The List of Six New Toyota Hybrids in 2012: Our Predictions
Published September 14, 2010
According to announcements made yesterday by Toyota Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada, the company plans to introduce six new hybrid vehicles by the end of 2012. Two of the new hybrids would be Toyota vehicles and two would be Lexus luxury models.
The company did not spell out which models would be offered as hybrids—so we’ll make our predictions. Actually, it’s not too hard to figure out where the hybrid gaps are in the Toyota line-up.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota has been selling the Highlander Hybrid mid-size SUV for several years. But where’s the crossover hybrid? Since 2004, the company has allowed Ford to have top-mpg bragging rights for SUVs with its 32-mpg Escape Hybrid. Toyota has committed to an all-electric version of the RAV4—developed in partnership with Tesla—by around 2012. A conventional hybrid version, with mileage in the mid- to high-30s, makes good sense. Perhaps it will be branded with a Prius badge.
Toyota Sienna Hybrid
Green-leaning sensible family folk have been screaming for a hybrid minivan for years. It appears that Honda will step forward with a hybrid Odyssey in the next couple of years. Could Toyota be far behind?
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
Just last week, Japanese media sources reported that Toyota will begin building a hybrid version of the Yaris next spring in France, mostly for the European market. The company has been hinting at a Prius Junior (or Scion iQ hybrid) for a couple of years—and has been downsizing its hybrids for European and Asian markets. With global economies of scale, a peewee Toyota hybrid could be very competitive on cost and could offer stellar fuel economy just in time for a potential return of $4 gas.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
This one is a wild guess, but what other model could say more about Toyota’s desire to push hybrids into the mainstream than the Corolla? It would put gas-electric technology right at the heart of the Toyota brand. And with higher fuel-efficiency regulations operating on a sales-weighted basis, any kind of decent take-rate on a hybrid version of the Corolla would go a long way to meeting tougher standards.
Lexus Hybrids
The two new Lexus hybrids are harder to predict. That’s because there are already four Lexus hybrids on the market, and yesterday we reported that the 40-mpg-plus Lexus CT200h sporty compact hybrid could be on its way to the U.S. in 2011. If the introduction is pushed to 2012, then it could qualify as one of the six new hybrid models. The other model could be a low-volume screaming fast hybrid sports car—just to support the Lexus brand.
Toyota Plug-ins On the Way
Six new hybrids in two years are an impressive jump forward, but Toyota has no intention of being left out of the emerging market for electric cars and plug-in hybrids. (We’ll cover that action on our sister site, PluginCars.com.)
Toyota’s Uchiyamada yesterday said he expected conventional hybrids, rather than electric cars, to remain dominant for many years because of cost and driving range issues. Yet, he predicted that the plug-in version of the Prius—also coming out in 2012 at a price about $3,000 to $5,000 higher than the current Prius—will eventually become more popular than the non-plug version.
1 year ago
I agree with your prediction of a Rav4, Yaris and Sienna hybrid. I'd be surprised if a Corolla hybrid arrives soon, but how about a Venza or a Matrix hybrid?
1 year ago
I am going to agree with Chris Jones. I think the Venza is the next logical hybrid. IIRC the Venza is based on the Camry, so it should be easy to make a hybrid version.
1 year ago
Didn't we see an article about a Pruis Mini-van? I suspect that will happen before the Sienna. Yaris hybrid yes - Corolla would be too close to the existing Prius. Venza/Rav4 is a toss up. To get slightly off topic I think Ford aught to make a Venza like hybrid from the Escape chassis...
1 year ago
Corolla hybrid? Toyota UK is making and selling them, under name of Auris.
1 year ago
Corolla hybrid?
Haha ...
I'd bet Toyota is counting Camry hybrid FMC.
1 year ago
I want the RAV4 hybrid ... not the pure electric version (at least not with the current state of the art of EV). I own a RAV4 which is mostly used for long family trips (where we need all the space and/or the third row seating) and I have a Prius '10 for all other needs.
I would like to replace the RAV4 with an hybrid version, so that I can go fully loaded hundreds and hundreds of miles without worry to recharge. But while at home, I want a decent pure EV (or at least the plugin Prius) since most of my trips around here are <20 miles.
What I'm trying to say is: First get out the EV only small cars and make the bigger ones hybrids until technology is good enough to go for many more miles without recharging. (At least this is assuming that I have a small car for my daily driving and the big car mostly for big trips).
1 year ago
What about the Tacoma or Tundra to compete against the Silverado?
Or bring back the Supra as a hybrid?
1 year ago
Totally agree with Old Man Crowder.
What's it going to take to break into the hybrid pick-up truck market? I'll never own another GM after my numerous experiences with their "quality craftsmanship" and besides, that Silvrado is a joke as far as gas savings. Not worth the extra cost and there are no configuration options.
Toyota: Take the drivetrain out of that ugly A-Bat moon truck and stick in a Tacoma or better yet, a Tundra. Don't make the trucks super luxo-fat with gimmicky crap that's never going to get used. Make lotta money.
Supra hybrid would be sick!
