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Best Plug-In Hybrid Compact SUVs

Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the best plug-in hybrid (PHEV) compact SUVs from the luxury and mainstream categories based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. We take rankings seriously because we want you to know everything about the vehicles that you're interested in. The models here all offer plug-in hybrid powertrains, but the listed base prices may not apply to the PHEV configuration.

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Top Ranked Plug-In Hybrid Compact SUVs at a glance

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Hybrid
1
C/D RatingC/D Rating: 9/10

2026

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Hybrid

$61,450 - $65,900
Volvo XC60 Hybrid
2
C/D RatingC/D Rating: 9/10

2026

Volvo XC60 Hybrid

$62,545 - $81,195
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
3
C/D RatingC/D Rating: 8.5/10

2026

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$34,050 - $50,150
1
Starting at
$61,450
EPA MPG
25 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Hybrid SUV is a plug-in that can go an impressive 54 miles on electricity alone, but it's not as impressive when the charge runs out. Learn More
2
Starting at
$62,545
EPA MPG
28 combined
C/D SAYS: Read our 2026 Volvo XC60 Hybrid review for information on ratings, pricing, specs, and features, and see how this SUV performed in our testing. Learn More
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3
Starting at
$34,050
EPA MPG
35–38 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SUV doesn't cost much more than its nonhybrid sibling but offers better fuel efficiency and quicker acceleration. Learn More
4

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$31,985
EPA MPG
35–42 combined
C/D SAYS: The Sportage Hybrid is a roomy, comfortable, and practical SUV, but we expected better fuel efficiency from its hybrid powertrains. Learn More
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5
Starting at
$34,300
EPA MPG
37–39 combined
C/D SAYS: Practical, sensible, fuel-efficient, and inoffensive, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid does its job well at a reasonable price point. Learn More

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Shop the Top 5 Plug-In Hybrid Compact SUVs


6
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid
Starting at
$43,000 est
EPA Est. RangeLightning icon
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid is relatively competent and efficient but feels a little dated in the face of more modern competitors. Learn More
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7
Starting at
$49,000 est
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The Rogue Hybrid is a new plug-in hybrid version of Nissan's compact SUV that's a twin of the Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid, only with different badges. Learn More

Video: Hybrid Buyer's Guide

preview for Video: Hybrid Buyer's Guide
8

2026 Ford Escape Hybrid

7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$35,085
EPA MPG
40 combined
C/D SAYS: Guess what's next for the 2026 Ford Escape Hybrid, one of the pioneers of gas-electric SUVs. Learn More
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9
Starting at
$55,860
EPA MPG
33 combined
C/D SAYS: Lincoln's luxury ethos is alive and well in its most fuel-efficient offering, but the 2026 Corsair Hybrid isn't the athlete its European rivals are. Learn More
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