Top 5 Most Fuel-efficient Plug-In Hybrids in 2021

Hybrid Car. Photo: Mixi Canva

Top Most fuel-efficient Plug-In Hybrids in 2021

1. Toyota Prius Prime: 133 mpg-equivalent

2. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid: 119 mpg-e

3. Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid: 110 mpg-e

4. Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid: 105 mpg-e

5. BMW i3: 100 miles per gallon-e

Detailed Information - Top Most fuel-efficient Plug-In Hybrids in 2021

1. 2021 Toyota Prius Prime

Photo: Car and Driver

The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid with incredible efficiency and 25 miles of electric-only range. While it has a high starting price, it’s eligible for a federal tax credit of about $4,500. If you can get the tax credit, the Prime is cheaper than the standard Prius.

According to the EPA, Prius Prime owners can save an average of $4,000 on fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle. It also uses less fuel than the standard Prius, especially if you do most of your driving on electric-only power.

The Prius Prime rides and handles well, but its powertrain is weak, and it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. It comes equipped with several active safety aids and an up-to-date touch-screen infotainment system. The Prime has decent passenger and cargo space, though it’s not as roomy as the standard Prius.

2. 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Photo: Green Car Reports

The plug-in hybrid version of the Ioniq hatchback uses the regular hybrid model’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine but adds a larger battery pack, which is also rechargeable via a wall outlet. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid can travel 29 miles on electric-only power and, when the battery is depleted, gets a 52 mpg combined rating. That’s good for a total combined range of 620 miles and an EPA rating of 119 mpg-e.

3. 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

Photo: Hansel Auto Group

Now that the Chevrolet Volt has been discontinued, the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) has more electric-only range than any other PHEV on the market, at an impressive 48 miles. According to the EPA, Clarity owners will save nearly $3,500 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle. However, if 48 miles is enough to get you through the day, your annual fuel costs could be less than $700 per year. The average new car costs $1,200 per year to fuel.

The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is more expensive than all other cars on this list. Fortunately, it qualifies for the full $7,500 federal electric car tax credit. If you can get the credit, the Clarity is a $26,000 car, which is right on par with the Accord Hybrid. The Clarity PHEV has a spacious cabin, a coddling ride, and a wealth of standard features. Its 212-horsepower hybrid powertrain provides plenty of torque for city driving, but its gas engine can struggle at highway speeds.

4. 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

Photo: LaFontaine Automotive Group

The Niro PHEV is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 60-hp electric motor for a total system rating of 139 hp and 195 pounds-feet of torque. It has an EPA rating of 105 mpg-e. Once its battery is depleted, the Niro plug-in has an estimated rating of 46 mpg combined. The EPA also estimates it has 26 miles of electric-only range and a total range of 560 miles.

5. 2021 BMW i3

Photo: Consumer Guide Auto

The BMW i3 can be had with an available tiny range-extending gasoline engine, making it either an all-electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. As a plug-in, it has an EPA-estimated 100 mpg-e rating. The EPA estimates that it can also travel 126 miles on electric-only power and gets an estimated 31 mpg combined thereafter (albeit with premium fuel recommended), with a total range of 200 miles.

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