FAMILY OF FIVE – PLUS, DOG – NEEDS A 3-ROW PHEV WITH STRONG OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY

EV Channels Review

This episode of Battery Bargains tackles a challenging request for a 3-row, off-road capable PHEV for a family of five plus a dog. While the hosts explore options like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Trailhawk, Volvo XC90 Recharge, and Lexus TX 550h+, they ultimately find no perfect PHEV fit. The Rivian R1S and Lucid Gravity are presented as strong all-electric alternatives, with the Gravity's off-road prowess highlighted. The hosts acknowledge the difficulty in meeting all criteria, with one suggesting a dedicated ICE vehicle for the 5% of demanding use cases. The episode also touches on the significant increase in EV leasing and its potential impact on the used market, noting a surge in off-lease Teslas. For a second request, a small, fun, and cheap EV for errands, the BMW i3 and Fiat 500e are recommended, with the i3 being a particularly strong contender under $8,000. The final request for an electric convertible yields no current US market options, with the MG Cyberster (UK only) and upcoming Mini Cooper Convertible being the closest, while the Porsche 718 EV is a future possibility.