Toyota RAV4 Prime or Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid?
I'm currently shopping for a plug-in hybrid SUV and I'm hesitating between two models: the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid.
Which one do you recommend?
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Hello Claude,
Leaving aside the "delivery time" aspect, which can be problematic in both cases, I'm clearly leaning towards the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Firstly, because the latter benefits from more generous credits due to the size of its battery, whereas the Tucson is deprived of some of these.
Secondly, because power and electric range are to the advantage of the RAV4 Prime, which can easily exceed 70 km in all-electric mode during the summer season. I should also add that the RAV4 Prime's fuel consumption in all-electric mode is also much lower than that of the Tucson, at around 25%.
It's true that Hyundai's presentation is more modern and the price, including financing rates, is to its advantage. That said, the hybrid system's performance is less impressive, and the reliability of certain mechanical components remains uneven. A relative problem, since Hyundai offers a reassuring 5-year 100,000 km warranty. That said, parts shortages can lead to considerable repair times.
Unfortunately, the RAV4 Prime comes with a major irritant. A high insurance premium as a result of an alarmingly high theft rate. That's why it's so important to protect your vehicle with, at the very least, a good tracking system, an OBD-II socket lock, a steering-wheel lock and a wave jammer in which to store your keys.
