13 Best Plugin Hybrids of 2024

We are in a new golden age of eco-friendly motoring, and each month brings new tech! At MotoPickers we want you to stay on top of what’s new and what’s good. Electric means huge power, and if there’s not yet huge range to match on a single charge, it’s coming!

Among the electric changes are purely electric vehicles, hybrid ones that use battery power to boost gasoline engine performance, and those hybrid gems that can rely purely on electric power for short range drives, or use gasoline for those longer road trips.

They’re known as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and these cars are eco-friendly, less polluting, and often a thrill to drive! Don’t be one pf those guys who thinks electric cars can’t be as fast a petrol guzzler. In fact, electric leaves petrol for dust.

The list of contenders is almost growing faster than we can keep count, as an increasing number of manufacturers are jumping onto the electric and hybrid bandwagon. So keep checking MotoPickers for our monthly eco-driving updates.

But for now let us point you in the right direction with this list of 13 first rate alternative-power vehicles. Zoom zoom!

Rivian R1S

MotoPickers Rating: 9/10

The Rivian R1S is perhaps the SUV we’ve been holding out for. Picture a proper 3-row SUV providing seating for 7 and enough space for kids, car seats, strollers, and camping gear. Then mix in off-road capabilities that can tackle even the harshest winters, powered by an all-electric motor.

Rivian has rolled out two electric marvels: the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV. But it’s the SUV that’s ahead in the customer orders race.

We hit the road with the R1S and came off thoroughly impressed. On the road, it’s comfy and capable, boasting all the SUV basics: effective ground clearance, clear visibility, and all those must-have features. But it doesn’t stop there, and there are some nifty additions, like a clamshell tailgate, smart storage nooks, a Bluetooth speaker that nests in its own charging space, front seats that completely recline, built-in domestic outlets, and even an air compressor.

Too many buyers still don’t know Rivian well enough. At MotoPickers we want to change that. Check out this great car now!

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 260+ miles
• Kick-off Price: $72,500
• Power Storage: 105+ kWh

Volkswagen ID.4

MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10

This gem, crowned the World Car of 2021, welcomes you with its techno-magic even before you step inside. Once you’re seated, it intuitively knows just what you need. The ID line is VW’s vision of tomorrow, blending striking looks with practicality and tech-savviness.

With 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, there’s more than sufficient power for merging into traffic, and highway cruising or zipping around town are both done with ease. Despite its SUV tag, the ID.4 moves with grace and parks effortlessly, and has none of the bulkiness you see in some less well sculpted SUVs.

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 250 miles
• Kick-off Price: $39,995
• Power Storage: 82 kWh

Mustang Mach-E

MotoPickers Rating: 9/10

The legendary Mustang brand is back with a bang in the form of the Mustang Mach-E. Ford has channeled all their Mustang intelligence into this car, and they’ve done it so skilfully that it weaves together the best of the familiar, necessary, and beloved elements of the brand, with new design details that push the boundaries of automotive design.

At MotoPickers we have discussed in many reviews how much, and why, we love this car. The minimalist yet sophisticated look and feel heighten the overall inside experience, but it’s the feel of the drive that makes this such a superb achievement.

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 230 miles
• Kick-off Price: $42,895
• Power Storage: 68 kWh

Kia EV6

MotoPickers Rating: 9/10

Kia is on a mission to whip up more high-end and dream-worthy vehicles, and the Kia EV6 is a step towards that goal. Shaking off its reputation for budget cars, the EV6 comes beautifully designed in a refreshingly sporty shape on the outside, complemented by an interior dripping with high-end details and a driver-centric design. Our top pick is the cantilevered floating center console that ramps up the cabin’s premium feel. In addition, we’re big fans of the microsuede and leatherette seat covers crafted from reused and sustainable materials, and the EV6’s excellent head-up display.

The EV6 boasts similar tech to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which means it presents an electric range kicking off at 232 miles, extending up to 275 miles on top models. Plus, you can power it back up to around 80% within a swift 18 minutes using a DC Fast Charge station. And for a starting price tag hovering at the $40k mark, it’s packed with a hefty array of features. This really is a beautiful game-changer for Kia, for us as buyers and for the environment too!

