With gas prices reaching over $4 per gallon in the United States, many of us are left wondering why we bought such inefficient cars to begin with. Sometimes the joy of driving is enough to justify poor fuel efficiency, but in times like these, having a vehicle that doesn’t eat away at your wallet every time you push the accelerator would be nice. That said, there are plenty of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models on sale that can save you stacks of cash in the long run.
Regular hybrid models are usually less expensive than plug-in hybrids, but models like the Toyota Prius are available with either type of powertrain. In this list, we’ll go over the nine cheapest PHEVs on sale this year; that includes a 2025 model year vehicle, since it’s still on sale this calendar year and represents the latest of what that automaker has to offer.
All specs are gathered directly from the manufacturer. Prices are correct at the time of writing, and exclude destination, options, taxes, and other fees. Automakers reserve the right to change pricing at any time without notice. This list is organized from least to most efficient in terms of combined MPGe.
2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Fuel Efficiency: 56 MPGe Combined
2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$50,495
Powertrain
2.5L Inline-4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
323 hp
Electric Range
27 miles
This list encapsulates the least-expensive plug-in hybrid models on sale today — most of them start at under $45,000, but the Mazda CX-90 might be worth stretching your budget for. There aren’t many affordable three-row SUVs in general, let alone models with plug-in hybrid powertrains at a reasonable price. This Mazda features a relatively efficient system that can also drive up to 27 miles on electric power alone. Its interior feels premium and looks more expensive than it is, too. Those of you with larger families should consider this high-end, good-looking, and efficient midsize SUV.
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2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV
Fuel Efficiency: 61 MPGe Combined
2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$44,250
Powertrain
2.5L Inline-4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
323 hp
Electric Range
32 miles
For an even more affordable Mazda with the same powertrain as the last entry, try the CX-70 PHEV. Essentially everything under the hood of this model is the same as its more expensive sibling – it uses the same 2.5L four-cylinder PHEV system that makes the same 323 total horsepower, but it’s a two-row model that seats fewer people. With its decreased weight by removing a row of seats and carrying fewer passengers, the CX-70 PHEV is even more efficient. Despite the lower entry price, this Mazda feels just as premium on the inside and on the road.
2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV
Fuel Efficiency: 64 MPGe Combined
2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$45,990
Powertrain
2.4L Inline-4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
248 hp
Electric Range
38 miles
All-new for the 2026 model year is Nissan’s first plug-in hybrid Rogue. This model isn’t exactly a bargain, nudging just north of $45,000, but we feel as though it may be worth considering anyway. Here’s the deal with the Rogue PHEV: it’s basically a re-badged Mitsubishi Outlander. We’ll talk more about that in the next section. What matters more is that this version of the Rogue is rather efficient with 64 MPGE combined, it can drive 38 miles on electric power alone, and it has standard all-wheel drive. Our road tester explained that it’s quite comfortable while driving with soft suspension and good control.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Fuel Efficiency: 64 MPGe Combined
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$40,445
Powertrain
2.4L Inline-4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
248 hp
Electric Range
38 miles
The only 2025 model on this list is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. We only include it since it’s technically still on sale today, and a 2026 model year version is not available at the time of writing. Nevertheless, buyers who want the new Nissan Rogue PHEV could save almost five thousand dollars by choosing this one instead. It’s essentially the same car, with the same powertrain, similar styling and shape, and the exact same fuel economy. However, the automaker notes that the Outlander PHEV will gain more total horsepower and have an even better electric range when its 2026 model year is released.
2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV
Fuel Efficiency: 77 MPGe Combined
2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$40,325
Powertrain
1.6L Turbo I4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
268 hp
Electric Range
32 miles
The Tucson is Hyundai’s most popular model. In fact, not only is it the brand’s most popular SUV, it was one of the best-selling SUVs in the country in 2025. Making up a portion of those sales is the model’s plug-in hybrid variant. It costs a bit more than the standard hybrid version, but this PHEV comes with 32 miles of all-electric range and 77 combined MPGe to make up for it. It takes on the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V in the compact SUV segment, which makes its price look even more affordable in comparison.
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2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Fuel Efficiency: 83 MPGe Combined
2026 Kia Sportage PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$40,490
Powertrain
1.6L Turbo I4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
268 hp
Electric Range
34 miles
The Tucson is Hyundai’s most popular model, but the Kia Sportage is built on the same platform and uses the same powertrain for about the same price. Even though it’s almost the same car under the skin, this Kia sold about 52 thousand fewer units last year. Sales aside, it’s still a great vehicle with some of the best warranty coverage in the country. If its 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four PHEV system should ever let you down, the automaker honors a 10-year/100k mile powertrain warranty and a 10-year/100k EV battery warranty.
2026 Ford Escape PHEV
Fuel Efficiency: 101 MPGe Combined
2026 Ford Escape PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$35,400
Powertrain
2.5L Inline-4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
192 hp
Electric Range
37 miles
The Ford Escape PHEV is another special case. Before we get into it, we’ll let you know that it’s technically available for the 2026 model year. Buyers from most states can get their hands on a model that gets 37 miles of all-electric range and 101 MPGe combined for relatively cheap. That said, Ford decided not to certify its model with the California Air Resources Board (CARB); this means buyers in California, Washington, Vermont, Massachusetts, Oregon, and New York do not have the privilege of buying a new Escape PHEV.
2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV
Fuel Efficiency: 102 MPGe Combined
2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$41,500
Powertrain
2.5L Inline-4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
324 hp
Electric Range
52 miles
The Toyota RAV4 is all-new for its sixth generation in the 2026 model year. Changes include dropping the gas-only model entirely, in favor of a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Powertrains carried over from last year, but the PHEV is more impressive than ever. For this article’s purposes, check out the base model — the SE — for $41,500 before destination and options. However, those of you with a larger budget will be impressed by the new GR Sport trim pictured above with more aggressive styling and other performance upgrades. Nevertheless, the RAV4 PHEV is just as efficient as previously, but with an updated design.
2026 Toyota Prius PHEV
Fuel Efficiency: 127 MPGe Combined
2026 Toyota Prius PHEV Specs Overview
Base Price
$33,775
Powertrain
2.0L Inline-4 PHEV
Total Horsepower
220 hp
Electric Range
44 miles
Most of you could probably expect that the Toyota Prius would top this list. It’s the least-surprising model on this list, with an industry-leading 127 MPGe combined. Not only is the Prius extremely efficient, it’s relatively affordable at just $33,775 for the SE trim before options and destination. The best part, though, is that all four of its trim levels start at under $45,000; even the top of the lineup, the XSE Premium, starts at $40,470. However, only the base model can reach 127 MPGe combined, as the other three models get 114 MPGe.
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Sources: Toyota, Mazda, Kia, Ford, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan
