3 Ridiculously Underrated Plug-In Hybrid SUVs That Drivers Should Pay Attention to
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, are hybrid vehicles that combine elements from internal combustion engine vehicles with elements from battery-electric vehicles. PHEVs use electric motors, batteries, and an engine to move the vehicle’s wheels, effectively increasing fuel economy. Some PHEVs have over 500 miles of driving range thanks to their gas tanks and batteries. Plug-in hybrid SUVs can save drivers big bucks at the pump. Here are three underrated plug-in hybrid SUVs that drivers should pay more attention to.
Ford produces an affordable plug-in hybrid SUV with great specs
The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid is a small plug-in hybrid SUV that tends to fly under the radar because it isn’t as flashy as some of its rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The Escape PHEV keeps it simple with its exterior design and is nearly indistinguishable from its internal combustion engine version.
The 2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid starts at $40,500. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make 221 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The Escape PHEV gets 105 mpg-e and 40 miles per gallon combined. It can go 37 miles on just electricity.
The Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with a premium-wrapped heated steering wheel, Ford Intelligent Access with push-button start, and a remote start system. It also includes powerpoints, rear parking sensors, and intelligent adaptive cruise control. The 2023 Ford Escape PHEV’s value proposition should make it hard to ignore for drivers looking to save money at the pump.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid brings the value
It’s no secret that Hyundai Motor Company is already having an incredible year. The South Korean automaker recently won the World Car of the Year award for 2023 with the Hyundai Ioniq 6. The brand won last year as well with the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The Tucson has garnered plenty of attention following its redesign for the 2022 model year. The Hyundai Tucson has reasserted itself as a serious competitor for the top small SUV position, rivaling greats like the Toyota RAV4.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid starts at just $37,500. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Tucson PHEV achieves 80 mpg-e and 38 miles per gallon combined. It can travel for 33 miles on just electricity.
The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. It features heated front seats, wireless device charging, and proximity key entry. The Tucson PHEV includes a digital key, 12-volt outlets, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Hyundai’s small plug-in hybrid SUV is easily one of the best in its segment.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is a great family-hauler
The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid is a midsize PHEV that’s ideal for drivers with families that regularly drive long distances. If you enjoy road trips, this may be the plug-in hybrid SUV for you because of its incredible driving range. The Santa Fe PHEV should be able to travel for over 600 miles on a full tank of gas and full battery capacity.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid starts at $42,410. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make 260 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque. According to Kelley Blue Book the Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid gets 76 mpg-e and 33 miles per gallon combined. Plug-In Hybrid SUVs have the potential to become wildly popular in the next few years.
