Plug-in hybrids may be your best weapon against high gas prices. These 12 models can save you the most money.
Tim Levin
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE.Tim Levin/Insider
- Gas prices are coming down from their peaks, but a gallon of fuel will still cost you dearly.
- Plug-in hybrid cars have bigger batteries and more electric-only range than traditional hybrids.
Inflated gas prices have caused Americans pain at the pump for months, but prices are finally descending from $5-per-gallon heights.
Gas prices are displayed at an Exxon gas station on July 5 in San Francisco, California. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Source: AAA
Switching to a plug-in hybrid car is a great way to save a bundle on gas if you don't want to go fully electric.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE. Tim Levin/Insider
Plug-in hybrids have bigger batteries and longer electric-only range than regular hybrids like the Toyota Prius. You can plug them in overnight in a garage and typically drive 20-40 miles without using any gas.
2021 Toyota RAV4 XSE AWD. Kristen Lee/Business Insider
We found the best plug-in hybrid cars based on how much money they can save you at the pump.
A man takes a photo of gas prices while pumping gas on June 9, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images
They're ranked by the amount of money you can expect to spend annually on fuel (gas and electricity), as estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Gas prices are at their highest on record, exceeding $6 in California. Rich Pedroncelli/AP
In calculating fueling costs, the EPA assumes 15,000 miles driven per year. To determine the amount of money drivers would save over a five year period, the agency compares fueling costs to that of the average car, which in 2022 gets 27 miles per gallon.
And since this list is all about saving money, we've excluded models that cost more than $50,000. (The average price paid for a new vehicle today is around $45,000.)
Gas prices have surged this year as oil prices have risen roughly 50%. Gary Coronado/Getty Images
12. Mini Countryman
The Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid. Mini
- Annual fuel cost: $1,850
- Fuel savings over five years: $2,500
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 73 miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent/29 MPG
- Starting price: $41,500
- Electric range: 17 miles
11. BMW 330e
The BMW 330e. BMW
- Annual fuel cost: $1,800
- Fuel savings over five years: $2,750
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 75 MPGe/28 MPG
- Starting price: $42,950
- Electric range: 23 miles
10. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Mitsubishi
- Annual fuel cost: $1,600
- Fuel savings over five years: $3,750
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 74 MPGe/26 MPG
- Starting price: $36,995
- Electric range: 24 miles
Read more: RANKED: The 15 longest-range electric cars you can buy in 2022 from Kia, Tesla, Ford and more
9. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan. Chrysler
- Annual fuel cost: $1,350
- Fuel savings over five years: $5,000
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 82 MPGe/30 MPG
- Starting price: $46,978
- Electric range: 32 miles
8. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid. Hyundai
- Annual fuel cost: $1,300
- Fuel savings over five years: $5,250
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 76 MPGe/33 MPG
- Starting price: $40,000
- Electric range: 30 miles
7. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento PHEV. Kia
- Annual fuel cost: $1,250
- Fuel savings over five years: $5,500
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 79 MPGe/34 MPG
- Starting price: $45,190
- Electric range: 32 miles
6. Hyundai Tucson
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid. Hyundai
- Annual fuel cost: $1,200
- Fuel savings over five years: $5,750
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 80 MPGe/35 MPG
- Starting price: $35,400
- Electric range: 33 miles
5. Toyota RAV4 Prime
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE. Tim Levin/Insider
- Annual fuel cost: $1,000
- Fuel savings over five years: $6,750
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 94 MPGe/38 MPG
- Starting price: $40,300
- Electric range: 42 miles
4. Kia Niro
The 2022 Kia Niro PHEV. Kia
- Annual fuel cost: $950
- Fuel savings over five years: $7,000
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 105 MPGe/46 MPG
- Starting price: $29,590
- Electric range: 26 miles
3. Ford Escape
The 2022 Ford Escape. Ford
- Annual fuel cost: $950
- Fuel savings over five years: $7,000
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 105 MPGe/40 MPG
- Starting price: $35,455
- Electric range: 38 miles
2. Hyundai Ioniq
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq. Hyundai
- Annual fuel cost: $850
- Fuel savings over five years: $7,500
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 119 MPGe/52 MPG
- Starting price: $26,800
- Electric range: 29 miles
1. Toyota Prius Prime
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime. Toyota
- Annual fuel cost: $800
- Fuel savings over five years: $7,750
- Fuel economy in electric/hybrid mode: 133 MPGe/54 MPG
- Starting price: $28,770
- Electric range: 25 miles
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