When Toyota introduced the Prius nearly three decades ago, it may have been seen as just another budget city car, but it has left a lasting impression on the motoring industry and influenced powertrain design across the board.
Thanks to the pioneering Prius, Toyota has spent more time than just about any other manufacturer refining hybrid engine design, and today there are more hybrid Toyota vehicles on sale than any other type.
Compared to gas-only models, hybrids deliver superior fuel economy, saving money while lowering tailpipe emissions. They are also more affordable upfront than plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and don’t need to be plugged in to work effectively.
Because the system recharges itself through the gas engine and regenerative braking, there are no concessions to be made, the benefits are always there. We take a look at the full range of Toyota hybrid models currently on offer, and pick three of the best.
Toyota’s Hybrid Offerings
Toyota
Toyota
Toyota’s aggressive electrification strategy sets it apart from automotive rivals. Many competitors offer only one or two electrified vehicles in their entire lineup, focusing rather on downsized turbocharged engines or full EVs. Toyota also offers a selection of these powertrains, but the most popular by far is the hybrid.
Many of its most popular models like the Camry and RAV4 are now hybrid only, and there is a hybrid available in everything from budget-friendly subcompact crossovers to three-row SUVs, sedans, minivans, and even full-size off-road trucks.
Below is every Toyota hybrid vehicle available across the model ranges:
| Segment | Model | Base MSRP | Combined Horsepower |
| Subcompact SUV | Corolla Cross Hybrid | $29,795 | 196 hp |
| Compact SUV | RAV4 Hybrid | $31,900 | 226 hp (FWD) / 236 hp (AWD) |
| Midsize Crossover | Crown Signia | $44,890 | 243 hp |
| Midsize 3-Row SUV | Highlander Hybrid | $48,020 | 243 hp |
| Large 3-Row SUV | Grand Highlander Hybrid | $45,610 | 245 hp (Std) / 362 hp (Hybrid MAX) |
| Off-Road SUV | 4Runner Hybrid (i-FORCE MAX) | $53,490 | 326 hp |
| Full-Size Off-Road SUV | Land Cruiser | $58,180 | 326 hp |
| Full-Size 3-Row SUV | Sequoia | $65,725 | 437 hp |
| Compact Sedan | Corolla Hybrid | $25,175 | 138 hp |
| Hatchback | Prius | $28,755 | 194 hp (FWD) / 196 hp (AWD) |
| Midsize Sedan | Camry | $29,700 | 225 hp (FWD) / 232 hp (AWD) |
| Executive Sedan | Crown | $41,640 | 236 hp (Std) / 340 hp (HYBRID MAX) |
| Minivan | Sienna | $41,320 | 245 hp |
| Midsize Truck | Tacoma i-FORCE MAX | $47,335 | 326 hp |
| Full-Size Truck | Tundra i-FORCE MAX | $58,560 | 437 hp |
Note: Pricing and figures represent baseline MSRPs for standard hybrid variants and exclude destination charges and taxes.
Toyota is the undisputed leader in hybrid powertrain offerings in the US market. Almost every model it sells is offered with a hybrid engine option or is only available with a hybrid engine.
Picking the best from such a broad range such as this can be complicated, so we chose the top picks from three of the most popular segments below:
Best Toyota Hybrids: Top Picks for Price and Performance
One of the best things about Toyota hybrids is that they tend to be priced very close to their gas-only counterparts, this makes them a default choice for most buyers, and when we factor in the overall efficiency benefits, three models stand out above the rest in their respective segments:
1. The Practical SUV: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Kristen Brown
It is no coincidence that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV is one of the top-selling crossovers, hybrid or otherwise, year-on-year. Offering an unbeatable blend of daily practicality and fuel economy, it can deliver up to 47 MPG in city-based driving yet competes in pricing with gas-powered rivals.
AWD variants get a 10-hp power boost to 236-hp, yet they remain economical thanks to Toyota’s innovative eCVT transmission and electronic on-demand AWD system.
2. The 3-Row Family Hauler: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Chase Bierenkoven
For large families who need three rows of (proper) seating without sacrificing fuel economy, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid SUV is a home run. The base hybrid delivers 245-hp and impressive fuel economy, all while offering plenty of interior tech, a comfortable ride and at an attractive price point.
With up to 37 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway, the Grand Highlander Hybrid will help keep running costs low. The 362-hp Hybrid Max injects serious pace into the equation, but the economy figures drop to 26/27 MPG in City/Highway driving. It’s still an impressive result for such a powerful engine and is a good choice for those who regularly carry a full complement of passengers or need to tow up to 5,000 pounds (the regular hybrid manages 3,500 pounds).
3. The Budget Daily Driver: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Kristen Brown
If you want the Toyota SUV Hybrid experience, but are working on a tight budget, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is hard to beat. It comes in at under $30k before taxes yet delivers a proper subcompact SUV experience. You get a 196-hp hybrid powertrain that can deliver a stellar 46 MPG in the city, and even the base trim comes well-equipped with features like wireless smartphone connectivity and AWD as standard.
Thanks to the responsive engine, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is just as capable on longer highway trips as it is in the city, and you’ll still average 39 MPG on these longer journeys.
Toyota Hybrid FTW
Toyota
Whether you prefer the size of a smaller crossover, the family-friendly all-round capabilities of a compact SUV, or the generous passenger and cargo capacity of a three-row family SUV, these three options are among the best hybrid vehicles you can buy.
The Prius may have been an anomaly on the roads 30 years ago, but it has spawned a generation of efficient hybrid cars that are proving to be the best real-world solution for many consumers.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor