Toyota/Lexus Hybrid Owners: Tell Me About Your Experiences

[Qs Laptop]

I'm looking at possibly buying a Lexus RX350 Hybrid or a Toyota Signia Hybrid. I'm determined to get good gas mileage and the famed Toyota reliability. I figure the Toyota/Lexus hybrid system is the way to go.

So, if you own or have owned a Toyota or Lexus brand vehicle with the four (or six) cylinder hybrid system please tell me about it.
What do you like about it?
What don't you like about it?
What were you getting for mpg?
What year/make/model?
Did anything go wrong with it?
If so, what happened and how many miles were on it?

NOTE: I don't want to hear about Honda hybrids, Hyundai hybrids, or other manufacturer's hybrids. Only Toyota/Lexus.
I also don't want to hear about why plug-in hybrids are the way to go or why fully EV's are the way to go.

 

[braumeister]

Have you spent much time here?

Toyota Hybrid Forum

 

[Qs Laptop]

Have you spent much time here?

Toyota Hybrid Forum

No, I didn't even know it existed. Thanks, I'll check it out.

I've done a bunch of searches on Club Lexus.
RX - 5th Gen (2023-present) - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

 

[Midpack]

We owned a Toyota Prius, and a loaded Toyota Camry Hybrid. We had ZERO issues with either but one. The Camry NAV head unit died after about 7 years, but I don’t think that had anything to do with being a hybrid. Having Toyota replace it would have cost $3K, but there’s a cottage industry rebuilding them, I bought one for $400 IIRC and replaced it myself using instructions provided. Worked perfectly.

We owned the Camry for 11 years, 118K miles. DW got up to 44 mpg in summer, as low as 34 mpg in the dead of Chicago winter, that’s not unusual. Toyota HEVs are about as bullet proof as you can get. Toyota/Lexus hybrids are just like their ICE counterparts other than the drivetrain, nothing different to like/not like. Brakes on most hybrids last 2-3X longer due to regen. We sold the Camry at 118K miles with the original pads and rotors - just so you know on the 100K service, the tech said we didn’t need to replace either yet. Hybrids are more complex than ICE so eventually it could get more expensive, but again we never had any issues on any of ours. We replaced oil/filters, tires, batteries, brake and trans fluids just like an ICE.

If you have other specific questions, let me know.

We’ve also had good experiences with a Honda Accord Hybrid and a Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid even though you don’t care - my point is we’ve owned 4 hybrids and hundreds of thousands of miles. Lots of experience with hybrids from 2007 to present.

 

[Al18]

I have a 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and love it. It rides quiet, gets 33-34 mpg since new. Typical maintenance is synthetic oil and filter, air filter, cabin filter and replaced the tires around 45K miles. It has a 2.5L 4 cylinder with the eCV transmission and AWD. The RAV4 hybrid is slightly quicker than gas only 2.5L SUV. The eCV is a planetary transmission with an electric motor inside - very reliable and no belts. I think the Lexus RX is a luxury version of the RAV4.

 

[Soooretired]

I'm looking at possibly buying a Lexus RX350 Hybrid or a Toyota Signia Hybrid. I'm determined to get good gas mileage and the famed Toyota reliability. I figure the Toyota/Lexus hybrid system is the way to go.

So, if you own or have owned a Toyota or Lexus brand vehicle with the four (or six) cylinder hybrid system please tell me about it.
What do you like about it?
What don't you like about it?
What were you getting for mpg?
What year/make/model?
Did anything go wrong with it?
If so, what happened and how many miles were on it?

NOTE: I don't want to hear about Honda hybrids, Hyundai hybrids, or other manufacturer's hybrids. Only Toyota/Lexus.
I also don't want to hear about why plug-in hybrids are the way to go or why fully EV's are the way to go.

We owned a 2010 Prius that we passed on to one of our granddaughters in 2022. Very reliable. Just oil and air filer changes, not even brake work due to the regenerative braking. We passed it to our granddaughter who is actively using it most days. The main battery was replaced at about 165,000 miles. We averaged 50 mpg while owning it with a low of 46 mpg in the winter.
Because of that experience we purchased a RAV4 Prime in 2022. About 50-51 mile on electric only, then 40 mpg in hybrid mode for the next 500 miles. Great car, same low maintenance (so far).

 

[HawkOwl]

I'm looking at possibly buying a Lexus RX350 Hybrid or a Toyota Signia Hybrid. I'm determined to get good gas mileage and the famed Toyota reliability. I figure the Toyota/Lexus hybrid system is the way to go.

So, if you own or have owned a Toyota or Lexus brand vehicle with the four (or six) cylinder hybrid system please tell me about it.
What do you like about it?
What don't you like about it?
What were you getting for mpg?
What year/make/model?
Did anything go wrong with it?
If so, what happened and how many miles were on it?

NOTE: I don't want to hear about Honda hybrids, Hyundai hybrids, or other manufacturer's hybrids. Only Toyota/Lexus.
I also don't want to hear about why plug-in hybrids are the way to go or why fully EV's are the way to go.

I purchased a Toyota Prius in 2010, and a Toyota Rav 4 hybrid in 2024.

