Major automakers are beginning to electrify their lineups. Even the automakers most resistant to EVs are producing models with hybrid powertrains. The Dodge Hornet and Toyota RAV4 Prime are two exciting plug-in hybrid SUVs that hint at what the next few years will look like.

The Dodge Hornet proves that plug-in hybrids can be cool

Today, Dodge’s greatest contribution to the automotive industry is good old American muscle. The automaker produced two of the most iconic muscle cars in existence: the Dodge Charger and Dodger Challenger.

The Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV that boasts impressive power and performance. Dodge has been clinging on to its V8 Hellcat engine despite a clear industry shift to V6 engines, hybrid, and electric powertrains. The V8 was once the most popular engine in the industry in terms of performance. Now, since carbon emissions have become such a huge issue, many automakers have dumped the V8.

Toyota historically killed the Tundra’s V8 even though it was the pickup truck’s most notable characteristic. Now the Tundra is powered by a V6 and has a hybrid engine option. The Dodge Hornet is Dodge’s attempt at bridging the gap between two different worlds. It isn’t the typical underpowered subcompact SUV, but it’s the first Dodge model to use a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet proves that plug-in hybrids aren’t just good for fuel economy. They can be good for a vehicle’s performance as well. The Dodge Hornet makes an impressive 265 horsepower. That’s more horses than the popular Hyundai Kona. The Hornet is exactly the type of vehicle that can persuade American consumers to buy PHEVs, and it will.

The RAV4 Prime is the quickest version of America’s favorite SUV

The aptly named RAV4 Prime is the popular Toyota RAV4’s true potential realized. The RAV4 is the most popular SUV in America for a reason. It’s affordable, practical, and it has great fuel economy. One thing the RAV4 has never been is exceptionally powerful…until now.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime uses a hybrid engine and not one, but two electric motors to provide a massive power boost. It also has an electric-only driving range that allows drivers to travel using only electricity for 42 miles. That’s an incredible electric-only range for a PHEV based on current industry standards.

The RAV4 Prime makes a massive 302 horsepower. That’s nearly 100 more horses than a gas-powered RAV4. Who says hybrids are no fun?

PHEVs are the future of popular SUVs

America’s electric future is inevitable. Automakers like Dodge are done resisting change and creating nameplates like the Hornet to bridge the gap between gas and electric vehicles. Eventually, popular automakers will produce an equal amount of gas and electric vehicles.

Plug-in hybrids are the future of popular SUVs because they offer better gas mileage than gas models, and they’re more fun to drive because of power boosts provided by electric motors. They may be more expensive, but federal electric vehicle tax incentives will apply to some models.

PHEVs are perfect for drivers that aren’t fully ready to commit to electric vehicle ownership. The RAV4 Prime starts at $40,300. CarBuzz claims that the 2023 Dodge Hornet will start at $29,990. Read more about the Dodge Hornet in the next article below.