TOYOTA RAV4 PRIME VS. HYUNDAI TUCSON PLUG-IN

Since its debut for the 2021 model year, the Toyota RAV4 Prime has served as a benchmark for what a small SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain can be. It's efficient, fast and nearly as practical as a regular RAV4. But now SUV shoppers have another choice to consider: the Hyundai Tucson PHEV. It too offers improved performance and efficiency over the standard gas-only Tucson.

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Both models are ideal for SUV shoppers looking to dip their toes into the electric vehicle waters before fully diving in. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV, allows you to sample what it's like to drive and charge an electric car, without any of the fears of being left stranded. They can drive short distances on electric power and then later switch seamlessly to gasoline power.

So which plug-in SUV is the best bang for your buck? Experts compared the RAV4 Prime and Tucson PHEV to find out which is the better buy.

PERFORMANCE & FUEL ECONOMY

The Toyota RAV4 Prime has standard all-wheel drive and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces an impressive 302 horsepower. The Hyundai Tucson Plug-in also has standard all-wheel drive but less total power: 261 ponies.

This deficit showed up at the test track where the RAV4 Prime was able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 5.6 seconds, a whole 2 seconds ahead of the Tucson Plug-in's 7.6-second time.

Unfortunately, the Toyota's performance credentials end with its acceleration, as it lacks any semblance of athletic handling ability.

The driver noted that the Tucson PHEV is more responsive and relatively nimble for an SUV.