Behind the Wheel: Top new plug-in hybrid SUVs for the winter

The best of both gas and electric worlds

Published Oct 16, 2024  •  Last updated 7 minutes ago  •  4 minute read

South Korean automakers are on a big winning streak, and the Kia Sportage PHEV exemplifies that high quality. Photo by Supplied

Plug-in hybrids are seen as offering the best of both gas and electric worlds, and that has never been truer than with the current crop of PHEVs—particularly when it comes to sport-utility vehicles.

As a refresher, a PHEV, or plug-in hybrid, gets its power from either an electric motor or a gasoline engine. When the fully charged battery powering the electric motor runs out of juice, a good-old gasoline engine kicks in. Unlike a regular hybrid’s battery that recharges using the gas engine, a PHEV’s battery is recharged by plugging the vehicle in, in much the same way as a full electric vehicle.

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When the first generation of plug-in hybrids appeared, their full charge range was minimal, often less than 20 kilometres and thus pretty ineffective in providing legitimate range.

That’s all changed with the current crop of PHEVs, with full charge ranges in the 50-to-80-kilometre neighbourhood. That translates into more than enough range for most daily commutes.

Here’s a look at five great plug-in hybrid SUVs ideal for ski road trips. And some of these qualify for federal iZEV rebates.

Best compact PHEV SUV: 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV

This great compact, all-wheel-drive SUV was totally redesigned for the 2023 model year, with the PHEV version coming with a peppy, turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower. However, that output jumps to an impressive 261 when the hybrid system kicks in. Better still, full charge range tops out around 55 kilometres, providing solid range for urban usage.

Standard safety features include emergency front braking, lane-keep assist, lane-follow assist, rear occupant alert, tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), mandatory rear-view camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking on turns, emergency rear braking, highway-driving assist, blind-view monitor, and 360-degree camera.

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Fuel economy rating (combined): 6.7 L/100 km

Base price: $46,995

Best midsize PHEV SUV: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The bestselling plug-in hybrid SUV in Canada is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and for good reason. Photo by Supplied

The Outlander PHEV, which debuted in 2012, has the distinction of being the world’s first plug-in hybrid and is also the bestselling all-wheel-drive PHEV SUV. And for good reason.

This latest iteration debuted last year and for 2025 adds standard front heated seats on all trims, and a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof as standard on SEL trims.

Power comes from a solid 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine working with two AC synchronous motors for a combined power output of 248 horsepower. The 20-kWh battery has a rated full charge range of just over 60 kilometres.

What sets the Outlander PHEV apart from similarly priced plug-in sport-utilities is its off-road prowess and its industry-leading warranty.

Fuel economy rating (combined): 9.0 L/100 km

Base price: $48,698

Best Full-size PHEV SUV: 2024 Mazda CX-90

Mazda isn’t known for its big vehicles, but the full-size CX-90 PHEV shows that the Japanese automaker is adept in the full-size category. Photo by Supplied

Mazda has been very late to the electrification game, but this plug-in hybrid model goes a long way in getting the Japanese automaker back on track.

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The CX-90 debuted in 2023 with both gas and PHEV variants, and the latter combines the sport luxury nature of the SUV with a very efficient powertrain for the full-size category. The 2.5-litre Skyactiv PHEV system produces 323 horsepower, but with the caveat that full range in electric-only mode is just a tick or two over 40 kilometres.

Where the CX-9 PHEV really shines is in the comfort and convenience categories. If you haven’t been in a new Mazda for a while, you’d be surprised at the level of sophistication, style and substance.

Fuel economy rating (combined): 9.4 L/100 km

Base price: $54,900

Best Luxury PHEV SUV: 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV

It’s not in dealerships yet, but the 2026 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid makes an already-great PHEV SUV even better. Photo by Supplied

Yes, the German competition in this category is fierce, but this Swedish plug-in SUV is a world beater. That staid image of Volvo vehicles is old news and has been for the past decade or so, with stylish designs, minimalist interiors and underlying mechanicals, making Volvos some of the best vehicles available in Canada. And particularly when it comes to electrified vehicles.

This new 2026 model won’t be available until next year, but as it is powered by the same powertrain as the outgoing model, it’s safe to say that with the great styling updates and new infotainment screen this new model will be better than the already excellent current version. Combined power is a meatball-churning 455 and all-electric range is in the mid-50 kilometres.

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Fuel economy rating (combined): N/A

Base price: N/A

Best value for money PHEV SUV: 2025 Toyota RAV4 Prime

The great thing about the Toyota RAV4 Prime is its plug-in hybrid system; the bad thing is the waiting list. Photo by Supplied

There’s a bit of notoriety surrounding the RAV4 Prime as, apart from exotic supercars, the plug-in hybrid SUV has one of the longest waiting lists of any vehicle in Canada. Coming out of the pandemic it was in the two-year range, but word is that these days you might have to wait just half a year for one of these great vehicles.

Toyota pioneered hybrid technology, and has set the high-bar in the plug-in hybrid segment too.

The 2024 RAV4 Prime is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 176 hp, but that jumps to 302 with the addition of the two electric motors powered by the 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Range with a full charge is in the mid to high 60 kilometres.

Fuel economy rating (combined): 6.1 L/100 km

Base price: $54,202.50

Andrew McCredie is Driving Editor at The Vancouver Sun and The Province and the host of Postmedia’s Plugged In podcast. Subscribe to it wherever you get your podcasts.

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