The 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Just Became the Perfect RAV4 Prime Alternative
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV is a plug-in hybrid that provides incredible value. The Tucson is among the best plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market. Here’s why this plug-in hybrid SUV just became the best RAV4 Prime alternative.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime just got a lot more expensive
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is more expensive because Toyota EVs and PHEVs recently lost full federal electric vehicle tax credit eligibility. Now, Toyota EVs and PHEVs are only eligible for a partial incentive that decreases as the automaker meets sales milestones.
Consumers could once purchase the RAV4 Prime and redeem a $7,500 tax credit. The Japanese plug-in hybrid SUV starts at $40,300. The full tax incentive brought its starting price down to $32,800. Since drivers can no longer claim the full incentive, the available tax credit is for $3,750. This brings the RAV4 Prime’s starting price to $36,550.
While the difference between the RAV4 Prime’s former starting price and current starting price after incentives may not be huge, it will be the difference between many consumers buying vs. passing on the plug-in hybrid SUV.
The RAV4 Prime will only get more expensive as the brand reaches new sales thresholds for the incentive. Eventually, the incentive will be phased out entirely, and consumers will have to spend over $40K on the RAV4 Prime.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is affordable and practical
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid is much more affordable than the RAV4 Prime. It starts at just $35,400. After the federal tax incentive, the plug-in hybrid SUV’s price is just $27,900. The final Limited trim’s price is $35,700 after the tax credit.
The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid makes 261 horsepower. It isn’t as quick or powerful as the RAV4 Prime, but it still offers enough pep to keep drivers excited. The South Korean PHEV achieves an impressive 35 miles per gallon combined. It can travel for 33 miles on just electricity.
Plug-in hybrid SUVs are ideal for consumers that need the space and the practicality of an SUV but want the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid may not be as exciting as Toyota’s quickest SUV model, but when it comes to value it’s hard to beat.
The Tucson is one of the best compact SUV models of the year. The PHEV version adds more driving range and more standard features like heated front seats, Smart Cruise Control, and Proximity Key Entry.
Is the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid the best hybrid SUV?
The Hyundai Tucson PHEV may be the most economical option in its vehicle segment, but it still doesn’t compete with the RAV4 Prime if affordability wasn’t a factor. The RAV4 Prime makes a massive 302 horsepower. MotorTrend claims that it can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds.
The RAV4 Prime is still the best plug-in hybrid SUV on the market, but it’s getting too pricey for many consumers. If you’d rather a more affordable alternative, the Tuscon Plug-in Hybrid is the PHEV for you.
Learn more about the plug-in hybrid SUV in the next article below.
