There is no denying, the electric revolution is underway. Manufacturers from all segments of the automotive world are scaling back and culling their combustion-engined models. From luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Jaguar to more mainstream manufacturers like Ford, who just announced production of the Fiesta econobox was to cease ready for an electric replacement. The trend is clear, and we should all prepare ourselves for the reality that motoring will become a different experience in the coming decade.
However, for many of us, the thought of jumping feet first into EV ownership is a scary prospect. Helping to ease the transition, is the hybrid powertrain. Combining many of the benefits of both a traditional combustion engine and an electric motor, hybrid vehicles have a lot to offer. Toyota is a brand that knows a thing or two about hybrids, having released the first mass-production hybrid back in 1997. Technology has evolved significantly since then, as has Toyota's hybrid line-up. Now is a good time to look at the best hybrids the brand is producing today.
8 Sienna
The boxy Toyota Sienna sports a traditional minivan design, and this is no bad thing. For those buyers who are uninterested in an SUV, cars like the Sienna fit the bill perfectly. Seating up to 8 passengers, and swallowing 75.2 cubic feet of cargo with the third row folded, it is seriously practical.
For its size, the Sienna returns great fuel economy, with 36 MPG in both the city and on the highway. The range begins at $35,285 for the base "LE" model, those desiring a more premium model can opt for the range-topping "Platinum", which comes in at a considerably more expensive $50,725.
7 Venza
Fulfilling Toyota's midsize crossover offering is the stylish Venza. The car is a great option for families, and the range begins at an accessible $33,240. Under the sleekly styled body, the car bears a lot of resemblance to the Toyota Rav 4. However, form has been prioritized over function, and the Venza is less practical than the Rav 4 in many areas.
A big selling point compared to many rival crossovers, is the Venza's efficient hybrid powertrain. Fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, the car produces a decent 219 hp, while returning 40 MPG city and 37 MPG highway.
6 Corolla
The compact Toyota Corolla is widely recognized as one of the world's best-selling cars. This achievement didn't happen by chance, the Corolla has a lot to offer to many types of buyer. The car represents exceptional value for money, with the range starting at just $24,050. The upcoming 2023 model is cheaper still, kicking its lineup off with a $22,800 starting price.
The car returns excellent fuel economy, with 53 MPG in the city and 52 MPG out on the highway.
The Corolla hybrid is generously equipped, with an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa all coming as standard fitment.
5 Highlander
With a starting price of $39,555, the midsized Toyota Highlander is a great all-rounder. The car seats 7 passengers and can swallow an impressive 48.4 cubic feet of cargo with the third row folded. Throughout the cabin high-quality materials have been used, and the car is pretty luxurious, especially on the higher specification models.
The Highlander also excels where efficiency is concerned, returning 36 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. Powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, the car produces a respectable 243 hp.
4 Avalon
The spacious and premium Toyota Avalon is one of the most luxurious hybrids money can buy. All versions of the car are extremely well-equipped, and you could be forgiven for thinking you were actually sitting in a Lexus.
The range kicks off with the "XLE", which attracts a $37,850 retail price. The highest specification model on offer is the $44,150 "Limited," which comes with desirable features such as a 14-speaker JBL audio system and a power slide "moonroof." The Avalon returns 43 MPG city and 44 MPG highway, meaning it is very efficient for a vehicle in its class.
3 Camry
The Toyota Camry is a sedan that has it all. Retailing for just $27,980, it is a hard proposition to match. The car comes generously equipped, and despite being a mid-size offering, still has a spacious cabin and a decent 15.1 cubic foot cargo compartment. Increasing practicality, the rear seats fold in a 60/40 configuration, making it easy to load up with larger items.
Kitted out with a 2.5 liter, hybrid 4-cylinder, the car returns a decent 51 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway.
2 Prius
At its launch in 1997, the original Toyota Prius was mocked by many gearheads and seen as a terrible car. The styling was a large part of the problem, with the bland and borderline offensive design detracting from the revolutionary hybrid powertrain. Being the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger car, every model on this list owes its existence to the Prius.
Thankfully, the Prius has improved with age, and the current generation car is a much sharper-looking vehicle, particularly in "Nightshade Edition." The powertrain is also better than ever, with up to 58 MPG city and 53 MPG highway possible from its 1.8-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor.
1 RAV4
The $29,575, Toyota RAV4 is one of the best hybrid crossovers on the market. Powered by a 219-hp hybrid powertrain, the RAV4 returns an impressive EPA-rated 51 MPG city and 53 MPG highway.
As standard, the car is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay facilitate easy smartphone integration, and Toyota's built-in voice control system allows you to change many settings without taking your hands off the wheel. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 provides a package of safety-improving features, making it a great choice for those who prioritize safety. The RAV4 has even been awarded an IIHS top safety pick for 2022. The car is equipped with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, and comes with 8.1 inches of ground clearance, meaning it can handle the rough stuff too.