Q. I plan to replace my 2013 Mazda CX-5 which is running 260,000 km on the odometer and is requiring more and more maintenance. My first choice is the RAV4 Prime, but given its availability I am evaluating other options. I must specify that I am fond of fishing and hunting, and I regularly frequent the secondary roads of Papineau-Labelle and La Vérendrye parks as well as the Gouin reservoir. So I’m looking for a performance similar to that obtained from my CX-5. In my sights: Mazda CX-50, Subaru Forester or Outback in Wilderness version, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. What do you think ?
– Claude G.
R. If you are currently satisfied with your CX-5, the Wilderness versions of the Subaru Outback and Forester appear superfluous here. The “regular” models will give you full satisfaction. Since you seem sensitive to reducing the environmental footprint of your vehicle, the RAV4 Prime (or even the RAV4 Hybrid) and the Outlander PHEV (please wait for the release of the new generation scheduled for summer 2022) are proving to be a good purchase, but you should also consider the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.
A REPLACEMENT
Q. I have a purchased new 2011 Honda Fit that works great and only needs regular maintenance. To my disappointment, it has not been possible to buy a Honda Fit since 2021. Can you offer me an equivalent? I’ve always had Honda vehicles, but the Fit is my best buy to date.
– Céline G.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY HONDA
Honda HR-V
R. Indeed, the Fit was great in many ways, but has no offspring, in Canada at least. To find the same attributes, we suggest the HR-V, which derives very closely from the Fit.
TO FLORIDA
Q. I am a satisfied owner of a 2009 Mercedes GL 320 Diesel with 160,000 km on the odometer. Its economy at the pump is surprising. I replaced the run flat tires with regular tires, so I have no spare wheels in the event of a puncture and I have to rely on a cylinder to patch a minor puncture. Since we are planning long trips to Florida, we are considering the Toyota Highlander Hybrid as a new vehicle. Is it a good choice ?
– Jean-François L.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIA
The 2022 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid
R. The Highlander Hybrid is indeed a good choice. It has so far proven to be very reliable, very fuel-efficient and robust. You could also consider the Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV or the Kia Sorento PHEV, which allow them to be recharged. These offer a more generous guarantee and an even more rewarding interior, failing to offer such a high residual value.
THE FUTURE OF THE HYBRID
Q. Do you think that manufacturers will make hybrid vehicles with 200 km in electric mode combined with gasoline? We live in Abitibi, distances of about 600 km from Montreal, and the few charging stations encourage us to buy gasoline or hybrid. Do you believe that a range of 800 km for electric vehicles will soon be available?
– Marc C.
PHOTO FREDERIC J. BROWN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
The Lucid Air, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, last November
R. It seems very unlikely that a hybrid engine will reach 200 km of autonomy. Hybrid technology will certainly continue to evolve over the next few years, but will remain a transition to all-electric. As for a range of 800 km, it is quite realistic to think so. Moreover, Lucid Air offers a range of 832 km… We can’t stop progress!