Plug-in hybrid models are a great middle-ground for people who like the idea of an all-electric car but still suffer range anxiety. They combine an electric motor and battery pack with a traditional internal combustion engine, just like a conventional hybrid. The difference is the battery has enough capacity to deliver a short all-electric driving range -- generally 30-50 kilometres.
This is often enough to handle the morning commute or run errands in the afternoon without using gasoline. However, if you decide to take a longer trip, you can stop and refill at any gas station instead of searching for a charger like you would with an electric vehicle (EV).
What is the best plug-in hybrid in Canada? Continue reading to find out more about all the PHEV options.
What Makes a Good Plug-In Hybrid
Let's look at the essential qualities you should consider when shopping for the best plug-in hybrid in Canada. Of course, you need a vehicle that fits your family's needs first and foremost, but beyond that, the key traits to consider are as follows.
All-Electric Range (AER)
The all-electric range (AER) -- the distance you can drive on a full battery before the internal combustion engine kicks on -- is the primary consideration when shopping for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This will typically fall somewhere in the 30-50 km range in most PHEVs, but this number has been increasing as battery technology continues developing.
The best plug-in hybrid in Canada will get you to work or through most of your errands without gasoline. If the vehicle has enough range to get you home after that, it’s a bonus.
Before you start shopping, map out your commute and determine the number of kilometres from home to work or wherever you drive daily. Try to find a vehicle with the range closest to this number of kilometres or in excess of it.
Fuel-Efficiency Equivalent
The fuel-efficiency equivalent measures how many kWh of electricity a vehicle uses to cover 100 km and converts it to gasoline at a rate of 1 litre of fuel for every 8.9 kWh of electricity. Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) lists this as combined Le/100km.
The lower the combined Le/100km is, the more efficient the electric motor and charging system are. This doesn't always translate to AER, as that's mostly determined by battery size. So don’t be surprised to find that PHEVs with a lower AER often have better fuel consumption numbers. This will help you determine just how much it may cost you to keep this vehicle charged.
Hybrid Fuel Efficiency
Another key concern when choosing the best plug-in hybrid in Canada is the hybrid fuel efficiency, which measures the PHEV's efficiency after you've depleted the battery and the vehicle switches to hybrid mode, which pairs the gas-powered engine with the electric motor. Like all other hybrid cars, NRCAN measures this in litres per 100 km (L/100km).
This will only impact you when driving long distances or if your daily commute exceeds the vehicle's AER. It may not be a top priority, but it’s worth considering.
The 13 Best Plug-In Hybrids in Canada
If you're searching for a quality PHEV, here are 13 of the best plug-in hybrids in Canada.
BMW i3 REx
The BMW i3 REx is actually a range-extended electric vehicle, as its primary propulsion is the electric motor. Its gasoline engine acts only as a generator. That said, it still fits the bill with its ability to travel longer distances with gasoline.
From 2019 through 2021, this tiny hatchback had up to a 203-km AER with the 120 amp-hour (Ah) battery pack, making it great for folks with a longer commute. The 2017 and 2018 models had a 94 Ah battery that delivered a 156-km range. In 2015 and 2016, it had a less efficient battery that delivered only a 116-km AER.
After the battery ran out, the i3 fired up its tiny generator fueled by an equally puny fuel tank. This added another 116 km of range in the 2019 to 2021 models, 129 km in 2018 and 2019 models, and 119 km in 2015 and 2016 models. All told, an i3 can get you 235 to 319 km of driving range with a full charge and fuel tank.
The i3 REx is also efficient in all-electric mode, turning in a fuel-efficiency rating of 2.0 to 2.4 Le/100km — the shorter AER models are more efficient. However, its hybrid fuel economy leaves a lot to be desired at 6.0 to 7.7 L/100km combined.
Chevrolet Volt
The Chevy Volt features a stylish design and a PHEV powertrain that will suit nearly any Canadian driver. From model years 2016 through 2019, it boasted an 85-km AER, giving it plenty of range to get where you need to and return home. And if you've got a longer journey ahead of you, a full battery and a tank of gas will get you up to another 591 km for a total range of 676 km.
