Mild hybrids: Are they right for you?

Mild hybrids: Are they right for you?

Electrified cars are starting to become more and more popular, but there are so many different types of them, like HEV, PHEV, EV, FHEV…and now mild hybrids! Mild hybrids are a bit unknown so we’re here to give you everything you need to know about them – and how they differ from our Orlando Toyota full hybrids.

What is a mild hybrid?

Mild hybrids use a small electric battery and electric motor to help reduce your gas consumption. Also, they use regenerative braking to help charge their electric battery. So, they sound a lot like a full hybrid – but they’re actually quite different. Here’s how they compare to full hybrid cars like the 2024 Toyota Prius.  

Mild hybrid vs full hybrid: Are they that different?

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we love Making it Simple™ so we’re going to give you the breakdown between the mild hybrid vs full hybrid. 

• Full hybrids have a larger battery and electric motor, while mild hybrids have smaller hybrid elements.

• Full hybrids power your vehicle using their electric capabilities, but only for short distances at very low speeds. Mild hybrids can’t do this at all – they only help start the car and assist in acceleration.

• Full hybrids significantly cut down on emissions because of the electric motor, while mild hybrids don’t cut down on emissions as much because they can’t solely use the electric motor to power the car.

• You’ll save money on gas with mild hybrids, but not nearly as much as you would with a full hybrid.

Benefits of a mild hybrid

Now you know the clear difference between mild hybrid vs full hybrid. The benefits of a mild hybrid are similar to those of a full hybrid, but just a little less:

• Slight increase in fuel efficiency

• Slight increase in acceleration from a full stop

• Slight decrease in tailpipe emissions

A mild hybrid is more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly than a regular gasoline car, just not as fuel-efficient or eco-friendly as a full hybrid car.

Are mild hybrids worth it?

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we don’t offer mild hybrid so we are a bit biased here – but we say they aren’t worth it. If you’re looking to save money on gas and be more eco-friendly, we recommend an Orlando Toyota hybrid. Here’s what we have on our lot:

• RAV4 Hybrid (41/38 mpg)

• Corolla Cross Hybrid (45/38)

• 2024 Orlando Toyota Prius (57/56 mpg)

• Venza (40/37 mpg)

• Crown (42/41 mpg)

• Sienna (36/36 mpg)

• Corolla Hybrid (53/46 mpg)

• Highlander Hybrid (36/35 mpg)

• Sequoia Hybrid (21/24 mpg)

• Camry Hybrid (51/53 mpg)

• Tundra Hybrid (20/24 mpg)

• Grand Highlander Hybrid (37/34 mpg)

We also offer different types of Orlando Toyota electrified cars, like plug-in hybrids and EVs. 

Have additional questions on mild hybrids?

If you are looking for more information on mild hybrids – you can always talk to our Orlando Toyota specialists and they can give you more information on mild hybrids vs full hybrids. You can always call at (407) 298-4500 or come visit our dealership at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia!

Towing with a hybrid: can you even do it?

 Towing with a hybrid: can you even do it?

Hybrid towing may not sound right – how could an electrified Toyota tow? News flash – they can! A lot of people don’t know that you can tow with your Orlando Toyota hybrid. We’re Making it Simple™ for you and giving you all the information you need to know about hybrid towing.

Hybrid towing: what you need to know

There are many pros when it comes to towing with a hybrid – especially if you’re looking for higher fuel efficiency. Hybrids are also known for being more environmentally friendly – but towing with a hybrid is possible too, which a lot of people seem to underestimate. 

Orlando hybrids are considered ‘electrified cars’, but they’re not your stereotypical electric vehicle – like the Toyota bZ4x. They use both a gas engine and an electric motor; the gas engine does a majority of the work in hybrid vehicles. Plus, if you opt for an Orlando Toyota hybrid with all-wheel drive, you'll get almost as much towing capacity as a gas-powered vehicle.

What does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid towing capacity look like?

To help you visualize what hybrid towing looks like, we’re going to give you the Toyota Highlander Hybrid towing capacity. 

• The 2024 Toyota Highlander has a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. It also offers all-wheel drive, and in this model you'll get 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft torque.

• The final towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

• If you opt for the hybrid version, you’ll rock a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. So, if you add all-wheel drive in the mix you can get up to 186 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. torque. 

• The final Toyota Highlander Hybrid towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

Thinking about hybrid towing? 

If you’re looking to start towing with a hybrid, here are some tips. 

1. Make sure you check your hybrid towing capacity before you purchase. If you go over your towing capacity,  you’ll notice a hefty bill with all the expensive repairs that you’ll need.

2. Practice, practice, practice. If you’re inexperienced when it comes to towing with a hybrid, you’ll want to practice before you go on your next haul. Remember to practice backing up, u-turns, parking, and sharp turns. 

3. Make sure you're up-to-date on your car maintenance. If you’re looking to make your Orlando hybrid towing vehicle last, you’ll want to be extra conscious about being consistent on your routine car maintenance – brake service, oil changes, tire rotations, and everything our Orlando auto service technicians recommend. We also recommend asking about your brakes every time you go in for service as you’ll need maximum stopping power with your heavy loads. 

4. Have all the equipment and test it. Just like regular gas towing, you’ll want to ensure your trailer lights are hooked up,  including brake lights and turn signals. Also, don’t forget a spare tire for both your Orlando Toyota vehicle and your trailer.

Ready to start towing with a hybrid?

If you’re looking to start towing with a hybrid, come see us atToyota of Orlando! Our sales specialists can give you additional tips and give the best recommendation for all your hybrid towing needs. Toyota of Orlando is located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia.