10 Most Reliable Plug-in Hybrid SUVs For Less Than $50,000 (2024)

Plug-in vehicles are typically the most expensive dertivatives of popular models. You save money in the long run, with many PHEVs tripling the fuel economy of their gas-powered siblings, but, on average, a plug-in costs about 13% more than a standard hybrid, and 15% more than a conventional ICE-powered car.

So, if you really want to get a good deal on a PHEV, you need to look for something with a low sticker price, and that's reliable and easy to maintain so that you don't have expensive repairs doubling your cost of ownership month after month. The PHEVs listed here are ranked by their J.D. Power reliability rating, and they all sell at a base MSRP below $50,000.

1 2024 Hyundai Tucson PHEV: $38,475

The Hyundai Tucson is currently offered in both HEV and PHEV models. The plug-in is noticeably more powerful, delivering 261 horsepower to the HEV's 226 hp. The plug-in also offers 33 miles of all-electric range. The HEV can go a few miles on the battery in a pinch, but it's not recommended. Going hands on with the 2024 Tucson, we found it to be a solid road-tripper with generous interior space. You also get an excellent fuel economy of 80 MPGe, combined, in hybrid mode.

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All Tucson Hybrids, whether you're getting the plug-in or the HEV, and regardless of trim, come packed with HTRAC all-wheel-drive. The gas models come standard with FWD. The only reason you might not want to jump on a 2024 Tucson PHEV is because the 2025 model is right around the corner, and that's set to be a facelift year, meaning it'll come with a round of updates.

2 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: $41,290

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers 38 miles of range on the battery alone, and can reach a full charge in 38 minutes on a public fast charger. The SUV has earned some praise for its soft-roading abilities. Good all-electric range combined with three rows (two of them comfortable!), this makes the Outlander PHEV one of the better plug-ins in this price range for long camping trips with the family.

The Outlander PHEV gets an estimated 74 MPGe, combined, in hybrid mode, according to the EPA. The AWD operates on Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control 3 (S-AWC) system, which aims to make all-wheel-driving more accessible for drivers who might not have a ton of experience with pickups and Jeeps, ensuring each wheel is getting all the traction it needs, as it needs it.

3 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV: $49,945

At just shy of fifty thousand bucks, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV is right under the cut-off, but it's worth every penny. The SUV is AWD and supported by independent multi-link rear suspension, and it uses Kinematic Posture Control, which allows it to simulate a limited-slip differential by applying a touch of brake force to the inside rear wheel around corners. In short: better stability when turning.

Inside the CX-90 is a surprisingly luxurious cabin for the price, with quality materials and solid build. To cap it all off, the SUV boasts 26 miles of all-electric range and it averages 56 MPGe. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV is a little pricier than pretty much everything else on this list, but it feels more expensive than it is, and that's the definition of a great deal.

4 2024 Kia Sorento PHEV: $47,990

The Sorento PHEV boasts an impressive all-electric range of 32 miles, and a hybrid fuel economy of 79 MPGe. The Sorento is one of the more spacious, comfortable SUVs in its price range, and the PHEV is no exception. The interior trim quality is good, the seats are spacious, and the interior even looks pretty cool, with a futuristic driver interface. The only major knock against the cabin is that the third row is a bit tight.

The most expensive fixes for the Kia Sorento, according to RepairPal, are your usual maintenance concerns. New switches, bulbs, batteries, and hoses that will need replacing from time to time. The site's data pertains mostly to the gas-powered version, but, so far, no major issues have developed with the plug-in variant of the new Sorento.

5 2024 Ford Escape PHEV: $29,345

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The 2024 Ford Escape PHEV boasts a 37-mile battery-only range, and is estimated by the EPA to average up to 105 MPGe or 40 MPG on gas alone. The Ford Escape is the only SUV on this list that currently qualifies for the tax credit, so you can claim $3,750 off the sticker price as long as you don't somehow bring the total purchase cost over $80,000 with add-ons and extras.

