Hybrids have always represented a best-of-both-worlds approach to electrification. They give you the efficiency of electric power with the reliability and versatility of an old-fashioned gas engine. Plug-in hybrids take this to another level with a usable electric range, meaning many of us don’t have to think about putting gas in when taking them to work. This is all improved when you stick it in an SUV, as they have enough space for the family and their capability is only improved. We’ve listed the best plug-in hybrid SUV models of 2026 in this list so you know which one to look out for.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
1
Volvo XC60
Base Trim Engine
2L I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
247 HP @5400 RPM
Base Trim Torque
266 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
23/30/26 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
10 /10
Swedish minimalism is only more refined when you stick an electric motor into it. The XC60 is the midsize crossover in the Volvo family, and it’s the right size for most people. The PHEV version starts at $62k, almost $11k over the regular gas version, but for that money you get an electric range of 35 miles and 455 horsepower. The latter equates to a 0–60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, plenty for a family car. A 0-100% charge takes five hours, but that’s no problem if you have a charger at home for overnight electrons.
2
Lexus NX
Base Trim Engine
2.5L I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
2-speed CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
189 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
179 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Lexus and Toyota are known worldwide for their reliability and hybrid powertrains. The NX is built on the popular RAV4 platform, meaning it’s a versatile PHEV SUV. This powertrain is the most powerful of the bunch with 304 horses, but you’ll also love standard AWD and premium cabin. A usable electric range of 37 miles is useful, and, as standard, you get features like heated and ventilated seats, moonroof, and a 10-speaker sound system.
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3
Mazda CX-90
Base Trim Engine
3.3L Skyactiv-G 16
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Base Trim Torque
332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
24/28/25 mpg
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
You might not notice the difference between the CX-70 and CX-90, but the main change is the addition of a third row in the CX-90. It’s a packaging masterclass when you include the PHEV powertrain, as usually automakers struggle to hide the size of the batteries when adding a PHEV system. The EV range lacks behind slightly with only 27 miles of usable range, but total range is great at 500 miles. This is also the best PHEV SUV si safety is a top priority.
4
Porsche Cayenne
Base Trim Engine
3L V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
348 HP @5400 RPM
Base Trim Torque
368 lb.-ft. @ 1450 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
17/23/19 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
While plug-in hybrid SUVs mainly focus on efficiency, some performance automakers love the fact that it’s easy power. The Porsche Cayenne‘s hybrid system can be as powerful as 729 horsepower, making it the most potent in the entire range. If you don’t need all that power, you can get a 463-horsepower powertrain for just over $100,000 in Coupe form, and that has a range of around 28 miles in electric mode with a top speed of 84 miles per hour.
5
Lexus TX
Base Trim Engine
2.5L I4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
275 hp
Base Trim Torque
317 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
While there are more expensive Lexus models out there, the TX is the space champion in the range. Combined head and legroom is the best in class, meaning even adults are comfortable in the third row. An 18.1 kWh battery assists the 3.5L V6 in producing 406 horsepower, making it the most powerful in the range. While it’s not exactly sporty with a CVT system, it’s the most efficient. We managed 35.7 miles of electric range in the Florida heat with the A/C all the way up, so we reckon this plug-in hybrid SUV can manage 40 miles easily.
“The TX may not have the nicest interior in its class, but it’s by far th most spacious and offers three compelling powertrains where many rivals only have one. If you have been waiting for a Lexus that can fit your whole family and their gear, the TX fits the bill.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
6
BMW X5
Base Trim Engine
3L I6 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
375 HP @5200 RPM
Base Trim Torque
383 lb.-ft. @ 1850 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
23/27/25 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
BMW knows that its USP is the driving experience, so it has had to make sure the PHEV powertrain in the BMW X5 lives up to that promise. It’s the most powerful non-M X5 you can buy with 483 horsepower, although it does start at an eye-watering $76k. Still, an electric range of 38 miles is a great number, and when you combine that with 60.7 cubic feet of space with all the seats folded, you have a compelling buy in the segment. It might be less than the non-hybrid options in the X5 lineup, but it’s still plenty spacious.
7
Volvo XC90
Base Trim Engine
2L Drive-E I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
247 HP @5500 RPM
Base Trim Torque
258 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
23/30/26 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
The Volvo XC90 has been a steady performer in a challenging field, and the Swedish luxury SUV only gets better with electric power. It comes at a high cost of $77k, but it gives you the peace of mind of being one of the safest and smoothest vehicles on the road. The electric range is around 32 miles, and while it may start at a high price, you get a lot of car for your money. There’s wireless charging and a large central screen, but if you go for the Ultra trim, there’s a hugely impressive sound system and a head-up display.
“Typically, automakers struggle to blend friction and regenerative braking but where the base B5 powertrain’s brake pedal felt wooden and lacked feedback, the T8’s seemed talkative, smooth at any speed, and confidence-inspiring – a reversal of roles from what I’m used to.”
