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Updated: The best plug-in hybrids ranked by electric range 2022

Image of James Kelly
Author: | Updated: 02 Dec 2022 16:10

Plug-in hybrids are growing in popularity across every segment of the new car market. With their large plug-in battery packs for emission-free urban driving combined with efficient internal combustion power for longer journeys, they offer a perfect stepping stone on the way to full electrification.

A quick search on Leasing.com reveals that the vast majority of manufacturers now offer at least one plug-in. But which are the best if you want outright range? We’ve picked out 20 of the best plug-ins and ranked them by electric range.

Plug-in hybrids ranked by range 2021[6]

So what makes the list? Scroll down to find out.

20. Hyundai Ioniq PHEV – 32 miles

Hyundai Ioniq PHEV[6]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using 7kW home charger)

32 miles

256.8mpg

2 hours 15 minutes

The Hyundai Ioniq PHEV is the plug-in hybrid version of the popular model, which is also available as a full EV or a conventional hybrid. We reckon the Plug-In is the pick of the bunch though. Emitting as little as 26g/km of C02 and with an all-electric range of 30 miles, the Ioniq can be quickly recharged with the use of 7kW wallbox charger in less than two hours.

Keeping the car in EV mode will mean that as long as you aren’t straying far, you won’t be using the 1.6-litre petrol engine on the school run. Standard equipment is great too, while the boot is cavernous and isn’t impeded by bulky batteries as used to be the case with some PHEVs. This makes it all the more appealing, and a great option for those that want a plug-in hybrid on a budget.

Compare Hyundai Ioniq PHEV leasing deals

19. Range Rover Evoque – 34 miles

Range Rover Evoque P300 PHEV

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charging)

41 miles

143mpg

2.5 hours

Range Rover has been one of the most forward-thinking brands when it comes to plug-ins. Whichever model you pick, you’ve got the option. Our pick of the bunch is the Range Rover Evoque P300e. Some cars lend themselves well to an electrified drivetrain, and the Evoque falls squarely into this category.

Around town, the sumptuous interior feels even more luxurious thanks to that silent e-motor. Combined with the 1.5-litre petrol engine, however, it produces more than 300hp ensuring it’s just as quick (if not quicker) than the pure petrols and diesels in the range.

Compare Range Rover Evoque PHEV leasing deals

18. Volvo V90 Recharge T6 – 36 miles

Volvo V90 Recharge T6[9]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

36 miles

135mpg

2 hours 15 minutes

The last few years has seen the release of dozens of plug-in executive cars. With low benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rates and diesel distinctly out of fashion, they make great company cars. One of the very best is the Volvo V90 Recharge T6. With 36 miles of all-electric power and around 340hp, this plug-in is as potent as it is practical.

While you might find German alternatives in saloon form, it’s also quite rare to find a premium estate plug-ins, and nobody does premium estates quite as well as Volvo.

Compare Volvo V90 PHEV leasing deals

17. Kia Niro PHEV – 36 miles

Kia Niro PHEV[13]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

36 miles

200mpg (combined)

2.5 hours

The Niro is Kia’s greener-than-green machine: it’s available as a conventional hybrid as well as a plug-in, while an all-electric variant is waiting in the wings too. The plug-in can muster 36 miles on its battery pack alone and, while it isn’t the most spacious crossover on offer, it offers that desirable high driving position and excellent build quality.

Compare Kia Niro PHEV leasing deals

16. Toyota Prius Plug-in – 39 miles

Toyota Prius Plug-In[5]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

34 miles

217mpg

4 hours

The Toyota Prius Plug-in has come a long way since its introduction around 10 years ago. At the time, it could barely manage 10 miles on electric-only power. The latest version, however, can easily manage 30+ miles without needing help from its 1.8-litre petrol engine.

It gets an EV mode that uses a clever gearbox and a pair of electric motors that offer impressive acceleration. It might not be the fastest on the motorway, but it is very comfortable thanks to its well-sized 15in alloy wheels and supportive seats. One of the first, it’s now one of the best.

15. Peugeot 508 SW – 39 miles

Peugeot 508 SW PHEV[10]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

39 miles

166 – 235mpg

4 hours

Peugeot is a relative newcomer to the plug-in hybrid world, but it made a big splash with its 508 SW. This practical estate was intended to take on premium German rivals like the BMW 3 Series. Now featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electrified drivetrain offering up to 39 miles of range, it easily makes our shortlist.

