Hybrid cars, and which ones are available these days

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Hybrid cars, and which ones are available these days

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ... | 21

6804 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3694

Lifetime subscriber

#2846750 11-Jan-2022 14:55

MikeAqua:

The sunroof version lacks head room.

And that is why I haven’t upgraded to a newer Camry (or RAV for that matter). Lower back problems mean I need integrated lumbar support. The only Toyota hybrids with that are the top trim level, which only comes with the sunroof and insufficient headroom for me. Plus the newer ones run on 95.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

yann

138 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 37

#2846870 11-Jan-2022 20:23

Dingbatt:

And that is why I haven’t upgraded to a newer Camry (or RAV for that matter). Lower back problems mean I need integrated lumbar support. The only Toyota hybrids with that are the top trim level, which only comes with the sunroof and insufficient headroom for me. Plus the newer ones run on 95.

I think the RAV4 Hybrids run on 91 (or higher), though as you say, I believe the Camry as well as the Highlander hybrids are 95 only.

MikeAqua

8031 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3820

#2846885 11-Jan-2022 21:36

That Highlander Hybrid looks quite nice. Pity it's petrol and only 2,000kg towing and has a CVT.

Mike

Scott3

4177 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2990

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2846919 11-Jan-2022 23:53

MikeAqua:

That Highlander Hybrid looks quite nice. Pity it's petrol and only 2,000kg towing and has a CVT.

I agree that it looks really nice.

I consider the spec sheet pretty amazing. The 5.6L/100km (of 95+ Ron) combined rating is pretty incrediable in my mind, for what is really quite a large & powerful SUV. (4966mm long, 1930mm wide, 184kW combined system output).

I have a 2006 Lexus RX400h (same drivetrain as 1st gen highlander hybrid), that is similar power (200kW) and weight, but a lot smaller and is rated to use 8.1L/100km. Amazing that much bigger car can use so little fuel.

Looking forward to getting a chance to take one for a spin at some stage. Interested to know how it does from a NVH (noise vibration harshness) point of view. Understand the drive-train is basically the same as the Rav4, but beefed up for more power. Found the Rav 4 to be a lot louder / harsher than I expected. (but I had just climbed out of my lexus RX400h, so that may not be fair)

I quite like the Highlander, since having a 3rd generation one as a rental, and doing 1000km+ around the south island in it. Nothing really special about it, but it was quite a nice car to travel long distances in. NVH & ride was really good in that one (3.5L v6)

On towing, 2000kg seems to be about the limit for Asian brand Softroader / crossover SUV's on car platforms.

Such cars are generally targeted at markets like the USA (where the highlander is built) that don't like diesel, so little point setting the car up to handle a diesel engine (need to set the car up so the acoustic / vibration behaviors is acceptable). Personally I think there would be little point in this car. A diesel hybrid system is likely too expensive and / or heavy. And a non hybrid diesel would likely loose to the current hybrid in both power and economy.

On CVT's, Toyota hybrids have a clever eCVT system that is not reliant on a frictional belt like the CVT's of many non hybrid cars. Means they are highly reliable, and (based on my RX400h), pretty nice to drive too. It does have some limitations (like the traction control needing to be set up to avoid extended wheel slip / spin (a pain on sand), but generally it is a great system.

Dingbatt

6804 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3694

Lifetime subscriber

#2846940 12-Jan-2022 08:37

yann:

Dingbatt:

And that is why I haven’t upgraded to a newer Camry (or RAV for that matter). Lower back problems mean I need integrated lumbar support. The only Toyota hybrids with that are the top trim level, which only comes with the sunroof and insufficient headroom for me. Plus the newer ones run on 95.

I think the RAV4 Hybrids run on 91 (or higher), though as you say, I believe the Camry as well as the Highlander hybrids are 95 only.

Yes they do. I was referring to the Camry.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

LostBoyNZ

622 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 190

#2846942 12-Jan-2022 08:41

I saw Linus Tech Tips posted a video today on hydrogen for cars (and trucks & planes) which was a good overview for newbies to the tech such as myself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNgZ6xL_An4

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

Dingbatt

6804 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3694

Lifetime subscriber

#2846948 12-Jan-2022 09:01

MikeAqua:

That Highlander Hybrid looks quite nice. Pity it's petrol and only 2,000kg towing and has a CVT.

If you want a Toyota that can tow a decent load, or is a diesel, buy a Hilux.

The Highlander is a large (by NZ standards) family SUV. Suitable to load the family in and maybe tow a JetSki. It’s petrol because many places around the world are moving to ban diesels in metro areas. It is one vehicle that would have benefitted from having a PHEV version.

