What’s a PHEV? PHEVs, or plug-in electric vehicles, could be your gateway to getting comfortable with an EV. In the SUV world, Toyota, Jeep, Hyundai, Kia and Subaru all make stellar examples of PHEV SUVs that can not only haul your stuff, but get stellar gas mileage, have longer range, have more horsepower than their gas equivalents, and can even travel on electric power for a short while. PHEV SUVs may be the best way to maximize the promise of an EV, without any range anxiety.

How do plug-in hybrid SUVs work?

what is a phev suv? it’s the best gateway to an ev

How the U.S. Department of Energy describes a PHEV | DoE

Basically, a plug-in hybrid combines a gas engine with an electric engine. Manufacturers use different systems; sometimes the two are sandwiched together into the motor like in the Jeep Wrangler 4Xe, while Toyota simply puts the electric motors in the back of its RAV4 Prime to not only give you all-wheel drive, but keeps the gas engine powering the front wheels.

You charge the battery by plugging the PHEV into a charger either at home or a public charger. Then, you simply drive. When the battery runs out, the gas engine kicks in. They can charge on the road.

What’s a PHEV do when the battery dies?

In many cases, the gas motor can charge the electric motor. When you take your foot off the gas, the engine is still spinning, and most PHEVs use that spinning energy to charge the battery. The Jeep Wrangler 4Xe, for example, has different regeneration modes that allow you to maximize that energy recovery.

Also, all PHEVs use a regenerative braking system that charges the battery by capturing the energy you use slowing down with the brakes. Obviously, these are not perpetual motion machines, but the brakes do generate a lot of juice.

PHEV SUVs are faster than their gas-powered equivalents (usually)

what is a phev suv? it’s the best gateway to an ev

2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge | Volvo

The Toyota RAV 4 Prime is a great example of a fast SUV. It makes 302 combined horsepower, which is 83 more than the regular hybrid, and can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 5.4 seconds according to Car and Driver. And it can go up to 42 miles on electric-only power at up to 84 mph, while getting 94 MPGe, or combined, mileage. The Lincoln Aviator luxury PHEV packs a 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for a total of 494 horsepower, which puts this seven-passenger PHEV on par with a new Corvette for horsepower.

The Subaru Crosstrek isn’t known for its off-the-line acceleration, but in PHEV trim, it’s quicker than the base model. It has a smallish 8.8 kWh battery, but it can travel up to 17 miles in on EV power. Step up to the Volvo XC90 PHEV three-row SUV, and you can get a stonking 455 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 143-horsepower rear electric motor. Volvo was able to keep the three-row configuration of the XC90 the same as the gas-powered version because instead of shoving the battery pack in the rear cargo area like other SUVs, it lives in the center tunnel between the driver and passenger.

The Volvo even has a 36-mile EV range and in B Mode you get one-pedal driving in the luxurious XC90 Recharge.

What’s a PHEV example?

what is a phev suv? it’s the best gateway to an ev

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid SUV | Jack Taylor, via Getty Images

The previously mentioned Toyota RAV4 Prime and Subaru Crosstrek are both great examples of PHEVs. But, the Jeep 4xe (say “four-by-e”) Wrangler and Grand Cherokee allow you to go off-roading, silently. Also, since electric motors have tons of torque available, the electric motors make a lot of sense for rock crawling. Also, since the electric motors add range, it can go up to 370 miles on a full tank of gas.

Mitsubishi was one of the first to make a PHEV SUV. That original was discontinued and came back in 2022 for about $27,000, making it one of the least expensive PHEV SUVs. While it’s still based on the old model’s frame, it does have modern tech and can go 24 miles on a full charge. The cheapest it the Kia Niro PHEV.

For hauling your family, the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV or its Kia Sorento cousin are five and seat versions of PHEVs that are related underneath. They both make about 260 horsepower, but the Kia is slightly longer. They’re both all-wheel drive, offer a ton of options, and don’t break the bank. The five-seat Santa Fe starts at about $40,000, while the seven-seat Kia starts at about $45,000, and both can go about 30 miles on EV power.

