Behind the Wheel: Plug-in hybrids fit for the great outdoors

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If you love exploring British Columbia’s great outdoors but you’re not quite ready to go “full electric” with your next vehicle, you’re in luck. Several all-new, all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are coming to Canada this year, with some built for the trails less travelled.

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A PHEV combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor driven by an onboard battery pack that can be plugged in. That combination allows you to drive using only electricity for dozens of kilometers, but also provides more torque than a gas-only model. Plus many PHEVs qualify for government rebates for their green-friendly ways.

2022 Kia Sorento PHEV

This year marks the debut of a plug-in version of the popular Sorento SUV, now in its fourth generation.
Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine working with a 66.9 kW electric motor, good for 261 horsepower, a reported all-electric range of 51 kilometers and an overall range of 740 kilometers.

All-wheel-drive comes standard, as does a centre-locking differential and a snow mode setting.

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The interior cabin space, at 4.1 cubic meters, is the largest of any PHEV available in Canada, and the Sorento is the only plug-in available with third-row seating. It also comes loaded with advanced driver assistance systems, including surround view monitor and blind view monitor.

Base price: $44,995 (eligible for $1,500 BC rebate, and $2,500 federal rebate)

2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe debuted last year and immediately made news: it was selected one of Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems for 2021 and, according to parent company Stellantis, became one of the top three best-selling PHEVs in the second quarter of 2021 just weeks after it went on sale.

The Wrangler 4xe’s system uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. When fully charged, it can travel up to 35 kilometers on its battery alone.

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What’s more impressive is the ingenuity of Jeep engineers in mating a gas-electric powertrain to a 4×4 system that lives up to the high standards set by Jeep. Bring on the logging roads!

The PHEV is available on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara, Rubicon and High Altitude trims.

Base price: $54,995 (eligible for $1,500 BC rebate, and $2,500 federal rebate)

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV has been the top-selling plug-in hybrid in Canada for three years. Expect that dominant sales trend to continue when the 2023 arrives later this year. It has an entirely new look, more engine power, a bigger fuel tank and a bigger battery pack expected to provide the best electric-only range of any PHEV in Canada except the Toyota RAV4.

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It will also have one-pedal driving, allowing the driver to accelerate and decelerate using just the accelerator pedal. Perhaps the biggest improvement on what was already a top-notch vehicle is the new cabin, with its modern design and high-quality materials.

Base price: To be determined (expected to qualify for $4,000 in government rebates)

2022 Subaru Crosstrek PHEV

Subaru is known for its all-wheel-drive tradition, but has come under pressure for its lack of electrified vehicles. That’s changed, with its first-ever EV, the Solterra, coming out later this year, and the Crosstrek plug-in hybrid entering its third year of production.

The Crosstrek PHEV’s all-wheel-drive system makes no compromises compared to its gas-only stablemate, though its 27-kilometre range of all-electric power is on the low side. However, the combined powertrain of a 2.0-liter four cylinder and an electric motor gets excellent fuel economy.

It’s a very capable off-road tourer, and the sole trim level available is the top-of-the-line Limited package, which features an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Base price: $42,495 (eligible for $1,500 BC rebate, and $2,500 federal rebate)

Andrew McCredie is Driving Editor at the Vancouver Sun and The Province and the host of Postmedia’s Plugged In podcast. Subscribe to it wherever you get your podcasts.