In today’s auto market, consumers have an increasing array of choices, ranging from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to electric cars and hybrid models. The unstable global situation has led to fluctuating oil prices and challenges in finding charging stations, which has inclined many consumers towards purchasing hybrid vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles can be categorized into plug-in hybrids and traditional hybrids. Traditional hybrids, also known as Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), do not require external charging as they have a smaller battery that stores a limited amount of energy, providing a driving experience more akin to gasoline-powered cars.
On the other hand, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) function similarly to traditional hybrids but come with the added feature of being able to charge from external charging stations, allowing them to operate solely on electric power for a certain distance. When the battery is depleted, they seamlessly switch to conventional hybrid mode.
Many modern plug-in hybrid vehicles boast extended overall range due to their efficient combination of gasoline and electric engine power. For consumers, understanding the pure electric range of each model is crucial. If the electric range can meet daily commuting needs, it is possible to drastically reduce gasoline consumption.
To assist potential buyers in their evaluation of competitors, “U.S. News & World Report” has compiled a list of the longest pure electric range plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2025. The list includes each model’s MPGe (miles per gallon gasoline equivalent) for a more intuitive comparison with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Leading the pack is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC plug-in hybrid, with an impressive pure electric range of 54 miles and a combined fuel economy rating of 64 MPGe in electric/hybrid mode. While the sizable battery enhances the GLC PHEV’s pure electric range, it slightly diminishes its fuel efficiency, translating to a combined gasoline-electric fuel economy of only 25 MPG.
Following closely is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE plug-in hybrid SUV, offering a 50-mile pure electric range and a combined fuel economy of 60 MPGe in electric/hybrid mode. The GLE PHEV comes equipped with a 9.6kWh onboard charger that can fully charge the battery in about 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger or 240-volt outlet.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid, also known as RAV4 Prime, stands out as a practical and exceptional compact SUV with a 42-mile pure electric range. The RAV4 PHEV boasts a fast charging time of just 2.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet or Level 2 charger. The vehicle achieves an impressive combined fuel economy of 94 MPGe in electric/hybrid mode, and 38 MPG when solely relying on gasoline.
The 2025 Volvo S60 plug-in hybrid tops the list of luxury plug-in hybrid models with its exquisite interior, agile handling, and a remarkable 40-mile pure electric range. Standard 120-volt household outlets can charge the S60 PHEV in about 10 hours, while a Level 2 public charger or 240-volt household charger cuts the charging time in half.
With a focus on performance, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid offers a significant 38-mile pure electric range. While impressing with its quick charging capability, the Outlander PHEV falls slightly behind in fuel economy, expected to reach 64 MPGe in electric/hybrid mode and 26 MPG when running solely on gasoline without battery power.
The 2025 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid stands out for its remarkable 37-mile pure electric range, achieving an impressive 101 MPGe in electric/hybrid mode. The Escape PHEV comes with a 3.5kWh onboard charger that can fully charge the battery in about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet. The vehicle also maintains excellent fuel economy, reaching 40 MPG in gasoline/hybrid mode.
Lexus’s 2025 NX plug-in hybrid exemplifies luxury with its sophisticated design and full features, offering a 37-mile pure electric range. The NX PHEV showcases a strong fuel economy of 84 MPGe in electric/hybrid mode. When transitioning to gasoline/hybrid mode after battery depletion, the Lexus NX maintains a commendable combined fuel economy of 36 MPG.
The 2025 Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid, known as XC60 Recharge, blends style and balance in a luxury five-seat SUV, presenting a 36-mile pure electric range. The XC60 delivers a solid 63 MPGe in electric/hybrid mode, though its fuel economy drops to 28 MPG in gasoline/hybrid mode when the battery is depleted.
Finally, Kia’s 2025 Sportage plug-in hybrid shines with a robust 34-mile pure electric range and a combined fuel economy of 84 MPGe in electric/hybrid mode. With a charging time of around 2 hours using a Level 2 public charger or 240-volt outlet, the Sportage PHEV anticipates a fuel economy of 35 MPG in gasoline/hybrid mode.
These top plug-in hybrid models not only offer impressive electric ranges but also deliver strong fuel economy and charging capabilities, catering to a growing demand for eco-friendly and efficient transportation options in today’s diverse automotive landscape.