It’s still as good looking as it ever was, while its hybrid drivetrain has been complimented for its smooth application and an electric-only range that is actually usable. With a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds, it’s quicker than some on this list too. If you’re looking for a capable plug-in hybrid that’s a little bit different from the competition, you should take a look at the 508. (The saloon is also available as a hybrid, too.)

Compare Peugeot 508 SW PHEV leasing deals

14. Peugeot 3008 – 40 miles

Peugeot 3008 PHEV[6]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

40 miles

157-235mpg

2 hours

If you want the sleek style of the 508 but wrapped up in an SUV-shaped package, then Peugeot has you covered. the Peugeot 3008 PHEV uses the same plug-in drivetrain as the 508, giving it a very similar amount of range and performance.

It also carries over the comfort and interior quality of the 508 too, with the 3008 being one of our top picks in terms of family SUVs. It’s a great-looking car and stands apart from the Qashqais and Kugas. Combined with a plug-in drivetrain, it sets itself apart from rivals.

Compare Peugeot 3008 PHEV leasing deals

13. Audi A6 TFSIe – 40 miles

Audi A6 TFSIe[12]

         Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

40 miles

188mpg

2 hours

The Audi A6 TFSIe was one of the first plug-ins to capitalise on the fall of diesel as the company car driver’s preferred choice. Producing 300hp and taking less than two hours to charge, it’s got an all-electric range of 40 miles. Despite the battery packs under the boot, you still get 360 litres of luggage space and, if you really need some extra capacity, it’s available in estate form too.

The A6 has one of the most luxurious and high-tech interiors on offer and, while some rivals might offer a more engaging driving experience, you can’t quibble at the A6 as a long-distance cruiser. While the official 188mpg figure might not be possible out in the real world, this is a plug-in that is just as efficient on the motorway as it is around town.

Compare Audi A6 PHEV leasing deals

12. Seat Leon – 40 miles

Seat Leon eHybrid[6]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

40 miles

217 – 235mpg

3.5 hours

The Seat Leon is a popular lease car for business and personal customers alike and, while the latest 1.4-litre eHybrid PHEV model might appeal to fleet drivers, its impressive electric-only range and good looks should make it a go-to choice for those after a family hatchback too.

Its 12.8kWh battery pack and motor are the default starting mode for the car, which provides decent performance around town and ensures emission-free driving in traffic. For an outright sporty driving experience you’ll want to opt for a Cupra model, but the PHEV still offers a compliant, engaging drive.

Compare Seat Leon PHEV leasing deals

11. Audi A3 TFSI e – 41 miles

Audi A3 TSFIe[10]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

41 miles

235 – 283mpg

4.5 hours

The Audi A3 TSFIe uses the same platform as the Leon above. With a combined output of 200hp and a 0-62mph of 7.6 seconds, in the A3 it feels as swift as ever and, according to Audi, you can manage between 37 and 41 miles on electric-only power.

It’s really easy to drive too, with the driver able to choose various eco-focused driving modes and, like most PHEVs, it gives you the ability to “reserve” your electric range – handy on longer journeys.

Compare Audi A3 PHEV leasing deals

10. Skoda Octavia iV – 43 miles

Skoda Octavia iV[13]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

43 miles

188.3 – 282.5mpg

3.5 hours

The Skoda Octavia is yet another model that uses the Volkswagen Group PHEV platform, and gets the 1.4-litre petrol engine seen in the Golf, Leon and A3. Compared to those models, however, the Octavia iV offers more practicality.

It’s available in both hatchback and estate form, making this a very affordable PHEV load-lugger and an awesome car for fleets. It offers a comfortable ride and an official electric-only range of up to 43 miles.

Compare Skoda Octavia PHEV leasing deals

9. Mercedes-Benz B-Class B250e – 44 miles

Mercedes-Benz B-Class[10]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

42 miles

235mpg

3 hours

Mercedes has really gone to town with compact plug-in models recently, but one of the first (and still the best) was its B-Class 250e. Using a 1.3-litre petrol engine and a 75kW electric motor gives it punchy performance and up to a 42-mile electric only range.

It’s a great family car, although we admit the MPV styling won’t be for everyone. But don’t worry; there’s plenty more Mercedes models further down our list. Talking of which…

Compare Mercedes B-Class PHEV leasing deals

8. Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e – 43 miles

Mercedes CLA 250e PHEV[6]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

43 miles

282.5mpg

3 hours

If you fancy something a little bit sportier than the B-Class, the CLA should be your first port of call. It might feature the same platform and the same technology, but it’s wrapped up in a much more stylish low-slung package.