In hybrid mode, its fuel efficiency is good, not great, at up to 5.6 L/100km, but its all-electric efficiency is outstanding at 2.2 Le/100km.
The Volt was available between 2012 and 2014, but its AER was only 56 to 61 km, which is not great for a compact sedan.
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid delivers a mature look that isn't overly futuristic. Plus, it has a respectable 77-km AER on a full charge, giving it plenty of driving range without needing a charger at your destination.
If you're going on a road trip, the Clarity is prepared with a 475-km hybrid range with a full tank, giving you a total range of 552 km.
The Clarity's equivalent fuel economy in electric mode is stellar at 2.1 Le/100km, and its hybrid fuel economy isn't bad at 5.6 L/100km combined.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Need a compact SUV with the convenience of a plug-in-hybrid powertrain? The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a good option with its 68-km AER, making it one of the best plug-in hybrids in Canada by EV driving range. If you're a long-hauler, the RAV4 Prime will satisfy your needs with its 979-km total range on a full tank and battery.
For an SUV, the RAV4 Prime does well in fuel economy, with a fuel-consumption rate of 2.5 Le/100km in all-electric mode and 6 L/100km combined in hybrid mode. Plus, with a roughly 6-second 0-100 km/h sprint time, this 302-horsepower SUV delivers some thrills too.
On top of this, the RAV4 Prime comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), so it can easily tackle Canadian winters.
The RAV4 Prime was one of the few plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market for a while, but several automakers have gotten into the segment, giving it plenty of competition.
Toyota Prius Prime
The Prius Prime is another affordable PHEV from Toyota. It delivers a slightly shorter AER at just 40 km, but its combined fuel-efficiency equivalent is super-low at just 1.8 Le/100km, making it one of the best plug-in hybrids in Canada in terms of all-electric efficiency. Plus, its overall driving range is excellent at 1,035 km.
That overall range is fueled by the Prius Prime's superb hybrid fuel efficiency, which checks in at 4.3 L/100km combined.
Hyundai IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid
The 2021-2022 Hyundai IONIQ Plug-In Hybrid is a great option in the PHEV space with its 47-km AER. For those looking to go longer distances, the IONIC can travel up to 1,001 km with a full battery pack and a full tank of fuel.
The IONIC's all-electric fuel-efficiency equivalent is also great at just 2 Le/100km. Its hybrid consumption is also on point at just 4.5 L/100km combined.
On top of all this, the IONIQ is stylish and unique, so you're sure to be satisfied by its looks for years to come.
Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
Joining the RAV4 Prime as one of the few PHEV compact crossovers on the market for several years is the 2020-2023 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid. This thrifty Escape delivers 60 km of range on electric power alone and boasts a fuel-consumption equivalent of just 2.2 to 2.3 Le/100km.
If you've got a longer drive ahead, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid delivers 771 to 790 kilometres of total hybrid driving range with a full tank of gas, bringing its total range to 831 to 850 km. When you deplete the battery and enter hybrid mode, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid delivers a respectable 5.8 to 5.9 L/100km combined.
In addition to its thrifty ways, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid features a sleek and sporty look that'll please most buyers. Plus it has 974.1 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,721.7 litres with the rear seats folded.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Another plug-in hybrid crossover, albeit much smaller than others on this list, is the Kia Niro PHEV. In model years 2019 through 2022, this PHEV delivers up to 42 km of EV range before the gas engine chimes in, offering most commuters plenty of range. The redesigned 2023 model pushes the range to 55 km.
Longer-distance drivers will appreciate the 2019 to 2022 model’s 853-km of hybrid driving range on a full tank. The 2023 model’s hybrid range is shorter at just 781 km.
In fuel-efficiency equivalent in all-electric mode, the 2019 to 2022 Niro PHEV received a 2.2 Le/100km rating, putting it on par with other crossovers. Where it gets a leg up is its hybrid efficiency, which checks in at 5.1 L/100km. The 2023 model checks in at 2.1 Le/100 km and 4.8 L/100 km combined.
