10 Long-Range Plug-In Hybrids That Are Great EV Alternatives

For those who aren't ready to take the plunge and buy a completely electric vehicle, there are great plug-in hybrid vehicles available that promise to be excellent alternatives.

Plug-in hybrids provide many of the advantages that EVs have to offer without some of the drawbacks (like range anxiety) that you might typically associate with electric vehicles.

Let's explore some of the best long-range plug-in hybrids!

1. 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Toyota is renowned for its excellent hybrid vehicles, and the 2023 RAV4 Prime is no exception. It's a practical crossover that combines the best parts of an EV with the peace of mind of having an internal combustion engine at the ready. It's perfect if you're still slightly skeptical of an all-electric car's driving range, even though planning a road trip in your EV shouldn't be a problem if you opt for a long-range electric vehicle with a big battery.

The RAV4 Prime allows you to drive it in full-EV mode or as a traditional hybrid vehicle that you don't have to plug in at home. The RAV4 Prime offers an electric-only driving range of 42 miles, which might not sound like much when compared to battery electric vehicles, but you'll always have the peace of mind the 14.5-gallon fuel tank affords you. The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a starting price of $42,340.

2. 2023 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Niro was redesigned for 2023. The new aesthetic is very handsome and gives Niro an upscale look. The plug-in hybrid version of the Niro can travel up to 33 miles on battery power alone. There's also an all-electric version of the Kia Niro, so testing and comparing it to the plug-in hybrid model could be a good idea for those looking to purchase the EV. If you never find yourself using the gasoline engine during your testing period, then the fully electric Niro EV might be in the cards for you.

The Niro plug-in hybrid is equipped with an 11.1 kWh battery, and it has a total driving range of 510 miles. If you're looking for a comfortable car for the entire family, the Niro PHEV offers 105 cubic feet of passenger space and an attractive interior. It starts at $33,840, making it an affordable entryway into electrified vehicle ownership.

3. 2023 BMW 330e

If you're looking for a plug-in hybrid vehicle with good looks that takes the form of an executive sedan, the 330e is exactly what you need. It's equipped with a hybrid powertrain that allows it to travel up to 22 miles exclusively on electric power, and the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds courtesy of its 288 horsepower.

Inside, the 330e has a high-quality interior like other models in BMW's lineup, which is befitting of a car that starts at $44,900. Excellent choices like the 330e will help make the transition to EVs easier for many people, especially existing customers of the brand.

4. 2023 Range Rover P440e

You probably already know that the luxurious Range Rover is one of the best off-road vehicles ever built. This British SUV is an icon off the beaten path, but now it's also available as a plug-in hybrid, the P440e. The Range Rover's classic exterior isn't affected one bit by the electrification—even the charge port latch is cleverly hidden beneath a discrete hatch on the grille.

The Range Rover is an enormous SUV, but the P440e can still drive 19 miles on pure electric power thanks to its massive 38.2 kWh battery, one of the biggest packs fitted to a plug-in hybrid. One of the best things about the Range Rover is that you can recharge the battery in approximately two and a half hours, and it still preserves Land Rover's legendary off-road prowess with a 35.4-inch fording depth. 

Prices for the 2023 Range Rover P440e PHEV start at $104,902, but with options, you can easily add another 50 percent or more.

5. 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

If you really like the Niro plug-in hybrid but need a third row of seats for your family, the Sorento plug-in hybrid is a great choice. Its 32 miles of all-electric range is nearly identical to what you'll get from the Niro (courtesy of a slightly larger 13.8 kWh battery), but in a more traditional SUV package. The Sorento doesn't have as much of an EV-only driving range as the RAV4 Prime, and it's also more expensive, with a starting price of $49,990. If you're really into the design of the Kia, these details probably won't bother you. The Sorento is no slouch either—with 261 horsepower available, it's more than capable in the passing lanes.

