America’s Appetite For Large Trucks Is Hurting its Fuel Economy
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These Plug-In Hybrids Will Save You the Most Money on Gas

These Plug-In Hybrids Will Save You the Most Money on Gas

Tired of paying through the nose at the pump? Try a plug-in hybrid.

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The 2022 Hyundai Tucson
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson
Photo: Hyundai

Raise your hand if you’re still cringing every time you pull up to a pump. Even though gas prices are lower here in Texas than they were earlier in the summer, I’ve still been wondering if I wouldn’t rather opt for some electrification instead. And plug-in hybrids, which use electric power as a first resort, would be right up my alley. So, I’ve put together a list of the PHEVs that will reward you with the most gas savings in a year.

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This list is ranked in descending order based on the EPA’s estimated fuel savings. The EPA bases its calculations on assuming you drive 15,000 miles per year, and it compares the gas cost savings to the average 2022 car, which gets 27 mpg. Since gas prices are always changing, these aren’t exact figures, but they’re close.

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10. Mitsubishi Outlander: $3,750

10. Mitsubishi Outlander: $3,750

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander
Photo: Mitsubishi
  • Starting price: $36,995
  • Fuel savings over five years: $3,750
  • Annual fuel cost: $1,600
  • Electric range: 24 miles
  • Fuel economy: 74 MPGe / 26 MPG

The Mitsubishi Outlander looks a little bit like it walked in from another planet, but it’s going to offer one of the most satisfying driving experiences on this list. The 2023 model boasts a solid PHEV that will help ease you into the electrified lifestyle.

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9. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: $5,000

9. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: $5,000

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Photo: Chrysler
  • Starting price: $46,978
  • Fuel savings over five years: $5,000
  • Annual fuel cost: $1,350
  • Electric range: 32 miles
  • Fuel economy: 82 MPGe / 30 MPG

The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the last remaining minivans available on the market, but that’s okay, because it’s an icon. It’s a great option for families that just need space and flexibility — but don’t discount the luxury of the higher trims.

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8. Hyundai Santa Fe: $5,250

8. Hyundai Santa Fe: $5,250

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
Photo: Hyundai
  • Starting price: $40,000
  • Fuel savings over five years: $5,250
  • Annual fuel cost: $1,300
  • Electric range: 30 miles
  • Fuel economy: 76 MPGe / 33 MPG

The first of three Hyundais on our list, the Santa Fe two-row SUV offers ample ride height for smaller families or single folks who just enjoy a great blend of adventure and fuel economy.

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7. Kia Sorento: $5,500

7. Kia Sorento: $5,500

The 2022 Kia Sorento
The 2022 Kia Sorento
Photo: Kia
  • Starting price: $45,190
  • Fuel savings over five years: $5,500
  • Annual fuel cost: $1,250
  • Electric range: 32 miles
  • Fuel economy: 79 MPGe / 34 MPG

If you’re in the market for a good-looking three-row SUV that’s going to give you a little relief at the pump, look no further than the Kia Sorento. Its satisfying ride and rugged-but-classy blend will tick all your boxes.

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6. Hyundai Tucson: $5,570

6. Hyundai Tucson: $5,570

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson
Photo: Hyundai
  • Starting price: $35,400
  • Fuel savings over five years: $5,750
  • Annual fuel cost: $1,200
  • Electric range: 33 miles
  • Fuel economy: 80 MPGe / 35 MPG

Our next Hyundai is the inimitable Tucson, which comes equipped with a gorgeous exterior refresh that turns this SUV into a head-turner. The interior is equally well-equipped — but those $5,750 in savings are the real attraction.

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5. Toyota RAV4 Prime: $6,750

5. Toyota RAV4 Prime: $6,750

The 2022 Toyota RAV4
The 2022 Toyota RAV4
Photo: Toyota
  • Starting price: $40,300
  • Fuel savings over five years: $6,750
  • Annual fuel cost: $1,000
  • Electric range: 42 miles
  • Fuel economy: 94 MPGe / 38 MPG

With 42 miles of electric range, ample savings at the pump, and a slew of standard tech features, you can see with the Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the most coveted vehicles in the automotive world right now. If you can get your hands on it, you’ll join the ranks of its devotees.

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4. Kia Niro: $7,000

4. Kia Niro: $7,000

The Kia Niro
The Kia Niro
Photo: Kia
  • Starting price: $29,590
  • Fuel savings over five years: $7,000
  • Annual fuel cost: $950
  • Electric range: 26 miles
  • Fuel economy: 105 MPGe / 46 MPG
  • Electric range: 26 miles

The Kia Niro is the smallest SUV in Kia’s range, and it’s the only one in its segment to offer hybrid powertrains. So if you’re less concerned about this compact SUV’s drive characteristics and more concerned about your sustainable range, the Niro is the way to go.

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3. Ford Escape: $7,000

3. Ford Escape: $7,000

The 2022 Ford Escape
The 2022 Ford Escape
Photo: Ford
  • Starting price: $35,455
  • Fuel savings over five years: $7,000
  • Annual fuel cost: $950
  • Electric range: 38 miles
  • Fuel economy: 105 MPGe / 40 MPG

The entry levels of the Ford Escape may be pretty basic for its $35,000 asking price, but if you just need a simple, unassuming SUV (and I don’t judge), then this is an excellent option to satisfy your gas budget.

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2. Hyundai Ioniq: $7,500

2. Hyundai Ioniq: $7,500

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq
Photo: Hyundai
  • Starting price: $26,800
  • Fuel savings over five years: $7,500
  • Annual fuel cost: $850
  • Electric range: 29 miles
  • Fuel economy: 119 MPGe / 52 MPG

Our last Hyundai is the Ioniq. It’s a conventional little vehicle, one that’s not going to get you much attention, and it’s also not going to be the most exciting drive. However, its 29-mile electric range, $7,500 in fuel savings, and an interior decked out in sustainable materials means this is a car you can feel good about driving.

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1. Toyota Prius Prime: $7,750

1. Toyota Prius Prime: $7,750

The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime
Photo: Toyota
  • Starting price: $28,770
  • Fuel savings over five years: $7,750
  • Annual fuel cost: $800
  • Electric range: 25 miles
  • Fuel economy: 133 MPGe / 54 MPG

The Toyota Prius has long been the butt of eco-friendly jokes, but the Prius Prime takes things a step further. You won’t get a ton of all-electric range, but that’s because Toyota has really perfected the general hybrid model.

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