Major automakers are beginning to electrify their ranges. Even the most EV-resistant automakers 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 plug-in hybrids can be cool

RELATED: The 2023 Dodge Hornet Has Plenty of Power to Make the Buzz

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

The Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV with impressive power and performance. Dodge stuck to its Hellcat V8 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 big issue, many automakers have ditched the V8.

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

The 2023 Dodge Hornet proves plug-in hybrids aren’t just good for fuel economy. They can also be good for a vehicle’s performance. The Dodge Hornet develops an impressive 265 horsepower. That’s more horsepower 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 fastest version of America’s favorite SUV

RELATED: Why Is The Toyota RAV4 Prime So Hard To Get?

The aptly named RAV4 Prime is the true potential of the popular Toyota RAV4 realized. The RAV4 is America’s most popular SUV for a reason. It is affordable, convenient and fuel efficient. 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 deliver a massive power boost. It also has an electric-only range that allows drivers to travel using only electricity for 42 miles. That’s an incredible electric range for a PHEV based on current industry standards.

The RAV4 Prime develops 302 horsepower. That’s nearly 100 horsepower more than a gas-powered RAV4. Who says hybrids aren’t fun?

PHEVs are the future of popular SUVs

RELATED: The 2023 Dodge Hornet PHEV Isn’t the Fastest Hybrid SUV

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

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

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

RELATED: How Did the 2023 Dodge Hornet Get Its Name?