Fleet Selector: Low Emission Options

19 March 2024

Autosphere » Fleet » Fleet Selector: Low Emission Options

Chevrolet Blazer EV. Photo General Motors

These compact and midsize SUVs could be just right for your fleet.

When you’re outfitting your fleet with compact and midsize SUVs, it may be worthwhile to look at plug-in hybrids (PHEV) or battery-electric vehicles (BEV). There’s no gasoline bill, and while they’re not entirely maintenance-free, they require less than conventional vehicles.

All on this list may be eligible for “green” rebates, but some new BEVs may only be available in specific markets. BEV fuel efficiency is in Le/100 km, comparing electric energy consumption to gasoline energy.

Charging a PHEV provides a range of electric-only driving. Once that depletes, it automatically switches over to regular gasoline-electric hybrid operation. That electric-only range is considerably lower than with a full BEV, but even after a PHEV’s charge runs out, it will continue to drive for as long as there’s gas in the tank. Some PHEVs can “save” the stored charge, so the driver can initially opt for hybrid operation and then use the charge when conditions are optimal for electric-only operation.

Chevrolet Blazer EV

The all-new Chevrolet Blazer EV is available with AWD in LT and RS trim, while the RS can be optioned with RWD. The 85-kWh battery is capable of up to 150-kW DC fast-charging. Standard features include emergency rear braking, power liftgate, 17.7-inch infotainment screen with Google Built-In compatibility, and wireless charger, plus available Super Cruise hands-free driving assist. These will eventually be joined by an SS performance model, and a larger-battery Police Pursuit model.

The Specs

Power: 288 hp/333 lb-ft torque (AWD)
Range: 449 km (AWD)/521 km (RWD)
Fuel efficiency: 2.3 city/2.7 highway/2.5 combined Le/100 km (AWD)
Cargo capacity: 863/1,818 litres (seats up/down)
Seating capacity: 5
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs.

Honda Prologue

Built in partnership with General Motors, the Honda Prologue is based on the Chevrolet Blazer EV’s platform, but with Honda-specific suspension, exterior styling and interior design. AWD is standard across its three trims. Available features include an 11.3-inch infotainment screen compatible with Google Built-In, leather upholstery, head-up display, surround-view camera, premium audio, and ventilated front seats.

The Specs

Power: 288 hp/333 lb-ft torque
Range: 452 km
Fuel efficiency: 2.3 city/2.7 highway/2.5 combined Le/100 km
Cargo capacity:
- 714/1,634 litres (seats up/down) (EX)
- 671/1,543 litres (seats up/down) (EX-L, Touring)
Seating capacity: 5
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs.

Hyundai Tucson PHEV

The compact Hyundai Tucson PHEV uses a 13.8-kW lithium-ion battery with 7.2-kW onboard charger, and takes just under two hours to charge on a Level 2 charger. The Tucson also comes in gas or hybrid, and the PHEV is an option on the highest hybrid trim, offering heated and ventilated leather seats, heated rear seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, surround-view monitor, and hands-free power liftgate.

The Specs

Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 261 hp/258 lb-ft torque (gas/hybrid combined)
EV range: 53 km
Fuel efficiency hybrid: 6.8 city/6.6 highway/6.7 combined L/100 km
Fuel efficiency EV: 2.9 combined Le/100 km
Cargo capacity: 903/1,877 litres (seats up/down)
Seating capacity: 5
Towing capacity: 1,650/2,000 lbs (with/without trailer brakes)

Hyundai Tucson PHEV. Photo Hyundai Motor America

Kia EV9

Kia’s first three-row BEV is a new entry for 2024. It comes in three trims, starting with the Light in RWD and 76.1-kWh battery. The Wind RWD and Land AWD trims use a longer-range 99.8-kWh battery. As Kia’s top-of-the-line model, the EV9 comes very well-equipped, and features include a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, heated and cooled front- and second-row seats, heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, head-up display, and highway driving assist.

The Specs

Power:
- 215 hp/258 lb-ft torque (Light RWD)
- 379 hp/516 lb-ft torque (Wind RWD, Land AWD)
Range:
- 370 km (Light RWD)
- 489 km (Wind RWD)
- 451 km (Land AWD)
Fuel efficiency:
- 2.4 city/3.1 highway/2.7 combined Le/100 km (Light)
- 2.4 city/3.0 highway/2.6 combined Le/100 km (Wind)
- 2.6 city/3.1 highway/2.8 combined Le/100 km (Land)
Cargo capacity: 573/1,233/2,314 litres (behind 3^rd, 2^nd, 1^st row)
Seating capacity: 6/7
Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs (RWD), 5,000 lbs (AWD)

Mazda CX-90 PHEV

The new-for-2024 Mazda CX-90 comes with a mild-hybrid powertrain or as a PHEV. The CX-90 has three rows of seats; there’s also the equally-new CX-70, basically the same vehicle but with only two rows. Both the “70” and “90” use a 17.8-kWh lithium-ion battery that charges in 1.3 hours on a Level 2 charger. The CX-90’s three trim levels can include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, 10.25-inch infotainment screen, head-up display, heated first- and second-row seats, and ventilated front seats.

The Specs

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 319 hp/369 lb-ft torque (engine/hybrid combined)
EV range: 42 km
Fuel efficiency hybrid: 9.9 city/8.7 highway/9.4 combined L/100 km
Fuel efficiency EV: 4.2 combined Le/100 km
Cargo capacity: 423/1,133/2,101 litres (behind 3^rd, 2^nd, 1^st row)
Seating capacity: 7/8
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV was the first SUV plug-in hybrid when it debuted overseas in 2013, and arrived here five years later. Its makeover last year included a larger 20-kWh battery for more range. It’s also one of the few PHEVs that can be DC fast-charged, taking about 38 minutes to 80 percent. All three trim lines are AWD with three-row seating. Features can include navigation, head-up display, massaging front seats, highway driving assist, and panoramic sunroof.

The Specs

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 248 hp/332 lb-ft torque (engine/hybrid combined)
EV range: 61 km
Fuel efficiency hybrid: 9.2 city/8.7 highway/9.0 combined L/100 km
Fuel efficiency EV: 3.6 combined Le/100 km
Cargo capacity: 362/872/1,832 litres (behind 3^rd, 2^nd, 1^st row)
Seating capacity: 7
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Photo Mitsubishi Motors

Toyota RAV4 Prime

The Prime name in this version of the RAV4 indicates a PHEV. It uses an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack for its electric-only propulsion. It comes in two trim levels, both with standard AWD. The RAV4 rates high for reliability with organizations such as Consumer Reports, and its features can include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and subscription-based connectivity plans including Google Maps-based navigation.

The Specs