As was pointed out it has an eCVT. A subtle, but important difference because it is a completely different sort of transmission. I have long thought Toyota/Lexus should just call it a “Hybrid Synergy Drive” (it’s written on the badge on the boot) so the ill-informed don’t associate it with the belt driven CVTs. The only similarity is the matching of engine revs to optimise efficiency for a given load. While the ICE portion of the Highlander drivetrain is the same capacity as the RAV4 I assume it is tuned differently (hence 95 fuel requirement). The motor/generators in the HSD are likely uprated as well and the AWD motor on the back axle also.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

MikeB4

MikeB4
18776 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12768

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2847935 12-Jan-2022 09:15

Dingbatt:

Yes they do. I was referring to the Camry.

We have a new series RAV 4 Hybrid (2.5 litre model) and can confirm that it runs on 91

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

MikeAqua

8031 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3820

#2849656 13-Jan-2022 09:20

Dingbatt:

If you want a Toyota that can tow a decent load, or is a diesel, buy a Hilux.

The Highlander is a large (by NZ standards) family SUV. Suitable to load the family in and maybe tow a JetSki. It’s petrol because many places around the world are moving to ban diesels in metro areas. It is one vehicle that would have benefitted from having a PHEV version.

As was pointed out it has an eCVT. A subtle, but important difference because it is a completely different sort of transmission. I have long thought Toyota/Lexus should just call it a “Hybrid Synergy Drive” (it’s written on the badge on the boot) so the ill-informed don’t associate it with the belt driven CVTs. The only similarity is the matching of engine revs to optimise efficiency for a given load. While the ICE portion of the Highlander drivetrain is the same capacity as the RAV4 I assume it is tuned differently (hence 95 fuel requirement). The motor/generators in the HSD are likely uprated as well and the AWD motor on the back axle also.

I tested the Hilux when we bought our latest Paj, ended up going with the paj which has been great but occasionally I wish I'd got a ute. We're getting bunch of new diesel Hilux's at work (just in time to avoid the new import tarrifs), so I'll get quite lot of exposure to them.

I've rented Highlanders a few times and my father had one. Very nice vehicles, but quite thirsty being AWD.

It would be nice to see a diesel PHEV SUV or ute and I assume such vehicle would have plenty of towing capacity, having more torque than petrol.

2,000kg is a bit light for me. The boat and trailer weigh close to that empty. By the time you add gear, fuel and ice ...

Be interested to see how electric pick ups develop in the US.

Mike

Dulouz

887 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 384

#2849690 13-Jan-2022 10:01

Plus one from me for the Highlander Hybrid. Would be great if the Mazda CX-9 came as a hybrid.

Amanon

Dingbatt

6804 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3694

Lifetime subscriber

#2849723 13-Jan-2022 10:50

MikeAqua:

It would be nice to see a diesel PHEV SUV or ute and I assume such vehicle would have plenty of towing capacity, having more torque than petrol.

2,000kg is a bit light for me. The boat and trailer weigh close to that empty. By the time you add gear, fuel and ice ...

Be interested to see how electric pick ups develop in the US.

I think part of the petrol electric combo in these type of vehicles is for the torque provided by a diesel to be replaced by the electric motor. That’s how they get away with using an advanced Atkinson cycle engine to achieve great economy numbers. I think diesel for transport’s days are numbered.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

Dingbatt

6804 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3694

Lifetime subscriber

#2849726 13-Jan-2022 10:52

Dulouz:

Plus one from me for the Highlander Hybrid. Would be great if the Mazda CX-9 came as a hybrid.

Apart from the MX-30 Mazda seem largely to be MIA. (Certainly in this part of the world)

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

alasta

6891 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3365

Trusted

Subscriber

#2849728 13-Jan-2022 10:57

Mazda have been focused on improving the thermal efficiency of their combustion engines, but I feel that Skyactiv-X has pretty mediocre efficiency gains considering the extra capital outlay over a Skyactiv-G.

Hopefully the MX-30 with rotary range extender will come to fruition at some stage, but the unfortunately MX-30 is hamstrung by absolutely terrible rear legroom.

MikeB4

MikeB4
18776 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12768

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2849730 13-Jan-2022 11:02

We looked at the Highlander as well but my wife wasn't keen at all. She felt is was boring and old looking (probably like me 😀). She liked the new series RAV4 Hybrid and went for that. The RAV is comfortable, good tech, economical, good power and could easily tow our caravan.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

703

131 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 47

#2849739 13-Jan-2022 11:21

I have driven the RAV4 Hybrid and inspected it front to end, not impressed with the interior quality. Trunk is not fully carpeted, flimsy plastics in everywhere that is not often touched. Engine noise goes right inside the cabin.

This is coming from 4's Lexus (GS460, GS450h, ES300h, RX450h). Toyota have also increased the price of the RAV4, and the Camry SX/ZR is sold out.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ... | 21