Official stats show it gets an extra mile of range too, although in the real world you can bet it’ll manage around the same e-range as the B-Class.

Compare Mercedes CLA PHEV leasing deals

7. Volkswagen Golf eHybrid – 44 miles

Volkswagen Golf eHybrid[13]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

44 miles

314 mpg

2 hours

The Golf was one of the first mainstream cars to offer a plug-in variant thanks to the GTE. And now it’s added another one to the line-up: the eHybrid. It’s designed to be the entry-level plug-in model, but it can still get from 0-62mph in less than 8 seconds and features an electric range of more than 40 miles.

It features a digital cockpit and LED headlights as standard too. It’s sure to prove a hit on the leasing scene; no matter how it is powered, the Golf regularly surpasses rivals in terms of popularity.

Compare Volkswagen Golf PHEV leasing deals

6. Mercedes-Benz A-Class 250e hatch – 44 miles

19C0524_010[10]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

44 miles

260mpg

2-3 hours

The A-Class is the third (but not the final) Mercedes to make it onto this list, and there’s a reason for that. Mercedes’ plug-in platform is well-suited to a range of its smaller vehicles, ensuring there is a PHEV platform on offer at every point of its range – including the entry-level hatchback.

Perhaps thanks to its weight, it gets slightly more range on electric power than both the B-Class and CLA, although obviously this isn’t the most practical of choices.

Compare Mercedes A-Class PHEV leasing deals

4. Suzuki Across – 46 miles

Suzuki Across

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

46 miles

280mpg

3 hours

The Suzuki Across is the range-topping model in the company’s line-up, and it’s a great one. A cavernous interior, enough power to embarrass some hot hatches and an efficient plug-in drivetrain make it worthy of this list.

The most impressive thing is arguably its position; coming in sixth place it gets a range of 46 miles – we can’t think of a similarly affordable family car that can compete with that right now. Unless…

Compare Suzuki Across PHEV leasing deals

5. Toyota RAV4 PHEV – 47 miles

Toyota RAV4 PHEV[11]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

46 miles

282.5mpg

3 hours

The Toyota RAV4 has been available as a hybrid for quite a while, but this model is the first plug-in model. It’s a large, spacious SUV that has space and power in equal measure; 302hp to be exact. That’s enough to get it from 0-62mph in six seconds. In fact it sits on the same platform as the Suzuki above.

The drivetrain is a clever one too, with a large 18.1kWh battery providing enough charge to complete 47 miles – on paper anyway. Like the other cars on this list, the RAV4 is purportedly capable of 282mpg. In the real world though, that’ll be very difficult to achieve – even if you make the most of its electric-only  mode.

Compare Toyota RAV4 PHEV leasing deals

3. BMW X5 xDrive45e – 54 miles

BMW X5 xDrive 45e[6]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

54 miles

188 – 235mpg

6.5 hours

The BMW X5 xDrive45e is the first car on this list that gets an official electric-only range of more than 50 miles. It’s thanks to a clever hybrid mode that can actually calculate the most efficient use of the electric motor and potent six-cylinder petrol engine.

There’s also a huge battery pack; at 24kWh, it offers more range than all-electric cars could just a few years ago. Even though this big battery does impede boot space compared to other models, being such a large car means you don’t really notice.

Compare BMW X5 PHEV leasing deals

2. Mercedes GLE 350de – 66 miles

Mercedes GLE 350de[6]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

66 miles

313-404mpg

3 hours

If you want something a little larger than the other plug-in Mercedes models above, the GLE 350de could be for you. With an exceptional official range of 66 miles using just the electric motor, it is more than capable of taking on the average commute without the combustion engine being needed.

That engine is actually a 2.0-litre diesel unit – making the GLE 350de an anomaly on this list. It does ensure that on longer cruises, the GLE is a comfortable and still very economical cruiser.

Compare Mercedes GLE PHEV leasing deals

1. Polestar 1 – 93 miles

Polestar 1[12]

Electric-only range (according to manufacturer)

Official MPG

Charging time (Using a 7kW home charger)

93 miles

470mpg

5 hours

The Polestar 1 comes in first place on our list thanks to its 93-mile electric-only range. We admit it’s a bit out there – this is after all, a GT car that aims to offer a left-field alternative to cars like the Bentley Continental GT.

Producing more than 600hp, it can certainly do that on the power front. The rear wheels are driven by two electric motors which, thanks to a 34kWh battery pack, provide that 90+ mile range without the need of the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

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