Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) hit a sweet spot between gasoline-powered cars and pure electric vehicles. They can drive a certain distance under electric power without using any gasoline. It’s usually a longer distance than the average American drives in a day. This means that on most days, driving a PHEV means driving an emissions-free electric car.
But, past that distance, their gasoline engines kick in, and they become hybrids. So, you can take any road trip in your PHEV with no worries about running out of charge.
Though they seem like an ideal solution for many drivers, automakers haven’t made them available in every segment of the market.
But there’s a new one coming in one of the most popular segments. Hyundai has built a PHEV version of its excellent Santa Fe midsize SUV. The 2022 Santa Fe PHEV arrives in dealerships later this year and will start at $39,350 (plus a $1,185 destination charge).
Its gasoline-only cousin is our Best Buy in the 2-row midsize SUV class, thanks to its premium feel and long warranty. The PHEV version can travel up to 30 miles before it uses a drop of gasoline.
Class of 2022: All the New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