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 232+ miles
• Kick-off Price: $40,900
• Power Storage: 58 to 77 kWh

Volvo C40 Recharge

MotoPickers Rating: 9.2/10

This crossover boasts a sophisticated, alluring silhouette that’s something fresh from Volvo. Trust us, the Volvo C40 Recharge certainly turns heads, and is quite possibly the best-looking Volvo to date. It doesn’t only show off its beauty on the outside; it’s also a powerhouse under the hood. Sharing the same power setup as the Volvo XC40 Recharge, it promises around 225 miles of range that can be juiced up to 80% in just under 40 minutes.

You can further beef up the C40’s mileage via B mode—which we put to the test, and it passed with flying colors. But the real clincher is the energy it unleashes: the Volvo offers a stunning 402 horsepower and immediate torque for a drive that thrills your senses as much as this car delights your eyes.

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 226 miles
• Kick-off Price: $55,300
• Power Storage: 78 kWh

Ford F-150 Lightning

MotoPickers Rating: 9.6/10

We’re so excited to share details on this fantastic vehicle! This is a game-changing truck that is set to change any naysayer’s tune and pack every handy trait and capability into an electric pickup. Essentially, the Ford F-150 Lightning does anything—yes, anything—the good old gas-powered F-150 can, and then some.

Just like its regular counterpart, it’s ready to be decked out with a whole host of extras, from handy bed configurations, towing equipment, camping gear, and more. It’s built for towing and hauling, just like its petrol twin. Also, it offers plenty of passenger space, the elevated ride height of a pickup, and sturdy off-road prowess.

But let’s talk about the extra tricks up its battery-powered sleeve that gas-driven siblings can’t pull off. Firstly, a storage-friendly trunk that can hold as much as most will ever need to carry. You also have flipping power flow that can power sizeable electric utilities, electrical equipment, or even an entire house. And let’s not forget the onboard scales that weigh the truck and its load to keep track of battery range and guide you to a charging station to prevent you from ever being stranded. With the slew of innovative features this truck brings, we see endless potential. It richly deserves its very high MotoPickers rating!

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 230+ miles
• Kick-off Price: $39,995
• Power Storage: 110+ kWh

Mini Cooper SE

MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10

If you are on the hunt for a cute little number to zip around town in, the Mini SE could be a wise buy. It’s compact, and though its range isn’t colossal, if you often ride solo and want to turn heads, this sweet ride is a great match.

The interior design in the MINI never fails to put a smile on faces. Big, round, purpose-built portals of various sizes not only keep you informed but also make you feel you’ve made an independent choice. As with all MINI models, the layout prioritizes the driver, with dials that are easy to see and reach. Naturally, there’s a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity to match any modern vehicle. The test ride we had also boasted the upgraded wireless phone charger and Harman/Kardon sound system, which did a splendid job playing our MotoPickers ‘Rock Drive’ playlist on Spotify.

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 110 miles
• Kick-off Price: $30,750
• Power Storage: 33 kWh

Kia Sorento

MotoPickers Rating: 8.6/10

Next, let’s shift gears into hybrids, marrying the functionality of an EV with the practicality of a traditional combustion engine. Let’s start off with the Kia Sorento.

Imagine a roomy three-row SUV that lets you cruise solo without feeling guilty, thanks to an electric battery option, or a plug-in hybrid tailored to your needs. We love how quietly it runs, how sparingly it uses fuel, and the sport mode option that gives it an extra dash of fun. The interior is a strong point and we think it has wide appeal. But what most impresses are the standard captain chairs in the Hybrid models. These seats are a blessing for those with kids and pets demanding their own territory. The price point and the overall package is a hard combination to best, and for us this is a stand-out option in its class.

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 37 mpg
• Kick-off Price: $33,590

BMW iX SUV

MotoPickers Rating: 8.5/10

The BMW iX electric SUV could very well be BMW’s most eye-catching and top-performing SUV to date. BMW has reshaped the idea of an SUV interior—think expansive, airy cabin ambiance, a sleek floating center console that frees up space for your luggage, and a capacious cargo area to stow essentials. Plus, this version comes kitted out with every luxury that BMW can provide, from a head-up display to quilted leather seating. Almost completely OTT, however, are the Swarovski crystal accents: be it the seat adjustment panel, the infotainment dial, the gear selector, or even the start button, they are all crystal-studded (and those come standard!). It’s breathtaking to look at – though some might find it too ‘bling’ for a German marque that has majored on refinement.

