.So to help you ease that pain at the pump, we took a look at our favorite PHEV SUVs with the best options, and what they’ll cost new and used.This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.What Makes These PHEV SUVs The Best?The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug In Hybrid. Photo: Kymri WiltAs car reviewers, we spend a lot of time driving all of the cars, trucks and SUVs that are new to the market. So, we have first-hand experience in judging cars for comfort and performance. The best PHEV SUVs go beyond simply providing a solid amount of electric range and efficient fuel economy. It’s important to discover well-rounded options.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor example, does the right SUV have enough space for car seats or ample passenger room for stretching out during road trips? Does it have tech that’s intuitive and modern? Doesn’t an upscale interior with ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof make a difference? Also, standard safety features and standard AWD sweeten the deal.So our list includes solid, reliable cars that can do more than simply provide savings at the gas pump. We’ve included the base MSRP price for new models and the average price of cars that are three to four years old with less than 50,000 miles. Here are what new and used well-rounded PHEV SUVs are currently going for.A Compact Bargain: The 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEVTanya Gazdik with the 2025 Hyundai Tucson – Credit: Tanya GazdikIf you don’t need tons of cargo space or extra seating, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson stands out as one of the best PHEV SUVs with immense value. It has an MSRP of $40,325 and includes standard AWD. It’s pretty confident for light off-roading and inclement weather situations. The average price for a used 2023 model hovers around $25,500 to $36,000, depending on the trim level, mileage, and condition.The Tucson PHEV has an EPA-estimated electric range of 32 miles and gets about 77 MPGe. It gets about 35 mpg in hybrid mode after it runs out of charge. Also, the Tucson PHEV can travel about 420 miles on a single tank of gas. Plus, it’s pretty darn comfortable with well-padded seats and a spacious interior, with room for car seats.AdvertisementAdvertisementWireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto comes standard, and connecting smart phones is easy. The cabin feels advanced thanks to dual 12.3-inch touchscreens with built-in navigation. Higher trim levels bolster pampering with available ventilated seats, remote smart parking assist, and a hands-free liftgate.The OG Hybrid PHEV: Toyota RAV4Say hello to the new 2026 RAV4 Core – Credit: Natalie MerolaWhile Toyota wasn’t the first to introduce the PHEV, the company is known for being the mastermind behind hybrid vehicles. And when they were comfortable offering the plug-in option, they introduced “Prime” versions of the RAV4 and Prius.Fast forward to 2026 and the Prime name is gone but the technology isn’t; a PHEV version of the RAV4 is now a standard part of the lineup. With an MSRP of $41,500, it’s a bit of a premium over the hybrid, which is the only other powertrain option. But, the plug-in hybrid delivers 54 miles of electric driving and more power, at 324 HP, quite a bump from the 236 HP of the hybrid-only models. And, they feature more luxury features and standard AWD. Used RAV4 Prime models can be found from $31,000 to about $38,000 and are also pretty nicely loaded since the PHEV has been considered a top-tier trim since the start.Boost That Luxury Feeling With The Lexus NX2026 Lexus NX 450h+ | Allison BarfieldAnother compact contender on our list of the best PHEV SUVS is the Lexus NX. The 2026 Lexus NX PHEV or NX 450h+ has an MSRP of $59,505. Once again, all-wheel drive is standard, which is great for those who live in areas prone to snow. The average price for a used model from 2023 ranges between $35,000 to $45,000.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Lexus NX PHEV gets an EPA-estimated electric range of 37 miles on a full charge. It also gets about 84 MPGe. Once the charge is depleted, it gets about 36 mpg combined. This SUV has a range of about 550 miles on a single tank of gas. It stands out for being pretty athletic and fun to drive without skimping on comfort.While cargo space is a bit limited for the class, there is plenty of passenger space, and the leather-trimmed seats are well-padded and supportive. The cabin is peacefully quiet, and it has a smooth ride. Also, the 14.0-inch touchscreen is vibrant and nice to look at. Standard features like heated and ventilated seats will keep you happy no matter what.Upgrade To Three-Rows With The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEVThe Mazda CX-90 has so much to offer | Credit: Natalie MerolaThe Mazda CX-90 PHEV is a great option to consider if you need a third row. However, the CX-70 deletes the third row for more cargo space, and it also deserves to be on the list of best PHEV SUVs. Of course, AWD is standard with both models to keep you zoom-zooming along. The CX-90 PHEV has an MSRP of $50,965.Used models from 2025 have an average cost of $48,500. Unfortunately, this efficient SUV hasn’t been out for too long, but it brings luxury refinement to the table without a premium price tag. It has an EPA-estimated electric range of 27 miles and gets 56 MPGe. When the charge is depleted, it gets about 26 mpg combined and has a range of 500 miles.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis PHEV SUV is sporty yet refined with a smooth ride and quiet interior. It can seat up to seven or eight passengers, and the doors open wide for easy child seat installations. The lavish interior features leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated seats, tri-zone climate control, and a massive power moonroof. Plus, the dual 12.3-inch screens provide everything you need without being distracting.The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e May Be Our Favorite PHEV, EverThe 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e – Credit: Scotty ReissLast year when Scotty Reiss took the Mercedes-Benz 350e for a spin, she was stunned. The electric range showed 60 miles, 10 more than the EPA estimate.Add to that the posh cabin, Mercedes cockpit-like view from the driver’s seat and its top of the industry “Hey Mercedes” voice activated assistance and you get a luxurious experience. This is a two-row SUV and its smaller stance and hybrid powertrain make it naturally fun to drive; it delivers an ample 313 HP from the PHEV powertrain, which is in itself a luxury. But not having to get gas for what may be months on end? That is a true luxury.The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV is a new model for the brand, though there are lesser-expensive models to be found on the used market. New it carries an MSRP starting at $60,300. Used 2025 models can be found from $48,000 to $53,000. It might be worth shopping this one for a higher trim level with a lower price versus the new model.The Volvo XC90 PHEV Is Built For Premium ComfortNo wonder Volvo has such a great reputation for safety – Credit: Kristen BrownEveryone can’t wait to pile into the luxurious Volvo XC90 PHEV with its three rows of indulgent comfort. The 2026 model has an MSRP of $77,495. The average price of a used model from 2023 averages between $37,000 to $48,500. And AWD is standard with this one, too.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs one of the best PHEV SUVs, it has an EPA-estimated electric range of 32 miles and gets about 58 MPGe. When the electric charge runs out, it provides about 27 mpg. The XC90 PHEV can travel about 530 miles on a single tank of gas. This PHEV delivers a fun ride, but it’s also quite comfortable for relaxed cruising.Access to the third row is a bit tight, so save it for your smallest passengers. But it has more cargo space than its rivals. Also, the quilted Nordico upholstery is extremely plush as the four-zone automatic climate control keeps everybody comfortable. Connecting to wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is done in a jiffy with the attractive 11.2-inch touchscreen.Fellow writer, Kristen Brown explains, “Volvo’s in-house operating system, like the one seen in the EX40, isn’t anything to write home about. But the home screen in the XC90 was quick, vibrant, and a pleasantly high resolution. Everyone’s favorite Google-based apps (like Maps, Assistant, Contacts, etc) were built in.”Other standard features to spoil the entire crew include a panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and power-adjustable front seats with driver memory.
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