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Post by Merge on Apr 15, 2024 1:46:17 GMT
DH and I would like to buy a nicer car. We want hybrid, not fully electric. Our wish list:
Rated high for safety and reliability, obviously.
Good sound system
CarPlay/handsfree system
Seat position memory for two drivers
Seats five comfortably in two rows. We're not looking for a three-row land barge! But we do have tall friends/family and want the back row to be comfortable for them.
Roomy enough for my 6'5" husband but still with good visibility for my 5'4" self.
Comfortable seats with lumbar support for middle-aged backs
Quiet interior and smooth ride
We're not tied to any particular brand but we will be buying used, likely 1-2 model years old.
Thanks for your help!
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scrappinwithoutpeas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,895 
Location: Northern Virginia
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Post by scrappinwithoutpeas on Apr 15, 2024 2:12:34 GMT
I love my Hyundai Santa Fe! Mine is a 2019 so newer models might have additional options. The only thing you listed above that mine does not have is memory seat positions. Granted, I bought this car about 8 months before COVID hit and I stopped having to commute, so it doesn't have as many miles on it as it would have if I were still commuting. But its held up really well, I've never had a day's trouble with it, and I still love it!
ETA - sorry, just saw you want hybrid. Mine is not hybrid, but I think they do have a hybrid model now.
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mich5481
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,534
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Post by mich5481 on Apr 15, 2024 4:31:47 GMT
A former coworker has a 2020 hybrid Honda CR-V, and she really liked it. I have a non-hybrid 2020 CR-V, and I've really enjoyed it. I have the Touring class, so it has the two memory positions for the seats (they correspond to the key fobs). My dad is 6'4"ish, and he's comfortable driving it and sitting in the back seat.
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Post by scraphappy0501 on Apr 15, 2024 4:50:24 GMT
I love my 2022 BMW X5 45e which is a plug-in electric hybrid. We can use all electric power or use hybrid mode. We installed a 40 amp charger in our garage so it's convenient for us. We can get a full charge in around 5 hours. I can go about 32 miles on complete electric power on the freeway. Around town we keep it on hybrid mode and it uses mostly electric power. I only have to put gas in it maybe once every 6 weeks or so.
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Post by lucyg on Apr 15, 2024 5:22:26 GMT
I love my 2023 RAV4 Prime (plug-in hybrid, gets around 40 miles on a charge, I fill it with gas usually just once a month, depending on how much driving I’m doing).
Mine doesn’t have seat memory, but if the car comes with the top-of-the-line options package which includes the all-glass roof, then the seat memory is included.
It isn’t whisper-quiet inside compared to my previous car (Lexus), but it isn’t bad.
The back seat is pretty comfortable. My 6’4+” BIL sits back there regularly and says it’s fine.
Yes on the rest of your list.
ETA I had to wait months to get this car new a year ago. I wouldn’t guess there are lots available used.
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Post by sunnyd on Apr 15, 2024 8:33:32 GMT
I was about to sell you on my Lexus RX 450 hybrid. I love this car, it's my favorite car I've ever owned. But it might be tight quarters for your 6'5" hubby. My bff has a new RAV4 like lucyg and it feels and looks similar to my Lexus to me. I would consider that if I needed to replace my Lexus. |
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Post by MorellisCupcake on Apr 15, 2024 13:49:10 GMT
We just bought a 2024 hybrid Hyundai Tucson and love it. My sister has a 2017 Tucson and she said the sizes are different now - hers is smaller than mine, so the older Tucson is now the size of the new Kona, the new Tucson is the size of the old Santa Fe and the Sante Fe got slightly bigger.
Whether that's true or not, we really like the size of ours.
My DH is 6'3" so head space is an issue. Our Tucson has a full moon roof which I love but DH was iffy on. If you get one without the moonroof, you gain 2" of head space. Ultimately he decided it wasn't that big a deal and doesn't affect his visibility when driving. So possibly a Tucson without a moonroof would fit your 6'5" DH?
As a small aside - both my sons have Elantras. The head space in that car is exactly the same as our Tucson, and our boys are 6'6" and 6'7" and have no problems.
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Post by lucyg on Apr 15, 2024 14:07:58 GMT
I was about to sell you on my Lexus RX 450 hybrid. I love this car, it's my favorite car I've ever owned. But it might be tight quarters for your 6'5" hubby. My bff has a new RAV4 like lucyg and it feels and looks similar to my Lexus to me. I would consider that if I needed to replace my Lexus. That’s actually just what I did.  My old Lexus is the RX400h, which is what eventually became today’s RX450h. It is 17yo now and still going strong (my son has it, and grandson and step grandson will be learning to drive on it this fall). It’s still a fantastic, powerful, comfortable drive. But I was hot for the RAV4 Prime this time around. |
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Post by Merge on Apr 15, 2024 14:30:25 GMT
Thanks all. We’ve been sharing one car (my 2019 Hyundai Kona) for several months now. We had planned to buy a second car again when rates come down, but we’re realizing that two cars are really not necessary for our lifestyle. So I think instead when rates come down, we’ll trade in the Kona for a nicer car to share.
Plug in probably doesn’t work for us. Like many people in Houston, we use our garage for storage like a basement and the car sits in the driveway.
The seat memory would be very nice while we’re sharing a car, but I suppose it isn’t a dealbreaker.
Here’s hoping interest rates come down soon!
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Post by littlemama on Apr 15, 2024 14:43:15 GMT
Thanks all. We’ve been sharing one car (my 2019 Hyundai Kona) for several months now. We had planned to buy a second car again when rates come down, but we’re realizing that two cars are really not necessary for our lifestyle. So I think instead when rates come down, we’ll trade in the Kona for a nicer car to share. Plug in probably doesn’t work for us. Like many people in Houston, we use our garage for storage like a basement and the car sits in the driveway. The seat memory would be very nice while we’re sharing a car, but I suppose it isn’t a dealbreaker. Here’s hoping interest rates come down soon! DS had wanted a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, but ended up with a Kia Sportage Hybrid (basically the same car but more cost effective). Ive only been in it once, but I hated the front passenger seat as a shorter person. I felt like my eye level was the top of the dashboard and the seat is not adjustable up. DS loves it. |
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Post by dewryce on Apr 15, 2024 15:09:49 GMT
Seat memory was one of my requirements and is one of my favorite features of our vehicle as DH is over a foot taller than I am. Definite must have for us as even when we had 2 working vehicles because we used mine anytime we went anywhere together and he often drove.
BFF has a RAV4 and loves it. I thought the passenger seat was okay but it felt a little small. Perhaps it’s because I’m used to our Highlander. And even at only 5’4” I have a hard time getting into her vehicle because my bun gets caught on the doorframe so I have to bend weird. Perhaps it was the seat’s positioning. Which happens in a lot of small SUVs for me. But it felt like I didn’t have tons of headroom.
The Subaru version is the Outback isn’t it, the Forrester being the large one? It is a really nice vehicle, very reliable, and while DH fit he said he felt confined. And that was just sitting in it for a few minutes. Not just the lack of headspace (he has a very long torso and not only has to put every seat as low as it will go but also lean it back to have enough headspace to not feel boxed in) but width as well for his big shoulders.
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Post by ~summer~ on Apr 15, 2024 15:24:01 GMT
Look at the hybrid Toyota Venza (it is only made as a hybrid) - it checks all your boxes. Similar to the Toyota RAV4 hybrid but a little nicer (in my opinion).
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,698
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Apr 15, 2024 15:29:27 GMT
I am a Hyundai person and if I didn't already have the car I love (Genesis GV70), I'd be buying the new Santa Fe Hybrid. I love the look of it!
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Post by Merge on Apr 15, 2024 15:55:06 GMT
I am a Hyundai person and if I didn't already have the car I love (Genesis GV70), I'd be buying the new Santa Fe Hybrid. I love the look of it! I like Hyundais too but I keep hearing that they’re a big risk for being stolen. |
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Post by littlemama on Apr 15, 2024 16:46:45 GMT
I am a Hyundai person and if I didn't already have the car I love (Genesis GV70), I'd be buying the new Santa Fe Hybrid. I love the look of it! I like Hyundais too but I keep hearing that they’re a big risk for being stolen. I beleive that issue has been corrected for newer cars. |
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Post by Scrapper100 on Apr 15, 2024 17:01:12 GMT
We have a hybrid crv and I really like it. It’s not plug in and we get about 35-37 mpg around the city. We have a lot of hills so I think that lowers our mpg. The back seat is pretty roomy but none of us are over 6 ft. I think it’s worth looking at.
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Post by lisacharlotte on Apr 15, 2024 20:09:32 GMT
I like Hyundais too but I keep hearing that they’re a big risk for being stolen. I beleive that issue has been corrected for newer cars. The issue has been resolved. Unfortunately, the stupid Kia boys destroy your car before they realize it can't be stolen. It's still an issue where I live and they break windows and destroy the steering column and trash the car in protest. |
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Post by shamrock on Apr 15, 2024 23:50:59 GMT
I have a Honda CRV Hybrid. There is seat memory, but it may depend on what trim package you get. I really like it. I don’t think the gas mileage isn’t as good as a plug in hybrid. But it is better than all gas. I would get it again. I’ll also be looking at Subaru’s for my next car. DS has one and we love it. Got to see what their hybrid offerings are in a few years.
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Post by lucyg on Apr 16, 2024 4:30:44 GMT
Merge , I can’t park in my garage. I park in the driveway (facing forward) and run the charger from the plug in the garage out to the driveway where I plug in. My sister does the same with hers. Not a problem. ETA the garage door is closed. The charger cord just runs under the closed door.