1 year ago
I'm not sure what the market would be for a hybrid Tundra? Anyone buying that truck for reasons other than towing heavy equipment should consider another vehicle (a Tacoma maybe). Anyone buying it for towing won't want the knockdown the hybrid would bring to towing capacity. Those who buy it to look "cool" don't care about mileage. I guess because I live in Houston, Texas I get a bit jaded on this subject; sorry if it sounds holier than thou.
As far as the A-Bat goes, I would settle for Toyota actually producing it. I've never seen details on the drive train for it, but it would almost certainly be a return to the days of a 4-cylinder powered small truck (a good idea). The day you can get a monstrosity like the Tundra to move more than 10 feet with a 4-cylinder assisted by an electric motor, I'll eat my hat (or something worse).
If you want better mileage from a truck, you'll have to buy a smaller truck. I don't see any other way around it. Large truck mileage is just hammered by aerodynamics due to high ground clearance and the cubic inches required to move it. A small truck hybrid would definitely work, but show me a "small" truck available today? And yes, I do get that a 1 or 2 mpg improvement in fuel economy makes a bigger percentage impact for these large beasts. It's just that a 4-door, 4x4 V8 version already costs well north of $30,000; adding a hybrid drive train sends the price even higher, which equates to low volume sales.
1 year ago
Hey, the Mustang, Camero and Charger are back, a hybrid Cellica - performance matching the Mustang/Camero but mpg averaging around 40 mpg - that would be nice/fun...
1 year ago
OK---I have had a Camry hybrid and i'm on my second Prius---loved them all. The Camry was the best car I have ever owned. The problem was the lack of trunk space. Sooo we sold the Camry hybrid and kept the 2007 Prius. The 2010 Prius came out and we traded up. The hatchback is hugh on the Prius. We can carry anything. My true desire would be a Venza hybrid. Perfect size,great hybrid mileage and a hugh hatchback. Couple this with the large wheels and four wheel drive and for me--it's the exact fit. Please Toyota---make my wish come true.
1 year ago
Well said. I never thought I would agree with this opinion, but I’m starting to view things from a different view. I have to research more on this as it seems very interesting. One thing I don’t understand though is how everything is related together.
1 year ago
I'll be on sideline until Avalon Hybrid shows up!
This would be tantamount to Lexus LS hybrid selling now, but with Avalon package....
1 year ago
Would love to see Toyota produce the world's first "real" off road hybrid. I want it all. 6-7 seat, 4 wheel drive, plenty of room, and good gas mileage. So how about a hybrid 4 Runner or 4 door Tacoma?
1 year ago
yes i agree the venza will be the next hybird version
1 year ago
avalon hybird 2012 and venza is my wish for 2012 how about it I'm waiting.
48 weeks ago
Looks like the RAV4 hybrid is already in the works along with the Prius V (volume). I like the 7 seat option on the RAV but it doesn't have as much cargo space as the Venza. My Camry hybrid has been an excellent vehicle except for the smaller trunk, and yes I do get 50/mpg in the summer here in Winnipeg and I don't drive slow, just smart. My bet for the next hybrids besides the RAV and the Prius V are: the Sienna, a small truck and something very small and sporty. However, I'm with those wanting a Venza in Hybrid AWD. Plug-In would be even better since we already have the infrastructure here in Winterpeg.
33 weeks ago
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22 weeks ago
Got a 2011 Prius with navigation liked it but wanted a bit more storage(should have waited for the station wagon model. Fear how
It will drive in snow.
20 weeks ago
A hybrid small pick-up is really over-due. The current standard cab 4 cyl Tacoma is gutless anyway so power is not an issue. The bed is tiny and that's fine. I'm not looking to drag a stable full of horses around behind me, just something to carry tools and some supplies.
Why has no one done this?
My company uses Toyota trucks. We rack up hundreds of thousands of miles each year. I live in the southern San Joaquin Valley in CA and the air quality here is perfectly awful. My employer could bank on the tax breaks and fuel savings and claim to be a green employer as well.
Toyota, Honda...are you listening?!
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1 week ago
I don't understand why they don't already have a Corolla hybrid. The article points out how they have let Ford have the advantage of the only hybrid crossover, but fails to mention that the main competitor of the Corolla - the Honda Civic - has been available as a hybrid for years and years.
I LOVE my Corolla. She's an '06 Sport, my first brand new car, mine before she hit the lot. She's amazing and I could definitely see myself buying another in the future, but I would also like to do my part to reduce our negative impact on the environment, as well as reduce our need for oil from the Middle East. And with the popularity of the Corolla, think about what a huge impact that could be. So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Toyota, give us a hybrid or electric Corolla!!!
1 week ago
I don't understand why they don't already have a Corolla hybrid. The article points out how they have let Ford have the advantage of the only hybrid crossover, but fails to mention that the main competitor of the Corolla - the Honda Civic - has been available as a hybrid for years and years.
I LOVE my Corolla. She's an '06 Sport, my first brand new car, mine before she hit the lot. She's amazing and I could definitely see myself buying another in the future, but I would also like to do my part to reduce our negative impact on the environment, as well as reduce our need for oil from the Middle East. And with the popularity of the Corolla, think about what a huge impact that could be. So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Toyota, give us a hybrid or electric Corolla!!!
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