Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer the perfect bridge between traditional internal combustion engines and fully electric powertrains. For buyers wanting to slash their fuel consumption without experiencing the range anxiety associated with battery-electric vehicles, the 2022 model year delivered an impressive crop of plug-in hybrid sedans and hatchbacks.
To help you find the ideal vehicle for your daily commute and long-distance road trips, the experienced editors at Kelley Blue Book have rigorously test-driven, evaluated, and ranked the field. These comprehensive Expert Ratings are based on critical automotive factors including all-electric driving range, total horsepower, fuel efficiency (MPGe), and how seamlessly each car performs against its direct class competitors.
Complete Rankings of the Best 2022 Plug-in Hybrid Cars
1. 2022 Audi A7
- Expert Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $36,800
- Combined Fuel Economy: 70 MPGe
The 2022 Audi A7 Sportback captures the top spot on our list. This luxury midsize hatchback shares its mechanical backbone with the refined A6 sedan but carves out its own distinct identity with a sweeping fastback silhouette. Delivering more standard equipment and a more potent powertrain configuration than its sibling, the plug-in hybrid variant of the A7 effortlessly blends high-end luxury with executive-class efficiency.
2. 2022 BMW 7 Series (Tie)
- Expert Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $39,300
- Combined Fuel Economy: 56 MPGe
Tied for the number two position, the 2022 BMW 7 Series remains a masterclass in large luxury sedan engineering. It is remarkably agile for its substantial footprint, offering discerning drivers a rare combination of precise handling, composed ride quality, and rapid acceleration. The plug-in hybrid architecture adds a layer of serene, silent electric operation to an already ultra-plush cabin experience.
2. 2022 Toyota Prius Prime (Tie)
- Expert Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $21,800
- Combined Fuel Economy: 133 MPGe
Sharing the second-place podium is the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime, representing the pinnacle of mass-market hybrid efficiency. As the plug-in version of the world’s most famous hybrid nameplate, the Prius Prime achieves an astonishing equivalent of 133 mpg. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing fuel economy and bulletproof long-term reliability, it remains an unmatched value proposition.
4. 2022 BMW 5 Series (Tie)
- Expert Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $27,500
- Combined Fuel Economy: 62 MPGe
The 2022 BMW 5 Series earns a highly competitive 4.5-star rating. This premium midsize sedan targets driving enthusiasts who refuse to sacrifice athletic handling for executive luxury. The PHEV variant preserves the sharp steering and dynamic chassis dynamics the 5 Series is renowned for, while introducing high-tech digital features and lowered tailpipe emissions.
4. 2022 Porsche Panamera (Tie)
- Expert Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $64,000
- Combined Fuel Economy: 52 MPGe
Also earning 4.5 stars, the 2022 Porsche Panamera injects genuine sports car DNA into a large luxury four-door layout. Benefiting from Porsche’s decades of track-tested engineering, the plug-in hybrid Panamera configurations offer an epic array of customization choices, explosive low-end torque from the electric assist, and elite build quality.
6. 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
- Expert Rating: 4.3 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $17,650
- Combined Fuel Economy: 119 MPGe
The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is an exceptionally smart compact hatchback for practical shoppers. It serves as the price leader for the segment while still delivering an impressive 119 MPGe rating and the ability to travel up to 29 miles solely on electric power before the gasoline engine ever turns on.
7. 2022 Volvo S60 (Tie)
- Expert Rating: 3.9 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $20,700
- Combined Fuel Economy: 69 MPGe
The 2022 Volvo S60 is a compact luxury sedan that is frequently overlooked in favor of its German rivals, but it deserves serious consideration. It stands out by offering standard-setting safety engineering, handsome Scandinavian interior styling, and a potent, highly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain.
7. 2022 Volvo S90 (Tie)
- Expert Rating: 3.9 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $26,200
- Combined Fuel Economy: 63 MPGe
Matching its smaller sibling, the 2022 Volvo S90 midsize luxury sedan scales up the Scandinavian design philosophy. It prioritizes occupant safety, executive rear-seat legroom, and everyday practicality without compromising its premium automotive status.
9. 2022 BMW 3 Series
- Expert Rating: 3.8 / 5 Stars
- Starting Price: $26,100
- Combined Fuel Economy: 67 MPGe
Rounding out our top list is the 2022 BMW 3 Series. Long considered the benchmark of the premium compact sedan landscape, the 3 Series plug-in hybrid continues to serve as an aspirational status symbol, a comfortable daily highway cruiser, and an engaging enthusiast machine.
Understanding the KBB Rating System
The editorial team does not generate vehicle scores out of thin air or rely on arbitrary checklists. Instead, every vehicle is comprehensively evaluated directly against the specific rivals it competes with for your hard-earned money.
Editors live and commute with these cars, analyzing the utility of the interior layouts, exterior build quality, powertrain integration, ride comfort, and overall pricing structure. Testing involves checking real-world tasks like parking ease, lane-change visibility, and cargo loading, alongside performance metrics like emergency braking, acceleration, and cabin noise isolation.
- 4.0 – 4.9 (Great to Excellent): This is where the rubber meets the recommendation. This range is packed with highly capable cars. It is completely safe to buy a vehicle in this tier.
- 5.0 (Near Perfection): The absolute cream of the crop. Any vehicle achieving this score will provide an extraordinary ownership experience over its lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest-rated vehicle among the best PHEV cars of 2022?
The 2022 Audi A7 claims the top position on the KBB list. Following extensive real-world testing, automotive experts awarded the premium luxury fastback a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Which 2022 plug-in hybrid car is the most affordable?
With an attractive starting price of $17,650, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is the most budget-friendly entry on our list.
Which 2022 PHEV sedan offers the best fuel economy?
The 2022 Toyota Prius Prime leads the entire segment in efficiency, boasting an ultra-frugal combined fuel economy rating of 133 MPGe.
What are the top three premium plug-in hybrid models of 2022?
The highest-rated models representing the best mix of luxury, efficiency, and utility are the 2022 Audi A7, the 2022 BMW 7 Series, and the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime.
References
- Kelley Blue Book. (2022). How We Rate Vehicles. KBB.com.
- Audi America. (2022). Audi A7 Sportback PHEV Specifications.
- Toyota Motor Sales, USA. (2022). Toyota Prius Prime Fuel Economy and Pricing.