Illustration of transparent PHEV car outline with powertrain components featured

Plug-in hybrid

GasolineElectricPlug-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.

Viewpoint from inside the car looking out at women walking towards car smiling

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.

See the top 10

Woman in nature looking at smart phone while charging an electric vehicle

1. Toyota Prius Prime Hybrid

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*

$17,998—$41,998

Estimated combined MPG

(data not available)

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

Shop Prius Prime Hybrid models See more details

2. Chevrolet Volt

CarMax owner rating

4.7

Price range*

$10,998—$21,998

Estimated combined MPG

42 MPG

RepairPal reliability rating

4 out of 5

Pros

Impressive electric range
Advanced tech features
Maneuverability

Cons

Limited interior space
Plastic interior trim
Parking challenges due to limited visibility

Shop Volt models See more details

2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Touring

3. Honda Clarity Plug in Hybrid

CarMax owner rating

4.6

Price range*

$16,998—$25,998

Estimated combined MPG

42 MPG

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

Quick acceleration
Long electric driving range
The rear seats fold down

Cons

Outdated touchscreen graphics
Only two trim options
Suspension lacking on bumpy roads

See more details

See the top 10

Learn more about plug-in hybrid vehicles

Trends

The Pulse on Used Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles at CarMax

Can used plug-in hybrids be an affordable gateway to alternative energy vehicles? In this article, we dig into CarMax data to see consumer behavior around plug-in hybrids – uncovering everything from popular used plug-in hybrids, average prices, the fastest selling models, and more.

Video

Best Used Plug-In Hybrids | Toyota Prius Prime, Chevy Volt, or BMW 530e?

Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, are a great way to split the difference between having the fuel savings of an electric vehicle for your daily drive and keeping the flexibility of using a gas pump when the battery gets low. But which one is best? The Toyota Prius is always a popular choice when it comes to hybrids, and the PHEV version, known as the Prius Prime, is a solid pick, but it's not the only option. Luckily, you have choices, and we're taking a look at several PHEVs that suit a variety of different needs so you can pick what’s best for you.

Trends

Going Electric: The Growing EV Market and CarMax

With rising prices at the gas pump, consumer interest in electric cars is growing. We pulled CarMax data to examine the latest trends in used electric vehicles. From best-selling used EVs to common trade-ins for EVs, we explore why EV demand is increasing and what our data shows about used EV popularity.

Trends

Should You Buy a Hybrid SUV?

If you're wondering whether a hybrid SUV is right for you, read on. We cover the pros and cons of hybrids, and what you should be looking for as you shop. We've also included some great hybrid SUVs to add to your short list.

Reviews And Comparisons

Ask the Expert: Top 5 Affordable Used Hybrids

The automotive experts at Edmunds identify five used hybrid vehicles, even down to the specific model year, that can help you save gas money while fitting into a tight budget too. Check out these hybrid picks from Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia.

Trends

Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, Electric Vehicle: What's the Difference?

Defining hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, and battery electric vehicles while presenting what differentiates them from each other as well as some pros and cons for each vehicle type.

Want to view more trending articles?

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.