Buying a hybrid has become a popular trend in the past several years, and it’s easy to see why. Whether buyers are looking for a window into the future of all-electric cars, want to get more responsibly fuel economy, or want a vehicle that is a little bit more Earth-focused, hybrid models are a great solution. With so many hybrid options taking over the market, there are many variations in what you can get; between standard hybrids and plug-in hybrids, there are plenty of sedans, coupes, SUVs, and even minivans. For one website, you may be surprised with the choice of the top-rated plug-in hybrid.

The Edmunds top-rated plug-in hybrid

Edmunds does a fantastic job of breaking vehicles down by category, and if you’re looking at standard plug-in hybrids, you may be surprised to see what makes the list. With the market for plug-in hybrids increasing steadily year after year, the competition for the best gets harder and harder. So, you may be surprised to see that a sedan, coupe, or SUV isn’t sitting in the number 1 spot for Edmunds. Instead, coming in with an overall score of 7.9 out of 10 is a minivan: the Chrysler Pacifica.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a well-rounded vehicle

Because the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a minivan, any notes about the interior space and easy access into the front row or second and third rows of seating probably won’t surprise you because that is what we expect from these vehicles. What makes the Pacifica so noteworthy is its genuinely comfortable driving quality, with plenty of driver aids and tech features to enjoy driving every day or on long road trips even if it isn’t as fun and agile as a sports car or off-road-ready SUV.

Other high ranking options

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid beat out a few other cars by just tenths of a point. Just below it is, unsurprisingly, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, with a score of 7.8 out of 10, just 0.1 points below the Pacifica. Another great option is the off-road-ready Subaru Crosstrek hybrid, giving us quite a variety of options if you’re looking to get into a reliable plug-in hybrid with plenty to offer. Of course, this list is separate from luxury options, standard hybrids, and cars or SUVs exclusively. Really, there are a lot of great options for new plug-in hybrids on the market today, each with its own appeal.

The Chrysler Pacifica may not have been the option you had in mind when you started your search for the best plug-in hybrid. While it may not be the right answer for everyone, there are plenty of reasons why it is still a great vehicle for many drivers.