Latest news with #RAV4Plug-inHybrid

Yahoo

Not Ready for an EV? Check Out These 10 Long-Range Hybrids

If you're in the market for a new car but don't want to go full EV just yet, you may want to consider a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle). Here's why and 10 compelling models to look at. PHEVs are the sweet spot between ICE (internal combustion engine) and EVs (electric vehicles) and an excellent stepping stone for drivers who want to gradually move towards fully electric vehicles while still having the option to use gasoline when needed. For example, according to mobility analytics reporting platform Replica, the average daily commute in the US was 42 miles in 2023, with many people commuting much less than that. More than half of the vehicles on our list have an all-electric range exceeding that average commute range, meaning if you were to buy one, you'd be able to cover your daily commute on electric power only, using more expensive gas for those longer trips out of town. And for quick errands around town, you can lean entirely on the EV side of things and save. Thankfully, there's no shortage of PHEVs on the market for us to pick through and analyze for you. We've done the legwork on your behalf, so let's dig into our list of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with the longest electric-only range. In order 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. Think of the Lexus NX as the Toyota RAV4's upscale cousin, with its plug-in hybrid variant using the same setup as the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, which also features on this list. It's a great choice if you're seeking a hybrid that balances comfort and innovation. Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas/electric engine Transmission CVT automatic Horsepower 304 horsepower Torque 199 Driveline AWD 0-60 MPH 6.0 seconds Top Speed 200 mph (Data was collected from Lexus) Not only is this luxury SUV a comfortable cruiser, offering a smooth ride, but it's relatively roomy, with a plush cabin to boot. The most powerful NX, the 450h+ will sprint from 0-60 in just 6.0 seconds, courtesy of 304 net combined horsepower. Lexus estimates the NX 450h+ has an all-electric driving range of 37 miles. Quiet, especially when driving on electric power A smooth ride that absorbs most bumps and holes in the road A luxurious, comfortable interior Limited cargo space Lackluster driving dynamics Acceleration lacks sharpness If you're in the market for a practical small crossover with curvy European looks, the Ford Escape should be on your list of vehicles to consider. It may not look big from the outside, but they say looks can be deceiving, and that's very much the case here, with ample passenger and cargo space on offer. Engine 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid Transmission CVT automatic Horsepower 210 horsepower Torque 155 Driveline FWD 0-60 MPH 7.7 seconds (Data was collected from Ford) A reasonably peppy vehicle when you're driving on the highways, the car tries to spend most of its time initially in EV mode (up to 37 miles) until it drains the battery. That's perfect for daily driving, as it means you can drive around town without using a sip of gasoline. Smooth and comfortable driving experience Decent electric range for driving short trips Ample space for both passengers and cargo Feels underpowered when accelerating Handling isn't particularly engaging for some drivers All-wheel drive not an option The BMW X5 was among the first luxury SUVs in the '90s and early 2000s—leading the vehicles that paved the way for the glut of high-riding, high-rolling rigs that dominate the roads today. The X5 xDrive50e illustrates the evolution of a successful formula over 24 years, as well as how priorities have so dramatically changed. Engine 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with integrated electric motor Transmission 8-speed STEPTRONIC Horsepower 483 horsepower Torque 516 Driveline AWD 0-60 MPH 4.6 seconds Top Speed 130 mph (Data was collected from BMW) Powering the xDrive50e is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six with an electric motor, combining to deliver 483 horsepower, good for a 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds, and an all-electric range of up to 38 miles—not bad for a car weighing two and a half tons. Excellent body control Smooth blend of hybrid and gas power Interior materials and technology are well executed Little driver feedback Rough rider on less-than-perfect roads Immensely heavy A sporty station wagon with power on tap from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Volvo V60 is a unique proposition in the US. It doesn't come cheap, though, and it's only produced in small numbers, but it does offer an enticing combination of style and performance. Engine 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with two electric motors Transmission 8-speed automatic Horsepower 455 horsepower Torque 523 Driveline AWD 0-60 MPH 4.4 seconds Top Speed 155 mph (Data was collected from Volvo) Speaking of the latter, the V60 plug-in hybrid blends gas and electric propulsion in buttery-smooth fashion, with its turbocharged mill and electric motor combo delivering 455 ponies, good for 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, and an all-electric range of 41 miles. Forceful powertrain High-quality interior Long list of features Confusing infotainment system Most expensive version of the V60 AC charging is slow It probably comes as no surprise that the RAV4 appears on this list, namely because it's one of the bestselling vehicles in the US. And why's that? The RAV4 not only offers great overall reliability and practicality, but in plug-in hybrid guise, it also offers a solid electric-only range (42 miles). Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine Transmission CVT automatic Horsepower 302 horsepower Torque 199 Driveline AWD 0-60 MPH 5.5 seconds Top Speed 112 mph (Data was collected from Toyota) It may be the quickest model in Toyota's wide-ranging lineup, but it's also the most expensive. That being said, it's a car that drives well and is very comfortable for up to four adults, or five if everyone's friendly. High fuel-efficiency Smooth and quiet ride Reliable performance Higher price tag compared to the standard RAV4 hybrid Battery pack takes up valuable space in the cargo area Gas engine doesn't feel as powerful as some competitors Once upon a time, the Toyota Prius wasn't cool, but that all changed when a 2023 redesign brought sleek new styling to the hybrid hatchback. As a middle ground between the standard Prius and a full EV, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers the best of both worlds with no range anxiety. Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine Transmission CVT automatic Horsepower 220 horsepower Torque 139 Driveline FWD 0-60 MPH 6.6 seconds Top Speed 115 mph (Data was collected from Toyota) Along with its physical makeover, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's powertrain got more oomph, too, now offering 220 horsepower to deliver an impressive all-electric driving range of 44 miles. Great fuel economy Comfortable ride Reliable performance More expensive than the standard Prius Battery pack takes up space in the trunk Needs to be plugged in regularly to increase fuel efficiency There are no ifs or buts about it, the Mercedes GLE is one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today, thanks to a top-notch interior, exceptional build quality, and helpful tech features. But what's it like to drive? The answer: it's relatively fast, extremely quiet and comfortable, and feels supremely stable in most situations. Engine 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine with plug-in hybrid technology Transmission 9-speed automatic Horsepower 381 horsepower Torque 479 Driveline AWD 0-60 MPH 5.8 seconds Top Speed 130 mph (Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz) Powering the 450e 4Matic is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. As for all-electric driving range, the 450e 4Matic offers an impressive 49 miles. Excellent electric range Well-appointed, spacious interior Quick performance for its size Doesn't handle as well as the gas-only GLE Infotainment controls are overly sensitive Options quickly drive the price up Another strong offering from Mercedes-Benz is the GLC, which is more compact than its GLE sibling, making it better suited to city driving and parking. Step inside, and it's typically Benz, with nicely chosen upscale materials and a modern design, not to mention heaps of tech. Engine 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine with 85 kW plug-in hybrid electric motor Transmission 7-speed automatic Horsepower 320 horsepower Torque 413 Driveline AWD 0-60 MPH 6.2 seconds Top Speed 130 mph (Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz) But where the 350e really stands out is its all-electric driving range of 54 miles—around 10 miles more than the average American's daily commute. Ride is smooth and composed Luxurious and comfy cabin User-friendly technology Not a performance-orientated SUV Gas engine is loud when pushed Small fuel tank means low road-trip range If you've got deep pockets, then you may want to consider the Mercedes-Benz S580e as your transition into electrification. Granted, it doesn't come cheap, but the hybrid version of Benz's flagship stands head and shoulders above other plug-ins in a host of areas. Engine 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo plug-in hybrid Transmission 9-speed automatic Horsepower 510 horsepower Torque 553 Driveline AWD 0-60 MPH 4.8 seconds Top Speed 155 mph (Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz) Not only is it quick off the mark, the S580e provides a huge amount of electric range (56 miles), too, thanks to its big battery (28.6 kWh). Tech-forward cabin Smooth, comfortable ride Performance is obviously great Braking can be jerky Overwhelming amount of touchscreen controls Sky-high pricing While a fully electric version is set to land later in 2025, anyone looking to get their electric kicks from the Range Rover Sport will have to make do with a plug-in hybrid for now. As the name suggests, the Range Rover Sport is a bit sportier than the bigger and slightly more expensive regular Range Rover. Comfort, luxury and design are top of the agenda, too, albeit not to the same degree as with its bigger sibling. Engine 3.0-liter inline-6 with 38.2 kWh battery Transmission 8-speed automatic Horsepower 454 horsepower Torque 487 Driveline AWD 0-60 MPH 5.3 seconds Top Speed 140 mph (Data was collected from Jaguar Land Rover) The Range Rover Sport P460e gets a 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 215hp electric motor, for a total output of 454 horsepower, though the more pertinent figure is the 75 miles of claimed electric range. Terrific visibility Long electric range and fast charging Surprisingly agile Cheap-looking speaker surrounds Slight compromise in off-road performance More expensive than previous models Whether you're in the market for a PHEV, or you're ready to make the leap and go full EV, you'll want to get your home ready for EV charging.