Most reliable EV/ hybrid - not cost conscious but looking for a workhorse. RAV4? Volvo V60 Recharge?

[Anonymous]

Our 2008 Toyota Prius is not particularly long for this world and we're in the market for another family car. Do you have one that you love and want to recommend?

Priorities / details:
Low hassle car ownership - want a reliable, forget-about-it car for up to like, 10Y
Not cost sensitive, so don't nec need cheap, but care about long term value, reliability
No need for financing
No garage
One kid, one dog
We don't actually drive much - maybe 10-15k / year
Would prefer an EV or hybrid
Slight preference for a wagon, hatchback, or small SUV over a sedan - we occasionally camp, have the dog, kid stuff, etc
Have a bubble, ski, bike, so will put stuff on the car

Cars currently on our list to test drive:
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Volvo V60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid
Kia EV6
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Toyota Prius V (available used only, I think)

Examples of cars we _don't_ want and why:
Not another Prius - we're thinking we'd like something just slightly bigger, though open to the Prius V
No Chevy Bolt - too small, feels cheap
No BMW, Mercedes - too ostentatious, no need to buy something for the prestige here, it's going to sit outside
No Tesla - we want this car to last like 10Y and don't want to deal with screen or details breaking, etc, also Elon is a joke right now - a little worried about the Volvo with this
No minivans - just one kid, although we enjoyed a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid on vacation
Slight preference against sedans but do like the Chevy Mustang

Again - biggest priority is reliability! Please DCUM, you have so much knowledge - what else should we consider?!

[Anonymous]

OP here - trying to add a few more details - I have read many other threads and really appreciate them! I meant to say specifically that a plug-in hybrid seems great. We are also considering:

Mazda CX-90 - seems to be coming out soon? maybe a little big?
VW id4
Lexus NX plug-in hybrid

Biggest question with all these is - are they reliable?

[Anonymous]

We have a Rav4 Prime and really like it. We've only had it since March, so I can't speak to long-term reliability, but it's a Toyota so I'm not too worried.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a Rav4 Prime and really like it. We've only had it since March, so I can't speak to long-term reliability, but it's a Toyota so I'm not too worried.

Thanks very much for the feedback! Feels like maybe the obvious option of the RAV4 is also a clear winner as non-car people. The Volvo looks so nice though and we keep thinking we're missing something in terms of other less obvious choices...

[Anonymous]

If you are considering a plug-in electric hybrid then I’d recommend picking one that qualifies for the Federal tax credit.

[Anonymous]

2007 Prius that’s still going strong and 46+ mpg, and RAV4 Prime for 2+ years, and R4P is really the best hybrid you can buy even though not much changed since intro. But notice I didn’t say it’s the best car (not luxurious or plush, not sporty but very quick, not great looking but passable) or best EV (slow charging but very limited EV range). I would suggest any Prius owners to look at R4P if you can find one to look.

[Anonymous]

Lexus NX PHEV

Really nice ride. And it was just redesigned this year, looks really sharp. Lexus is a work horse that will last 10-15 years.

[Anonymous]

I LOVE our Prime. We’ve only had it 3 months, but it’s a great option for us. We get 35-45 miles on electric and only drive about 20 miles a day, so only charging every other day. We ski and haul kids and dogs around. Great pick up, space and amenities. Even without the fed credit now, I think it’s worth it.

[Anonymous]

An EV is going to be lower maintenance and more reliable because there are so much fewer moving parts. I’d look at the ID4 the EV6 MachE

[Anonymous]

I really like my Bolt but it does lack trunk space.

My brother had the Rav4 Prime and loves it. He almost never uses gad because the EV only range is good enough for most daily use.

[Anonymous]

I would look at the Hyundai Ioniq5. The critics love it, and Hyundai gets high marks for reliability. It also have good specs on range.

[Anonymous]

Toyota Venza hybrid, basically a Lexus for $2k more than the RAV.

[Anonymous]

Toyota Venza hybrid, basically a Lexus for $2k more than the RAV. We may replace our 2012 Prius V wagon with it once the Prius is done. It’s over 200K so probably will upgrade before long although the battery is still strong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would look at the Hyundai Ioniq5. The critics love it, and Hyundai gets high marks for reliability. It also have good specs on range.

I’m the first PP with a Rav4 Prime. My parents have an Ioniq5, and they love it. Again, they haven’t had it long (since April maybe), but they had their previous, non-EV Hyundais forever with no reliability issues.

[Anonymous]

OP here, this is so helpful and interesting! Thanks!