Plug-in hybrid SUVs are built to offer the ideal combination of power, efficiency, and versatility. They have a significant advantage in terms of fuel efficiency. Most plug-in hybrid SUVs have an average electric-only range of between 15 and 50 miles, which can adequately cover an entire day’s worth of city driving without needing to use gas. This contributes to reducing emissions as well as helping save money on fuel costs.

These plug-in hybrid SUVs offer the luxury of having the combination of a compact and nimble vehicle with ample space and versatility that many city dwellers desire. The advanced safety features included add peace of mind to city driving scenarios. Plug-in hybrid SUVs have also been touted as excellent alternative to electric vehicles, with their outstanding fuel efficiency, and significant electric-only range which bring about huge cost-saving, reduced emissions, and practicality for urban lifestyles.

Since there is no dearth of choice, if you are in the market for an SUV for city commutes, here are 10 plug-in hybrid models that will serve you well.

Information has been sourced from official automakers’ websites and credible publications like Car and Driver and the EPA.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid Is Special

10 Lincoln Corsair Plug-in Hybrid – 27 Miles

Starting Price: $53,925

The Lincoln Corsair’s plug-in hybrid variant is only available on the Grand Touring trim. This vehicle is the smallest SUV in the Lincoln lineup, and it uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, combined with an electric motor in an all-wheel drive setup to produce a combined system output of 266 horsepower that’s capable of a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.0 seconds according to a Car And Driver testing session.

Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring Specs

(Specs sourced from Lincoln, EPA, and Car and Driver)

The instant torque from the electric motor and its 18.5 feet curb-to-curb turning radius make it well-suited for city driving, overtaking, and navigating traffic congestion easier. It uses Continuously Variable Transmission to make gear shifts seamless. For daily city driving, an electric-only range of up to 27 miles is available. For more engaging drives, the gas engine is engaged, and a 33-mpg fuel economy keeps it economical.

9 Dodge Hornet Plug-In Hybrid – 33 Miles

Starting Price: $40,935

The Dodge Hornet Plug-In Hybrid easily caters to the needs of urban drivers with its highly efficient 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine which when combined with an electric motor, is capable of an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 77 MPGe combined. It is all-wheel drive, the hybrid powertrain offering an impressive 288 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission, guaranteeing smooth transition between gears.

Dodge Hornet Plug-In Hybrid Specs

(Specs sourced from Dodge, EPA, and Car and Driver)

Its battery pack is capable of an electric range of 33 miles, enough for daily commutes without needing to use fuel. It’s also fitted with the PowerShot feature which is activated by pulling both paddle shifters. This feature adds an extra 30 horsepower to the already impressive 288 horsepower upon activation and can result in a 0-60 mph run in just 5.5 seconds. This further makes overtaking and maneuvering city streets easier.

Related: Why Now Is The Time To Invest In A Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

8 Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid – 33 Miles

Starting Price: $42,995

The Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid is fitted with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor on the rear axle in an all-wheel drive setup to produce punchy 285 horsepower at the wheels. This is good for a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, which helps it effortlessly merge into traffic, giving drivers all the confidence they need on busy city streets.

Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Specs

(Specs sourced from Alfa Romeo, EPA, and Car and Driver)

It also features a six-speed automatic transmission to ensure smooth and effortless gear shifts while driving. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain consists of a 14.8-kWh battery pack, which is good for an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 33 miles. This provides emission-free and silent trips for city driving conditions. Without the battery pack, an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined fuel efficiency, means maximum engine power is available mixed with hybrid efficiency for city commutes.

7 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid – 33 Miles

Starting Price: $38,475

The Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a 261-horsepower combination of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, in an all-wheel drive system. The six-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless gear transitions and a smooth ride through urban streets. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain uses a 13.8-kWh battery pack to make an electric-only range of 33 miles possible from the electric motor only.

Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Specs

(Specs sourced from Hyundai and EPA)

This is perfect for drivers who mostly do city driving meaning reduced costs from fuel savings. When the battery runs out, the EPA estimates its hybrid engine can travel 35 mpg on a single gallon of gas. Its compact size and all-wheel drive system contribute to its responsive handling, helping the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid maneuver easily through tight city streets and crowded parking lots, with excellent traction and stability achieved even on slippery roads.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying A Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

6 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid – 34 Miles

Starting Price: $34,290

The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s hybrid powertrain has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 108 MPGe, which makes it one of the most efficient vehicles in the world. It produces 180 horsepower from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, and its six-speed automatic transmission makes sure gear shifts remain smooth. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid is equipped with an 11.1-kWh battery pack that allows drivers to enjoy 34 miles of fuel-free driving.

Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Specs

(Specs sourced from Kia and EPA)

When the battery runs out, the efficient hybrid powertrain means it would need just one gallon of fuel to drive 48 miles. This means drivers can enjoy city cruises with zero emissions. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has a compact size and mixed with its nimble handling, and 150 pound-feet of torque from the electric motor alone, navigation through crowded city traffic is easy.

5 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid – 34 Miles

Starting Price: $38,690

The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine of the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid delivers a total power output of 261 horsepower. This is capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds according to a Car And Driver test, making merging with traffic and overtaking easy. For emissions-free and fuel-saving city driving, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid’s 13.8-kWh battery pack offers an electric-only range of 34 miles.

Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Specs

(Specs sourced from Kia, EPA, and Car and Driver)

Without the battery pack, a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg, ensures longer drives with fewer fuel stops, reducing fuel costs during city adventures. The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is a small SUV size, and this helps its navigation on crowded streets and parking lots. The all-wheel drive system brings stability and control when driving during rain and snowy weather.

Related: Why Your Next Car Should Be A Plug-In Hybrid

4 Volvo XC60 Recharge – 36 Miles

Starting Price: $57,900

The Volvo XC60 Recharge’s capacity for electric-only driving of up to 36 miles according to the EPA, sets it apart from many other plug-in hybrid SUVs as both an epitome of luxury and sustainability and the perfect choice for emissions-free city driving. A combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 68 MPGe, which includes electricity and gas, makes the XC60 capable of 560 miles of range.

Volvo XC60 Recharge Specs

(Specs sourced from Volvo and EPA)

With an average daily commute of 30 to 41 miles to and from work, that translates to 14 to 19 days before needing to recharge and refuel. The 18.8-kWh battery pack powers the efficient two electric motors that are combined with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to deliver 455 horsepower. Safety features like pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-keeping assist, further provide comfort for both driver and passengers on city streets.

3 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid – 37 Miles

Starting Price: $40,500

The Ford Escape plug-in hybrid is a small SUV with nimble handling, perfect for city maneuvering in small streets and tight parking spaces. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which when combined with an electric motor, delivers a combined power output of 210 horsepower, can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, adequate for merging with traffic as well as helping to make up for drivers waking up late.

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Specs

(Specs sourced from Ford, EPA, and Car and Driver)

Its 14.4-kWh battery pack can deliver an electric-only range of 37 miles fully charged, so drivers can commute to and from work on electricity alone, albeit at a maximum speed of 78 mph before having the engine automatically intervene. A regenerative braking system is also available to enhance fuel efficiency by capturing and storing in the battery, the energy the vehicle typically loses during braking and coasting.

Related: The Cheapest Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles In 2023

2 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid – 37 Miles

Starting Price: $59,905

The compact size of the NX Plug-In Hybrid is key to it being able to effectively maneuver through busy city streets, while the presence of advanced safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision warning, ensures drivers enjoy added peace of mind in urban traffic. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor of the NX 450h+ produces 304 horsepower.

Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid Specs

(Specs sourced from Lexus and EPA)

This is capable of giving drivers a 60 mph boost in 6.0 seconds, enough to get the children to school early. For regular shoppers, the 22.7 cubic feet boot space behind the rear seats is adequate for loading up cargo while the pass-through storage of 46.9 cubic feet available after dropping the rear seats, allows longer and larger items. Owners can do these on 37 miles of available electric-only emissions-free range.

1 Toyota RAV4 Prime – 42 Miles

Starting Price: $43,440

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the stand-out hybrid SUV for city driving with an electric-only range of up to 42 miles from an 18.1-kWh battery pack that allows for emission-free short commutes. It has an EPA-estimated efficiency rating of 94 MPGe and 38 mpg when the battery runs out. The 177-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is combined with two electric motors; one producing 179 horsepower, connected to the front axle, and another producing 53 horsepower connected to the rear axle.

Toyota RAV4 Prime Specs

(Specs sourced from Toyota and EPA)

This hybrid powertrain has 302 horsepower available at the wheels, making a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.7 seconds possible. With a tight turning radius of 18.05 feet, it is extremely maneuverable on crowded city streets, and its precise handling and nimble agility, make it ideal for city driving.