Reviewers have generally praised the Escape as a capable, efficient daily-driver, but report that it's not the most luxurious or fun to drive SUV in the world. Interior trim materials feel a bit cheap, there's no AWD option, which, for some, defeats the purpose of driving a Ford SUV in the first place, and it takes 7.7 seconds to get up to 60 mph. On the plus side, it's roomier than you expect a compact SUV to be.

6 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime: $43,440

To give you an idea of how reliable the Toyota RAV4 Prime is, RepairPal doesn't have enough data to give an estimate for annual maintenance costs, as they currently have zero common issues on file. This leaves you with basic maintenance costs like the occasional battery test for forty-four bucks, or a two hundred dollar replacement part here and there.

The RAV4 Prime is one of the pricier Toyotas on the market, and the cabin quality speaks to the price tag. The layout is ergonomic and intuitive, the eight-inch touchscreen is responsive, and the interior trim is soft to the touch. The SUV is technically a compact crossover, but it feels like a midsize. The RAV4 Prime accelerates to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, AWD comes standard, and the steering is nice and light. The handling could use a bit more feedback, though, and the eCVT lacks a certain oomph.

7 2024 Mini Countryman PHEV: $41,500

Reviewing the 2024 Mini Cooper Countryman, we noted the sharp handling as a major plus. This might be the most fun you're going to have in an SUV in this price range. The SUV definitely leans when taking corners at speed, but the chassis stays grounded and the steering wheel gives excellent feedback. The Countryman PHEV boasts a 73 MPGe fuel economy, combined. All-electric range is a bit limited at just 17 miles, according to the EPA, but this is primarily a city car, and that should be more than enough juice to get most drivers to the office and back.

Minis come with a higher annual maintenance cost than other brands (blame BMW for that). Not because they break down more, but because they require special maintenance. RepairPal doesn't have an estimate for the PHEV model in particular, but the standard Countryman averages $880 a year in maintenance costs.

8 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV: $42,410

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The Hyundai Santa Fe has always been one of those nameplates that conjures up fond memories of long road trips. They even give the exterior colors names like "Terracotta Orange" to remind you of warm sunsets over desert highways. With fuel economy of 76 MPGe and 31 miles of electric range, the Santa Fe certainly lives up to those expectations, and the roomy, comfortable cabin complements its camel-like performance.

On the other hand, the bulky body design makes for big blind spots, and the Santa Fe is one of the larger SUVs in its segment, making it a bit of a tank to maneuver around the city. In short, this SUV may be your best friend on highways and long commutes, but you'll probably kick yourself for buying something this unwieldy if you do most of your driving within the city limits.

10 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV: $39,590

With the Sportage line-up, Kia is learning from segment leaders the CR-V and RAV4. Reviewing the 2024 model, we praised the space-age design, while noting that it is an acquired taste, but one worth acquiring if you want to enjoy the soft, cushy seating and generous interior features. On the other hand, performance is a bit wimpy, taking around eight seconds to reach 60 mph.

The Kia Sportage PHEV will get you around 34 miles on battery alone, with hybrid fuel economy coming out to an impressive 84 MPGe. While the Sportage PHEV might not be the most powerful, or the fastest, or the sharpest SUV on the road, the generous range and fuel economy, combined with the cushy interior, should make for some very comfortable road trips.

11 2024 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV: $36,845

The Subaru Crosstrek PHEV may be the best option on this list if you're looking for an off-roader. In our review of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, we note that, while the vehicle's performance may not be breaking any records, the vehicle's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and capable CVT make for a very competent ride off the beaten path.

All-electric range is limited to just 17 miles, but with hybrid fuel economy estimated at up to 90 MPGe, that won't be a problem. This gives you excellent mileage per gallon for highway drives and off-road excursions, and enough range to get you to the grocery store and back without burning any gasoline.