Three 2016 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Sedans Worth Buying

By the time 2015 draws to a close, US consumers will have a few different plug-in hybrid electric sedans -PHEVs to choose from.

If, on the other hand, you are looking to get into a mid-size sedan, it’s only the Hyundai Sonata that will fit the bill in the plug-in hybrid electric car market.

There will be some competitors in the US market, though so let’s look at the main players:

1. 2016 Hyundai Sonata PHEV

Hyundai claims that the plug-in version of the 2016 Sonata will be able to travel 24 miles on electric power, which is the longest gas-free range in the midsize sedan market.

On top of that, it is estimated that the vehicle will get the equivalent of 93 mpg, which includes 40 mpg combined when running in gas only mode.

Power is delivered via a 2.0-liter GDI engine and a 50 kW electric motor. Combined, this unit delivers 202-horsepower and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard.

When using the available Level 2, 240V charger, a full charge can be achieved in around 3 hours. The Sonata plug-in hybrid delivers 605 miles on a full charge.

Of the 3 cars in the segment (the Ford Fusion Energi and the Honda Accord PHEV being the others), the Sonata has the best range, as well as the most cargo space, at 9.9 cubic feet.

The Sonata plug-in hybrid car is also the newest on the market of the three, which means it has the added benefit of having the greatest battery energy density.

There is no pricing released yet, but it will be made available towards the end of the year.

2. 2016 Ford Fusion Energi

While Ford does deliver some pretty impressive specs with the hybrid and plug-in versions of the energy, it’s main issue is that they have not really seen any major upgrades since the first release.

The Fusion Energi will start at $33,900 and will have an electric range of 19 miles.

It will also deliver 195-hp, and an equivalent of 88 mpg, with 38 mpg in gas mode. Power comes from a continuously variable transmission.

It takes about 2 hours to fully charge the Fusion Energi, at which point it delivers a total range of 550 miles.

The 8.2 cubic feet of cargo space is considerably less than the Sonata.

On the flipside, it’s 80 mph top speed on electric power is the best in the segment.

3. 2014 Honda Accord PHEV

The Honda Accord plug-in hybrid ($39,780) is the toughest of the three to find, as well as being far and away the most expensive of the lot.

If you don’t mind shelling out that much money, you will get an impressive 115 mpg equivalent in gas-electric mode, as well as 46 mpg when running on gas only.

Maximum power on offer is 196-horsepower, which is delivered via 2.0-liter Atkinson engine and electric motor running on an electronic CVT.

The Accord falls a good ways short with just a 13 mile range in electric mode. Using a Level 2 charger get the battery fully charged in about an hour, while the standard 120V outlet gets the job done in an hour.

The 8.6 cubic feet of cargo space is right in the middle of the other 2 models.