Hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid — pros & cons
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are often confused in the marketplace. But many people wonder: Which is better, a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid? It depends on your circumstances. Hybrids can be driven anywhere because they are 100% gasoline-fueled. There's no hassle because you never plug them in.
Plug-in hybrids can also be driven anywhere. They typically provide enough all-electric range to help you avoid using gasoline on a daily basis. But you do need to plug them in regularly for them to make economic or climate-conscious sense — a PHEV costs more than an equivalent hybrid.
Hybrid car pros & cons
Pros
- Fast and easy fill-ups at any gas station
- Most inexpensive type of electrified vehicle
- No need to think about plugging in
- No issues for apartment dwellers
- Can be your only car
Cons
- Not as much gas-saving potential as a plug-in hybrid
- A hybrid's gas engine tends to be meek and lack power
- No rated electric range
Plug-in hybrid pros & cons
Pros
- Can function as an EV during a typical weekday commute
- Run it out of electricity and it'll keep going
- Gasoline engine allows for road trips
- Can be your only car
- Federal and state tax incentives may offset higher cost
Cons
- Costs more than a regular hybrid
- Not enough electric driving range to fully avoid gasoline
- Need to regularly plug it in to make sense (but might not need 240-volt equipment)
- Space taken up by the powertrain may compromise space or functionality
Hybrid vs. electric — pros & cons
Hybrids and electric vehicles represent opposite ends of the electrification spectrum. Hybrids can go anywhere and are just as hassle-free as any regular car. They are entirely fueled by gasoline and derive the electricity they need through brake regeneration and the harnessing of excess engine power. Fully electric cars, on the other hand, are entirely powered by batteries that must be recharged regularly. Most EV owners do the charging at their homes overnight. So EVs are best for homeowners who can control their own charging destiny. And while it’s not strictly necessary, EVs are easier to own if you have a second car for long road trips.
Hybrid vehicle pros & cons
Pros
- No need for charging
- Gas propulsion means you can go anywhere without range anxiety
- Can be your only car
- Inexpensive to buy
Cons
- Not as energy-efficient as an electric car
- Need to change oil and look after the engine
- Lacks an EV's drive-away smoothness and silence
- Initial acceleration feels weak by comparison
Electric vehicle pros & cons
Pros
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Smooth, immediate and quiet acceleration with no shifting
- Little regular upkeep apart from tires and wipers
- Per-mile electricity costs less than gasoline
- No need to stop for gas
Cons
- Range anxiety is a concern because it takes time to recharge
- You must plug it in and might need a 240-volt home station
- Difficult for renters to manage charging
- Long trips require finding fast-charging stations
- More expensive to buy
What about plug-in hybrid vs. electric cars?
People who want an electric vehicle often overlook plug-in hybrids. This is a missed opportunity because a PHEV can represent a best-of-both-worlds solution. Part of the trouble could be because some automakers market their PHEVs as just regular hybrids. But it also stems from a recent lack of truly desirable PHEV choices.
That's changing with the introduction of plug-in hybrid versions of some popular small SUVs. These include the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV, 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime and 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. These compelling family-oriented choices allow EV-like operation during the week and freedom of movement on the weekends because of their gas engines.
Next steps
The exciting aspect of this issue is that new products are coming out all the time: cheaper EVs with more charging options, diverse and family-friendly plug-in hybrids, and more refined and full-featured hybrids. Edmunds gets early access to test and rate these new machines and uses that time to create videos, first drive articles, and shopper-friendly pricing and information pages. Subscribe to our social media feeds to get that latest information, and visit Edmunds to find out more about any hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle that catches your eye.
Related Links:
Edmunds' top-ranked EVs
Edmunds' top-ranked hybrids and plug-in hybrids
Edmunds' EV super test
Edmunds Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption
