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The phrase ‘performance hybrid cars’ might not pop into the average shopper’s mind when thinking about a hybrid vehicle.
That being said, you might be in for a surprise to find that fuel efficiency isn’t the only thing that Toyota hybrids have going for them. Here are a few things you should know about hybrids before thinking they compromise on performance.
We all know someone who gives no credibility to anything hybrid or electric. The auto industry has been fighting this stereotype for years and Toyota isn’t one to back down from a challenge. In 2018, Toyota entered the ‘24 hours of Le Mans’ competition with its newly designed TS050 hybrid race car model.
The ‘24 hours of Le Mans’ is known as the world’s oldest active endurance sports car racing event, going strong since 1923. It has been dubbed the “Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency,” quite a prestigious event for performance hybrid cars to make their presence known.
Representing Toyota was the team of Kazuki Nakajima, Fernando Alonso and Sébastian Buemi. This day was all about validating hybrid performance. The team took home the victory driving the #08 TS050 hybrid race car, all powered by the hybrid technology Toyota engineers have worked so hard to master.
One of the first things that comes to mind about a car’s performance is its ability to accelerate and cruise. It all starts with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. This system is where all the magic happens, as the electric motor and the gas engine interact seamlessly to give the driver acceleration on demand.
In fact, electric motors actually create more instant torque and smoother acceleration off the line than conventional gas engines. While gas engines create impressive speed once they get going, hybrids actually generate full torque output instantly. Think about your blender – the instant you turn it on, its electric motor applies maximum torque to the rotating blades, with no waiting. As far as car performance conversations go, torque acceleration and peppy handling are usually a great recipe for a fun drive for Toyota Hybrids.
Choosing from the Toyota lineup of hybrid vehicles can feel like opening a box full of options. While most of these cars are designed for both legendary quality and fuel economy, one hybrid is a particular performance standout because of its impressive horsepower – the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid.
When compared to the gas model, the 219-horsepower RAV4 hybrid boosted up to 60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds. That’s faster than the 203-horsepowered non-hybrid. In other words, while most of the numbers are close, the RAV4 hybrid shows off in the horsepower department.
Find out more: Build Your Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Here
When we think about the king of hybrid fuel efficiency, our brains light up with the thought of the Toyota Prius. It all started back in 1997 when Toyota Motor Corporation brought to market a practical family vehicle with low emissions. At the time, it was all about drivers taking control of their commuting budget and experiencing an environmentally conscious alternative to the previous lineage of the purely petrol-based world of cars.
Fast forward 20 years later and the automotive industry continues to change. Not only is this wonderful hybrid technology more advanced, but environmental consciousness has also evolved to inspire the Prius to keep up with driver needs, attracting drivers from different lifestyles.
What about performance? The Prius Prime, Prius’ plug-in sibling, sets the modern-day standard for plug-in hybrid performance and can travel up to 1035 km on a full tank and full charge. This is the 'longest total driving range of any plug-in electric vehicle.'1
Based on Natural Resources Canada 2019 Fuel Consumption Guide published ratings for both plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles. Estimated combined range rating when fully charged and with a full tank of gas. Actual results will vary based on driving habits and other factors.
Find out more: Build Your Toyota Prius Here
The options are truly aplenty. The Camry has been a Canadian staple for generations, and now the hybrid model is also part of the family. Believe it or not, the 2020 Camry Hybrid packs a powerful punch on the roads with elevated power and efficiency.
It is a no compromise choice that comes with style, comfort and convenience. Compliments to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, the continuously variable transmittion brings you up to speed wherever the drive takes you.
Find out more: Build Your Toyota Camry Hybrid Here
Hopefully that debunks the myth that hybrid vehicles lack performance. Still need some convincing? Well there’s nothing like a good test drive to give you that first hand experience of what the line-up of Toyota hybrids feel like when you’re behind the steering wheel.
Pop in to your local dealer and choose from the current electrified line-up of cars, including the Corolla Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid.
