Toyota/Lexus Hybrid Owners: Tell Me About Your Experiences

Interesting that this i-Force Max engine produces 326 HP while the same engine (called the Hybrid Max) in the Toyota Crown sedan produces 340 HP and when placed in the Lexus RX500h it makes 366 HP.
Same 2.4L turbo DOHC VVTi engine, different electric motors. The Crown has a 48HP motor, the I-Force Max has an 81HP motor, and IIRC the Lexus has 2 electric motors. All in the specs...
 
Some hybrids have more horsepower, torque, and towing abil

Is that true on the Highlander?

Gasoline engine — 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) 16-valve D-4S injection Atkinson-cycle-capable engine with Stop and Start Engine System (S&S); * 265 hp @ 6000 rpm; 310 lb.-ft. @ 1700-3600 rpm

Hybrid powertrain — 2.5-liter L4HV Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) 16-valve D-4S injection engine with Dual VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent; intake controlled by electric motor); 243 combined net hp; includes combustion engine with 186 hp @ 6000 rpm; 175 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
 
I have been looking at the new 2025 4Runner hybrid. I believe it has more power and better MPG over the old V6 that were in 4Runners. I have not looked at trucks. I'm sure you are more knowledgeable on this than I am.
Check carefully for each model and consider the details. I was shopping BMW X5's. The plug-in hybrid boasts big HP. Until battery runs out at ~45 miles on pure electric. Then HP is < base X5. It's not the same ICE engine. Agree, the hybrid and full E can have amazing #'s but devel in details and depends on your driving needs (miles per trip, etc.).
 
WhenIsItTime,
seems like midpack is the expert in this area. I am a novice.

It looks like the hybrid highlander does not have as many horses as the ICE version.

It seems like a hybrid is for either better fuel economy or more power when needed. It looks like the highlander is better fuel economy whereas the 4runner is more power.
 
I have been sitting here reading this whole thread. We have a 2019 Hylander Hybrid limited. We have just started looking at possibly trading it in. No problems with it at all but Mama wants something else. Our problem so far has been finding what she wants in a color she wants. Most around here 1/2 way between Chatt/lanta is finding anything in stock in other than white,grey,black,or charcol colors. The thing also is that she want heated seats,& steering wheel and to get those 2 you have to move up to the "limited" package. But I will say that the Toyota hybreds are great vehicles. One salesman told my wife after a test drive of a hybred vs a regular ice, that the reason the hybrid seemed to ride better was because of the battery being heavier and helping the ride to be smoother.
 
Check carefully for each model and consider the details. I was shopping BMW X5's. The plug-in hybrid boasts big HP. Until battery runs out at ~45 miles on pure electric. Then HP is < base X5. It's not the same ICE engine. Agree, the hybrid and full E can have amazing #'s but devel in details and depends on your driving needs (miles per trip, etc.).
Except the battery won't run flat in a PHEV. A PHEV battery is typically 10-20 times larger than an HEV battery. But when a PHEV battery get very low, the car just becomes an HEV - all software controlled for the driver. Regen and the ICE engine keep the (larger) battery in a low voltage operating range just like an HEV. Yes, you lose the advantage of electric only driving that a PHEV offers, typically around 40 miles when fully charged, but it never becomes a pure ICE.

The battery never goes flat in an HEV, why would it go flat in a PHEV? I'd provide links, but maybe you could do a little research before posting...
 
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The thing also is that she want heated seats,& steering wheel and to get those 2 you have to move up to the "limited" package. But I will say that the Toyota hybreds are great vehicles. One salesman told my wife after a test drive of a hybred vs a regular ice, that the reason the hybrid seemed to ride better was because of the battery being heavier and helping the ride to be smoother.

There is some truth to the hybrid battery weight making the vehicle ride better. I would describe it as the vehicle feels like it is "planted" or more sure-footed on the road than the same vehicle in an ICE version.

As to needing the Limited trim to get the heated seats and heated steering wheel (bliss!), yes, this can sometimes be the way car makers package their trims. One thing I've noticed in my search for Lexus RX350h and Toyota Crown is that when you move up from the base model, because of the way they package optional equipment, you might get bigger wheels and tires as part of the package.

For example, the Toyota Crown sedan, if you want the 3-D multi-camera parking system you must move up to at least the Crown Limited. Also, if you get the 3-D parking system, as part of the package, you get 21" wheels, up from 19" wheels. Larger wheels typically mean low profile tires (less rubber height in the tire) which means slightly worse road manners when going over bumps. Not a deal breaker, but there is a detectable difference in ride quality. (And replacement costs when you need new tires.)

