There’s a lot of pressure to make the switch to an electric car, but not everybody wants to. Even though you can nowcharge an EV battery quickerthan filling a tank with fuel, there’s still the issue ofrapid depreciation, and usability. For drivers who want or need a bigger vehicle, these plug-in hybrid SUVs with long electric-only range offer the best of both worlds, with an unlikely entry taking the top spot.
While these PHEVs are extremely efficient and could save you money on fuel, they can cost more upfront than their mild hybrid or non-electrified counterparts, and they may be more expensive to repair if the powertrain is damaged. If you’re on a budget, this usedJapanese hybrid SUVis worth buying.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites. Please note that we have ranked the following models based on official all-electric mileage claims, from lowest to highest.
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10Lexus NX
Electric range: 37 miles
Though it’s in last place on our list, the Lexus NX 350h+ has an all-electric driving range of up to 37 miles, which is still impressive. This mid-size luxury SUV is areliable Lexus modelwith a J.D. Power score of 80, and has a spacious cabin built around the driver.
Buttons for commonly used functions are conveniently placed, and a large touchscreen is angled towards the driver for a more natural position. The bigger Lexus RX also holds the same range, and is one of themost efficient hybrid SUVs.
NX 350h+ performance specs
Powertrain
2.5L inline-4 hybrid
Horsepower
Efficiency
Electric range
9Lamborghini Urus SE
I was surprised to hear Lamborghini was building a super-SUV, but I was even more shocked when they electrified the powertrain. The Lamborghini Urus SE plug-in hybrid is capable of ridiculous speeds on- and off-road. The sleek body of the SE is sharper and more aerodynamic than previous models, which benefits efficiency and cooling, as well as optimizing downforce for improved handling.
Despite having a twin-turbo V8 engine, the Urus hybrid cuts emissions by 80%, and offers a pure electric driving range of up to 37 miles – perfect for sneaking out during antisocial hours without waking up the entire street. That said, it’s unlikely to achieve the official MPG figures in the real world.
Urus SE performance specs
4L twin-turbo V8 hybrid
8Alfa Romeo Tonale
Electric range: 38 miles
Continuing to fly the Italian flag, Alfa Romeo also knows how to design a car. The nameTonale sounds uglyto non-Italian speakers, but its curves, trendy alloys, and signature trilobe LED lights rectify that problem. Inside, Alfa’s racing DNA shines through the well-bolstered seats and sporty paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. However, a calmer EV driving experience is brought on by the touch of a button for up to 42 miles.
Tonale Q4 performance specs
1.3L turbocharged inline-4 hybrid
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7Mitsubishi Outlander
If you need a tough off-road workhorse that doubles as a comfortable cruiser on the road, the Mitsubishi Outlander ticks a few boxes. Following amuch-needed updateearlier this year, the plug-in hybrid is better than ever, yet remains on the lower end of the PHEV pricing scale.
Some styling changes are subtle, like the new pattern on the front grille and the addition of active shutters, but some are obvious, like the bigger touchscreen with new software. It also featureswireless Apple CarPlayand Android Auto as standard.
Outlander PHEV performance specs
2.4L 4-cylinder hybrid
Electric range: 40 miles
Not quite as prestigious as the Lamborghini, but still premium, the BMW X5 is a desirable plug-in hybrid SUV. BMW’s fifth-generation e-drive technology enables electric-only driving for up to 38 miles for a serene ride. A curved digital display spanning the dash, an optional crystal gear shifter, and deep-set ambient lights create a futuristic cabin, while a connected app gives you more control over the vehicle, including the ability to adjust charge times to off-peak.
On a practical note, the split-opening tailgate is a blessing for dog owners. You can lift the window up to leave the bottom half as a gate while you harness or clip a leash on. Generally, it’s quicker and easier to load bags, too.
X5 xDrive50e performance specs
3L twin-turbo inline-6 hybrid
5Toyota RAV4
Electric range: 42 miles
I don’t think I need to explain how good this plug-in hybrid SUV is. The Toyota RAV4 started the compact SUV market, which went on to become the most popular segment today. Swapping the traditional body-on-frame construction for a unique monocoque chassis brought road-car comfort to an off-road machine.
While many have tried to copy this success, the RAV4 has stayed ahead of the competition for over 30 years. Toyota continuously improved the RAV4 throughout this time, and now offers a range of trims and engines to suit everyone, including an efficient plug-in hybrid returning up to 94 MPGe.
RAV4 Plug-in hybrid performance specs
2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid
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4Mercedes-Benz GLE
Electric range: 49 miles
Competing with the X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE demands a lot from a modest engine. Pairing plug-in hybrid technology with a four-cylinder engine in a heavy SUV sounds like a recipe for disaster, but it produces a combined output of 381 horsepower. That’s not much less than the X5, yet the smaller engine returns a higher MPG figure and can drive further in EV mode.
GLE 450e performance specs
2.0L 4-cylinder hybrid
3Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Electric range: 52 miles
Leaning into performance SUVs, the latest Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid is available in three trims; standard, S, and Turbo, but it’s the entry-level guise that enters our top three with an all-electric driving range of 52 miles up to 84 mph. Despite being at the bottom of the Porsche performance pecking order, the Cayenne reaps the same rewards of instant torque and acceleration from electric motors, reaching 60 mph from a standstill in a rapid 4.6 seconds.
Cayenne E-Hybrid performance specs
3L V6 turbo hybrid
2Range Rover
Electric range: 53 miles
The Range Rover might be king of the road, but narrowly misses out on the crown this time. Still, being able to drive 53 miles on electricity alone will significantly reduce your fuel bill – if that’s even a concern after paying an eye-watering amount for the PHEV. You get a lot for your money, though. Insulated glass and high-quality interior materials naturally soundproof the cabin, which is almost silent when rolling in electric mode. That said, the more affordable Range Rover Sport does the same.
Some people think the Range Rover has gone soft by adding hybrid options, but you shouldn’t worry, they’re still mighty vehicles that can conquer harsh terrain and tow heavy loads. There’s a potent engine working alongside the hybrid system, delivering 543 horsepower when needed.
Range Rover performance specs
3L 6-cylinder hybrid
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1Mercedes-Benz GLC
Electric range: 54 miles
Taking the top spot as the plug-in hybrid SUV with the most electric range is the Mercedes-Benz GLC. This is a perfect all-round vehicle, with enough space for the whole family, up to 54 miles of electric miles, excellent efficiency, and a premium badge. It rides well, and looks good wearing AMG body styling. Plus, it has a sublime interior featuring a long list of standard features, complete with a personal AI assistant via the MBUX infotainment system.
So, if your budget can stretch to this premium plug-in hybrid SUV, you’ll probably spend most of your driving time in EV mode, saving a lot of cash on fuel, but other costs might be higher. Since Mercedes-Benz is a German brand, it should be reliable, but you may face higher than usual prices for parts and repairs when things do go wrong. Fixing a PHEV system is complicated, especially on an advanced car like this. It’s a job that should be carried out by a well-trained specialist, and they’ll know their worth.
GLC 350e performance specs
2L turbo inline-4 hybrid
