KBB.com editors tested the latest plug-in electric vehicles and ranked them on real-world factors like electric range, horsepower and fuel efficiency. Explore the categories and see the rankings to learn more.
How we rate vehicles |
The 2025 BMW X5 is an exceptional contender in the midsize luxury SUV arena, with a multi-talented package.
The excellent and efficient Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid balances energy with economy, and quality with affordability. It’s even stylish now.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (or PHEVs) allow drivers to travel moderate distances on pure electric power without having to worry about getting stranded by an empty battery. That’s because these vehicles have both a battery-powered electric motor and a traditional gas-powered engine. The batteries in PHEVs are larger and more powerful than those found in standard hybrids, with most having an electric range between 15 – 30 miles. When the battery is nearly depleted, the gas-powered engine automatically takes over to keep the car running seamlessly.
Every driver’s situation is unique, but a PHEV can be a worthwhile investment. For starters, drivers will use significantly less gas by charging the vehicle at home (electricity generally remains a cheaper option than gasoline across the country). New PHEV owners are also eligible to receive a federal tax credit of at least $2,500 and potentially as much as $7,500.
There are significant differences between a PHEV and a standard hybrid vehicle. PHEVs have a larger battery that can provide pure electric power for approximately 15 – 30 miles. Standard hybrids are much more reliant on the gas engine; the smaller battery only provides unassisted power for very short periods like when idling, braking, or accelerating from a stop. Then, of course, there is the “plug-in” aspect. You can connect a charging cable from a PHEV to a standard 120-volt outlet and replenish the battery in about 5 – 6 hours. There is no plugging in a standard hybrid; it relies on the gas engine and features like regenerative braking to keep the battery charged.
While PHEVs use both battery power and gas, an EV relies solely on battery power. Not surprisingly, the batteries in EVs are quite large, and some can power the vehicle for 400 miles or more. That said, there is no backup power source in an EV. Once the battery is tapped out, that’s the end of the road. EV owners must carefully plan trips and make sure their routes include charging stations if traveling beyond the vehicle’s electric range. That’s where PHEVs may have an advantage. The option to have a full tank of gas on stand-by can offer drivers extra peace of mind.