Plug-in hybrids offer a nice middle ground for those wanting a taste of the EV life without going all in. You have an all-electric drive mode for short drives and the ability to operate as a standard hybrid for longer trips. While some became a hit, others faded into obscurity with very little fanfare. Here are 15 plug-in hybrids that you may have forgotten about.
Audi A3 e-tron
The Audi A3 e-tron shared its powertrain with the Volkswagen Golf GTE. It was also the only way to get the third-generation A3 as a hatchback in the U.S. Although it was FWD only, it drove well and had plenty of power on tap.
Plug-In Hybrids: Ford C-Max Energi
The C-Max was Ford’s answer to the Toyota Prius at the time. However, unlike the Prius, the C-Max had more grunt at 188 hp and great driving dynamics. The Energi, which is the plug-in hybrid, can also go 20 miles in all-electric mode according to the EPA.
Audi A7 55 TFSI e
A unicorn of unicorns, Audi sold the plug-in hybrid A7 in the U.S for three years, discontinuing it after 2023. Blending V6 power with 24 miles of all-electric range, this stylish liftback gave you effortless power with the versatility of short-range zero-emissions driving.
Plug-In Hybrids: Cadillac ELR
Among the plug-in hybrids in this list, the Cadillac ELR is another unicorn that not many understood. Think of it as a luxury take on the Chevrolet Volt, but turned into a coupe with a sportier, more refined drive. It also came with more power, 217 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque on earlier models, and 233 hp and 373 lb-ft in later ones.
Honda Clarity PHEV
The Honda Clarity essentially drove like an EV with a generator strapped to it thanks to its two-motor hybrid system. Most importantly, it can drive nearly 50 miles in all-electric mode and has the ability to operate as a standard hybrid for longer drives, all while feeling like an EV.
Honda Accord PHEV
Sold only for one year, the Accord PHEV was among the first Honda models to use the two-motor hybrid system. However, since its battery isn’t that large at around 6.7 kWh, the Accord PHEV could only go 13 miles before the gas engine kicked in.
Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
One of the best-kept secrets in the luxury compact SUV segment, the Corsair Grand Touring elevates the drive with refined comfort and smooth power delivery. It handles well, too, thanks to its e-AWD system and a nicely tuned suspension. Don’t forget to tick off the box for the Perfect Position front seats and the Revel premium audio system to get the most out of this little gem.
Hyundai Sonata PHEV
The last-generation Hyundai Sonata offered a plug-in hybrid as an option. It was also the best Sonata of that iteration. Smooth and efficient, this electrified midsize sedan is the ideal cruiser and has 28 miles of all electric range. Plus, with 202 hp, it had more than enough get-up-and-go.
Plug-In Hybrids: Ford Fusion Energi
The Ford Fusion Energi was among only a handful of midsize sedans available as a plug-in hybrids. Unlike its competitors, the Fusion felt more European and had a slight sporting edge to it. However, its all-electric driving range lagged behind at just under 25 miles.
Kia Optima PHEV
A cousin to the outgoing Sonata PHEV, the Kia Optima PHEV featured its own design language. It had the same 202-hp plug-in hybrid system and could travel just under 30 miles in all-electric mode as well.
Mini Countryman SE PHEV
The Mini Countryman SE first arrived as a plug-in hybrid before eventually becoming an EV in its latest iteration. That outgoing model’s powertrain was closely related to the one found in the BMW i8, but adapted to a FWD-based subcompact SUV with a less powerful electric motor. Unfortunately, a small battery meant only 17 miles of all-electric driving range.
Plug-In Hybrids: Subaru Crosstrek PHEV
Subaru’s second attempt to electrify the Crosstrek yielded a subcompact SUV that boasted respectable off-road capabilities, particularly among plug-in hybrids. It coupled a 2.0-liter boxer-four with the same electrified components found in the previous-generation Prius Prime. However, the large battery resulted in less cargo space in trade for 17 miles of all-electric driving range.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
The Aviator Grand Touring took all the goodness and luxurious Americana of the standard SUV and turned it up a notch with more power. At 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, this three-row scoots effortlessly. Its all-electric driving range of 21 miles may not seem much, but it’s essentially the cherry on top of a strong package.
Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid
Sold only for the 2017 and 2018 model years, the Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid came as a single, fully loaded package. Featuring 335 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque going exclusively to the rear wheels, this full-size luxury sedan was a unique entry. Plus, its 18.4-kWh battery allowed it to go 31 miles in all-electric mode, ideal for commuting.
Plug-In Hybrids: Audi A8 TFSI e
Between 2019 and 2021, Audi offered the A8 as a plug-in hybrid. With 443 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, this full-size luxury sedan gave you all the power you wanted topped with the ability to drive in all-electric mode. Since it was only offered in the long-wheelbase A8 L, it had gobs of rear seat space, perfect for long-distance cruising in total comfort.
