Toyota/Lexus Hybrid Owners: Tell Me About Your Experiences

[Midpack]

^^ If you were talking to the sales rep after “starting” the car, there would be no reason for the gas engine to come on until you start driving. The gas engine may not come on if you’re going slow, like in a parking lot either. I’ll guarantee you if you start a hybrid and stomp on the accelerator, the engine will kick on immediately - there won’t be a 2-3 minute delay. Hybrids are constantly balancing the need and efficiency for the ICE engine, the electric motor, or both at all times - depending on what your right foot is doing and weather to a lesser extent (very hot or cold).

 

[surprising]

If the high voltage battery is fully depleted (more likely) or otherwise fully fails, you will get plenty of warning, but you won't be able to drive the car - you're looking at a tow. Just like you can see your fuel gauge, you can see your traction battery % SOC at all times - if you run out of gas or battery, it's the drivers fault.

I'm talking about a hybrid here, not an EV. Can a hybrid run completely on it's gas engine without any assist from electric motor if the high voltage battery fails?

 

[Qs Laptop]

^^ If you were talking to the sales rep after “starting” the car, there would be no reason for the gas engine to come on until you start driving. The gas engine may not come on if you’re going slow, like in a parking lot either. I’ll guarantee you if you start a hybrid and stomp on the accelerator, the engine will kick on immediately - there won’t be a 2-3 minute delay. Hybrids are constantly balancing the need and efficiency for the ICE engine, the electric motor, or both at all times - depending on what your right foot is doing and weather to a lesser extent (very hot or cold).

I'm in Minnesota and it was 20 degrees outside. Even though we were stationary, I think the gas engine came on at 2-3 minutes to warm up the engine to get heat inside the cabin.

This is why I asked about the speed at which the engine "warms up" in cold weather. This leads me to another question: If it's 15 degrees outside and I use the remote start to "warm up" my hybrid engine, will it engage the gas engine to provide heat into the cabin? Based on my experience on Saturday I would say yes, but would like to hear from actual hybrid owners regarding remote starting to warm the cabin. What happens using remote start to warm the cabin?

 

[Midpack]

I'm talking about a hybrid here, not an EV. Can a hybrid run completely on it's gas engine without any assist from electric motor if the high voltage battery fails?

You can run a hybrid on gas only.

 

[Midpack]

I'm in Minnesota and it was 20 degrees outside. Even though we were stationary, I think the gas engine came on at 2-3 minutes to warm up the engine to get heat inside the cabin.

This is why I asked about the speed at which the engine "warms up" in cold weather. This leads me to another question: If it's 15 degrees outside and I use the remote start to "warm up" my hybrid engine, will it engage the gas engine to provide heat into the cabin? Based on my experience on Saturday I would say yes, but would like to hear from actual hybrid owners regarding remote starting to warm the cabin. What happens using remote start to warm the cabin?

Again, there's no "hybrid engine." A hybrid has an ICE engine just like an ICE only vehicle, so it will behave the same. If the car is just sitting, the ICE engine will run at idle, like another other ICE engine. You don't have to think or worry about when the ICE engine runs and when the electric motor runs, the car will do what is needed itself. It just happens to have an electric motor and a high voltage battery too. Most of the power comes from the ICE engine, the electric motor is additive or augmenting the ICE engine to allow it to run more efficiently. You've asked before and we've answered, the car heats up the same, remote start works the same. I've owned 4 hybrids, 3 brands including 2 Toyotas since 2007 to present, and driven them hundreds of thousands of miles.

 

[Al18]

I would not buy a hybrid with remote start, because you absolutely killing the gas mileage of the car.

 

[Qs Laptop]

I would not buy a hybrid with remote start, because you absolutely killing the gas mileage of the car.

Absolutely killing the gas mileage? Like what? From 42 mpg down to 36 mpg? How many ICE vehicles (that aren't subcompacts) can even achieve 42 mpg?

An ICE vehicle with remote start also kills the gas mileage. What are you going to do? Climb into a cold vehicle and shiver for 5 minutes, while getting decent gas mileage? Or let it warm up for 5 minutes, climb into a warm vehicle, be comfortable and pay the gas mileage penalty.

Besides, the gas mileage savings for 10 months of the year far outweigh any decrease in gas mileage from using remote start a dozen times a year.

 

[Qs Laptop]

Again, there's no "hybrid engine." A hybrid has an ICE engine just like an ICE only vehicle, so it will behave the same. If the car is just sitting, the ICE engine will run at idle, like another other ICE engine. You don't have to think or worry about when the ICE engine runs and when the electric motor runs, the car will do what is needed itself. It just happens to have an electric motor and a high voltage battery too. Most of the power comes from the ICE engine, the electric motor is additive or augmenting the ICE engine to allow it to run more efficiently. You've asked before and we've answered, the car heats up the same, remote start works the same. I've owned 4 hybrids, 3 brands including 2 Toyotas since 2007 to present, and driven them hundreds of thousands of miles.

