Main Navigation beebs
Skip to main content
Back to EV home
Illustration of transparent PHEV car outline with powertrain components featured

Plug-in hybrid

Gasoline iconGasolineElectric iconElectricPlug-in iconPlug-in

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, bridge the gap by operating in electric-only mode for local driving while engaging an internal combustion engine (ICE) for longer distances.

Mother holding smiling toddler walking toward her plug-in-hybrid as it charges

Is a plug-in hybrid right for your lifestyle?

A PHEV could be right for you if you typically drive less than 30 miles a day and like the idea of going electric without public charging hassles.

Pros
  • EV around town, ICE on long distance
  • 15-50 miles of electric range
  • Charge at home overnight
Cons
  • Higher average purchase prices
  • Battery weight hurts fuel economy
  • Greater mechanical complexity

Plug-in hybrids near you


Best used plug-in hybrids

Interested in the best plug-in hybrid cars? Here are the top 3 from the 10 most popular plug-in hybrids according to CarMax customers.

Close-up of the word 'plug-in displayed on the rear of a blue car
2024 Toyota Prius Prime XSE

1. Toyota Prius Prime Hybrid

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$16,998—$38,998
Estimated combined MPG
114 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)

Pros

  • Eye-catching exterior styling

  • Impressive power, acceleration, and handling

  • Supremely comfortable ride

Cons

  • Gas engine can be noisy

  • Lackluster cargo space

  • Tight rear headroom

2019 Chevrolet Volt Premier

2. Chevrolet Volt

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$8,998—$19,998
Estimated combined MPG
42 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
4 out of 5
2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Touring

3. Honda Clarity Plug in Hybrid

CarMax owner rating

Price range*
$15,998—$22,998
Estimated combined MPG
42 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)

Learn more about plug-in hybrid vehicles

Explore other EV types

* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Editorial content contained on this page comes from Edmunds.com, Inc., a subsidiary of CarMax Enterprise Service, LLC, and information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.