Plug-in Hybrid SUVs With the Best MPGe Ratings

Plug-in hybrid SUVs are trickling into the market, and they provide unique advantages over their gas-only counterparts. With these vehicles, drivers have the flexibility to run solely on electric power for short jaunts around town, and rely on the gas engine for longer trips. If you're looking for a PHEV SUV, you have more than a few choices. Keep reading to find out which one may be right for you.

The following plug-in hybrid SUVs are ranked by MPGe, or "miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent." This metric represents the number of miles a car can travel using a quantity of alternative fuel (in this case, electricity stored in a battery) with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline.

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid: 46 MPGe

This is one of the most powerful plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, and it's sure to put a smile on your face. In regular guise, it makes 455 hp, and you can kick things up a notch with Sport Plus mode. If you really want to maximize power, opt for the 2020 Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, which boasts an incredible 670 hp—and an eye-watering price tag of $163,250.

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: 50 MPGe

Weighing 5,800 pounds, this is one formidable SUV. Fortunately, the 443-hp, 516-lb-ft V-6 hybrid powertrain is up to the task. Braking isn't as crisp as in the non-hybrid Bentayga, but otherwise it's every bit what you would expect from a Bentley. The 2020 Bentayga Hybrid goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2019 with prices starting at $159,625.

Volvo XC90 plug-in: 55 MPGe

If you're looking for a three-row PHEV SUV with lots of power, this is it. The Volvo XC90 produces a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque from its optional T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. Put it in Pure mode to run on pure electricity, Hybrid mode for everyday driving, and Power mode when you want some performance PHEV excitement. Acceleration comes on smooth and quick, and it takes exactly 5 seconds to reach 60 mph, according to our tests. The XC90 is refined and doesn't let road noise seep into the cabin, but it's also pricey, starting at more than $67,000.

BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in: 56 MPGe

BMW's most recent X5 plug-in hybrid SUV was the xDrive40e model. In 2020, buyers will get a new version dubbed the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance. The xDrive45e we sampled in early 2019 was comfortable to drive, packing a twin-turbo inline-six with a healthy 394 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. In electric-only mode, top speed is a robust 87 mph.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e: 56 MPGe (2019)

The plug-in hybrid variant of the Mercedes GLC SUV makes a healthy 315 hp from a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and electric motor system. You can expect to go only about 10 miles on EV power, but total range is 350 miles on the 2019 GLC 350e. Prices exceed $50,500. Mercedes just announced a 2020 GLC 350e is coming in mid-2020 with a larger battery pack and increased electric-only range. EPA range has not yet been announced for this model.

Volvo XC60 plug-in: 57 MPGe

This compact SUV is stylish on the inside and out. Priced above $55,000, it packs a punch like the larger XC90 PHEV SUV, delivering a total of 400 hp from its gas-electric powertrain. You can only drive about 18 miles on all-electric power, but total range is a whopping 520 miles.

MINI Cooper S E Countryman All4: 65 MPGe

Yes, BMW's quirky Mini brand offers an SUV, and a plug-in hybrid version at that. Electric driving range is only up to 12 miles, but it delivers a satisfying 221 total hp. It's quicker than the Cooper ALL4 and Cooper S ALL4, hitting 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The plug-in hybrid Countryman is also more fuel-efficient than these versions, but only when it comes to city, not highway, fuel economy. Prices currently start at $37,750.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 74 MPGe

This five-seater SUV has been around for a long time, and it's the world's best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle as of December 2018, according to Jato Dynamics. Drivers will enjoy fair amount of electric range—you can travel up to 22 miles in EV mode. This SUV also benefits from a strong 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the powertrain, lithium-ion battery, and PHEV components. Unfortunately, the SUV looks a bit dated and the interior is in need of an update. Prices start at $37,175.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: 90 MPGe

Although it's a PHEV, the Crosstrek Hybrid still knows how to tackle off-road trails with steep grades, large rocks, and deep ruts. It also drives well on the road, accelerating smoothly, and if you're commute is 17 miles or less, you can cruise to work using only the electric motor. It's quicker than the standard Crosstrek, but luggage space suffers because the battery pack is mounted below the cargo area. The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $35,970.

Ford Escape plug-in: TBD

Expected to arrive in the spring of 2020 is a new plug-in hybrid version of the Escape. Buyers will benefit from a 30-mile range in electric-only mode, but it's front-wheel drive only. The lithium-ion battery pack sits under the rear seats so as not to impede cargo space.

Plug-in Hybrid SUVs With the Best MPGe Ratings

• Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid | 46 MPGe | $163,250
• Bentley Bentayga Hybrid | 50 MPGe | $159,625
• Volvo XC90 plug-in | 55 MPGe | $67,995
• BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance plug-in | 56 MPGe | TBD
• Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e | 56 MPGe | $51,645
• Volvo XC60 plug-in | 57 MPGe | $55,590
• MINI Cooper S E Countryman All4 | 65 MPGe | $37,750
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | 90 MPGe | $37,175
• Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | 90 MPGe | $35,970
• Ford Escape plug-in | TBD | TBD