LOVED the Prius for its durability (245,000 miles with almost no mechanical issues, never replaced the main battery, comfortable front seats, and of course excellent 45-50 mpg).

Disappointed with the Prius because the air conditioning went out after 15 years and 220,000 miles.

LOVE the RAV4 hybrid for its comfortable ride, high ground clearance, lots of perks that I wasn’t used to like heated seats, and lots of safety features. MPG of 40 mpg is good, but honestly I was spoiled by the Prius.

Disappointed with the RAV4 hybrid…. Haven’t owned it long enough to have any problems at all.

 

[FiveDriver]

We owned a 2010 Prius that we passed on to one of our granddaughters in 2022. Very reliable. Just oil and air filer changes, not even brake work due to the regenerative braking. We passed it to our granddaughter who is actively using it most days. The main battery was replaced at about 165,000 miles. We averaged 50 mpg while owning it with a low of 46 mpg in the winter.
Because of that experience we purchased a RAV4 Prime in 2022. About 50-51 mile on electric only, then 40 mpg in hybrid mode for the next 500 miles. Great car, same low maintenance (so far).

Looking for first hand information about replacement cost of main battery.

There are some wild claims out there about the cost and the expected life.

 

[GoBears]

We owned a 2010 Lexus RX 450h that we purchased used as a certified pre-owned vehicle in 2011. Our only issue with it was worn out suspension struts, which were replaced under warranty. We kept the vehicle until replacing it with a 2020 RX 450h. We replaced because I knew I would be retiring soon and we received an unexpected inheritance so we could pay cash. We have had no issues whatsoever. It is primarily my wife’s vehicle. She has a bit of a lead foot and we live at the top of a pretty decent sized hill with an elevation gain of about 600 feet; in almost all city driving she averages 28 mpg with 91 octane fuel. I get around 32 mpg on road trips.

I drive a Lexus ES 300h sedan. It is a 2016 and I get 35 mpg on regular gas in mostly city driving. No issues.

The cars are definitely a joy to ride in - very quiet, luxurious ride. The driving dynamics in the 2020 RX are better than my ES, but neither are what I would call “fun” to drive. In terms of service and repairs, we have only had scheduled service every 5,000 miles and replaced the tires and wiper blades. No repairs have been required for the ES or the 2020 RX (the sedan has 73k miles and the RX is at 42k). I keep hoping Lexus will increase the range on the AWD RZ; I will need to replace my sedan next winter with an AWD vehicle and I’m spoiled by Lexus comfort and reliability.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

I had a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. I loved the car (until I saw my next shiny object) and had zero issues with the car for the 2.5 years years I owned. The hybrid works beautifully, as you would imagine for a Toyota. The only thing that I would note is that if you live in a cold weather location, your MPG will be significantly below EPA estimates in the winter months. Like about 5 MPG less. But once the weather warms, your back to enjoying the higher levels. Definitely join the ToyotaNation forum.

And, I’m eyeing the Crown as well this year right now in case my Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid has any more problems. However, I think I would get the Platinum sedan instead of the Signia. I love the look of the Crown and think the Platinum’s Turbo Hybrid sounds great.

 

[Jerry1]

A lady I used to work with and am still friends with has driven 2 Camry hybrids to over 300K miles. I’ve never heard her say they ever had any repairs other than scheduled maintenance. I’m sure that doesn’t include tires and probably brakes, but those are to be expected. She does use the dealer and does any maintenance they say. She agrees that is probably not the cheapest way to drive but again, 300K miles speaks for itself.

 

[Koolau]

We have had no issues whatsoever. It is primarily my wife’s vehicle. She has a bit of a lead foot and we live at the top of a pretty decent sized hill with an elevation gain of about 600 feet; in almost all city driving she averages 28 mpg with 91 octane fuel. I get around 32 mpg on road trips.

I get 10 to 15% better mileage than DW. She doesn't believe you are actually "driving" unless you are pushing on a pedal (either the gas or the brake!) But I did finally "break" her of driving with a foot on each pedal at the same time. I told her I'd take her keys away (and she must have believed me!) Now (at least when I'm with her) she only uses her right foot (the way God intended.)

But I digress. I'd vote for the Toyota simply for the difference in price. Both should be reliable but YMMV.

 

[bright eyed]

I have 175k miles on a prius v. Two pricey issues have come up, 1) door locks on one side didn't work and were super costly to get fixed (over 2k, but I have a friend who can get it done for nothing), and 2) the oil starts burning badly after 100k plus (google prius oil burning). I took too long to realize it was happening and now it burns oil pretty badly. If I could go back in time I would not have listened to the manual and waited 8-10k for synthetic oi changes, but just done them every 5k mores, at least after 50-75k to help prevent the issue I have now. Otherwise, rest of the car runs well and still get 40mpg.

 

[DrRoy]

We have had a 2021 Highlander Hybrid for 3 years and we love it. Averaging 35.5 MPG in a combination of city and highway driving. Quieter and smoother ride than any car we have had.

 

[donheff]

I have a 2018 Nx now and had an Rx before that. I have had no problems with either car. A big "but" is that I don't put a lot of miles on them. My Nx only has 31,000 miles.

