2021’s Top Plug-In Hybrids At Each Price Point

Whatever your budget, there’s a plug-in EV for you. Today, we’re taking a look at our favorite PHEVs (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles) at three vastly different prices.

With some PHEVs now offering over 50 miles per charge, they’re quickly becoming a popular choice among eco-conscious drivers who still desire a lot of range. For local drivers, PHEVs can offer more than enough charge to drive around town for a day. Those with longer drives might be interested to know that some newer plug-ins are offering nearly 350 miles total combined range. 

But gas mileage isn’t the only benefit of PHEVs. 

They’re also eligible for federal and state rebates, they have access to some HOV lanes during rush hour, and nearly every company’s flagship PHEV is dressed with a smooth, luxurious interior and cutting-edge tech.

As plug-in hybrids become more popular each year, more companies are releasing their new PHEV models; as of today there are over 25 options, each offering a unique experience. With so many choices it can be hard to narrow down which plug-in hybrid is the best fit for your budget. That’s why we’re here!

As EV enthusiasts, we took the time to research and explore the entire PHEV line-up for 2021. While range was crucial in our rankings, we also took into account safety, performance, standard features, comfort, and resale value. After our in-depth research, and first-hand experience, we were left with three top-of-the-line cars at each price point.

Let’s take a look…

The Best Plug-In Hybrid Under $35,000

2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

If you’re looking to turn heads or burn rubber, you might not have a lot of luck at this price point. If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, safe, and efficient plug-in, you can’t do much better than the 2021 Honda Clarity.

The 47 mile all electric range is the best in its class, and the interior is equal parts spacious and inviting. You might not be going 0 to 60 in 3 seconds, but you could be saving over $5,000/year on gas bills.

• 47 Mile All-Electric Range
• 340 Total Combined Range
• 42 Combined MPG
• Standard 8” Touch Screen and 8 Speaker Audio System
• Standard Collision Mitigation Braking System 
• Standard Road Departure Mitigation System

As far as body design, the Honda Clarity is definitely a little sleeker than its competitors (Prius Prime, Kia Nero, Kia Optima) and it’s absolutely loaded with features we love. The trunk size is one of the larger you’ll find on PHEVs, the seats were comfortable, the handling was responsive, and it the powertrain feels very intuitive. (Though at highways speeds it felt like it weaker.)

Price: $33,400 MSRP
Level 2 Recharge Time: 2.2 Hours
Pros: Best-in-Class EPA Electric Range, Spacious, Smooth Ride
Cons: Slower Touch Screen, Smaller Gas Tank

Runner Ups: Prius Prime, Kia Optima PHEV, Ford Fusion PHEV

The Best Plug-In Hybrid Under $70,000

2021 Volvo S60 T8 Polestar

While it’s German competitors focus mainly on sporty handling, the Volvo S60 sacrifices a small amount of performance to offer a more complete driving experience. And when we say small, we mean small; with the T8 Polestar’s 415 HP engine, you can still have just as much fun carving through canyons or cruising along the shore as the BMW 530e.

The S60 Recharge T8 Polestar has one of our favorite PHEV interiors of all time. It’s elegant, comfortable, and perfectly balances secure handling with a smooth, quiet ride.

• 22 Miles All-Electric Range
• 510 Total Combined Range
• 30 Combined MPG
• Standard 12.3” Driver Display
• Blind Spot System with Driver Assist 
• Intelligent Driver Assist Technology

With this year’s release, Volvo paints a beautiful picture of what a PHEV is supposed to be. Elevated MPG, comfort, technology, safety and style without sacrificing performance. At a pretty reasonable price point, this car has something for everyone.

Price: $64,800
Level 2 Recharge Time: 3 Hours
Pros: Elegant Interior & Exterior Design, Premium Standard Safety Features, Responsive Handling
Cons: Less Sporty Than Competitors, Small Trunk Space, Lower MPGe for Its Class

Runner Ups: BMW 530e xDrive, Lincoln Corsair PHEV

The Best Plug-In Hybrid Over $70,000

2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid

Packed with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, this sublime plug-in feels more like a rocket ship than a hybrid car. You will have to deal with an inflated “Porsche” price, but if you have the means you won’t find a more fun plug-in hybrid out there.

While the EPA doesn’t have accurate economy estimates for this year’s model, if it’s anything similar to 2020’s Panamera Hybrid, drivers should see around 30 miles on electricity alone, with an estimated 51 MPGe.

• Estimated 31 Mile All-Electric Range
• Zero to 60 in 3 Seconds
• 690 HP Max Power Combined
• Improved Comfort Interior

When you get above $80,000, you’ll find expertly engineered cars everywhere you look. But, we can definitively say this: the new 2021 Porsche Turbo S E-Hybrid is an exhilarating and incredibly well built PHEV that screams first-class.

Price: $187,700
Level 2 Recharge Time: 2.5 Hours
Pros: First-in-Class Interior, Legendary Handling, Reasonable MPGe Range for Its Class
Cons: Typical Porsche Price

Runner Ups: Polestar 1, BMW i8, Audi A8 TSFI e

Did you find your dream car on this list? Did we miss one?

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