With the costs of motoring climbing, and emissions-based charging on the rise in urban areas, you may well be thinking about buying a new Toyota hybrid. These cars, which blend petrol and electric power to excellent effect and often feature heavily in best hybrid car lists, offer improved economy and reduced emissions compared to conventional petrol and diesel alternatives.
Toyota’s self-charging hybrid cars are sometimes called strong or full hybrids, because they make more use of electric power – compared to mild hybrids – and can drive for short distances on electric power alone. This helps reduce their emissions and fuel consumption further and, according to Toyota, can allow up to 50% of your city or town driving to be completed using just the electric motor.
The company also has a long history of making its capable hybrids. The first production Toyota hybrid was the Prius, launched in 1997, and the name has become synonymous with environmentally friendly motoring. Toyota continued to develop the Prius and its hybrid technology, and began using the systems in other models – including the Auris, Yaris and Corolla Touring Sports hybrid estate. Consequently, a hybrid Toyota is a smart choice if you want something both reliable and economical.
Nowadays, the brand offers its hybrid technology in myriad kinder-to-the-environment models, including practical and comfortable hybrid SUVs, estates and hatchbacks. To help you narrow down your choices from Toyota’s hybrid range, we’ve picked out some of the best models available today. Read on to find out which new Toyota hybrid car is most worthy of your attention
The best Toyota hybrid cars
An efficient family SUV with attention-grabbing styling
It’s also an easy car to buy because there are just four straightforward trim levels and only two engine options: a 1.8-litre petrol hybrid set-up or a more powerful 2.0-litre version. Even the base model doesn’t disappoint, offering good handling, smooth performance, and lots of equipment – including a reversing camera, dual-zone climate control and an eight-inch media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Read our Toyota C-HR review
Pros
- Surprisingly enjoyable to drive
- Impressive real-world economy
- Choice of 1.8- and 2.0-litre hybrids
Cons
- Not a particularly practical SUV
- Infotainment system feels dated
Toyota’s more practical family SUV offers low running costs
It admittedly isn’t as fun to drive as cars such as the Ford Kuga, but it is refined and relaxing. The RAV4 is also cheap to run, extremely reliable, and offered in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) configuration. The supply and demand situation for the RAV4 is a bit problematic, though, so you might not be able to get your hands on one easily. If you’re comfortable with a bigger Toyota hybrid SUV, though, you could instead consider the Toyota Highlander.
Read our Toyota RAV4 review
Pros
- A big boot and lots of interior space
- Lots of standard equipment
- Plug-in hybrid model has good EV range
Cons
- Interior design and materials a little lacking
- If you can get hold of one, it can be expensive
Mid-sized family estate blends low running costs with great practicality
Not only does it offer improved practicality, compared to many of the more popular SUV and crossover competition, but its reduced weight and height give it an edge in the efficiency and handling stakes. Like the other Toyotas here, it’s also a great choice if you want to minimise fuss – because as well as being easy to drive, and ideal for those with families or active lifestyles, it too gets up to 10 years’ warranty cover through Toyota Relax.
Read our Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review
Pros
- Spacious interior and huge boot
- High standard equipment levels
- Comfortable and relaxing
Cons
- No fun to be had behind the wheel
- 2.0-litre model has a smaller boot
A reliable and economical family hatch with lots of equipment
It’s also a car that should be on your list if you’re looking at the likes of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra – yes, it really can hold its head up among such strong competition, in part thanks to its efficient hybrid powertrains, excellent equipment levels and that 10-year warranty. You’ll want to look elsewhere if you want something entertaining to drive, though.
Read our Toyota Corolla review
Pros
- Flexible and capable hybrid system
- Excellent reliability and warranty
- Low running costs
Cons
- Rear room is lacking
- Rivals are better to drive
Compact Yaris Cross is a characterful and enjoyable city-friendly SUV
Consequently, it should be on your shopping list if you’re looking at the likes of the Peugeot 2008 and Ford Puma – especially if you want a car to keep for a long time, because it benefits from Toyota’s excellent dealer network and 10-year warranty option. If you’re looking for something more conventional, though, Toyota does offer hybrid versions of the standard Yaris hatchback.
Read our Read our Toyota Yaris Cross review
Pros
- Available with all-wheel drive
- Rides and handles well
- Good performance and economy
Cons
- Interior is plain and dated in places
- All-hybrid range is a bit expensive
Why should I buy a hybrid Toyota?
A Toyota hybrid car is a good option if what you’re looking for, first and foremost, is an economical and reliable car. Toyotas benefit further from having a good dealer support network and an excellent 10-year warranty option, making them effortless to live with. If you want affordable and efficient minimum-fuss motoring, as a result, a Toyota is a sensible choice.
Toyotas are also comfortable, refined and practical cars, and – despite their efficiency-focused nature – some are more enjoyable to drive than you might expect. The Toyota C-HR, for example, is a family SUV with accurate steering, competent suspension and decent performance in 2.0-litre form.
A hybrid Toyota can also serve as a sensible stepping point between a conventional car and a fully electric one, particularly if you opt for a plug-in hybrid. You get some light electrification benefits, such as improved efficiency and reduced emissions, without the prohibitive cost of a fully electric car or the range and charging complications. And, when you finally feel confident enough to buy an electric car, good residual values mean you should get decent money for your used Toyota.
What about the Toyota Prius hybrid?
If you want a new hybrid car, the Toyota Prius might be one candidate that immediately jumps to the front of your mind. And, yes, a new fifth-generation Prius was recently announced. However, it won’t be coming to the UK – so, unfortunately, a new Toyota Prius is no longer an option.
The reason Toyota isn’t offering the Prius here any more is because of changes in demand. Most buyers now make a beeline for crossovers and SUVs, such as the C-HR and RAV4, and Prius sales are practically nothing in comparison. As a result, the Toyota is withdrawing the model and leaving the Corolla and Corolla Touring Sports to effectively fill the void left by the Prius.
You could go for an approved used Toyota Prius or Prius+, though, if a new car isn’t essential. These cars will benefit from a Toyota warranty until they’re 10 years old, or have covered 100,000 miles, and each is sold following a 145-point check to ensure its quality. You also get 12 months’ roadside assistance with each Toyota Approved Used car. Used Toyota plug-in hybrids are also available, including the Prius Plug-in and RAV4.