Yes, I know the electric motor and battery are mainly there to assist the gas engine.

Again, while I have limited experience, my experience when starting the RX350h from a cold start in 20 degree weather, with the car just sitting there, was that the gas engine did not engage for about 2-3 minutes. Now, it might be that when you use remote start, the car's computer knows to start the gas engine since you want it running to warm up the inside of the cabin. Or using remote start engages the gas engine by default. I don't know.

Sorry if I'm overthinking this but when I woke up today it was -5 degrees out. I used remote start to get my truck going and it was warm in less than 5 minutes. I'm wondering if the hybrid would give me the same experience.

 

[jollystomper]

Good thread info for me, as we are considering purchasing a new or used Highlander hybrid in the near future... the new ones are expensive, but that is what BTD is for, and who knows, it could be the last car I purchase .

 

[bbqcoder]

Anyone with hybrid experience for the Toyota trucks. I'm in the market for my first truck.

Considering the Tundra as well as the Silverado/F150. Was originally going for Tacoma but they won't fit in my garage unless I change the overhead rail setup. I'm resigned to parking the truck outside instead of the garage so looking at full sized ones.

 

[Al18]

I wear a winter coat, gloves and hat until the car warms up by driving it - just as I’ve been doing for the past 4 decades.

 

[Qs Laptop]

Good thread info for me, as we are considering purchasing a new or used Highlander hybrid in the near future... the new ones are expensive, but that is what BTD is for, and who knows, it could be the last car I purchase .

Yep, this is the same place I am at. Probably will purchase one more car, might as well splurge, BTD, and get something great, versus something OK.

Because of the way Lexus configures their trim levels I'll end up buying stuff I don't really want or probably won't use just to get the couple of things that I really want. For example, I really want the digital rear view mirror, but to get it on an RX350 you need to step up to at least the Premium Plus trim level and order the technology package, which gets you the digital rear view mirror, the digital key (phone app), and the heads up display. $1,375 extra for the technology package. I doubt I'll use the phone app and every review I've seen of the heads up display says while it's state of the art tech, it's kind of clumsy to operate (too many options.)

Toyota? On many models the digital rear view mirror is a $250 standalone option. Nice.

Same thing with real leather seats. Or the panoramic glass roof. Or the upgraded stereo system with subwoofer. Gotta step up to the Premium Plus trim level to access these options.

Oh well...BTD.

 

[Qs Laptop]

I wear a winter coat, gloves and hat until the car warms up by driving it - just as I’ve been doing for the past 4 decades.

I warm up my vehicle for 3 to 5 minutes, climb into my heated seats, grab my heated steering wheel (no gloves needed), adjust the automatic climate control, and take off.

After having heated steering wheel I will never go back. Not having it after having it for the past 10 years sounds barbaric to me!

 

[Qs Laptop]

Anyone with hybrid experience for the Toyota trucks. I'm in the market for my first truck.

Considering the Tundra as well as the Silverado/F150. Was originally going for Tacoma but they won't fit in my garage unless I change the overhead rail setup. I'm resigned to parking the truck outside instead of the garage so looking at full sized ones.

Can't help you on info for hybrid Toyota trucks.

My situation is I've had full sized pickups, mostly F150's but also Ram 1500's for the past 27 years. I've always parked outside because the trucks would be a super tight fit in the garage. After 27 years of parking outside, scraping ice and snow off in the winter, I'm ready to downsize and PARK IN THE GARAGE!!

Also ready to trade 16-18 mpg for 38-40 mpg.

 

[bbqcoder]

My situation is I've had full sized pickups, mostly F150's but also Ram 1500's for the past 27 years. I've always parked outside because the trucks would be a super tight fit in the garage. After 27 years of parking outside, scraping ice and snow off in the winter, I'm ready to downsize and PARK IN THE GARAGE!!

Also ready to trade 16-18 mpg for 38-40 mpg.

Yeah, I know that feeling. I've been using the garage for the past 20 years. Will make sure that the next house has a much larger garage and at least for 3 cars since I have several motorcycles. Until then, I'll have to suffer with the snow/ice for a few more winters with the new truck. Remote start feature will be mandatory.

 

[Texas Proud]

HEV hybrids use gas every time you drive them. PHEV plug in hybrids might use gas less often, but unless you stay within the limited electric range of the PHEV at all times, you will be using gasoline. PHEVs usually have a 40 mile or less electric only range.

Yes... but someone posted they can go months using only battery... I was wondering what they do..

If I had a PHEV there are times I can go a month only going 35 to 50 miles...

 

[jimbee]

I would not buy a hybrid with remote start, because you absolutely killing the gas mileage of the car.

You don't have to use the remote start.

 

[Al18]

Don’t mind me - it seems I get cranky sometimes. Enjoy your Lexus.

Here’s a link to Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars https://www.thestreet.com/automotive/most-reliable-cars-according-to-consumer-reports

 

[zinger1457]

Yes... but someone posted they can go months using only battery... I was wondering what they do..

If I had a PHEV there are times I can go a month only going 35 to 50 miles...

Most PHEV's are good for ~20-30 miles on electric only with a full charge so as long as you are fully charged and stay under the limit you should be electric only. The biggest issue with PHEV's is their additional up front cost, close to $10k compared to their equivalent hybrid. I originally looked at different PHEV's but it would have taken me 10-15 years to break even and that was assuming electric only driving with the PHEV, just not worth it the way they are priced now IMO.

 

[Jerry1]

I wear a winter coat, gloves and hat until the car warms up by driving it - just as I’ve been doing for the past 4 decades.

And your windows don’t fog up? Plus, cold windows frost up on the outside.

 

[Qs Laptop]

Don’t mind me - it seems I get cranky sometimes. Enjoy your Lexus.

Here’s a link to Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars https://www.thestreet.com/automotive/most-reliable-cars-according-to-consumer-reports

From the article:
The 10 models listed below stand out as the most reliable on the market based on Consumer Reports’ auto survey data. Interestingly, 8 of the 10 models that made this list are manufactured by Toyota (two of which are on its luxury imprint, Lexus), and none of the vehicles that made the top 10 come from American automakers.

Note: there were no Subaru's on Consumer Reports top 10 list.

And then there is this:

​

Subaru the most reliable car brand: Consumer Reports​

The automaker’s use of shared components across different models, increased their vehicle dependability rating.
Published Dec. 20, 2024

Subaru the most reliable car brand: Consumer Reports

The automaker’s use of shared components across different models, increased their vehicle dependability rating.

www.automotivedive.com

So, which is it, Consumer Reports?

 

[Texas Proud]

It is easy... just read the article...

Subaru uses the same or similar components across most of their vehicle... so almost all have a 'higher' score.... but not high enough to get in the top 10...

The others have some very good models and (probably) some very bad ones bringing down the company avg...

I do find the to 10 to not be as real as I would like... having 3 RAV4s is kinda cheap...

 

[Qs Laptop]

It is easy... just read the article...

Subaru uses the same or similar components across most of their vehicle... so almost all have a 'higher' score.... but not high enough to get in the top 10...

The others have some very good models and (probably) some very bad ones bringing down the company avg...

I do find the to 10 to not be as real as I would like... having 3 RAV4s is kinda cheap...

Toyota and Lexus have been using the same components across their model lineups too. The hybrid engines, the transmissions, the suspension components, etc.

I'm not understanding how "almost all Subarus have a higher score" but not one can crack the top 10?

 

[Texas Proud]

The top 10 list has scores as low as 76...

The average for Subaru was 67 (IIRC)... per the article all are near the same score which avgs that 67.. so none as high as 76 and no low scores make it the 'best' mfg...

Toyota must have a few real clunkers that bring those high scores down on avg... but not that much lower than Subaru...

 

[Qs Laptop]

The top 10 list has scores as low as 76...

The average for Subaru was 67 (IIRC)... per the article all are near the same score which avgs that 67.. so none as high as 76 and no low scores make it the 'best' mfg...

Toyota must have a few real clunkers that bring those high scores down on avg... but not that much lower than Subaru...

Then I think their algorithm is flawed. Suppose in 2024 Toyota makes 1M Corollas and 1.5M RAV4's which are top rated and get an 84 reliability score and they make 100K Tundras, with a reliability rating of 55 (guessing).

Meanwhile, Subaru makes 200K Outbacks and 150K Forresters which get a reliability score of 72, while their other models, none of which sell more than 100K per year, get a combined rating of 62.

So, Toyota made 2.5 million vehicles with an 84 rating and 100,000 vehicles with a rating of 55, and they get a composite score of 62.

Subaru made 350,000 vehicles with a rating of 72, while the rest of their vehicles got a 62 for a composite score of 67.

Which company makes the most reliable vehicles? The company that made 2.5 million top rated vehicles and 100,000 clunkers? Or the company that made 350,000 vehicles with above average ratings?