After taking a look at the hybrid SUVs we’d pick for under $50,000, we at CarExpert at the moment are opening our imaginary wallets a bit of further.
Stepping as much as the wide $50-100,000 price bracket, there are multiple Lexus SUVs to pick from, while there are vastly more plug-in hybrids available.
Inside this price range, there’s every little thing from the GWM Tank 300 hybrid off-roader to the sporty Cupra Formentor VZe plug-in hybrid crossover.
The continued expansion within the variety of electrified options helps to fuel greater hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales.
Last 12 months, 98,439 hybrids were sold here – a brand new record, 20 per cent higher than the previous record 12 months – while plug-in hybrid sales were up 89 per cent to 11,212 vehicles.
If you would like to find which hybrid SUV you’ll pick, you should utilize our Automotive Chooser tool.
Alborz Fallah: Peugeot 3008 GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid AWD
That is an odd alternative and never an inexpensive one either, but I might pick the Peugeot 3008 GT Sport PHEV, which is incredibly expensive at around 90k based on Peugeot Australia’s website, which is well and truly overpriced.
Nonetheless, I believe and I actually have heard that there are, let’s say, substantial discounts available on those cars so I could be seeking to pay about 65-70k for one. And even then, I might expect to lose about half the value before I drive it home – but hey, it’s a ravishing automobile and no less than it’s not only one other Japanese PHEV.
Scott Collie: Lexus RX 350h Luxury AWD
There’s an enormous range of conventional hybrid SUVs on offer across the $50,000 mark, however the closer you get to our $100,000 cutoff they begin to vanish… and the plug-in hybrids start taking up.
While they work for a small group of individuals with very specific needs, they’re inherently compromised by the very fact you’re all the time carrying around a redundant power source – be it the heavy petrol engine when using electric power, or a large lithium-ion battery while you’re leaning on internal combustion power.
With that in mind, I’d be choosing the Lexus RX 350h Luxury AWD ($90,675 before on-road costs).
It’s not essentially the most exciting automobile on this planet, however it’s a really comfortable and efficient option to lug 4 people around, and isn’t burdened with the burden, cost, and complexity of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Lexus has drastically improved its interior technology recently, which suggests you’ll be able to now bask within the superb construct quality and good materials without almost driving off the road each time you should change radio stations – and in contrast to the smaller NX, the back seats and boot are pretty family friendly.
It rides nicely, handles higher than its clumsy predecessor, and is beautifully refined on the highway.
Jordan Mulach: Cupra Formentor VZe
If I can’t have a passenger automobile, give me something familiar. On this case I’ve gone with what might be the closest thing to what I currently own within the Cupra Formentor VZe (priced from $68,990 drive-away in Queensland).
While Cupra’s existence is a little bit of a head scratcher throughout the Volkswagen Group’s hierarchy – I mean you’ve already got Skoda, so why one other area of interest brand? – the Formentor looks cool, rides relatively low and has a plug-in hybrid system.
With its 180kW/400Nm outputs and six-speed dual-clutch auto, it’s just like my Octavia and Superb at home – funny that, given they’re all on the identical platform – however it’s loaded with tech, can drive a claimed 58km on electric power and will be had with a panoramic sunroof for the baby to stare out of.
Unfortunately we don’t get a plug-in hybrid version of the flagship VZx, but a boy can dream. Hopefully this powertrain results in more Volkswagen family models within the near future so buyers can have more alternative with familiar nameplates.
Jack Quick: Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV Exceed
I had a tough time this week picking out a hybrid SUV I actually liked that’s under $100k. There are many desirable options above this threshold, as well numerous more lacklustre options well under.
With this in mind I made a decision to decide on a automobile considerably under the $100k threshold – the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. I’d use the remaining of the cash to establish a pleasant home charging wallbox with solar and batteries. If there’s leftover money I’ll apply it to a vacation.
Now I do know plug-in hybrids aren’t for everybody, however the Outlander PHEV is the most effective implementations of this modern powertrain technology I’ve experienced up to now. It’ll easily get around 75-80km on a full charge of the battery pack and when the petrol engine kicks on it’s largely whisper quiet.
If I used to be actually buying an Outlander PHEV I’d be quite content with the entry-level ES variant in all honesty, but given I actually have more theoretical budget to play with I’d be silly to not look further upmarket.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed ($69,290 before on-roads) offers plenty of ordinary equipment while not being excessive just like the flagship Exceed Tourer. I’m not the largest fan of the saddle tan (just about orange) interior finishes within the latter.
William Stopford: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
At one end of this price range, the Honda CR-V E:HEV RS I drove recently really impressed me. At the opposite end, a Lexus RX350h is a desirable luxury hybrid SUV.
But for me, my alternative is somewhere in the center: a Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. As a bonus, it offers something those other SUVs don’t: a 3rd row of seating.
There’s a brand new Santa Fe just across the corner with bolder styling, but even the outgoing model still stacks up as a desirable option due to its well-tuned powertrain that’s refined and thrifty.
Even in base Elite guise it’s well-equipped, however the top-spec Highlander adds some features you won’t even find on the Lexus like Hyundai’s clever Blind Spot View Monitor and Distant Smart Parking Assist.
It’s also been easier to get your hands on a Santa Fe Hybrid quicker than the mechanically related (and admittedly more handsome) Kia Sorento Hybrid.
James Wong: Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV Exceed
It seems the choices on this price bracket and body style are each in abundance and short supply.
The Cupra Formentor VZe initially stuck out as my pick, but perhaps recent price rises and its fairly small size for the cash had me considering someone actually buying on this end of the market might need something a bit more pragmatic.
For me, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV Exceed makes lots of sense. It gets all the good things the new-gen Outlander has to supply including the MI-PILOT semi-autonomous highway assistant, and it’s essentially the most inexpensive way into an Outlander PHEV seven seater.
Mitsubishi has done an excellent job in bringing a medium-large SUV with 5+2 seating that gives a PHEV system that may actually do 70-80km of EV driving in the true world. For a lot of, you may go weeks if not months without filling up in the event you charge nightly and don’t enterprise out of town.
The Outlander PHEV can also be a far nicer drive than its petrol-powered equivalent. If only the cheaper Aspire grade offered seven seats and MI-PILOT, because otherwise it’s a winner from a worth perspective.
I’ll take mine in Red Diamond ($940) with the no-cost Light Grey quilted leather interior.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