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The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,916
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Post by The Great Carpezio on Apr 16, 2024 4:40:23 GMT
My dh drives a hybrid RAV4. Loves it. He drives it daily and puts thousands of miles a month on it (due to job).
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Post by Merge on Apr 16, 2024 12:55:00 GMT
Merge , I can’t park in my garage. I park in the driveway (facing forward) and run the charger from the plug in the garage out to the driveway where I plug in. My sister does the same with hers. Not a problem. ETA the garage door is closed. The charger cord just runs under the closed door. It's not a problem to have it plugged in if it rains? Does it plug into a standard outlet or did you have a higher powered one installed? |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,444
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Apr 16, 2024 14:08:23 GMT
Merge , I can’t park in my garage. I park in the driveway (facing forward) and run the charger from the plug in the garage out to the driveway where I plug in. My sister does the same with hers. Not a problem. ETA the garage door is closed. The charger cord just runs under the closed door. Same here (So Cal) along with several of our neighbors. No issues with the rain. We currently only have a regular plug which means it takes a long time but my husband's job is less than 5 miles away so it works for him for the regular day to day. |
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Post by scraphappy0501 on Apr 16, 2024 14:41:24 GMT
Merge , I can’t park in my garage. I park in the driveway (facing forward) and run the charger from the plug in the garage out to the driveway where I plug in. My sister does the same with hers. Not a problem. ETA the garage door is closed. The charger cord just runs under the closed door. It's not a problem to have it plugged in if it rains? Does it plug into a standard outlet or did you have a higher powered one installed?If you use a regular plug it will take 12-19 hours to get a full charge on your vehicle (depending on your battery capacity). We tried that for one day when we bought my vehicle and immediately ordered the 40 amp power station that charges in 4-5 hours. The longer charging time didn't work for how we drive our vehicles. We already had a higher amp line running to the laundry room which is adjacent to the garage so DH was able to add another breaker to our electrical panel and run power to the power station relatively easily. |
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Post by lucyg on Apr 16, 2024 14:56:58 GMT
Merge , I can’t park in my garage. I park in the driveway (facing forward) and run the charger from the plug in the garage out to the driveway where I plug in. My sister does the same with hers. Not a problem. ETA the garage door is closed. The charger cord just runs under the closed door. It's not a problem to have it plugged in if it rains? Does it plug into a standard outlet or did you have a higher powered one installed? Yeah, as the others said, it’s fine. The charging system is designed to be used outside and exposed to the elements. I just use the standard plug and charger … it takes overnight (around 10 hours) to charge completely, but that works fine for me. My son has a 100% EV and he installed the higher amp plug thing for his. |
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Post by Lurkingpea on Apr 16, 2024 16:06:02 GMT
My brother has a fully electric car with no garage in a very rain climate. He obviously charges outside, no issues.
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Post by Merge on Apr 16, 2024 16:11:40 GMT
My brother has a fully electric car with no garage in a very rain climate. He obviously charges outside, no issues. Thanks - this is all new to me so I’m clueless! |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Apr 16, 2024 17:05:24 GMT
We're looking at a plug in hybrid to replace our aging SUV. My husband has an all electric which he adores, but we need something for longer trips. The Porsche Cayenne is pricey, but I'm keeping an eye on the used market.
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Post by Lurkingpea on Apr 16, 2024 18:57:39 GMT
My brother has a fully electric car with no garage in a very rain climate. He obviously charges outside, no issues. Thanks - this is all new to me so I’m clueless! I was surprised too! |
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Post by Patter on Apr 16, 2024 20:01:24 GMT
We're looking at a plug in hybrid to replace our aging SUV. My husband has an all electric which he adores, but we need something for longer trips. The Porsche Cayenne is pricey, but I'm keeping an eye on the used market. Best SUV ever! I have had a Volvo XC90 and a BMW X5. My sister still has my XC90. It's over 20 years old now and still going strong! My BMW was great but got rid of it after 5 years. The Cayenne is truly the best. I love, love, love mine. I have the Cayenne S, and I love driving it on long road trips. So fun, and takes me back to my autobahn days when I got my first driver's license in Germany. The Cayenne has everything that Merge is looking for but so does Volvo and BMW. I would go with the Volvo over the BMW though. |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,444
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Apr 16, 2024 20:25:51 GMT
My brother has a fully electric car with no garage in a very rain climate. He obviously charges outside, no issues. Thanks - this is all new to me so I’m clueless! Most of the public charging stations that I've seen do not have a protective cover and are fully exposed to the elements. |
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My old Lexus is the RX400h, which is what eventually became today’s RX450h. It is 17yo now and still going strong (my son has it, and grandson and step grandson will be learning to drive on it this fall). It’s still a fantastic, powerful, comfortable drive. But I was hot for the RAV4 Prime this time around. 
