Do you want an electrified alternative to gasoline-powered transportation with
no risk you'll run out of juice? Well then, let's talk plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles or PHEVs. And so we're all on the same page, plug-in hybrids are
just hybrid cars with extra batteries that can be charged with a normal
household outlet or a 240 volt charger to allow some degree of pure electric
travel. With a growing roster of moderately priced plug-in hybrids to
choose from, we decided a comparison test was an order. So, let's get ready to use
less gasoline. The least expensive entry in our test is the Hyundai Ioniq. Its
value-rich position is reinforced by a $4,500 federal tax credit and Hyundai's
10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. With a fully charged battery, the EPA
predicts 29 miles of electric only driving, but during a plodding LA commute,
we knocked out 38.4 miles before the ionics 1.6-liter engine had to intervene.
With the engine involved, the Ioniq Plug-In is rated at 52 combined mpg.
Consider us dazzled. The power train's 139 horsepower total output proved ample for
normal commuting, though overtaking on the freeway took some patience. That
extra time let us appreciate the Ioniq's well calibrated six-speed automatic
transmission, a pleasing contrast to the continuously variable transmissions
found in most hybrids.
Over a route that spanned much of California, we wished for a quieter cabin
and extra support from the driver's seat, otherwise we like the Ioniq's agreeable
demeanor and standard niceties like heated seats, dual zone automatic climate
control, and a seven-inch touchscreen with modern Smartphone integration. In fact,
after this test, one of our editors added the Hyundai Ioniq plugin to his shopping
list. For a car reviewer that is strong praise. Compared to the Ioniq, the 2018
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid seems pricey, but that price premium comes with
notable advantages. Foremost are a 42 mpg combined rating and an EPA-estimated
electric range of 47 miles that we handily eclipsed. And in congested traffic
with occasional sprint's to 65 mph we achieved 56.2-electric miles.
A higher speed test still yielded 46 miles before enlisting the 1.5-litre engine's
help. Note, a normal 120-volt outlet will charge the Clarity in 12 hours, but
use a 240-volt charger and that time drops to a mere 2.5 hours. Delivering 212
total system hp, the Clarity is the most powerful car in our test. It's
also the heaviest, so acceleration lands in the adequate range. For tinkerers,
there are multiple drive modes that favour gasoline or electric propulsion
along with driver selectable regenerative braking intensities.
Speaking of, the regenerative brakes and hybrid cars often feel unnatural, not so
in the Clarity whose mostly normal brake feel was the best of the bunch. That
sense of normalcy permeates all aspects of the Clarity, from its refined driving
manners, to its comfortable nicely outfitted 5-passenger cabin. While
the priciest entry in our test, the 2018 Clarity's premium is somewhat offset by
a $7,500 federal tax credit. It's also a Honda, which bodes well for reliability
and resale values over the long haul. In our estimation, the Clarity isn't just
superbly efficient, it's the closest thing in this group to a normal sedan,
and we mean that as a big-time compliment.
Driving at freeway speeds, we covered 26.2 electric miles in this Toyota Prius
Prime. Add maddeningly slow traffic to the mix, and matching or exceeding the
29-mile EPA estimate should be no problem. Perhaps more interesting is the Prime's
comparison-topping 54 mpg combined fuel economy ratings. We achieved 54.3 mpg
in real world conditions so that EPA rating is no joke. During our
test ride quality and handling proved more than acceptable, but if you plan to
Prime there are some downsides. No fifth seat is one, tepid acceleration is
another, the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a third. We'll add that
the optional 11.6-inch touchscreen looks neat, but it reflects light to the
driver's eyes at certain sun angles. Some folks on our team also preferred
the more conventional dash layouts found in the Honda and Hyundai. That said, with
a supple ride a comparatively low starting price, a $4,500 federal tax
credit, Toyota's epic resale values and styling that you will love unless you
hate it the Prius Prime is an easily defendable
plug-in purchase, especially if you favor hybrid efficiency over electric range.
Let's close things out with the plug-in hybrid that started at all, the Chevrolet
Volt, whose EPA certified 53-mile electric range tops our comparison.
Through a soul-sucking stop and go commute,
we managed 53.3 miles before the Volt flipped on its gasoline engine. With that kind
of range gas free commuting is an achievable reality. Out strip the
batteries range, and you'll still enjoy an EPA-estimated 42 combined mpg.
Volt has range and efficiency on its side, but it's also a nice car. Our elite
test squad praised its handsome interior, smartly arranged controls and standard
Apple CarPlay, though one of our editors experienced multiple infotainment
crashes. Tisk, tisk. Also, sitting in the middle seat is a bad idea for most
humans, and the Volt skews towards the expensive side of the spectrum with a
base MSRP near the Clarity's. But like the Clarity the Volt is eligible for a
sweet $7,500 federal crédit. Just keep in mind that Chevy is
creeping towards their 200,000 vehicle limit for that federal electric vehicle
incentive, so if you crave ultimate electric range with a gasoline safety
net, and you love Chevy, get your bolt while the getting's good. And that is a light
spritz of electrified automotive knowledge. If you're ready to take the
plug-in hybrid plunge our full comparison is yours to enjoy when you do.
Remember, it's hard to buy a bad car these days, but it is easy to buy the
wrong car. Whether you're shopping plug-in hybrids or almost anything on
wheels, Kelley Blue Book is here to help.