Alternatives to consider, especially PHEV suvs

[Jtsuth]

So, between frustration with Ford service, and worries about a looming roadtrip, i've been looking at the possibility of trading in my mache and getting something else. So i thought i would ask the forum to see what experiences people have had with other cars.
I've tried the volvo xc90 and it was a nice enough car i suppose but it was very 'boat like' with wretched body roll and a loose steering wheel. This wasn't unexpected though, and i thought the car was fine overall, just not what i want.
Next i drove a BMW x5 45e, and this one really surprised me with how bad it drove. I really loved the interior (it was loaded) but the driving dynamics left much to be desired (and frankly surprised me, given the reputation of BMW) Even on sport mode the steering was no where close to as tight as the mustang in unbridled mode (the only way i drive it, i adore the steering feel) and the car suffered from serious turbo lag. While nothing will be as smooth as EV powertrain i was surprised that even the XC90 seemingly had better response from a standstill.

Currently, i drive the 2021 Premium Mach-e. I'm hoping to find an suv (or a car that calls itself one, like the mach-e ) with tight steering, and that's hopefully at least somewhat engaging to drive. Though, I realize that i'll probably be taking a step down from the mache.
I'm hoping to find a decent PHEV for the in the city benefits, but i'm not opposed to a traditional power train.
As a price point, i want to say sub $60k which. New or Used is fine.

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[devmach-e]

Toyota has the RAV4 Prime, if you want a plug-in hybrid SUV. There's also the regular RAV4 hybrid, Highlander hybrid, and Grand Highlander hybrid.

 

[generaltso]

I like the RAV4 Prime. It has plenty of power (302 hp), but I'm not sure I'd call it "engaging to drive." Only putting gas in it once a year has been pretty nice though.

 

[Jtsuth]

so the Rav4 has been on my list for awhile, but here in Dallas, TX. I've never seen one. Same for it's sister the lexus NX450

 

[Ashlander]

The Lincoln Corsair PHEV also has Blue Cruise

 

[Pushrods&Capacitors]

As stated, RAV4 Prime is where I’d look. Also, Volvo XC60 Recharge. I like quick vehicles. However, neither will match the MME’s chassis dynamics.

https://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/xc60-hybrid/

 

[kindofblue]

Don't be surprised though if the dealers you visit are still charging ADM (added dealer markup) at least for the Rav4 and Lexus PHEV.

 

[Mrn]

How about this one as a 34 mile plug in hybrid.

https://www.kia.com/us/en/sportage-plug-in-hybrid

 

[VindictivePantz]

I had a Jeep Wrangler PHEV as a rental for a couple of weeks on a recent vacation. Definitely not sporty, but was a very good Jeep. Averaged around 22MPG, including a lot of mountain and interstate driving.

The battery looks like it would do 21 miles all electric, but I was never near a charging station to try it out.

Was really impressed, and if the battery could do ~50 miles, it would be much more interesting.

Would still recommend it if you like the Jeep experience.

 

[ARK]

If I wanted an engaging smallish PHEV SUV I’d take a look at the Alfa Romeo Tonale, it should be hitting dealers soon as a 2024 model. It probably will drive great but have very questionable reliability.

 

[RedHookEnzo]

I currently have an RX450H F Sport. It’s being traded on the ordered Mach E next week. It’s dead reliable and very comfortable. Has all the toys (HUD, mark levinson, triple beam LED, etc). Great car for road tripping and long commutes. I remain shocked at how responsive it is in Sport+ mode.

I’d only recommend the F Sport as it’s more sporting. The new ones that just came out offer plug in, and I’ve seen them for a touch above 60k. They’re definitely a nice evolution over ours which is the last generation.

 

[Ravensfan1996]

When i first started looking for a car in 2019, I had a Honda Pilot for hauling and trips, and a Prius for my 120 mile daily commute. I was looking to combine the 2, large enough for my needs but great MPG. The RAV4 prime had just come out, but the $10-15k markups put it up near the BMW X3 PHEV, so started to look at that. The interior and tech was huge step up from the rav4 Prime. Same with the Venza(hybrid). I ultimately saw the Mach E and fell in love with the looks and even for a ford the interior was a step above. IMO with the cars you mentioned the rav4 prime will be a huge step down with the interior. Look at the Lincoln Navigator or Corsair PHEV. And that looming road trip, just plan it out and if you haven’t fast charge before, go practice once. I love my Mach E and have been on 2 long roadtrips of 1300 miles and 500miles no issues.

 

[Nklem]

Hyundai Sante Fe PHEV or Tucson PHEV.... But my fave would be the Mistubishi PHEV (NOT).

 

[voxel]

Had two RAV4 Primes.. meh... very much a mushy crossover that is not engaging to drive but at slow speeds in EV in a parking lot you can squeal some tires but that's about as much fun as you'll have with it lol

Depending if you are a baller with a bucket of cash to burn... there's the $160K BMW XM. V8 plug in hybrid. The turbo lag is real and EV mode is pretty lethargic... but you will look cool in it

Wrangler 4xe is a blast to drive around with the top down. It's pretty peppy (not as peppy as the R4P) and is still a Jeep so you can do off-roady things with it.

The best PHEV driving dynamics probably goes to the BMW 530e. I didn't know it was a PHEV until half way during the drive (it had snappy acceleration and no engine lag) at all as I was test driving everything I could at a BMW UDE event. 330e is the smaller version. Neither are SUVs.

 

[Avelli]

As stated, RAV4 Prime is where I’d look. Also, Volvo XC60 Recharge. I like quick vehicles. However, neither will match the MME’s chassis dynamics.

https://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/xc60-hybrid/

Right there with you. For me it would be the V60 Polestar.

https://www.volvocars.com/us/cars/v60-hybrid/

Also, Volvo reportedly has the best seats in the industry.

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