Best Plug-in Hybrid Electric Cars in Australia (2024): Range, Price and Features

Thinking about electric vehicles (EVs) but worried about range anxiety? A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) might be the perfect middle ground for you. PHEVs combine an electric motor with a petrol engine, giving you the flexibility to drive on electric power for short trips and the security of a petrol engine for longer journeys.

Below is our pick of the best Plug-in Hybrid EV options currently available in Australia:

▶️MORE: Every Plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) Available in Australia (2024)

1. BYD Sealion 6

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The Sealion 6 is a medium SUV priced from $48,990 to $52,990 before on-road costs, the Sealion 6 provides up to 92km of claimed NEDC electric range and up to 1100km range in hybrid mode. It is underpinned by BYD's proprietary DM-i technology which enables it to operate in three modes: pure EV, HEV series mode and HEV parallel.

The Sealion 6 has longest electric only range on this list, courtesy of its 18.3kWh BYD Blade battery (LFP chemistry) which is capable of being charged at up to 7kW AC and 18kW DC. The ability to charge using a DC fast charger is not a common feature of PHEVs.

▶️MORE: 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Price and Specs

2. MG HS Plus EV

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The MG HS Plus EV is a medium SUV and is the most affordable option on this list. It is offered into two trim levels: Excite at $48,690 and Essence at $51,690 (drive-away). Both combine a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (119kW/250Nm) with a 90kW/230Nm electric motor, channelled through a six-speed automatic transmission for a total output of 189kW and 370Nm.

It offers a respectable 63km of electric range courtesy of its 16.6kWh battery.

▶️MORE: 2022 MG HS Plus EV Essence review

3. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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The Outlander PHEV is one of the best selling PHEVs in recent years. It received a facelift in 2024 along with a bump up in price. Priced from $53,590 to $68,490 before on-road costs, the Outlander PHEV's electric motors power the front and rear axles, producing a combined 185kW and 450Nm. Mitsubishi has upgraded the battery to 20kWh and increased the fuel tank to 56 litres, extending the electric-only range by 54% to 84km.

One of the unique features if the Outlander is it is equipped with V2G technology, meaning its battery can be discharged via a bidirectional charger to power a home or send energy back to the grid.

▶️MORE: Mitsubishi Deploys Australia's First V2G Charger Powered

4. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV

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Similar to the Outlander, the Eclipse is equipped with V2G technology, meaning its battery can be discharged via a bidirectional charger to power a home or send energy back to the grid.

5. Mazda CX-60

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Mazda's CX-60 medium SUV marks the brand's entry into the plug-in hybrid market. It is positioned as a premium offering and is available in three trim levels: Evolve, GT, and range-topping Azami, priced from $72,300 to $87,252 before on-road costs.

The drivetrain combines a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 129kW electric motor to delivers a potent 241kW of power and 500Nm of torque. The 17.8kWh battery supports an all-electric driving 76km of range.

6. Peugeot 3008 PHEV

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Priced from $79,990 before on-road costs, the 3008 is a premium medium SUV offering from Peugeot. Its drivetrain comprises a combination of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motors on each axle, delivering a combined 222kW and 520Nm of power. This translates to a rapid 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds. A 13.2kWh battery supports an all-electric driving range of 60km.

7. Kia Sorento PHEV

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The Kia Sorento PHEV is one of a handful of large plug-in hybrid SUV options. Priced at $81,080 before on-road costs, the Sorento PHEV offers a compelling family-friendly package which.

The seven-seat configuration makes it an excellent choice for families. Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, it delivers a combined output of 195kW and 304Nm. A 14kWh battery enables up to 68km of electric-only driving.

8. Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge

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Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge is a premium large SUV offering priced at $128,390. The larger Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge shares its plug-in hybrid powertrain with the XC60, boasting impressive outputs of 335kW and 709Nm from its combined petrol and electric engines providing for swift acceleration with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds. A 18.8kWh battery provides 77km of all-electric range.

9. BMW X3 xDrive30e

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Priced at $110,400, the BMW X3 xDrive30e offers a plug-in hybrid alternative to the fully electric iX3. Equipped with a 12kWh battery, it can travel up to 41km on pure electric power. Its drivetrain comprises a combination of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 215kW and 420Nm of power. This translates to a rapid 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds

10. Lexus NX PHEV

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The Lexus NX450h+ is a premium compact crossover priced from $71,600 to $79,100 before on-road costs,

The Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid builds on the foundation of the NX 350h, utilizing the same 2.5-litre petrol engine but elevating performance with a dual-motor electric drivetrain, delivering a combined 227kW of power. Equipped with an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery, the NX450h+ offers an electric-only range of up to 87km.

11. Ford Escape PHEV

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Ford's Escape ST-Line PHEV marks the brand's first entry into Australia's electrified SUV market. It is one of the more affordable options on this list, with prices starting from $54,940 before on-road costs.

Combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a front-mounted electric motor it delivers a combined 167kW of power and 210Nm of torque. A 14.4kWh battery enables up to 56km of electric-only driving.

12. Cupra Leon VZe

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The Cupra Leon VZe hatchback is priced from $60,490 before on-road costs. It features striking design elements such as satin paint and gold accents, combined with a sporty race-car inspired interior. Despite its performance-oriented character, it remains practical enough for family use.

The Cupra Leon VZe boasts a hybrid powertrain combining a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine (delivering 110kW and 250Nm) with an electric motor (85kW and 300Nm) for a combined output of 180kW and 400Nm. A 12.8kWh battery provides 50km of all-electric range.