r/PHEV

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to buy a new family car, and the RAV4 PHEV is currently my first choice because Toyota has such a strong reputation for reliability.

However, multiple people I know who own EVs keep telling me not to get the RAV4. They say the 2026 Tesla Model Y is actually more reliable because it has far fewer moving parts, needs less maintenance, and has less that can break.

This will be our family’s only car, so reliability is by far my biggest priority.

I drive about 100 km every day, do 3–5 road trips each year, and I have home charging and solar, so owning an EV would be easy.

I’m curious what RAV4 owners think about this. Is there any truth to the claim that a Model Y is likely to be more reliable over the long term simply because it’s an EV? Or would you still choose the RAV4 PHEV if reliability is the number one concern?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have owned a RAV4 PHEV, a Tesla, or both.

I’m thinking about buying a 2026 RAV4 PHEV and have a question about the petrol engine.

My daily commute is around 50 km, which is within the EV range. I also have solar and a home battery, so charging is basically free for most of the year (I’m in Australia).

A few times a year (2-4 trips), we do 900-1,000 km road trips. Charging outside the major cities isn’t great, and I don’t want to plan trips around chargers, which is why I’m choosing a PHEV instead of a full EV. This will also be our family’s only car.

My concern is that about 95% of my driving will be in EV mode. I’ve heard engines can develop problems if they aren’t used for long periods. I know Toyota recommends using at least one full tank of fuel each year.

Has anyone used their RAV4 PHEV mostly in EV mode for a long time? Does the engine look after itself, or is this something I should be worried about?

Hey everyone. From Canada and just looking at a few different PHEVs I'm contemplating at upgrading from a full gas Kona.

Looking between the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and the Mitsubishi Outlander. I'll be probably maxing out the km range on all 3 as my drive each day for work is around 60km each way, but I can plug the vehicle in at work. Just wondering what everyone else has gotten and what their opinions are. I also have 1 kid and second on the way so more room in the back seat and cargo in trunk is another thing I'm looking at.

EDIT** sorry everyone forgot to add. I'm hoping to spend less then $50k on one. And I also figured a PHEV would be better as I could potentially drive more on electrical and save more gas then a standard hybrid, unless that wouldn't work as well as I think

I like the bigger leg room for 3rd row and the cargo space. The regular highlander unfortunately isnt very attractive to me and terrible gas mileage, I currently have a 2012 and love it, runs great, never had any major issues, powerful v6 engine, less then 70,000 miles and I would keep it forever but at 13 years old, I'd feel more at ease in a newer car. Im interested in plug in or regular hybrid. Would like any owners perspective on these cars. Many issues with the hybrids? Costly to maintain and own? Any specific recall issues? I heard there were issues with the newer Toyota highlanders such as leaking oil, slow engine, etc... TIA!

I am looking to buy an EV SUV and need the range to be above three hundred while offering me the same reliability and comfort of Toyota and Lexus.

I have considered the Toyota Bz4x and also the 2026 bz but I haven't made a final decision on this, the bz4x is definitely out though.

I also considered the Cadillac Lyriq but was not interested in the price and the fact that their app seems to do less than what Lexus is offering. The Lexus contender was the Nx450 or the Nx350. The range on the 450 was disappointing to say the least, there are also no available 350s in my area.

The Honda Prologue seemed appealing, but according to some reddit reviews it is a rebranded Chevy vehicle and I'll be dam*ed if I buy a Chevy like vehicle.

I have read plenty of Reddit reviews and I'm sure I'm leaving out some vehicles that I have considered. So I have come to Reddit personally asking for your wealth of opinion and experience with this decision.

My asks:

Budget: $40k or under, preferably under.

Range: 300 minimum

Seats: 5-7

Reliability: excellent

Interior: sleek not cheap and boring.

Sunroof: if possible

Maintenance: average costs

Safety: how close can you get to Subaru? 🤔

No minivans and please don't recommend an ugly car 🙏🏾

My first post btw 🙃. I'm counting on you reddit 🩷

I’ve been listening to Tom Moloughney’s State of Charge podcast and reading his website. My BMW x5e (PHEV) is coming in a week. I am putting in a 2nd level 14-50 outlet today. You guys w the PHEV, do you guys use charging stations and if so, which ones do you like? And which ones work well outside in winter? Thanks

Hello all! I recently bought a 2018 Mini Countryman from a Mini/BMW dealership at (18 reg) with around 46000 miles.

Having come from an old petrol car, the PHEV system is new to me. I was reassured by the dealership that the hybrid battery was up to standard and did not have any faults or issues.

Since getting the car, I can only seem to charge up to a shown EV range of 8 miles when full despite it being what I assume is fairly optimal conditions with the summer weather here in the UK.

I know the car is now 8 years old but I’d have imagined I’d get more than 8 miles electric only range? Or was I too optimistic and this is normal wear and tear?

I'm really struggling to choose my next car while my 2011 golf sportwagen is falling into pieces, so any help is much appreciated.

Here is my use case:

I live in Montreal and I use street parking, but there is a level 2 charger across the street (1$/hour). During the week, I barely use my car, maybe 2-3 times and less than 5km. But almost every weekend I drive 115km up north to my cottage where I can homecharge. And my 3 kids are still young so the extra 2 seats in the third row will be used regularly for friends and such.

I can find a 2023 outlander phev with 80000km for around 30k$ (CAD).

Nay or yay?