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When you hear the phrase "hybrid car," what immediately comes to mind? If you instantly think about the Toyota Prius, then you aren't alone. The Prius paved the way for hybrid technology over two decades ago when Toyota introduced the first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car to the world in 1997. Since then, Toyota Hybrids have set the standard for hybrid vehicles year after year. But how exactly has the Prius impacted the hybrid industry and Toyota's reputation in the automotive industry as a whole?
With over 1.5 million hybrids on the road, Toyota is praised as the pioneer of hybrid technology. It was the first company in the industry to mass-produce a hybrid vehicle, and Toyota continues to raise the bar over 20 years later with new hybrid models like the Camry, Highlander, and Avalon. What's even more impressive is that Toyota has put its expertise to use in creating the most advanced hybrids on the market that are not only environmentally friendly but also offer impressive power, performance, and handling.
How does Toyota still manage to impress with its hybrid lineup that's 20 years in the making? To fully appreciate Toyota's reputation as a hybrid pioneer, it's important to look at the first Prius that hit the roads decades ago. From there, we'll look at the 2021 hybrid lineup and the technology that pushes Toyota ahead of the competition.
In the early 1990s, there was a global race in the automotive industry to design a more efficient car fit for the 21st century. Toyota entered that race and tasked a team of 10 engineers and designers to build the car of the future. At the time, hybrid technology was only an idea and not a reality that the team thought was feasible. That changed in 1994 when Toyota tasked the team with designing a hybrid car or seeing the project scrapped.
The team researched hybrid technology and designed what would later be known as the Toyota Hybrid System. They assembled the first Prius prototype in 1995, but the challenges of building the world's first hybrid system meant that the first functional Prius was not unveiled until the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. The revolutionary new vehicle was immediately named Japan's Car of the Year for 1997 and made waves around the world as drivers in Europe and the United States anxiously awaited its arrival.
The Prius officially hit the road in America in 2000 and firmly established Toyota's reputation as the pioneer of hybrid vehicles. The manufacturer has continued to raise the bar by offering the latest and most advanced technology, comfort, and performance year after year on hybrid models. Because of this, Toyota retains its title as the King of the Road when it comes to all-things hybrid.
Toyota offers 11 hybrids in its 2021 lineup ranging from the modestly priced Corolla Hybrid that starts at $23,500 to the luxurious Highlander Hybrid that starts at $38,410. The models in between these two extremes include both cars and SUVs. Among the former, you will find the legendary Prius at $24,545, the Camry Hybrid at $27,270, the plug-in Prius Prime at $28,220, and the Avalon at $37,000. Toyota's hybrid SUVs include the RAV4 Hybrid at $28,500, the Venza at $32,470, and the powerful RAV4 Prime at $38,100. There is even the spacious Sienna hybrid minivan at $34,460.
Fuel economy is impressive across the lineup, with the iconic Prius leading the pack with a stellar fuel economy of no less than 56 MPG combined. The Corolla and Camry offer 52 MPG combined, while the Avalon is slightly lower at 44 MPG combined. Fuel economy truly excels on Toyota's two plug-in hybrid options - the Prius Prime and the RAV4 Prime. These vehicles maximize efficiency by enabling drivers to drive on battery power alone for short distances. This extends the Prius Prime's fuel economy to 133 MPGe with an all-electric range of 25 miles, while the RVA4 Prime offers 94 MPGe and a battery range of 42 miles.
There's a lot more to Toyota's hybrid lineup than outstanding fuel efficiency. As the pioneer of hybrid technology, Toyota raises the bar and offers drivers the complete package from fuel efficiency to power, performance, technology, and comfort.
When the Prius made its debut, hybrid cars were synonymous with fuel efficiency, but their performance was better left unmentioned. Toyota has shifted that perspective with a current hybrid fleet that is known for offering impressive power and torque without sacrificing fuel economy. In fact, the new RAV4 Prime is the second-fastest vehicle that Toyota sells, only beaten by the turbocharged six-cylinder Toyota Supra sports car.
Another aspect that makes Toyota the industry-leader in hybrid technology are features like electric on-demand all-wheel drive, which relies on an electric motor to power the rear wheels. This technology gives drivers greater confidence behind the wheel by improving traction and ensuring exceptional handling in all weather conditions and environments. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) is also a huge selling point. It ensures the hybrid runs efficiently by using an electric motor generator that continuously changes the gear ratio. This delivers smooth acceleration without using excessive amounts of fuel, which is why many drivers can't believe they're driving a hybrid once they get behind the wheel!
Are you ready to experience the latest hybrid technology on the market? If so, it's time to visit Romeoville Toyota to test drive some of the newest Toyota hybrids. At our dealership, you'll quickly discover why Toyota leads the industry in hybrid technology and has sold over 1.5 million of its hybrid models.
The team here at Romeoville Toyota is well-versed in Toyota's hybrid technology and is ready to answer all your questions and help you get behind the wheel of an environmentally friendly, stylish, spacious, and powerful hybrid. We encourage you to stop by our dealership at 684 S. Weber Road in Romeoville, Illinois, to explore our inventory of hybrid cars and SUVs. Our staff will be excited to meet you and demonstrate all the ways that a Toyota hybrid can improve your driving experience.
While you're here, you'll quickly discover that we're here to do more than sell you a car, truck, or SUV. We're committed to providing exceptional customer service from the moment you walk onto the lot until long after you've settled into your new vehicle. That's why we take great pride in offering an exceptional service department staffed with trained technicians who are experienced in maintaining all the advanced electrical systems found in a Toyota hybrid. At Romeoville Toyota, we are dedicated to helping you maintain your hybrid vehicle for years to come.
A Toyota hybrid vehicle is like nothing else on the market. Not only will it enable you to do your part in protecting the environment, it will save you money on gas bills and reduce the time you spend frequenting your local gas stations. Further, the latest Toyota hybrids offer simply incredible performance that will instantly dispel any stereotypes you might have about what it means to drive a hybrid. Visit us and find yourself a new Toyota hybrid today.
