Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more

    Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars and SUVs

    These PHEVs shine for performance, reliability, and satisfaction. Plus, we reveal the PHEVs with the worst fuel economy.

    2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE driving
    Toyota RAV4 Prime
    Photo: Toyota

    Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) bridge the gap between a regular hybrid and an electric vehicle (EV). Unlike a regular hybrid, which recharges its battery using only its gas engine and brakes, a PHEV can also be plugged in to add between 20 and 40 miles of electric-only range.

    PHEVs can charge overnight from a standard household outlet, so you don’t need to purchase and install a special charger. Once the electric range is depleted, the gas engine kicks in to provide power for longer trips.

    MORE ON PHEVs

    If you, like a majority of Americans, tend to drive less than 40 miles a day, you could end up visiting the gas pump just a few times a year. According to a 2024 survey of CR members, 80 percent of those who drive 2022 or newer PHEVs say they typically start their journeys on a full battery so that they can drive on electric power. (Drivers of older PHEVs say they charge slightly less.)

    These plug-in hybrid vehicles earned a CR recommendation after extensive testing. They scored well in our road tests, often outshining the gas or hybrid versions of the same vehicle, with quicker acceleration and quieter operation. In addition, their predicted reliability is average or above. They are ranked based on their Overall Score. We also list the PHEVs with the worst mpg, so you know which cars won’t save you fuel. Through Sept. 30, 2025, some PHEVs qualify for federal tax credits when purchased, and all may qualify for tax savings when leased.

    Our full list is available to CR members. If you haven’t joined yet, you can click below and become a member.

    Learn more about PHEVs in our buying guide.


    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


    Keith Barry

    Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on BlueSky @itskeithbarry.bsky.social.