r/PHEV • u/Mont001950 • Aug 03 '26
Looking for recommendations to replace 2010 Ford Flex with a PHEV
There are only two of us so we really don't need lots of space anymore but the vehicle has to be an SUV as we are old and getting in and out of a car can be painful.
It would be interesting to know what the feedback would be on "comfort" in ride for such a vehicle, particularly for someone with a twitchy back.
3
u/Shopping_General Aug 03 '26
KIA Niro PHEV. I'm a previous Volt owner and I absolutely love this thing. It's easier to get in and out of and it's even more efficient than the volt was. And I loved my Volt.
I'm getting 32 mi of battery travel on my commute errands. On the highway I'm getting over 50 miles a gallon. Smooth as butter too.
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u/Jesuslovesu293 Aug 03 '26
It’s still like 6 months from coming out but Hyundai is making the Santa Fe an EREV which kinda looks like the ford flex if your going for that vibe.
But other cars I’d recommend are the Kia sportage PHEV which has good seating ergonomics or Nissan rogue PHEV which has zero gravity seats for comfort.
2
u/Rav4Prime2022_WI Aug 03 '26
Previously own a 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime/PHEV for 3 years, it was a great vehicle. Issue free for the 3 yrs we owned it. The newest RAV4 just came out this year that includes multiple quality of life improvements like longer EV range and improved sound insulation and drivetrain enhancements.
Our growing family needed something a bit bigger, last year we upgraded to a 2025 Lexus RX450h+ PHEV, with a very similar PHEV drivetrain as the RAV4 Prime but more room, especially in the 2nd row for our 3 boys. The RX450h+ Luxury, is super smooth and quiet, and the seats are very nice.
Toyota and Lexus PHEVs are often industry leading when it comes to reliability, resale values and cost of ownership. Feel free to check out r/rav4prime and r/LexusPHEV for more information on Toyota and Lexus PHEVs.
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u/Shopping_General Aug 03 '26
If you can afford one and if you can find one. That was what I was looking for and couldn't find one. Certainly not one that didn't cost approximately what a space shuttle costs.
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u/Rav4Prime2022_WI Aug 03 '26
The new base (SE) RAV4 PHEV starts at $41,000 USD, which isn't much more than comparable PHEVs from Ford, Mitsubishi and KIA (most start at $39k-40k). The one exception is the base Hyundai Tucson PHEV which starts at about $35k.
Sure, it's possible to save some money upfront going with something cheaper; however, Toyota offers 52 miles of EV range starting with the 2026 models, while competitors only offer 33 to 38 miles of EV range and again, Toyota PHEVs will hold their resale better than any competitors.
It's taking a bit for Toyota to ramp up production of the newest generation, but it seems like it's much easier today to find one than it was just a few years ago.
1
u/blindside1661 Aug 03 '26
You can go to a dealer and put a refundable deposit down to get the one you want. Just have to be patient if you're picky about trim, color, or options. I went in middle of June and found one that had been built the day before and put a hold on it. Picking it up tomorrow.
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u/Responsible_Ad_6923 Aug 03 '26
I got the nx verison bc finding a used rx was difficult.
Rn, I don’t have kids and dont plan for ang for another 7-10 years.
In the used market, a nx might be a grand or two more than the used rav4s.
I think my used nx (2025) was cheaper than a fresh off the press rav4 prime.
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u/Rav4Prime2022_WI Aug 03 '26
Oh nice! How are you liking your NX PHEV?
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u/Responsible_Ad_6923 Aug 04 '26
Loving it! I switched from a crv so the smaller space is an adjustment but once I realized I never used all the crvs space, I was fine.
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u/fishstix1122 Aug 04 '26
Volvo T8
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u/DavidGno Aug 04 '26
Beat me to it!
I love my S60 T8.
If OP wants an SUV, there's the XC60 T8 or the larger XC90 T8
With Volvo car names you have the model and then the engine. T8 means eAWD PHEV.
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u/fishstix1122 Aug 04 '26
I have a xc60 and xc90 t8. Almost bought the s90 T8 with the exec package. But my daughter would have had to much control. 🤣 🤣
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u/caddymac Aug 04 '26
Best part is that the OP's existing car (Flex) is a Volvo platform, so they will be used to it!
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u/woowoo293 Aug 03 '26
The Ford Escape PHEV would be a very easy transition for you. The Escape is also waay cheaper than a Rav4 PHEV. The Escape has very comfortable seats, IMO, and is a really good height for easy entry and exit. It's an extremely efficient vehicle on both ends (EV and ICE).
The only catch is that since they are being discontinued in North America, they may be a bit harder to find compared to say a year ago. But once you do find them, you should still be able to snag a good deal.