Which one should I get? Plugin or not?

[pete c]

I am planning on buying a Hybrid soon.

I prefer hatchbacks/crossovers for their ability to swallow large items.

I will likely go with a Honda or Toyota, or possible a Mazda with its Toy drivetrain.

Love the look and efficiency of the Prius, don't love its lack of space. Like Honda interiors and how they drive. It seems like the Toyotas edge out Hondas for efficiency and power. Honda has the edge for the feel of the drivetrain.

Both should be bullet proof.

I really don't need AWD, but there is one reason I might get it. The RAV4 AWD has a 3500 lb tow rating.

I will be retiring in a few years and I might have the need to tow a small travel trailer. Might be worth giving up an mpg or two for that ability.

Also wondering about the economics of going with a plug in.

Does the initial cost and slight mileage penalty pay off if I have frequent short EV only trips?

What are EV only $/mile compared to non-plugin getting 45-50 mpg, possibly more if I went with a fwd Prius.

[freebeard]

Love the look and efficiency of the Prius, don't love its lack of space.

'Prii' come in three sizes; Prius c, Prius and Prius v.

Also wondering about the economics of going with a plug in.

With Prius you can have space or hybrid but not both.

What are EV only $/mile compared to non-plugin getting 45-50 mpg, possibly more if I went with a fwd Prius.

I have an EV rated at 173.7 MPGe:

Electrek
Arcimoto FUV 75 MPH electric tricycle is finally entering production
The Arcimoto FUV has a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h) and an estimated city range of 102.5 miles (165 km). Arcimoto claims it achieves an efficiency of 173.7 MPGe.

It has an 18.1 kWh battery. At home I pay 6.4¢ per kWh, so $1.16 to go 102 miles. If I go across the river, electricity is 10.82¢. So Caveat Emptor.

[freebeard]

edit: plugin not hybrid

[freebeard]

(not suggesting you get an FUV, it's strictly an urban vehicle; it's just for cost comparison)

[pete c]

You're about a decade behind on your Prii knowledge.

I wish they still had a V variant.

[freebeard]

I blame DuckDuckGo.

Plus, I never think in terms of new vehicles. Even the FUV is a 2020 model.

[JSH]

I've driven the new Prius as a rental for a week. I cannot recommend anyone buy it due to the huge forward blind spots caused by the rear view mirror and camera pod. They really need to add some tech to remove the mirror with a roofline that low.

As to hybrid vs PHEV - that is very dependent on your situation. What does electricity cost and what does gas cost. Fuel Economy Gov has a good calculator where you can personalize fuel prices and compare vehicles. For me that quick calculation says the RAV4 PHEV would save $350 a year and comparing the same trims the PHEV costs $6,800 more. A 19 year payback is a hard no for me.

You also might have some local tax credits.

6 months ago when the $7500 federal EV tax credit still existed the PHEV was a slam dunk

I've rented a Kia Niro 4 times this year and really like it. Never less than 50 mpg in mixed driving and 57 mpg on my last trip. It is a roomy little hatchback and I like the driving feel of the the normal 6 speed vs Toyota's eCVT. (Owned 2 Prius). No AWD though.

I haven't driven a new Honda 2-motor hybrid yet.

[redpoint5]

Not a good time to look for an efficient vehicle when gas is $5/gallon. The time to buy efficient cars is when gas is $2.50. Everyone is reactionary to temporary pump prices, and that can make a big difference in vehicle prices.

That said, I don't have experience in the newer Prius Prime, but I would expect that to be a great car. I've thought the RAV4 Prime had all the specs I want to see in a vehicle, so I'd be inclined to find a used one.

Our 2 primary vehicles are plug-in, and I've enjoyed not paying attention to the current pump prices. It gets you prime parking spots sometimes too.

[Ecky]

EV and plug-in sales are spiking here. It's pretty predictable, how reactionary people will be in their habits. Not that I'm saying people shouldn't buy EVs or plug-ins, mind you, just that I agree that the best time is when fuel is $2.50.

I also like how Hyundai's hybrids drive. We can be fairly certain they'll be less maintenance-free than Toyota's alternatives over their lifespan.

When I look at depreciation curves, I feel that if you're buying new off a lot, you'd be crazy to buy anything other than a Toyota, given how much more slowly they depreciate. However, buying used, the opposite is true.

[JSH]

No doubt maintenance will be more on the Hyundai / Kia hybrids that have a 6 speed auto and single motor. I just really don't like how Toyota's hybrids with the planetary gearset drive and I've driven most of them.

I've heard the new 2 motor Honda's drive really nice and feel a lot more like an EV since they have a much larger drive motor than the Toyotas. Haven't had a chance to drive on yet though. Honda doesn't like to sell to rental companies. On the other hand it seems like 60% of Hertz rental cars are Hyundai / Kias.