Exploring Toyota’s Electrified Lineup
Since the worldwide release of the Prius at the turn of the century, Toyota has been at the vanguard of electric vehicle technology. Now, in 2024, they have 20 different electrified vehicles to choose from, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery EVs, and fuel cell EVs.
For those of you curious about the latest in green vehicles, here’s an overview of some of Toyota’s best-sellers.
Toyota Hybrid EVs
Many of us are probably already aware of the basics of hybrid cars. They use a larger battery pack than vehicles with pure internal combustion engines (ICE), and this allows them to operate at low speeds without the motor running, which nets massively improved gas mileage.
Toyota Prius
The one that started it all, the Prius is arguably one of the most famous and influential hybrid cars ever. In fact, it recently won a 2024 MotorTrend Car of the Year award thanks to its affordability, spaciousness, and excellent fuel economy.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
As one of Toyota’s most popular vehicles, it only makes sense that they’d release a hybrid RAV4. It comes standard with Electronic On-Demand AWD, a ton of safety features, and multiple eco-friendly drive modes—perfect for families and adventurers alike.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
If you like the thought of a hybrid SUV but the RAV4 just isn’t big enough, the Highlander Hybrid offers the same great standard of safety and dependability in a three-row package that’s excellent for road trips.
Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX
The Tundra Hybrid is available in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and several high-end trims, including the almighty TRD Pro. It also boasts a max towing capacity of nearly 12,000 pounds and a max payload of 1,680 pounds, making it one of the most powerful hybrid trucks on the market.
Other Toyota Hybrid EVs
Toyota has no shortage of electrified options—there are 11 other hybrid electric vehicles in Toyota’s portfolio, including:
• Camry
• Corolla Hybrid
• Corolla Cross Hybrid
• Venza
• Crown
• Crown Signia
• Grand Highlander Hybrid
• Sienna
• Sequoia
• Land Cruiser
• Tacoma i-FORCE MAX
Toyota Plug-In Hybrid EVs
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have an even bigger battery pack than regular hybrids, which allows them to be charged up and driven for miles solely on electric power. This gives them even better combined MPGe estimates and can allow some drivers to go for weeks on a single gas tank.
Toyota Prius Prime
It’s the best-known hybrid for a reason, so of course, they had to make a plug-in version of the Prius. It’s rated for up to 127 MPGe, and when fully charged, it can run an impressive 44 miles without burning any fuel.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Considering it’s one of the most popular SUVs in America, it’s no surprise that Toyota used the RAV4 as a baseline to launch their most capable plug-in hybrid. It comes standard with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive and can travel up to 42 miles all-electric.
Toyota Battery EVs
Unlike hybrids and plug-ins, these cars run completely on electric power thanks to their advanced battery architecture. They can be charged at home using 120-volt or 240-volt power or publicly with DC fast charging, which can bring many modern EVs up to about 80% charged in about half an hour.
Toyota bZ4x
Currently, this is the only all-electric car in Toyota’s lineup—at least for now. It has a maximum range of 252 miles and a ton of next-level tech features like the latest Toyota Safety Sense package. Plus, with the lightning-quick acceleration delivered by its electric motor, it’s a ton of fun to drive.
Toyota Fuel Cell EVs
These unique vehicles move using hydrogen as fuel, which is stored and refilled much like the gas tank in a regular ICE car. So far, you can only buy fuel-cell EVs in California, so if you live near our Toyota dealership in Goleta, you’ve probably seen one out and about.
Toyota Mirai
The Mirai takes many modern design cues that make it unmistakable as a Toyota, and its innovative hydrogen fuel system means that its only output is water vapor. It also has an estimated range of over 400 miles and a refueling time of around 5 minutes, making it perfect for environmentally conscious commuters on the go.
Find Your Toyota EV Near Lompoc, CA
At Toyota of Santa Barbara, we have a wide selection of new and pre-owned EVs and hybrids. If you’re curious about driving a car of the future, contact us online or give us a call at (805) 979-5011 to schedule a test drive, and while you’re at it, be sure to ask about our lease and finance offers.