Sorento Hybrid:

Genesis G70. That grill will get attention. Plus Genesises (Genesi?) are loaded with luxury and tech. Here is a used one well under Budget in Washington. But you might even be able to score a new one with a $50k budget.

I’m in a very similar situation to you. I’m a big guy (6’6”, 350+) driving a 2010 Hyundai Sonata with 150k miles and will soon be run into the ground. I’m looking for a new car that is fuel efficient, comfortable for my plus size body, and big enough to get people into the back seat with me in the front. Unlike those…

I’m going to respectfully disagree, if he wants out of his old car, he’s going to end up with a car bill anyways, whether it’s electric or ICE. Why shouldn’t he want a good car for the money he’s willing to spend? His stated reason is he wants something that’s cheaper to run day to day, why is that not a valid buying…

If he’s buying a new car anyway it’s a relevant consideration.

His car is also 12 years old. I’m guessing he’s also just in the market. (Though he’s waited this long, he should wait a bit longer)

I think it’s more like “Well it’s time to replace my aging car, since I am going to be in the market anyway I would prefer an EV.” 

Cameron: we want a roomy two-row SUV with a little badge prestige for family use

The definition of “big guy” can vary wildly. Is he 6'1 205 or 6'6 340? or 5'10 340?

All the “rugged” Toyotas have bad front leg room. I couldn’t put my seat where I wanted it in a Land Cruiser with a child seat behind me.

4runner and taco are also super small front seating. The floor is so high.

Did someone just straight face recommend a defender to a big guy?  Have they never been in one?

Look at every release they've had in the last 10 years. New f150 issues, new explorer issues, new aviator issues... The bronco is not the outlier. Hopefully the others roll out better. 

Anything reliable with FWD and a set of decent snow tires.

Not just “preferably;” the 2nd gen was a foot longer, 600 pounds heavier, and needs a waiver to get into a small car argument. Killing the first generation after only three years was the biggest mistake I know of that Toyota has made.

I had 2. I often call it the perfect car.

The answer is 1st Gen Scion XB (aka Toyota Bb). Reliable, durable, and a lesson in space efficiency.

Scion XB is the answer (preferably the boxier gen 1). small, reliable, and a roomy interior.

Not sure what exactly the definition of Small is, but this thing was relatively small, but let me tell you this. We were able to fit me who was 6'2 at the time, my friend, his dad who was 6'5 and his friend in this thing, with all our snowboards and ski’s inside, and I still had room to stretch out in the back a bit.