Help recommending a company vehicle
 

I've tasked myself with helping my boss pick out a replacement (new) company vehicle. Right now, we have a 2nd gen Prius and a Sienna. I believe the Sienna is nearing retirement. He's mainly looking at hybrids and PHEVs, though a Bolt isn't out of the question.

Needs only seat 4, but rear headroom is a big deal as it will regularly need to move tall passengers.

Having a hatch area which doesn't recess (drop down just inside the door) is a major plus for dragging equipment in and out. Hatch doesn't need to be huge as long as the rear seats can fold down. A standard sedan trunk isn't going to cut it.

Here's what I have so far:


https://i.imgur.com/1286ae6.png


My conclusion here was that the Volt is out due to passenger headroom (on paper), the C-Max has terrible reviews, the Accord is not a hatch, the Clarity is expensive and may not be available, the Model 3 can't be purchased, the Malibu is lackluster in general, and the BMW is a BMW and he wouldn't want to be seen owning one.

The Pacifica Plug-in looks really attractive, except for Chrysler's generally hideous reliability record. The Niro (especially plug-in) is very attractive, except that Hyundai/Kia's past DCT (and most Euro DCT) have lackluster reliability. He'll probably still look at both.

The Prius Prime is a possibility, but he's leaning toward the V due to cargo space and rear headroom, even if it lacks EV - fuel economy is great in principle but not an absolute deciding factor once it's in the 30's. The Rav4 hybrid is a contender due to total space, headroom, and the AWD is a nice perk in Vermont winters. The Rogue looks like a competitor on paper but I know little about it, and Toyota's drivetrain has a good reputation.

Frankly, if a PHEV Prius V or Sienna were available, they'd make top of the list, if that helps exemplify what's important here.

Am I missing any vehicles? Thoughts? Questions?

A Bolt sounds like the most efficient option. The Prius V has been canned. I'm sure its still available on lots, but not for super long.

Outlander PHEV should be hitting the dealers soon.

I would include dealer repair availability into your equation. My company made the jump from Ford to Chrysler a few years ago $$$ and the dealer support in our area is terrible. I think we are going back to Ford and I am good with that.

Most everything is within walking distance of the office. The only dealer not really here is Honda; it's about 40 minutes out.

Mitsubishi seems to be really underestimating the electric only range unless they are changing the batteries for the US. Watching utube stuff seems closer to 25-30 miles EV range and up to 60 or 70 mph. Would have loved to get one for my wife last year but, stuff happens and her car got moved down to a daughter.

I'd for sure go with the Bolt if you don't need to travel more than 200 miles in a day, and it meets your utility requirements. The car is fun to drive, and has very low maintenance and fuel costs.

It might become my next personal/company vehicle.

Wouldn't the Prius V remain available stateside for fleet sales?

Where do you get 30mpg for a Malibu Hybrid?

The 2016’s were up to 48mpg city.

Also C-max is being discontinued soon and gets lower than EPA real world metrics

Thanks for the correction, I must have taken the non-hybrid EPA rating by mistake.