Despite its small stature, the Niro PHEV isn't far behind the competition in cargo room, swallowing up to 1,543.3 litres with the seats folded. With the seats upright, it's a little tight at 649.3 litres.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
If you've got a big family to haul around and need a three-row minivan, you've got one option: the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Depending on the model year, NRCAN rated the Pacifica Hybrid at 51 or 53 km of AER and 784 or 858 km of hybrid range.
Its all-electric fuel-efficiency equivalent rings in at an equally respectable 2.8 to 2.9 Le/100km. Its total hybrid fuel efficiency is good for a minivan at 7.3 to 8 L/100km combined.
Not only does the Pacifica Hybrid have room for the whole family, but it also takes up to 3,978.5 litres of cargo with the rear seats flat or removed and 2,477.7 litres behind the second seats. With all the seats upright, it is still cargo-friendly at 914.6 litres.
Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid
Hyundai got into the PHEV crossover game big time with a pair of new models in 2022. The first of these new PHEV crossovers was the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV. This midsize PHEV crossover can travel up to 50 km on a full charged battery and another 655 km with a full tank of gas giving it a total range of 705 km.
For its size, fuel economy is good in the 2022 to 2023 Santa Fe, earning a 3.1 Le/100 km rating on electricity only and 7.2 L/100 km combined in hybrid mode.
The Santa Fe PHEV is more than just efficient. It is also fairly capable as an SUV with a 2,000-pound towing capacity and up to 2,041 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Mitsubishi’s second crack at electrification was far more successful than its first — the i-MiEV — as the 2018 to 2022 Outlander PHEV arrived with a decent 35 to 39 km of AER and another 463 to 470 km of range in hybrid mode. In 2023, the updated Outlander PHEV’s AER jumped to a more competitive 61 km, and its hybrid range lept to 626 km.
The 2018 to 2022 Outlander PHEV checked in a 3.2 Le/100 km and 9.1 to 9.2 L/100 km combined, and the 2023 model rang in at 3.6 Le/100 km and 9.0 L/100 km combined. These efficiency numbers are a little behind the leaders but are still respectable for a three-row, seven-seat crossover.
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
The second of Hyundai’s 2022 entries into the plug-in hybrid crossover segment was the compact Tucson PHEV. The Tucson delivers a respectable 53 km of AER and another 626 km of hybrid range for a combined driving range of 679 km.
The 2022 to 2023 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is also quite efficient, with an all-electric consumption treating of 2.9 Le/100 km and a hybrid rating of 6.7 L/100 km combined.
For a small hybrid crossover, the Tucson has decent capabilities. It can tow a braked trailer that weighs up to 2,000 pounds and an unbraked trailer up to 1,650 pounds. Cargo space is also ample at 1,876 litres with the rear seats folded and 902 litres with the rear seats upright.
Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
Like its sister brand, Hyundai, Kia has also taken huge steps in the world of electrification, and this includes PHEV crossovers. One of these models is the 2022 to 2023 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, which boasts a 3.0 Le/100 km EV fuel efficiency and 6.9 L/100 km combined fuel consumption in hybrid mode.
AER checks in at a respectable 51 km, with another 681 km coming when it’s in hybrid mode.
Like its Hyundai sibling, the Sorento can tow up to 2,000 pounds, making it a capable SUV. It also has up to 2,139 litres of cargo space with the two rear rows folded.
Find the Best Plug-in Hybrids in Canada at Clutch
Whether it's to save on fuel costs, cut emissions, or both, a plug-in hybrid is a great option. At Clutch, you'll find a wide range of the best plug-in hybrids in Canada, so you have plenty of options.
On top of a wide selection of pre-owned plug-in hybrids, you also know you're getting a quality vehicle at Clutch. All our vehicles go through a 210-point inspection and reconditioning process to ensure they're top-notch. We then add a 90-day or 6,000-km warranty before placing them up for sale.
When you buy a vehicle from Clutch, you get the added confidence of a 10-day or 750-km test-own period. If you don't love your new vehicle, you can return it for a full refund or exchange it for a different Clutch vehicle.
Browse Clutch.ca today and see all our in-stock plug-in hybrid vehicles. While you're searching, you can also apply for financing and get a firm value on your trade-in vehicle, if you have one.