– Roger Biermann, Managing Editor, CarBuzz
8
BMW XM
Base Trim Engine
4.4L V8 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
577 HP @5600 RPM
Base Trim Torque
553 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
We’ll keep our opinions on the exterior of the BMW XM to ourselves, because it’s what’s under the hood that counts. This large SUV was the first hybrid M car and was used as the testbed for the engine that would eventually end up in the latest M5 sedan. The electric range is an impressive 30 miles, but you can tell it’s not a priority for this sporty SUV with how far down the website you have to go to find it. Even though plug-in hybrid SUVs are usually heavier than gas-only vehicles, this one can still get up to 175 mph when you choose the right package.
9
Kia Sorento
Base Trim Engine
2.5L I-4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
191 HP @6100 RPM
Base Trim Torque
181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
23/31/26 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
The Kia Sorento PHEV shows that capable hybrid electric power doesn’t have to break the bank. This plug-in hybrid SUV starts at under $50k and has standard AWD, 31 miles of electric range and 261 horsepower. Sitting at the top of the Sorento podium, it’s well-equipped, too, with heated seats, a large touchscreen and lots of extra safety features to give you peace of mind when driving such a large car. If you’re worried about the reliability of such a complicated powertrain, the Sorento PHEV’s 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty means you won’t have to worry.
10
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Base Trim Engine
2L I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
9-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
255 HP @5800 RPM
Base Trim Torque
295 lb.-ft. @ 1800 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
19/26/22 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
If you want an electric car, but you just can’t make the switch yet, the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV will convince you with ease. The electric range of 49 miles is class-leading, and with most people in America doing much less than that a day, it will be a great bridge to going electric. The battery can also be charged from 10-80% in just 20 minutes, meaning a lunch break is all you need to charge this car up. If you need the best plug-in hybrid SUV for commuting on electric power only, this may be the right answer.
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Characteristics Of PHEV SUVs
There are plenty of preconceived notions around hybrid vehicles, and not all of them are true. It is important to be able to separate fact from fiction so that you know what to expect when shopping for a plug-in hybrid SUV. Most of these cars will share similar qualities, whether for good or bad. These are the inherent characteristics that make the top plug-in hybrid SUV models so popular:
Economy: The whole point of a hybrid is to keep fuel costs down. Well, that and to lessen our impact on the environment. The sad truth is that few people really consider the latter when making a purchase decision. Unlike a regular hybrid, a plug-in SUV hybrid can store a lot more electricity in its battery pack, and it can run solely on that power for a certain length of time. Since you don’t need to rely on the regenerative brakes to create this energy, you can keep the battery topped up between trips and really cash in on that all-electric range to get excellent fuel economy figures.
Practicality: The main selling point of any SUV is its superior passenger and cargo capacity. Thanks to some savvy design magic, most hybrids no longer have to make any sacrifices in these areas to accommodate their large battery packs. However, they are still quite a bit heavier, so 7-seater hybrids are relatively rare. Towing capacity is also usually somewhat limited in hybrids due to their higher gross weight.
Performance: Plug-in hybrids often have more power than conventional hybrids. This often results in higher combined performance figures and many premium brands specifically use the motor to improve low-down acceleration. When performance is prioritized, though, it often results in less impressive fuel economy returns.
Safety: Hybrid variants of gas-powered cars are almost never entry-level models. As such, they come with more advanced features as standard. Sport utility vehicles are already quite safe, not just because of their size and bulk, but also because they come with loads of driver-assistance tech. The higher-tier hybrid trims get even more, and they are heavier, to boot. This results in an overall better safety rating. This makes PHEV SUVs highly reliable as family cars.
Price: Considering the extra tech, both under the hood and in the cabin, the best PHEV SUVs are not usually cheap. However, savvy buyers should not be put off by this higher initial cost, as the savings down the line will usually make up for it. Another way to counteract this would be to buy used instead of new. Since these cars are usually higher spec, they retain their value well.
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What To Consider Before Buying A Plug-in Hybrid SUV
No matter what type of car you set out to buy, you have to expect to take the good from the bad. There is no such thing as a perfect car, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find one that is perfect for you. Here are the chief strengths and weaknesses of the best plug-in hybrid SUV models.
Pros
Hard-to-beat MPGe figures lead to huge fuel savings
No emissions when running on electric power only
Electric power can be used to improve performance and not just economy
Maintains all the strengths of the SUV body style
Higher-spec models retain their value well
Cons
All-electric range is usually quite low
Extra components significantly increase overall weight
Charging times can be long depending on the size of the battery
Higher initial cost can be off-putting to thrifty shoppers
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How long do PHEV cars take to charge?
According to owner reviews, anywhere from 120 minutes to over 24 hours is needed to fill the pack, depending on the size of the battery and the voltage rating of the charger itself.
Are PHEV cars fun to drive?
Many models give the low-down torque kick of an e-motor, which has a positive impact on excitement and drivability. However, the high mass of these vehicles can negatively impact handling.
Do PHEV SUVs cost more than regular sports utility vehicles?
Yes. Plug-in hybrids are mechanically more complex compared to their regular siblings, so they are naturally a bit more expensive. The discrepancy in price has grown smaller over the years, but you should still expect to fork over a few thousand dollars extra. It’s worth remembering that you can save a lot of money depending on how you drive, so the initial outlay can be recouped and ultimately surpassed over time.
Sources: BMW, Mazda, Kia, Lexus, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz
