The hybrid vehicle market continues to grow in the United States each year. As a brief refresher, hybrid vehicles combine more than one method of propulsion. The typical hybrid combines a gasoline or diesel engine with an electric motor. The hybrid concept benefits drivers by reducing fuel consumption, and it benefits the environment with lower carbon dioxide emissions. Toyota is a leader in hybrid models, and the Japanese manufacturer’s hybrid range spans sedans to SUVs. This article discusses several Toyota hybrid options for the 2021 model year.
Corolla Hybrid
Image used with permission via toyota.com
The Toyota Corolla is a household name in the compact car class that has traveled roads all over the world since its initial release back in 1966. Gracing Toyota dealerships for over five decades, the Corolla’s most recent evolution sees its current lineup embrace the hybrid vehicle movement. Starting with performance, the 2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid has an EPA-estimated 52 mpg on city and highway roads combined. This fuel economy rating is the highest ever for a Corolla.
The Corolla Hybrid is also an extremely enjoyable vehicle to drive. Its sporty road stance is low and wide. The impressive suspension system and Hybrid Power mode combine to make this hybrid a joy to ride. Power Mode increases the throttle response for a more exciting driving experience.
Every 2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid comes with a suite of excellent active safety features designed for maximum protection. The suite, named Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alerts.
Prius Hybrid
The 2021 Toyota Prius Hybrid is another great option if you’re in the market for a new compact car. Where the Corolla excels with a sporty drive and impressive style, the Prius has better fuel economy and a more spacious interior. The most fuel-efficient configuration of the 2021Prius has EPA-estimated ratings of 58 mpg on city roads and 53 mpg on the highway for a combined total of 56 mpg.
The Toyota Prius set the initial standard for hybrid vehicles when it was first introduced all the way back in 1997. Its initial launch to the Japanese market made the Prius the first mass-market hybrid vehicle. The worldwide launch of the Prius followed in 2000, and it is still regarded by many as the standard that hybrid cars are measured against.
If you want to get a roomy sedan that has enough space to regularly transport large loads, the Prius gives you 50.7 cubic feet of space with the second row folded down. Even with the second row not folded, the trunk of the Prius is incredibly roomy for a compact car, boasting 27.4 cubic feet of space for your things. Another exciting feature is the electronic all-wheel-drive, which gives you excellent control via four-wheel traction at speeds up to 43 mph.
Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry is a wide-bodied midsize car that has been in production since 1982. Reliability, handling, and a slew of technology features mark the Camry out as an ideal option in the family-sedan segment. The LE trim level provides the best fuel economy rating of the 2021 Camry hybrid’s available trim levels with an EPA-estimated 52 mpg on city and highway roads combined.
In terms of technology features for the driving experience, the Camry comes with a nifty four-mode drive switch system. You can alternate between EV, ECO, Normal, and Sport driving modes at the flick of a switch. The Sport driving mode increases throttle response, while the ECO mode adjusts throttle input to maximize efficiency. The unique exterior silhouette features a muscular build and chiseled surfaces that ensure a sport-inspired style.
A hybrid energy monitor, Wi-Fi Connect, and a remote vehicle monitor are three of several advanced technology features on the Camry hybrid. The remote vehicle monitor is an especially underrated feature that lets you easily identify your Camry in a crowded parking lot.
Highlander Hybrid
Moving away from the compact and midsize car classes and into the SUV class, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is an excellent hybrid option if you prefer midsize crossover SUVs. The Highlander first appeared back in the 2001 model year, and it has remained an ever-popular option since. SUV hybrids tend to have lower fuel efficiency than sedans — however, the Highlander’s EPA-estimated figure of 36 mpg on city and highway roads combined is still impressive.
The Highlander has a four-mode driving switch that is similar to the Camry’s but with the addition of a Trail mode that gives added traction to all-wheel-drive modes. Speaking of all-wheel-drive, you can buy your Highlander Hybrid with a front-wheel-drive powertrain or an all-wheel-drive one.
An enormous 12.3-inch touch screen provides an amazing display with which you can access the Highlander’s bundle of technology features. Expect Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and even Amazon Alexa compatibility for the latest in smartphone and voice technology integrations. The powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine outputs 243 horsepower in combination with two electric motors. The Highlander has enough room for eight people in its three rows.
Venza Hybrid
Last but not least, the 2021 Toyota Venza is another solid hybrid option in the SUV class. In fact, the Venza is another midsize crossover SUV, which puts it in the same market as the Highlander. The Toyota Venza is the more budget-friendly option of the two SUVs; its fuel efficiency is slightly better than the Highlander’s at 39 mpg on city and highway roads combined.
The Venza has seating for up to five people across its two rows, and it is less powerful than the Highlander. All-wheel drive is standard on the Venza, but it’s a premium upgrade with the Highlander. Overall, the Toyota Venza is a better hybrid option if you don’t need three rows and you’d prefer the higher fuel economy rating.
That rounds up the main hybrid Toyota vehicles for 2021. Hopefully, this post provided some insight on the hybrid vehicle best suited to your needs. If you’re ready to make a purchase, you can check out our range of new Toyota vehicles for sale today.