I'd check to see if the Highlander Hybrid Limited moves you up to a larger wheel/tire size. If "Mama" wants heated seats and steering wheel (bliss!) she might need to take larger wheels/tires to get it. Oh well...
 
Except the battery won't run flat in a PHEV. A PHEV battery is typically 10-20 times larger than an HEV battery. But when a PHEV battery nears zero charge(all software controlled for the driver), the car just becomes an HEV. Regen and the ICE engine keep the (larger) battery in a low voltage operating range just like an HEV. Yes, you lose the advantage of electric only driving that a PHEV offers, typically around 40 miles when fully charged, but it never becomes a pure ICE.

The battery never goes flat in an HEV, why would it go flat in a PHEV? I'd provide links, but maybe you could do a little research before posting...
I was replying to a comment about PHEV benefit of added horsepower. I was saying that the added horsepower only lasts as long as the charge. Are you suggesting the electric HP boost never degrades?
 
I was replying to a comment about PHEV benefit of added horsepower. I was saying that the added horsepower only lasts as long as the charge. Are you suggesting the electric HP boost never degrades?
Already answered, did you read the post you quoted? But you tell me since you seem to know all about hybrids... for others, post #129 above is nonsense.
 
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Do not like the stop/start option where the engine shuts off.
Not to debate, but just curious why? I’ve had 4 hybrids and hardly noticed the engine shutting off and on.
 
Many new cars with only gas engines automatically turn the engine off at a red light. A hybrid turns the gas engine off 15 seconds earlier AND has power to accelerate at the green light using just the electric motor.
 
Not to debate, but just curious why? I’ve had 4 hybrids and hardly noticed the engine shutting off and on.
My sister has an ICE only car with the start/stop feature... she hates it...

She does have a button to disable, but has to hit it each time she starts... it is routine now...

I have driven it and notice it... and it does take a second to restart...

I do not think I would have any problem with a hybrid as the car will use electric to go...
 
My sister has an ICE only car with the start/stop feature... she hates it...

She does have a button to disable, but has to hit it each time she starts... it is routine now...

I have driven it and notice it... and it does take a second to restart...

I do not think I would have any problem with a hybrid as the car will use electric to go...
Thanks for the reply.

We hardly noticed the ICE stopping or starting with the four hybrids we’ve owned, you had to focus to even notice.

Now that you mention it, I rented a small Mercedes SUV a few years ago, purely ICE not a hybrid, and to my surprise the engine stopped and started at stoplights. It was appallingly rough, I was shocked after my experience with several hybrids. So I guess the moral is try any make/model you’re considering that has engine stop/start in operation, hybrid or otherwise?
 
Thanks for the reply.

We hardly noticed the ICE stopping or starting with the four hybrids we’ve owned, you had to focus to even notice.

Now that you mention it, I rented a small Mercedes SUV a few years ago, purely ICE not a hybrid, and to my surprise the engine stopped and started at stoplights. It was appallingly rough, I was shocked after my experience with several hybrids. So I guess the moral is try any make/model you’re considering that has engine stop/start in operation, hybrid or otherwise?
Yes, those mild hybrids are beyond annoying. DH is in the process of replacing his gas car and one of the 2 on our short list is a mild hybrid...he decided on the other one...the Lexus...yeah!!!
 
I have a 2017 rv 350 f sport, really like the car but it has 85k on it and I am sure needs $2-3k repairs due. Thought maybe I would buy a new one but they’re bigger with smaller 4 cy engine(I have v6). After looking I think I might just repair and keep driving even though I could easily afford new. Just not happy with the new models offered. Any thoughts?
 
I have a 2017 rv 350 f sport, really like the car but it has 85k on it and I am sure needs $2-3k repairs due. Thought maybe I would buy a new one but they’re bigger with smaller 4 cy engine(I have v6). After looking I think I might just repair and keep driving even though I could easily afford new. Just not happy with the new models offered. Any thoughts?

In my research of the new RX350's (2023 and newer) there seems to be a lot of negative comments from people with the previous models. They miss the smooth acceleration and quiet running of the V6 engine. They believe the interior materials aren't as premium with the new models. Indeed, I was shocked at the cheap looking "wood" in the new models, looks like wood veneer with a plastic coating (one reviewer called it Ikea wood.) The base models in the new models use faux leather, and while it's virtually undetectable from real leather they also use some suede-like fabric on the seats. Mid to upper level trims use real leather. To my eyes the new models have a fantastic interior but I can see where the older models looked a lot more plush.

OTOH, the new models ditch the clumsy wheel on the console for accessing the infotainment system. The infotainment system is a massive upgrade on the new models. It looks integrated into the vehicle and not "tacked on" into the dash like the screens on the older models.