Turning to the engine, BMW has engineered its electric powertrain for top-level efficiency. In a full week of run, we only exhausted roughly half the battery charge. Covering about 170 miles, we used around 140 miles out of the estimated 315-mile battery range. We even managed to claw back some miles during traffic snarls and downhill cruises, boosting the battery’s range.

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 315 miles
• Kick-off Price: $83,200
• Power Storage: 111 kWh

Hyundai Ioniq 5

MotoPickers Rating: 9.8/10

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has likely bagged more accolades and rave reviews this year than any other vehicle, electric or otherwise. It clinched the title of the 2022 World Car of the Year and also scooped up World Car Design of the Year and World Electric Car of the Year. These wins are just the beginning of its golden streak. Critics are all praises for the Ioniq 5, lauding its ingenious design and engineering. Embodying a clever design, a spacious and light-filled cabin, a heap of desirable features and a budget-friendly price tag, it’s arguably the most sizzling electric car around right now.

What makes it so captivating is its SUV-like structure and roominess. Thanks to a battery pack neatly tucked under the passenger cabin, there’s plenty of legroom and headroom. Plus, every seat and the center console can slide forward or backward, enabling passengers to set the cabin to their liking. Add Hyundai’s phone-as-key function, backward power flow vehicle-to-load capability, speedy charging feature—up to 80% recharged in 18 minutes at a DC Fast Charger—and three levels of regenerative braking to optimize efficiency, and it’s clear why this electric car has won the hearts of both drivers and critics.

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 220+ miles
• Kick-off Price: $$39,700
• Power Storage: 111 kWh

Genesis GV 60

MotoPickers Rating: 10/10

Where do we even begin with this striking, posh compact SUV from Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury offspring? The interior of the Genesis GV 60 feels like stepping into the exclusive studio of a top-notch designer. The technology isn’t just ground-breaking and user-friendly; it’s the only car giving you the freedom to unlock, start, and drive using nothing but your face. (Yes, you heard that right!) The floating crystal orb at the console’s center flips over when you start the car, unveiling the gear selector. The list of exciting and truky innovative features is remarkable.

As for the exterior, it’s a perfect blend of future-forward design and sophistication. Not only is it distinctive, but it’s a breeze to drive and a real hoot on the highway. When we talk about electric performance, it shines. It offers all-wheel drive, a range of battery choices, and, in its top-tier model, a boost mode that delivers a thrilling 54 horsepower surge for an intense 10 seconds. It thoroughly deserves its Maximum Rating of 10/10. This is a one of a kind car!

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 248 miles
• Kick-off Price: $58,890
• Power Storage: 77.4 kWh

Toyota RAV4 Prime

MotoPickers Rating: 9/10

Before diving headfirst into the EV debate—wondering if an EV is your perfect match, if you could genuinely adapt to an electric car, and what alterations you’d need to make to your routine—let’s bear in mind that you can enjoy the best of both worlds: electric and gas. Plus, let’s throw in an all-wheel-drive SUV for good measure. Say hello to the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV offers a commendable 42 miles of pure electric range before needing a gas refill. It has speedy acceleration, long electric range, remarkable fuel economy, all-wheel drive, and an array of drive modes. This could very well be your stepping stone to deciding you can do without gasoline!

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 42 miles (with 38 MPG from the hybrid engine)
• Kick-off Price: $38,100
• Power Storage: 18 kWh

Mitsubishi Outlander

MotoPickers Rating: 8.8/10

The Mitsubishi Outlander reminds us all that electric and hybrid do not mean slowing down! Can an electric car really cope as a petrol or deisel engine can? Well, as we have seen in all the reviews above, absolutely Yes, and the Outlander is no exception.

The new Outlander is excellent and goes way beyond expectations. It’s comfortable, affordable, practical and, yes, powerful. When we drive cars like the new Outlander – once synonymous with gas-guzzling – we know the future is fast and electric and fun.

Key Specifications to Note

• Coverage on a Single Charge: 22 miles (with 26 MPG from the hybrid engine)
• Kick-off Price: $34,595
• Power Storage: 14 kWh