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!