I love the touch door handles for exiting the vehicle on the new models. Not sure if they had them on the old models.

The new models with 4 cylinder hybrid system will get 33% better fuel economy than the 6 cyl hybrids. Premium fuel is recommended but you can run the new ones on regular gas. Since you have an F Sport you might want a RX350 with more power. If so, check out the RX450h.

I suggest you go look at the new ones and see what you think. I'd love to hear your feedback.
 
In my research of the new RX350's (2023 and newer) there seems to be a lot of negative comments from people with the previous models. They miss the smooth acceleration and quiet running of the V6 engine. They believe the interior materials aren't as premium with the new models. Indeed, I was shocked at the cheap looking "wood" in the new models, looks like wood veneer with a plastic coating (one reviewer called it Ikea wood.) The base models in the new models use faux leather, and while it's virtually undetectable from real leather they also use some suede-like fabric on the seats. Mid to upper level trims use real leather. To my eyes the new models have a fantastic interior but I can see where the older models looked a lot more plush.

OTOH, the new models ditch the clumsy wheel on the console for accessing the infotainment system. The infotainment system is a massive upgrade on the new models. It looks integrated into the vehicle and not "tacked on" into the dash like the screens on the older models.

I love the touch door handles for exiting the vehicle on the new models. Not sure if they had them on the old models.

The new models with 4 cylinder hybrid system will get 33% better fuel economy than the 6 cyl hybrids. Premium fuel is recommended but you can run the new ones on regular gas. Since you have an F Sport you might want a RX350 with more power. If so, check out the RX450h.

I suggest you go look at the new ones and see what you think. I'd love to hear your feedback.
Thanks very much
 
My sister has an ICE only car with the start/stop feature... she hates it...

She does have a button to disable, but has to hit it each time she starts... it is routine now...

I have driven it and notice it... and it does take a second to restart...

I do not think I would have any problem with a hybrid as the car will use electric to go...
Most car brands have OBD software you can buy (or get for free) that, coupled with a bluetooth OBD dongle, allows you to program changes to the vehicle. My mini cooper has auto start/stop, but I used the OBD software to toggle the setting "Auto start stop function memory" so now it remembers the last setting on startup.
 
There is some truth to the hybrid battery weight making the vehicle ride better. I would describe it as the vehicle feels like it is "planted" or more sure-footed on the road than the same vehicle in an ICE version.

As to needing the Limited trim to get the heated seats and heated steering wheel (bliss!), yes, this can sometimes be the way car makers package their trims. One thing I've noticed in my search for Lexus RX350h and Toyota Crown is that when you move up from the base model, because of the way they package optional equipment, you might get bigger wheels and tires as part of the package.

For example, the Toyota Crown sedan, if you want the 3-D multi-camera parking system you must move up to at least the Crown Limited. Also, if you get the 3-D parking system, as part of the package, you get 21" wheels, up from 19" wheels. Larger wheels typically mean low profile tires (less rubber height in the tire) which means slightly worse road manners when going over bumps. Not a deal breaker, but there is a detectable difference in ride quality. (And replacement costs when you need new tires.)

I'd check to see if the Highlander Hybrid Limited moves you up to a larger wheel/tire size. If "Mama" wants heated seats and steering wheel (bliss!) she might need to take larger wheels/tires to get it. Oh well...
We went shopping yesterday and had an eye opening experience. The Hybred Highlander limited does have all those features, but we found exactly 1 in stock around us within 60 miles. it was a grey one,and she is looking for another color. The problem as we were told is that with Toyota they have to look at what is coming in on their next allotment and they are all having problems getting the Highlanders, since they have come out with the "Grand Highlanders". We test drove a Subaru Forester Touring and she really likes it. I like the grounded feeling it had but I'm just starting my research into them. I know their are a lot of them on the road but I'm wondering about the full time 4wheel drive down the road. We have Dr. appointments and other things we have to do for the rest of the week but will be on the hunt again next week. One thing I heard is that the dealers don't negociate, sticker price on vehicle is price you pay and no games. anyone know for sure?
Thanks.
 
Discounts on cars are make/model dependent, even regional some times. There are always deals on some models, and not on others - supply and demand are exact model dependent. It’s not unusual for a given dealer/brand offering discounts on some models and not on others, even adding market adjustments. And it’s not unusual for a model getting discounts except the hybrid variant at present.

If you don’t know what to expect, just get an online quote on whatever you’re considering and you’ll know before you ever set foot in a dealership. Yes, they may pester you a little after, but once you buy something they lose interest in you and the nagging stops…IMO car salespersons have a VERY short attention span. :D
 
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