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Plug-in hybrid vehicles are vehicles that can use gas and electricity to maximize fuel efficiency. PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) aren’t as eco-friendly as electric vehicles, but they are a major step up from gas-powered and hybrid vehicles. Plug-in hybrid tech is great for saving money on gas and great for the environment, but it can get pricey. What is the best plug-in hybrid SUV for the money?

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid has incredible fuel economy

A gray Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is parked.
The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid | Kia

The Kia Niro is available as a gas-powered vehicle, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicle. The Niro is an affordable subcompact SUV that is often overlooked due to a competitive vehicle segment. It certainly isn’t the most stylish or advanced model in its class, but Kia paid special attention to providing value with the Niro.

The Kia Niro Plug-in hybrid starts at $29,590. It achieves an incredible 46 miles per gallon combined. This is more miles per gallon than the Ford Escape SE PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid has an electric-only range of 26 miles. While other plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 Prime have higher electric-only ranges, the Niro PHEV gets the most distance for its price range. The Ford Escape SE PHEV also has incredible range, but it starts at $33,940.

The 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is a great deal for its price

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid | Kia

The Kia Niro Plug-in hybrid is an incredible deal because of its range and affordable price. It is more affordable than most plug-in hybrid SUV models, yet it can travel further than most of its competition on a single tank of fuel. The Niro Plug-in Hybrid can travel for a total of 560 miles on gas and electricity.

The subcompact plug-in hybrid SUV doesn’t have the most driving range because of its gas tank size of 11.4 gallons, but it is one of the few subcompact SUVs that has that much driving range starting under $30K. According to Fueleconomy.gov, the 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is eligible for a $4,543 electric vehicle tax credit. Its price becomes $25,047 after the electric vehicle tax incentive.

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid received a 4.5/5-star consumer review from Kelley Blue Book. Its major drawbacks are all related to how little it has changed from its previous model year. The 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid is the best Plug-in Hybrid SUV for the money on the market, thanks to its affordability and amazing driving range. It’s the polar opposite of a gas guzzler.

There are plenty of affordable plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market

Plug-in hybrid vehicles can save drivers tons of money on gas. While these vehicles may seem much more expensive than typical SUV models, incentives make them much more affordable than they initially appear. If the affordable 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid isn’t for you, the Ford Escape SE PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime are more expensive but offer their own perks.

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