Keyword: What Is a PHEV SUV? It’s the Best Gateway to an EV

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Best cars for a 'Love Bug' remake

Tennessee’s Yard Art The Thorndyke Special The Hot Rod The Hippie Van Jim’s Lamborghini Growing up, it’s safe to say my absolute favorite movie was Disney’s “The Love Bug.” As a kid living in a world before Pixar’s “Cars,” it was pretty much the best car movie. I loved ...

View more: Best cars for a 'Love Bug' remake

Audi timing belt tensioner prompts Utah bomb squad visit

An aftermarket timing belt tensioner found in a Salt Lake City apartment prompted a visit from the bomb squad this week after it was mistaken for a potential explosive device. Police partially evacuated the apartment complex in which it was found “out of an abundance of caution” and called ...

View more: Audi timing belt tensioner prompts Utah bomb squad visit

2023 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 will get more expensive

GMC Sierra HD pickups are about to get more expensive again after recently becoming more expensive, according to GM Authority. In July, GMC and Buick raised the prices on certain vehicles in their lineups anywhere from $975 to $1,675 by making the previously optional OnStar a standard feature. Next ...

View more: 2023 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 will get more expensive

Our week with EVs: Recapping the diverse collection of electric cars we tested

Mercedes-Benz EQB First Drive Review: Next electric Benz is a little different 2022 Chevy Bolt EV Road Test Review: Time to play EV, gas or airplane 2023 Genesis GV60 Road Test Review: The third of Hyundai Group’s E-GMP EVs is the fastest, but softest It may be hard to ...

View more: Our week with EVs: Recapping the diverse collection of electric cars we tested

Europe car sales lowest since 1996 after 12-month decline

BERLIN – Europe registered the lowest number of new passenger cars in the month of June this year since 1996 at just over 1.06 million vehicles, with some carmakers seeing sales drop by nearly 50%, data from Europe’s automobile association showed on Friday. Volkswagen Group was the hardest-hit major ...

View more: Europe car sales lowest since 1996 after 12-month decline

More Than Just A Carmaker: Toyota Motor PH Launches Toyota Mobility Solutions

Automotive industry leader, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) inaugurated today Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, Inc. (TMSPH), a wholly owned subsidiary that will be a provider of mobility-related services. TMSPH ventures into the development and offering of a range of ‘new mobility solutions’ that will enhance Toyota as a brand ...

View more: More Than Just A Carmaker: Toyota Motor PH Launches Toyota Mobility Solutions

'F1 22' feels fast and familiar | Gaming Roundup

‘F1 22’ impressions ‘Construction Simulator’ is launching Sept. 20 Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. This week in racing game news: ‘F1 22’ impressions At its core, “F1 22,” the latest installment in the F1 ...

View more: 'F1 22' feels fast and familiar | Gaming Roundup

Watch a single-engine plane crash-land on 91 Freeway in California

A single-engine Piper Cherokee airplane was forced to crash land on the 91 Freeway in California after losing power about 45 minutes outside of Los Angeles. Yes, that means this was a very busy highway, practically bursting at the seams with traffic. No, amazingly nobody died, either in the ...

View more: Watch a single-engine plane crash-land on 91 Freeway in California

Ford files 'Mustang Dark Horse' trademark application

Make adventures more comfortable with high-quality Jeep grab handles

New Lucid Air variant to debut & Stealth Look to be on display during Monetary Car Week

Chevy offers incentives to prevent Corvette Z06 flipping

Average U.S. gas price falls below $4/gallon

German court: SUV driver must pay more than a car for running red light

Australian vehicle crash tests to include underwater performance

Toyota C-HR rumored to get revamp next year and an EV version

Geely's electric Zeekr 009 is an EV Alphard we never had; 700 km, 542 PS, top speed 190 km/h

A Newey, Brawn and Anderson row that shows F1 doesn’t change

Sorry, EV buyers, you won't get to pick your own pedestrian safety sounds

There won't be enough copper to meet climate goals, study indicates

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel