The price of gas is constantly rising, alongside just about everything else. In a world where the costs of transport are so high, people living on a budget have to be smarter when buying vehicles. A particular Japanese plug-in hybrid could be the solution, offering thousands in savings on your fuel bill.
Plug-in hybrids are certainly an alluring prospect. They offer the best of both worlds, with efficient hybrid powertrains and functional all-electric ranges. Japanese brands certainly feel like they are leading the way when it comes to efficiency, and one model stands out with great all-electric range and brilliant fuel economy after you’ve depleted your battery.
Exploring the best Japanese plug-in hybrids on the market right now, we’ve found the model that offers the best potential savings on fuel. We dive into how efficient this PHEV is and how much range it offers. We also take a look at how powerful its hybrid powertrain is and how its maker offers additional value.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed.
Related
Toyota Is Struggling to Keep Pace With Its Own Hybrid Success
With global demand for its gas-electric vehicles soaring, Toyota can’t produce them quickly enough.
The Prius PHEV Can Save You Up To $5,250 Over Five Years
The average American spends an absurd amount of money on fuel every year, with constantly rising gas prizes feeling more and more crippling. If you’re trying to find some more money in your budget and you want to reduce some spending, the Prius Prime can cut your gas expenditure down substantially.
Gas Savings Over Five Years
|
Prius PHEV |
Prius PHEV SE |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Combined Consumption |
114 MPGe |
127 MPGe |
|
Range |
550 Miles |
600 Miles |
|
Five-Year Fuel Savings |
$5,000 |
$5,250 |
|
Cost To Drive 25 Miles |
$1.09 (EV)/$1.69 (Gas-Only) |
$0.97 (EV)/$1.56 (Gas-Only) |
The plug-in hybrid Prius is an extremely efficient vehicle. Not only does it make great use of its small electric battery, but it absolutely sips gas even once the battery is depleted. Offering the option of driving in all-electric mode means that you can save even more money if you’re strategic enough. The more budget-oriented SE model saves you the most, though.
The EPA considers a number of data points to find the average amount that American drivers spend on gas. They claim that the average car in America manages 28 miles per gallon combined. They base their calculations on 45 percent highway driving and 55 percent urban driving, and assume that the average driver goes around 15,000 miles annually.
Battery Size and Charging Rate
Regardless of which Prius PHEV model you pick, it comes with a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. If you opt for the SE model, you can get up to 44 miles of all-electric range. Other models manage up to 40 miles on a single charge. If your main commutes are short and in an urban area, you could save yourself tons by avoiding using the gasoline engine all together.
Charging times for the Prius PHEV are unfortunately pretty long. If you utilize a 120-volt level 1 AC charger, it will take you a whopping 11 hours before the battery is full. Using a 240-volt level 2 DC charger reduces this time to four hours. If you opt for the XSE Premium model, you can also get yourself some roof-mounted solar panels that provide some extra juice, powering accessories like the air conditioner while you’re driving around.
Related
The Plug-In Hybrid With the Longest All-Electric Range
This plug-in hybrid leads the pack with the longest all-electric range, offering impressive efficiency without sacrificing performance or comfort.
Toyota’s Prius PHEV Is Not as Boring as It Once Was
The Prius has been a bit of a meme car for a long time now, with many criticizing it for being exceptionally boring. To be fair, most iterations of the Prius have been extraordinarily dull to drive. However, the latest Prius PHEV will surprise you with some pretty impressive amounts of power.
Performance Specifications
|
Powertrain |
2.0-Liter Inline-Four + 2x Electric Motors |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
CVT |
|
Horsepower |
220 HP |
|
Torque |
139 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
FWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
6.5 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
112 MPH |
We aren’t trying to claim that the Prius Prime is sporty, more that it offers much more verve than it used to. Every model comes equipped with a four-cylinder engine that puts out 160 horsepower pairing with two electric motors. One of these motors powers the front wheels while the other controls the planetary gearset.
The Prius Prime may not handle like its sportier competitors, but it offers more power and is quicker to 60 miles per hour in most cases. It does also offer handling and steering feedback that puts the original model to shame. Even in electric-only mode, the Prius still manages to get to 60 in a palatable 11.2 seconds, which is more than enough for trips around town.
For now, the Prius PHEV is solely offered in front-wheel drive. However, based on trends across Toyota’s other plug-in hybrid models, there is potential for them to offer an all-wheel drive model. This could add another electric motor to the rear axle and deliver even better acceleration.
Related
This 10-Year-Old Hybrid Is More Reliable Than Brand-New Rivals
This decade-old hybrid outshines new models in reliability, proving that durability and efficiency don’t always come with a hefty price tag.
The 2025 Prius PHEV Is One of the Most Affordable PHEVS Available
While the concept of owning an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid is attractive, it often means much higher upfront costs. While you can justify these costs by looking at savings on gas, not everyone can afford them. The Prius PHEV, however, is exceptionally affordable, undercutting all of its rivals.
2025 Trims and Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
SE |
$33,375 |
|
XSE |
$36,625 |
|
XSE Premium |
$40,070 |
For the 2025 model year, Toyota has kept the plug-in hybrid Prius relatively unchanged. The one thing they have done is change its name. Where last year it was the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, this year it is simply the Prius PHEV. Other than that, the car has been kept the same.
Even if you include destination and delivery charges, you can get a brand-new Prius PHEV SE for under $35,000. While this is definitely a bit more expensive than comparative compact cars, you will easily make this money back up in savings on gas. It isn’t particularly expensive either, well below the average amount Americans spend on a new car, which is fairly close to $48,000.
Best Value Model
While every trim level has its merits, we believe that the XSE is the best balance of features and price. Things like keyless entry and a power-operated hatch bolster its overall practicality. It also comes with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated front seats. This all sits on top of the extremely generous list of standard equipment, which includes adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, automatic high beams, and an eight-inch infotainment screen.
Related
Score Big With Your Budget: How to Maximize $40k on a Toyota Hybrid SUV
Got a $40k budget—should you go for a brand-new, fully loaded RAV4 Hybrid or a gently used Highlander Hybrid with extra space and power?
Toyota Saves You Money Through Their After-Sales Support
One area that provides a ton of value when buying a new car is warranties and service plans. While few people think of these factors, they translate into real dollar savings, which only make a vehicle a more attractive purchase if you’re on a budget. Toyota’s plans are extremely comprehensive, helping motivate the purchase of a Prius PHEV.
Warranties and Service Plans
- Limited Warranty – 3 Years/36,000 Miles
- Powertrain Warranty – 5 Years/60,000 Miles
- Hybrid Components – 10 Years/150,000 Miles
- Complimentary Maintenance – 2 Years/25,000 Miles
Toyota offers some exceptional value with its warranties and included maintenance plan. While its limited and powertrain warranties are about standard for the industry at this point, the fact that they include an impressively long warranty on all hybrid components offers some great peace of mind. Worrying about the reliability of electric components is a huge reason why buyers keep their distance from EVs and plug-in hybrids. The two year complimentary maintenance plan is also fantastic, meaning that you don’t have to spend a cent keeping your Prius PHEV in good working order.
