I drive a 2019 Toyota Corolla with 50,000 kilometres on it. I am turning 65 and relatively fit, 5-foot-8 but with a tender back and hip. I live in Toronto on a steepish hill with a steep driveway with walls. As you can tell by my mileage, I don’t drive a lot, but do enjoy driving to the cottage in the Kawarthas in season, visiting friends in a two- to three-hour radius and the occasional longer drive.
I am looking for a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle that will most likely be my second-last vehicle over the next eight to 10 years. It must accommodate my hips until a replacement is possible, provide space between the steering wheel and my legs (I like driving close to the steering wheel for maximum handling capability), manage my slippery driveway and ideally raise me up so I’m at or close to level with the other SUVs on the road. I hate not being able to see beyond the vehicle ahead of me.
I don’t want to get into the luxury range but good acceleration for highway and country-road passing, heated steering wheel and seats, adjustable seats and a large navigation system would be nice. I’m not demanding, am I? – Marion
Miranda Lightstone: Not too demanding at all, Marion. We love a question like this because we can really narrow down our choices thanks to your specific requests. And my narrowed-down choice is most definitely a Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. I just spent some time with one and was impressed with its overall drive and especially how well it handled snowy, slippery conditions. It’s a solid little hatchback worth considering, although it might not sit high enough for Marion’s liking.
Mark Richardson: Simple fact – if she wants her line of sight to be level with the other SUVs on the road, then she must drive an SUV. From Toyota, for a plug-in hybrid, that’s the RAV4 PHEV.
2025 Toyota Prius PHEVCourtesy of manufacturer
2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEVNATHAN LEACH-PROFFER/Courtesy of manufacturer
Lightstone: The RAV4 PHEV is an excellent choice and offers heated seats as standard on all trim levels. If she wants a heated steering wheel, she’ll have to add the Technology Package that pushes the price above $60,000. The non-heated steering-wheel trims hover in the $50,000 range.
Richardson: The made-in-Japan RAV4 PHEV still has a long wait list – usually at least a year for a new model. That said, my brother-in-law bought a used RAV4 PHEV in Halifax a couple of years ago, back when it was called the RAV4 Prime, with no waiting at all, and he still loves it. He and his partner, who’s about Marion’s height, find the seats very comfortable.
Lightstone: In Marion’s situation, is a full-electric vehicle really the answer? Plug-in hybrids offer that safety net of gas-powered reliability and a quick refill that an EV just can’t offer, yet. We don’t know if she has a home charger or if she would be willing to install one. Which is key.
Richardson: Good point. People with only street parking or who live in apartments with no access to a plug, should not consider electric vehicles unless they’re prepared for the inconvenience and expense of public charging. Marion mentions having a steep driveway though, so I’m sure her home can accommodate a charger.
Lightstone: Trust me, Marion does not want to spend countless hours at public charging stations. Ask me how I know.
Richardson: But let’s assume Marion is aware of this – she clearly wants an all-electric drive, even if it is only some of the time. I’m thinking perhaps a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV might be the right size for her, and she’ll appreciate its 10-year warranty.
The 2026 Outlander PHEV looks similar to the 2025, but one subtle difference is the new wheel design.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Lightstone: The all-new 2026 model doesn’t look much different than the outgoing one but it has more battery-only driving range now, with up to 72 kilometres. That’s more than enough for tootling around town for daily errands. And with a charger at home, Marion would likely only touch the gas tank on longer road trips.
Richardson: The downside of the Mitsubishi for Marion is that it comes with a third row of seats, which she doesn’t need. You really can’t use all three rows at the same time unless your passengers have short legs, but it’s still a waste. So let’s suggest a couple of the all-electric vehicles she’s curious about – assuming she can charge at home.
Lightstone: She should look at the Toyota bZ. It’s not the fanciest but it does do the job in terms of a solid EV. She’ll get the front-wheel-drive version for about $50,000. If Marion wants all-wheel drive, she’ll need to dish out a bit more, and with fees and taxes it will push closer to $60,000.
The new bZ isn’t an all-new car with changes that target range and charging speed.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
Richardson: The bZ is a new generation for 2026 and it’s much improved over the bZ4X that preceded it. More range, better driving dynamics and more space inside. The Subaru Solterra is basically the same vehicle and built at the same assembly plant but it’s only sold in all-wheel drive. She would be better off considering the smaller and less-costly Toyota C-HR or Subaru Uncharted, which are both brand-new to the market.
Lightstone: I’ve not been behind the wheel of the new C-HR or the Uncharted, though I have to say I’m intrigued by both. Have you had the chance to drive them yet?
Richardson: I’ve driven the Uncharted, and our colleague Kunal D’souza has driven the C-HR. They’re well-thought-out electric cars, made in Japan and very capable with good range. The seats are comfortable and very adjustable, and either vehicle will be a better size for Marion’s needs.
One difference with the Toyota C-HR is the daytime running lights on the Subaru are a half-dozen LED lamps.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Lightstone: I can’t wait to drive the Uncharted. I’m hoping it truly does blend the all-wheel drive goodness of Subaru with decent, livable EV engineering. Both the Toyota and Subaru offer balanced performance, EV range and amenities for the price. Have any other ideas?
Richardson: It would be nice for Marion to have all-wheel drive to navigate her driveway, but it decreases electric range and adds cost. Both the C-HR and Uncharted are available with front-wheel drive.
Lightstone: There are more electric vehicles now with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices just under $50,000 for their more basic trim levels, to fit the requirement for the federal government’s $5,000 rebate.
Richardson: One of them is the Tesla Model Y, which now has a starting price of $49,990 in its most basic trim.
Lightstone: Tesla can change its prices quickly as needed because its cars are sold directly online from the manufacturer, not through dealers. They’re also fixed prices, with no negotiations. Apparently, even Elon Musk’s mom won’t get a deal.
A Tesla Model Y and a Kia EV6 parked at a Tesla Supercharger station in Fresno, Calif.The Associated Press
Richardson: The Model Y might be too tech-heavy for Marion, but it has all she’s looking for and an exceptional range, so it’s worth consideration.
Lightstone: I prefer the comfort of the reputations of Toyota and Subaru if she’s planning to keep her car for a decade.
Richardson: Agreed there. Their residual values will hold up well when it comes time to buy her final car, especially the Toyota. So what’s your top choice for Marion?
Lightstone: I stand behind my suggestion of the Toyota Prius Prime. I think a plug-in hybrid will blend the two worlds she is hoping for: electric driving in the city and worry-free gasoline driving when needed on road trips. And as a second option she should consider the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Richardson: If she wants to drive an all-electric vehicle and have the range to visit the Kawarthas from Toronto, I’d suggest either the Toyota C-HR or the Subaru Uncharted. They have what she’s looking for and their seats will be kind to her hips.
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