Dear Alex,
The boot space of our 2022 Toyota Corolla hatchback isn’t large enough for our dog. Also, as we are both elderly, getting in and out is becoming more difficult. We would like a self-charging hybrid estate similar to the Corolla estate but higher off the ground. What should we consider?
– DT
Dear DT,
The most obvious option is to go for the same thing again, just a bit larger, in the form of a Toyota RAV4.
It has the same hybrid technology as the Corolla (albeit with a more powerful engine, given its size) and has the large (580-litre) boot and raised seating position you require.
It’s comfortable and quiet, with plenty of power. One of the biggest draws is that it will feel similar to the Corolla inside, so you won’t have to re-learn how everything works.
It will also have the same sterling dependability and excellent service-activated warranty offer as your current car. All of which would seem to make it a slam-dunk replacement.
But there is a downside: it isn’t cheap. Prices for the RAV4 start at just under £40,000. That might not be an issue for you, but it will require a significant step up from your Corolla.
If that’s too chunky a pill to swallow, I’d suggest looking at the Hyundai Tucson. Its boot is even larger than the RAV4’s, at 616 litres, so your dog will have even more space to relax.
The Tucson starts at just under £36,000 so represents a significant saving. And for that you still get plenty of equipment – you don’t have to live with a particularly basic specification. It has also had a mid-life refresh and while it isn’t quite as comfortable or as quiet as the RAV4, it’s a good all-rounder that’s proven very popular in the UK, making its eye-catching styling a familiar sight.
The only real downside is that its warranty of five years isn’t quite as long as that of the Toyota – although with Hyundai’s excellent reputation for reliability, that shouldn’t be an issue.
But if these large SUVs are a little too cumbersome, I recommend the latest Nissan Qashqai.
Also fresh from a recent facelift, the Qashqai is as slick to drive as ever and feels pretty swish inside, especially in higher-specification versions. It’s more compact on the outside, which means the boot is slightly smaller, although at more than 500 litres there’s much more room than in your Corolla.
What’s more, that smaller size means better fuel economy in hybrid form than either of the larger cars above. And despite its relatively diminutive dimensions, it has the raised driving position you require.
There are two downsides: firstly, the Qashqai is quite expensive for what it is; prices are almost as high as those of the Tucson, despite having less space. In addition, Nissan’s reliability record has been a bit average of late – not bad per se, but certainly less impressive than those of Hyundai and Toyota.
None of these is a bad car so I’d try all three to see which suits you best – but I think I’d probably end up coming away with the Tucson.
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