 

[Aerides]

I'm interested in the Lexus hybrid for my next car, as I like an SUV, and full electric range isn't quite what I'd like (mine is the "trip" car but we still don't go that far).

I plan to go and test drive one months before I'm ready to actually buy, in case I don't like how it feels/drives, because that's really the most important thing for me.

 

[zinger1457]

Had a 2019 Avalon Hybrid, very reliable and nice ride, ~43MPG, Toyota replaced it with the Crown model. If I had a complaint it would be that it sat too low to the ground, maybe a good feature for someone on the short side, not so good for us taller folks. Don't care for Toyota's subscription model for things like Navigation updates.

 

[Surewhitey]

A friend swears by his Rav4 hybrid & he's the smartest man I know.

I know you didn't want any others, but the 2025 CX-50 has the Rav4 engine in it...

 

[Qs Laptop]

Great feedback and info! Thanks.

PaunchyPirate mentioned a decrease in mpg in colder weather. For those of you in cold weather states, how is the hybrid engine for quickly producing heat out of the climate control system?

For example, let's say it's 20 degrees outside and you go to drive your vehicle first thing in the morning, how quickly is it blowing warm air?

Also, how does the system produce heat? Does it use battery power? Does it use heat produced from the radiator/coolant system?

 

[Midpack]

PaunchyPirate mentioned a decrease in mpg in colder weather. For those of you in cold weather states, how is the hybrid engine for quickly producing heat out of the climate control system?

The ICE engine is a standard Toyota 4-cylinder, there isn’t a “hybrid engine,” so it heats up the same as an all ICE Toyota. We had 3 of our 4 hybrids while living in Chicago from 2007 thru 2019 where winter is harsh. What’s different is the addition of a battery, electric drive motor and hardware/software for the electric motor to augment or replace the ICE engine depending on the speed/acceleration the driver is asking for with his/her right foot. Again, a Toyota hybrid will feel the same as Toyota ICE - you’ll hardly notice the drivetrain differences. Have you done a hybrid test drive?

 

[Chuckanut]

For example, let's say it's 20 degrees outside and you go to drive your vehicle first thing in the morning, how quickly is it blowing warm air?

Also, how does the system produce heat? Does it use battery power? Does it use heat produced from the radiator/coolant system?

No Problem for the most part. It’ still has a gasoline engine and that engine still runs to warm up when first started. The big difference in very cold weather is that at stop lights if I have the ECO button turned on, the engine will often stop at the light and wait to restart until I accelerate. If the ECO button is off, the engine continues to run until the car is completely warmed up. I can start and stop the engine at a red light just by pushing the ECO button. The engine prioritizes fuel economy with the ECO button on, and overall performance and comfort with the same button off.

There is no electric option for cabin wide heat.

IMO, warm or cold weather driving is not significantly different than a non Hybrid, especially if you keep the ECO button off until the car is warmed up.

 

[pacergal]

We have a 2016 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid.
Love it!
Quiet, easy drive. comfy seats, about 45 MPG around town. It has a very quick heating/cooling system, much faster than our 2015 Avalon. Nice strong blower. Heated seats. Good sized trunk, with regular spare tire.
Great exeleration
Have only ever changed the oil so far, no problems.

 

[Qs Laptop]

I'm interested in the Lexus hybrid for my next car, as I like an SUV, and full electric range isn't quite what I'd like (mine is the "trip" car but we still don't go that far).

I plan to go and test drive one months before I'm ready to actually buy, in case I don't like how it feels/drives, because that's really the most important thing for me.

I've driven full sized pickup trucks for the past 30 years, as I needed a truck for my business. I like the ease of entering and exiting and sitting up high. I drove a hybrid RX350 (SUV) yesterday and am happy to report it's easy to get into and out of and has a nice elevated seating position.

It drove very nice, steering felt great, very smooth refined ride, quiet as a mausaleum inside. I pulled a couple of U-ies and the turning radius was quite small. I really liked it.

Some people complain the acceleration isn't the greatest but I found it more than adequate. The only negative I encountered was the engine was noisy on hard acceleration (and only on hard acceleration), but that's the tradeoff you get with the hybrid in exchange for high mpg.

I sat in a Toyota Signia (but didn't drive one) and it was fairly easy to enter/exit and while the seating position was higher than a sedan it was not particularly elevated.

 

[REWahoo]

Looking for first hand information about replacement cost of main battery.

There are some wild claims out there about the cost and the expected life.

This guy is a "nut" about Toyotas and has a very popular YouTube channel. Here is a very recent video he posted that should provide the info you are asking about. Bottom line, Toyota hybrid batteries typically go ~250,000 miles before needing replacement and the replacement cost for a new Toyota battery, including labor, is between $3 and $8k depending on model.

Note that he says newer models have better battery management systems and should go even longer before needing replacement.

 

[Midpack]

The only negative I encountered was the engine was noisy on hard acceleration (and only on hard acceleration), but that's the tradeoff you get with the hybrid in exchange for high mpg.

Part of what you may be hearing or feeling is the CVT transmission. They’re very different than traditional transmissions, but necessary for hybrids.