All of the 3-Row Plug-in Hybrids You Can Buy Today
Three rows and electric power are still rare in the SUV market. Sure, there are several new all-electric three-row SUVs, like the Subaru Solterra, and several three-row hybrid SUVs, like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but there are only four SUVs and one minivan that offer seating for at least six with the advantages of a plug-in hybrid SUV. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, are becoming more popular because they offer many of the advantages of an EV but without the range anxiety. If you want the silent driving EV power without the range anxiety but also need to carry the family, these are your five options today.
2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge: luxury three-row plug-in hybrid
The Volvo XC90 PHEV three-row SUV can pack up to a combined 455 hp from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 143-hp rear electric motor. Volvo was able to keep the three-row configuration of the XC90 the same as the gas-powered version because instead of shoving the battery pack in the rear cargo area like other SUVs, it lives in the center tunnel between the driver and passenger. It has a 36-mile electric range, and in B Mode, you get one-pedal driving in the luxurious XC90 Recharge.
Interestingly, you can also still buy the previous version of the XC90 PHEV as a 2022 model, which looks similar but has less power and range. But, according to Motor1, the previous generation is lacking. For 2023, the XC90 will get some new goodies, like an Android operating system.
2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring: a performance-focused three-row plug-in hybrid
The Lincoln Aviator packs a 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for a total of 494 hp, which puts this seven-passenger PHEV on par with a new Corvette for horsepower. Inside, the Aviator combines a lot of tech and a lot of luxury into the cabin that combines engine-turned aluminum trim and soft-touch leather, and several large screens, even for the second row, which has available captain’s chairs.
The Aviator is based on the Ford Explorer, which was all-new in 2020, and that means it’s built stout. For example, the Aviator can tow 5,600 pounds. You can also add several soft-riding options like air suspension. The 2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring starts at $69,190.
2022 Kia Sorento PHEV: the bargain option
Compared to the others on this list, the 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid looks like a bargain. It starts at $45,190, comes with standard all-wheel drive, and has a 32-mile electric range. The EV motor adds 89 hp to the gas engine for a total of 261 hp. Compared to the others on this list, the Sorento lacks some of the higher-end features, but it is well-appointed with the stuff most buyers want, such as USB charge ports all over and optional leather and heated seats. However, it’s a six-seater, not seven, with two captain’s chairs in the middle.
2023 Range Rover P440e AWD Automatic PHEV: you can order one now
You can now order the new Land Rover Range Rover P440e but be prepared because it starts at a steep $104,900. For that, you get a stunning interior with fine leather, real wood trim, modern technology, and available options like 24-way heated/cooled/massaging seats, and 11.4-inch rear-seat screens.
Or, you can order funky special versions like the Equestrian Pack, which includes a picnic basket, wool blanket, and a custom cooler. But the SUV packs in a lot of hybrid utility, too, like a 48-mile electric range, 50kW fast charging, and up to seven seats in a long-wheelbase version.
2022 Chrysler Pacifica: all of the utility of a three-row plug-in hybrid
We know, the Chrysler Pacifica isn’t an SUV, but it does check a lot of the boxes that SUV buyers want. It seats seven in comfort, it has tons of cargo space, and in the PHEV version, it can go 32 miles on a full charge. The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid does not have the clever Stow-n-Go seats of the gas-powered version because the batteries are in the floor. However, it is the cheapest three-row vehicle on the list, starting at about $39,000.
