While we do have to do a bit of waiting to see fully electric Toyota cars, the Japanese carmaker is still competing in the automotive race to greener motoring.
Toyota specializes in hybrid powertrains and is considered to pioneer the tech, having launched its Hybrid Synergy Drive for mass-produced cars in 1997. And based on a recent announcement, more Toyota cars will continue to be hybrid-powered.
In essence, the hybrid drive uses an internal combustion engine (ICE), a battery, and electric motor — either altogether or separately — to help propel the car and power its electrical system.
The end result of the advanced powertrain is reduced CO2 emissions and increased fuel efficiency, as the ICE no longer relies too heavily in its own steam for propulsion duties.
Given the reliability of and benefits brought by Toyota hybrid cars, the vehicles have been a commercial success. This is more evident in more prosperous nations, where the governments are (enviably) more supportive of green vehicles and their eco-friendly benefits, offering buyers of such cars tax breaks and incentives.
The good news is that Toyota Motor Philippines is offering greener transport to consumers of this archipelago — particularly with the Prius compact hatchback and its latest model, the Camry Hybrid midsize sedan. Both models could appeal to quite a different set of consumers.
The Prius — the granddaddy of Toyota hybrids — appears be more apt for families and younger buyers. The Prius is made unique by its sleek sheetmetal and trendy interior trimmings. Its hatchback rear and shape is sure to offer more practicality than, say, a traditional sedan. Families won't be short on space in this car.
The Camry — now with hybrid power in the country for the first time — is just that traditional sedan. For years, the Camry has been synonymous with maturity with its subdued styling, and a symbol of success with its premium image and interior. The latest version stays true to all these qualities, so the Camry should continue to be the ride of choice of company execs.
While the Prius and Camry Hybrid are dissimilar in image, there's little to separate them in terms of price. The two models' SRP is differentiated by P4,000, with the premium carried by the compact hatch. That's only a small amount for someone shopping in the P2-million range.
And, of course, there's the hybrid-electric power plant that beats under the hood of the Prius and Camry Hybrid.
In the case of the Prius, it uses a 1.8-liter engine, electric motor, and a nickel-metal hydride battery which all help to achieve a manufacturer-claimed 23kpl. Part of the Prius' eco-friendly arsenal is an electronically controlled continuous variable transmission (CVT), which features an Eco mode to allow for efficient driving.
Meanwhile, the Camry Hybrid's tech specs consists of a 2.5-liter engine and CVT, which all result to an estimated 22kpl. Like its compact sibling, the Camry Hybrid features and EV mode, which allows the car to travel for a certain distance and speed on electric power only, after which point the gas engine takes over propulsion.
The spec sheets of the Prius and Camry Hybrid show that they're the better hybrid bets at the moment.
Hybrid Synergy Drive, Variable Valve Timing - Intelligent, 4 Cylinder In Line DOHC, 16 Valve
16-Valve DOHC, Four-cylinder, In-line, VVT-iE (Intake), VVT-i (Exhaust)
Maximum Power Output (ps/rpm)
Motor Generator Max. Power Output (ps)
Total System Max. Power Output (ps)
Power Adjust with Turn Signal
Power Adjust, Auto-Retract, Reverse, and Memory with Turn Signal
Printed Type (Rear Window Glass)
Tilt and Slide + Jam Protect
Front Passenger: Four-Way Manual Adjust
Driver: Eight-way Power Adjust, Memory, and Lumbar Support
Front Passenger: Eight-way Power Adjust
Rear: Power Recline and Trunk Through
Instrument Panel and Center Cluster
Eco Meter and Hybrid System
Eco Meter and Hybrid System
Tilt and Telescopic (Power and Memory)
Audio, Multi-Information Display, Phone,
Audio, Multi-Information Display, Phone, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert
Driver and Front Passenger; with Mirror and Lamp
Driver and Front Passenger; with Mirror and Lamp
Soft Touch Molded Trim with Leather
Room Lamp, Key Illumination, Inside Door Handle, and Foot Lamp
Three-zone Automatic with Rear Seat Control Panel
Rear A/C Vent Duct
Seven-inch Display Audio with CD Tuner / MP3 / Bluetooth / USB, 10 JBL Speakers
CD Tuner / MP3 / Bluetooth / USB, 10 JBL Speakers
Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Smart Device Link, and Miracast
AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth, and USB
AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth, and USB
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Driver, Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Side, and Driver’s Knee
Driver, Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Side, and Driver’s Knee
Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner and Force Limiter
Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner and Force Limiter
Isofix (x2) and Tether Anchor (x2)
Isofix (x2) and Tether Anchor (x2)
Silver Metallic, Emotional Red, Metallic Gray, Attitude Black, Dark Blue Mica Metallic, White Pearl
Platinum White Pearl Mica, Metal Stream Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica
P2.339 million (P2.354 million White Pearl)
Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines and Roy Robles
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy