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The Ultimate Hybrid Car Driving Guide​

In order to become more environmentally friendly, we are having to make changes where we can, to reduce our carbon footprint. Whilst electric cars will become the new normal in the future, until then, another sustainable option is a Hybrid Car.

There are two main types of Toyota Hybrid cars, Toyota Self-Charging Hybrids and Toyota Plug-In Hybrids. The main difference in these two types of hybrid car is the way they use electric energy. A Toyota Plug-In Hybrid has a larger battery which is charged using an external charging point. This means that the car can run on EV mode for a longer period of time. A Toyota Self-Charging Hybrid is charged whilst driving and doesn’t need to use an external charging point.

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What Cars Are Hybrid In The Toyota Range?

Toyota has a diverse range of Hybrid cars in the range, including:​

GR SPORT Range

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Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid GR SPORT

Driving a Hybrid Car

One of the best things about driving a Hybrid Car is that you do not need to adapt your driving style from driving a conventional petrol or diesel powered automatic car to gain the benefits of a hybrid platform.

Hybrid Cars usually have four drive modes:

Normal – This mode allows you to use both the engine and the battery in the most efficient way. This is the default mode when you first start your Hybrid.

EV – This mode is purely battery use only and best used for shorter drives and city driving. This mode is best used for a Plug-In Hybrid.

ECO – This mode limits harsh acceleration and optimises functions such as the Air Conditioning System to maximise efficiency.

Sport – This mode uses the Hybrid battery to boost acceleration.

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Tips for Driving a Hybrid Car

  • Make sure you familiarise yourself with the Hybrid information display. This will make you more aware of how much energy is being used.
  • Use ECO mode where possible, to improve efficiency when driving.
  • If your car is fitted with it, use cruise control to help maintain steady speeds, especially for longer journeys on the motorway.
  • Constant use of systems like air-con, lights and wipers all increase energy consumption so make sure to use them only when you need to. Also, when you use climate control, make sure it’s in re-circulate mode to help reduce energy usage.
  • Brake gently and early as this helps you use the electric energy for longer. This is because the regenerative braking harvests more energy.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback self-charging hybrid

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GR SPORT Range

What Cars Are Hybrid In The Toyota Range?

Toyota has a diverse range of Hybrid cars in the range, including:​

​

Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid GR SPORT

Driving a Hybrid Car

One of the best things about driving a Hybrid Car is that you do not need to adapt your driving style from driving a conventional petrol or diesel powered automatic car to gain the benefits of a hybrid platform. However, read our hybrid tips to get the most out of your Toyota Hybrid.

Hybrid Cars usually have four drive modes:

Normal – This mode allows you to use both the engine and the battery in the most efficient way. This is the default mode when you first start your Hybrid.

EV – This mode is purely battery use only and best used for shorter drives and city driving. This mode is best used for a Plug-In Hybrid.

ECO – This mode limits harsh acceleration and optimises functions such as the Air Conditioning System to maximise efficiency.

Sport – This mode uses the Hybrid battery to boost acceleration.

​

Toyota Corolla Hatchback self-charging hybrid

Tips for Driving a Hybrid Car

  • Make sure you familiarise yourself with the Hybrid information display. This will make you more aware of how much energy is being used.
  • Use ECO mode where possible, to improve efficiency when driving.
  • If your car is fitted with it, use cruise control to help maintain steady speeds, especially for longer journeys on the motorway.
  • Constant use of systems like air-con, lights and wipers all increase energy consumption so make sure to use them only when you need to. Also, when you use climate control, make sure it’s in re-circulate mode to help reduce energy usage.
  • Brake gently and early as this helps you use the electric energy for longer. This is because the regenerative braking harvests more energy.

​

Toyota-Hybrid

Benefits of Driving a Toyota Hybrid to You

  1. Practical to own and comfortable to drive
    Everyone deserves to drive in comfort and Hybrid Cars are no different. With plenty of cabin and boot space as well, these make the cars family-friendly and suitable for any journey. Plus being able to drive in EV mode provides a silent and refined driving experience.
  2. Kinder to the environment
    ECO and EV mode mean the car is eco-friendly, making sure there’s no harsh acceleration and no tailpipe emissions.
  3. No anxiety about the driving range
    Unlike fully electric cars that rely on being plugged in at charging points, especially on long journeys, you can drive with peace of mind knowing your car is re-charging your battery whilst you drive.
  4. Economical to run
    Being a Hybrid Car, this means that your car will help make sure you are driving the most efficient way possible with the variety of drive modes to choose from. Hybrid cars use electric power at slower speeds, so there is less wear and tear on engine components. Plus, with Toyota service plans, servicing and general maintenance may cost a lot less than you expect.
  5. Resale values
    A Hybrid Car may be worth more when it comes to selling or part exchanging for your next vehicle. This is because of all the benefits listed above which make a Hybrid Car more desirable.

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Experience Toyota Hybrid Cars

We hope this helps with your decision to buy a Hybrid Car, either now or in the near future. Our current new Hybrid models are Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, All-New Toyota C-HR Hybrid, All-New Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid​, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Hatchback Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Hybrid. You can also find our used Toyota Hybrid cars for sale here.

Why not try the Toyota Hybrid Experience on a test drive of your own. Click below to arrange a test drive or to find your nearest location.

Arrange A Test DriveOur Locations

new-prius-plugin
Toyota-Hybrid

Benefits of Driving a Toyota Hybrid to You

We’ve covered the driving modes, tips for driving, and comparisons to a conventional petrol car, but what about the benefits to you, as the owner of a Toyota Hybrid Car? Continue reading for the five main benefits to becoming a Hybrid Car owner.

  1. Practical to own and comfortable to drive
    Everyone deserves to drive in comfort and Hybrid Cars are no different. With plenty of cabin and boot space as well, these make the cars family-friendly and suitable for any journey. Plus being able to drive in EV mode provides a silent and refined driving experience.

  2. Kinder to the environment
    ECO and EV mode mean the car is eco-friendly, making sure there’s no harsh acceleration and no tailpipe emissions.

  3. No anxiety about the driving range
    Unlike fully electric cars that rely on being plugged in at charging points, especially on long journeys, you can drive with peace of mind knowing your car is re-charging your battery whilst you drive.

  4. Economical to run
    Being a Hybrid Car, this means that your car will help make sure you are driving the most efficient way possible with the variety of drive modes to choose from. Hybrid cars use electric power at slower speeds, so there is less wear and tear on engine components. Plus, with Toyota service plans, servicing and general maintenance may cost a lot less than you expect.

  5. Resale values
    A Hybrid Car may be worth more when it comes to selling or part exchanging for your next vehicle. This is because of all the benefits listed above which make a Hybrid Car more desirable. 
new-prius-plugin

Experience Toyota Hybrid Cars

We hope this helps with your decision to buy a Hybrid Car, either now or in the near future. Our current new Hybrid models are Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid, All-New Toyota C-HR Hybrid, All-New Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Hatchback Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Hybrid. You can also find our used Toyota Hybrid cars for sale here.

Why not try the Toyota Hybrid Experience on a test drive of your own. Click below to arrange a test drive or to find your nearest location.

Arrange A Test DriveOur Locations