Summary
- Toyota has a total of 30 electrified models, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell vehicles, and a few fully electric models
- In 2024, Toyota sold over a million electrified units, a 53% increase from 2023
- Toyota has been criticized for being a laggard in the EV race but has seen strong sales for hybrids in the US
- The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is an affordable all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV with a 4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery
- The Corolla Cross Hybrid is priced at $28,395 and primarily operates as a traditional hybrid with electric motors assisting the engine to improve fuel efficiency
Article
Toyota has become a leader in the electrified vehicle market, with a total of 30 models including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell vehicles, and fully electric models. Despite being a laggard in the EV race, Toyota’s sales of electrified vehicles saw a significant increase in 2023, with over a million units sold. The brand’s commitment to hybrids has resonated with American consumers, with Toyota hybrids, as well as Ford and Hyundai hybrids, experiencing strong sales growth.
InsideEVs has increased its coverage of hybrids, recognizing the growing interest in these vehicles. A comparison test between a plug-in hybrid and a regular hybrid conducted by InsideEVs generated significant reader interest, indicating a curiosity about gas-powered cars with small lithium-ion batteries. One of the latest additions to Toyota’s hybrid lineup is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, a small crossover that offers more utility than the Corolla sedan and Prius. Equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, including one at the rear, the Corolla Cross Hybrid provides on-demand electronic all-wheel drive.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid’s 4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery qualifies it as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), with an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 42 miles per gallon, surpassing the average fuel efficiency of light-duty vehicles in the U.S. Despite having electric motors and a battery, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a traditional hybrid designed to assist the engine, improve fuel efficiency, and provide AWD capability. Priced starting at $28,395, it is one of the most affordable all-wheel-drive hybrids available in the U.S.
The author plans to test the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid’s efficiency in and around New York City over the next few days. Readers are encouraged to submit questions or topics of interest for coverage. The Corolla Cross Hybrid represents Toyota’s continued investment in hybrid technology, offering consumers a cost-effective and fuel-efficient option in the hybrid market. Despite Toyota’s historically slow adoption of fully electric vehicles, its success in the hybrid segment demonstrates the brand’s ability to meet consumer demand for electrified transportation options.
As Toyota continues to expand its electrified vehicle lineup, focusing on hybrids and other low-emission models, the brand is positioning itself as a key player in the transition to more sustainable transportation solutions. By offering a range of electrified options, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles, Toyota is catering to a diverse market seeking more environmentally friendly transportation choices. With the success of models like the Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota is demonstrating its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.
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