6. 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e

Starting at $72,500, the luxurious BMW X5 xDrive50e makes no pretensions about being an affordable car. But its combination of sporty styling, a luxurious interior, and an all-electric range of 40 miles (from a 25.7 kWh battery) makes it an awesome daily driver. If you're familiar with BMW interiors, you'll feel right at home sitting inside the hybrid X5. Everywhere you look, you'll find high-quality materials. The array, comprised of two curved displays, sits prominently in front of your field of view, allowing you to control most interior functionality. This plug-in hybrid also features great performance. With 483 horsepower, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, which means this SUV will be able to keep up with the best electric SUVs.

7. 2023 Range Rover Evoque P300e

The Range Rover Evoque P300e plug-in hybrid is equipped with a quirky 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Combined with the electric motor of the hybrid system, the Evoque PHEV puts out 309 horsepower, and can travel up to 39 miles in full-electric mode thanks to a battery with a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh. If you're on the road, you can recharge your Evoque plug-in at a public fast charger in approximately 30 minutes using a 32 kW charger. The Evoque has brilliant features like a digital rearview mirror, which can show an unobstructed view of the road behind you through an in-built screen. The Evoque is a great option for people with an active lifestyle who don't need a large SUV.

8. 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge

The Volvo XC90 Recharge is the plug-in hybrid version of Volvo's largest crossover, with a base price of $71,900. For that kind of money, there are many excellent choices; even a Tesla Model Y is a fully electric alternative that's cheaper, but the Volvo has many qualities that justify the price. Styling-wise, the XC90 Recharge is very handsome. That's not a surprise because it's based on the XC90, which has a sophisticated exterior design. The interior is also top-notch, and the minimalist Scandinavian interior will surely captivate you. It's also an optimal vehicle for a large family, since it can seat up to seven people in comfort. With 32 miles of pure electric driving from its 18.8 kWh battery pack, the XC90 Recharge is the perfect car for short commutes. The combined power figure is 455 horsepower, which provides acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds.

9. 2023 Toyota Prius Prime

The fifth-generation 2023 Toyota Prius has undergone a complete redesign, and even people who used to bash the Prius' design language are falling in love with its styling. The Prius is now sleek and modern, and the rear of the car still looks like a Prius but with a sportier twist. The new Prius even features 19-inch wheels, which give it a sporty look, but they're not just for show as the vehicle has 220 horsepower in plug-in hybrid guise. Its 13.6 kWh battery is around 50 percent bigger than the fourth-generation Prius plug-in, and it gets an EPA-rated electric-only range of 44 miles.

10. 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e

The 2023 Mercedes GLC 300e plug-in hybrid is a luxurious midsize SUV that, thanks to its 13.5 kWh battery, can go 84 miles on EV power alone, at least on the WLTP test cycle used in Europe. If you're considering buying a GLC, the interior will be one of your favorite parts of the SUV, especially given the breadth of customization options offered by the manufacturer. The GLC interior has distinctive air vents as well as eye-catching ambient lighting to make your stay in the interior more pleasant. Another interior feature that's sure to catch your eye is the huge portrait-style touchscreen, which is very reminiscent of the original Tesla Model S's infotainment screen. The GLC 300e is currently not available in the US, but the mild hybrid GLC 300 starts at $47,100.

Long Range Plug-In Hybrids Are Perfect for Those Hesitant to Purchase an EV

Many people remain skeptical about EVs because they think these vehicles will give them range anxiety. Even though there are electric vehicles that can really go the distance, plug-in hybrids are still a good alternative for those who want to have the experience of owning an electric vehicle but without some of the drawbacks.

PHEVs are available for a wide range of budgets. Some even have enough electric range that the vehicle's combustion engine may only start occasionally, rather than every time you go for a drive. Keep in mind, though, that just like with a fully electric vehicle, it's best to invest in a home charging solution that will help you cut charging costs and also keep your vehicle topped up at all times.