Does anybody have a good 'Hybrids for Dummies' source, or simple advice? I am looking for a new car for the missus, and we are set on Toyotas. We drove the Rav4, but it's too small and the engine whines like it's gonna explode and is sort of gutless (2.4 4 cyl). The Highlander is bigger than we were looking for. In between is the Venza. It is the perfect size, fits us both well, and has all the accessories we want.

Only issue is it's hybrid only. We drove it, and were both impressed with how much power it had (219hp with the weird 'shiftless' transmission).

We never owned a hybrid before, and don't really know what we don't know.

What are the disadvantages of owning a hybrid?

Any hidden long-term costs, assuming we keep it longer than 5-6 years?

Anything else I don't know that I need to know?

Toyota's hybrid technology is well sorted out. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a hybrid from Toyota.

There may be some additional repair costs if some part of the hybrid drivetrain directly encounters a problem (just like any other optional system), but Toyota hybrids are not particularly known for having problems.

No additional maintenance for the hybrid system itself, and the batteries will generally last the life of the vehicle. Many Priuses are used as high mileage taxis without problem.

Buy it

Treat it right and it will last for hundreds of thousands of miles.

I have a PHEV, I like it. And gas won’t be $1.75 again for a long time

I can guarantee that over the long haul there will be more cost in maintaining the hybrid. But what happens in between is that you save a bunch of money on gas. Depending on how many miles you drive probably about $700/yr for the average person and with biden* working hard to raise gas prices it may be much more over the life of the car. So that's your offset. As said above the toyota system is well sorted but more parts is ultimately more repairs. And some of these parts are expensive and hard to get to. But mostly as is said above you can ignore that you have a hybrid day to day.

Agree- Toyota has a great reputation for its hybrids.
The only issue you would have is trying to identify if your car is “on” when you are idling. The electronic engine is “Hollywood” quiet. In the driveway, the electric engine provides power until you reach a certain speed. You will appreciate the gas mileage, especially in city traffic.

I had an earlier hybrid several years ago, my suggestion is to trade it before the battery warranty expires. It was a great vehicle, but when the battery pack went it was an expensive repair, about $5,000 for the battery pack.

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:
I can guarantee that over the long haul there will be more cost in maintaining the hybrid.

What you say is theoretically true, given a big enough sample size and a long enough time line. No objection there.

However, in practice, whether or not any *individual person* encounters additional repair and maintenance cost is really just luck of the draw. The hybrid system itself doesn't require any additional scheduled maintenance--so added costs only appear upon failure. Across all cars, including hybrids, most people will not experience a failure of any major engine or drivetrain component during a 3-5 year ownership of said vehicle. The number of failures go up after 5 years, I'm sure, but not terribly drastically as modern cars still have plenty of life in them at 8+ years. Vehicles, in general, are really reliable these days.

It's very much like the turbocharger in my BMW. It adds additional parts. If it were to fail, it would add to the cost of repairs. But, it doesn't require regularly scheduled maintenance, so until it fails it's just "there." The turbocharger is designed for the life of the vehicle, isn't a wear item, and will likely be buzzing along just fine when I ultimately sell the car.

I’m going to agree with Aeteocles and his analogy to the turbocharger. Turbochargers are designed to last for the life of the engine.

In a hybrid, you actually have 2 engines- the gas and the electric. By using two engines , you should be able to exceed the life of either engine.

Our daughter has a 2021 Highlander Hybrid Platinum. She absolutely loves it. Traded a 4Runner for it.

We are on our second hybrid and are about to start looking for our third.
Absolutely no issues with the batteries.
Driving my mpg comes close to the EPA.The CMAX is rated for 40 and usurally gets it in the summer. The #$&@ winter blend drops the mph by 3 miles per gallon.
RAV4, CRV and Escape are my first choices. A fair amount will be the dealership and their service policies.

Many of the taxis in Chicago are hybrids (Prius and Camry), they get the shit beat out of them and hold up extremely well.

You will save money on brakes as well, they last much longer on the Toyota hybrid since they are used less due to the regenerative braking.

The only thing I would keep an eye on is that I believe Toyota is moving toward the Lithium Ion batteries in some models which have not been out in vehicles that long. I read they are not as good in the cold weather but I have no idea if there is truth to that.

I would not hesitate to buy a hybrid Toyota, I am leaning towards the highlander.

.

While I see the allure and understand in part why people buy and like them.

I am a huge Toyota fan. Have been most of my life.

But for me, I am not there with hybrids. Might I get there at some point. Maybe, not now for sure.

quote:

Any hidden long-term costs, assuming we keep it longer than 5-6 years?

Have a relative with a 2011 Toyota Camry Hybird bought new. Other than usual oil changes, air filter changes, and tires hasn't done a thing to it.

I bought the 2020 Highlander hybrid, it’s my first hybrid, so far I love it. I’m averaging 40.4 MPG. I went for my first complimentary service visit at 5k yesterday and no issues, the oil isn’t changed until 10k. That is gonna be weird getting used to that interval.

I don’t really have any advice for you being a new owner but so far so good. I have always been a truck owner and wanted something that rode better and was quiet.

We own a 2007 highlander limited hybrid
Has been the most trouble free, reliable vehicle we have ever owned
Anybody yaking about battery life in highlanders is making noise
We have over 214,000 miles on ours and expect another 100,000 miles easy
Gas motor runs at low rpms, another reason these things last forever
Toyota owns the world when it comes to hybrid technology

It's almost time for me to buy another new car as I do so every 20~25 years and I won't even consider a hybrid.

I want a pure gas vehicle.

Thanks for all the advice. It has been very useful.

I'm not an 'early adopter.' It does seem, however, that the hybrid technology has matured enough for me to make the jump.

quote:

Originally posted by Hound Dog:

I'm not an 'early adopter.' It does seem, however, that the hybrid technology has matured enough for me to make the jump.

Toyota is the pack leader in terms of hybrid technology.

I don't know for sure, but I would be willing to bet that Toyota has sold more hybrid vehicles than all other manufacturers combined. They seem to have it down pat.

My wife just loves her 2019 RAV4 Hybrid. Size is right for her, 99% of the time she is the only occupant. I occasionally ride with her. I don't think that there have ever been more than two occupants, both in front.

I have had a Toyota Camry Hybrid and now drive a Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Both have served me very well and are enjoyable to drive.

Just my $0.02 and best of luck with your decision,

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by wingfoot:
I bought the 2020 Highlander hybrid, it’s my first hybrid, so far I love it. I’m averaging 40.4 MPG.

This makes me wish I would've gone the hybrid route when I bought my 2018 Highlander. It was $3k more than the non-hybrid model but I thought the gas model would get better mileage than it has. I can't imagine how much worse the mileage was when they still had the 6 speed auto in there.