Hybrid vs. Gas Models for Tampa Bay Commuters
Save Money on Fuel Expenses with a New Toyota
The lineup of Toyota cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs delivers exceptional fuel efficiency. Almost all Toyota models are available with hybrid powertrains, so Tampa Bay commuters can get more miles per dollar on their way to and from work. The best place to find your fuel-efficient hybrid or gas-powered Toyota is at Toyota of Tampa Bay near Brandon and Wesley Chapel.
What’s a Hybrid Vehicle?
Understanding the differences between hybrid and gas-powered Toyota vehicles helps shoppers make the best decision. Hybrid Toyota vehicles are equipped with a gas-powered internal combustion engine, a small lithium-ion battery, and at least one electric motor. A mild-hybrid Toyota uses regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine to power the electric motor, which then takes over at low speeds. The electric motor and combustion engine work together seamlessly, making the Toyota commute smooth and fuel-efficient.
Toyota also builds a few plug-in hybrid models. These require an external charging source to charge the larger lithium-ion battery. With a full charge, a PHEV can drive on electricity for at least 20 miles, and then the electric motor assists the internal combustion engine once the battery charge is depleted.
Fuel-Efficient Gas-Powered Toyota Models
The most fuel-efficient gas-powered Toyota is the legendary Toyota Corolla. It comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 169 horsepower. The five-passenger compact car gets an EPA-estimated fuel rating of 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.
The Toyota RAV4 also has impressive fuel economy. The gas-powered model has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower. It features an eight-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 1,500 pounds. The versatile compact SUV gets an EPA-estimated fuel rating of 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
Electrified Toyota Vehicles
Most Toyota models are available with a hybrid, electrified powertrain, increasing fuel efficiency. For example, Toyota only offers the legendary Camry with a hybrid powertrain. The standard configuration includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors. The 225-horsepower Toyota Camry LE gets an EPA-estimated combined fuel rating of 51 MPG.
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is another fuel-efficient model. It features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors. It delivers 138 horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated 53 MPG in the city and 46 MPG on the highway.
The Toyota Prius set the standard for hybrid powertrains. The recently redesigned Prius comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that combine to produce 194 horsepower. The mild-hybrid Prius gets an EPA-estimated 57 MPG in the city and 56 MPG on the highway.
Toyota also offers the Prius with a plug-in system. The Prius Plug-In has the same engine but with two electric motors and a 13.6-kWh lithium-ion battery. This configuration gets 220 horsepower and up to 44 miles of all-electric range. It takes about four hours to charge the battery with a Level 2 charger. In gas-hybrid mode, the Prius PHEV gets an EPA-estimated 48 to 52 MPG.
Explore the Fuel-Efficient Toyota Lineup at Toyota of Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL
We invite you to browse the Toyota lineup of fuel-efficient gas-powered and hybrid vehicles on our website, then visit Toyota of Tampa Bay in Tampa to take your favorite for a test drive. Our team can help you understand how a hybrid vehicle will reduce your Tampa Bay commuter expenses.