True or false ?
Will Hyundai produce the Santa Fe PHEV in 2024 or 2025?
Claude L.
On March 25, we published a test bench on the new Santa Fe. This will be offered during the summer with a hybrid engine. If towing capacity is not a criterion in your choices, we suggest that you favor this mechanism over the 100% gasoline engine due to its strong fuel appetite.
let’s move on to something else
PHOTO DAVID DEWHURST, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
We are a couple with two young children and we only have one vehicle, a 2013 Subaru Forester with 135,000 km on the clock, that we would like to upgrade to a similar sized model. Several repairs are expected in the short and medium term and its reliability is starting to decline. Please note that we would like to have a four-wheel drive vehicle and that we only travel about 8,000 km per year. The environmental impact of the vehicle is important to us, but we do not want a 100% electric model at the moment. In this context, which car model (hybrid or plug-in hybrid) would be the most environmentally friendly and interesting considering our low mileage and gasoline consumption? Reliability is a priority and we are not at all interested in electronic gadgets.
Françoise V.
Given your low annual mileage and your concern for protecting the environment, you should seriously consider a newly designed used vehicle. To best meet your criteria, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a vehicle to consider because of its proven reliability, its simplistic design (few “gadgets”) and its generous warranty (10 years/160,000 km). In addition, this vehicle will allow you to begin a smooth electric transition.
For the trailer
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HONDA
The Honda Passport
I am looking for a vehicle capable of towing a 2300 pound trailer (base weight without luggage) and as economical as possible the rest of the time. I’m currently looking at the second-hand Honda Passport. The reputation of Jeep products makes me hesitant to consider the Cherokee, which can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the old V6. Do you have anything better to offer me?
André C.
The Passport is indeed a very good choice, but you will have to pay the price. You are right about the Jeep, its reliability is below average. Also on your potential list – if you opt for a used vehicle – is the previous generation of Mitsubishi Outlander (V6 version). Are you looking for a new vehicle? So, consider the Mazda CX-50 too.
Replacement parts
PHOTO ANDREW KELLY, REUTERS ARCHIVES
The Toyota Tacoma
We have owned a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Off Road since April 6th. We were vandalized on the night of April 17th, they broke the rear passenger side window. Since then, it has been a hassle with Toyota and other suppliers to replace this window. The delays are increasing and now we are being told of July 8 as the probable date for the replacement. Everyone is sorry, but it looks like Toyota doesn’t have this part on their brand new truck. Attention new buyers, you could find yourself in this situation and drive with a cardboard window. Be wise before buying a Tacoma.
Pierre P.
The situation is unfortunate, but without wanting to defend Toyota, it is generalized across the entire industry when it comes to a brand new model. Manufacturers prioritize the production of vehicles before starting the manufacture of spare parts.