What are mild hybrids, and are they right for you?

Are you thinking that a hybrid car is the next step in your ownership journey? They have a ton of perks and are becoming an increasingly popular option, especially for drivers who want to save money on gas as fuel prices climb. If you’re doing your research, you might come across the term “mild hybrids”. What are they, and are they the right option for your next vehicle?

What is a mild hybrid?

What is a mild hybrid? Our Orlando Toyota sales experts are here to explain. A mild hybrid is similar to a traditional or full hybrid car (for your reference, Toyotas are traditional hybrids). Mild hybrids use a small electric battery and electric motor to help reduce your gas consumption. Mild hybrids also use regenerative braking to help charge the electric battery. But how are they different from full hybrid cars?

Mild hybrid vs full hybrid: How do they differ?

If mild hybrids have an electric motor, an electric battery, and help reduce fuel consumption, then how are they different from full hybrids like the new Orlando Toyota Prius? Here are some key points.

• Traditional hybrids have a larger battery and a larger electric motor – mild hybrids have smaller hybrid elements under the hood.
• Traditional hybrids can actually power your vehicle for short distances at very low speeds. Mild hybrids can’t – they can only help start the car and assist in acceleration.
• Traditional hybrids also cut down on emissions because the electric motor can sometimes power the vehicle by itself. Mild hybrids don’t cut down on emissions as much because they can’t solely use the electric motor to power the car.
• Because of the two points mentioned above, traditional hybrids give you substantial fuel savings. Mild hybrids will help cut your gas costs, but not nearly as noticeably as a traditional hybrid will.

What are the benefits of a mild hybrid vs full hybrid?

Mild hybrids may not be as impressive as full hybrids when it comes to fuel efficiency, but they do have perks. Here are the main benefits of owning this type of electrified car:

• You’ll get a slight bump in fuel efficiency (money is money)
• You’ll see a slight decrease in tailpipe emissions
• You get a little increase in acceleration from a full stop

But is this type of vehicle right for your drive time?

Should you buy a mild hybrid?

We might be biased because we don’t sell them… but we vote no. You shouldn’t buy mild hybrids if you’re looking to move into the alternative fuel world. We recommend traditional hybrids like the Toyota Prius because of the increased perks you get with them. You’ll get better fuel efficiency, noticeably fewer emissions, and if you buy a Toyota, major reliability.

And if you shop Toyota of Orlando’s hybrid inventory, you get tons of options. Here’s what we’ve got waiting for you on our lot if you’re looking for a traditional hybrid:

• Prius (57/56 mpg)
• Corolla Hybrid (53/46 mpg)
• Camry Hybrid (51/53 mpg)
• RAV4 Hybrid (41/38 mpg)
• Highlander Hybrid (36/35 mpg)
• Grand Highlander Hybrid (37/34 mpg)
• Corolla Cross Hybrid (45/38)
• Sienna (36/36 mpg)
• Venza (40/37 mpg)
• Crown (42/41 mpg)
• Tundra Hybrid (20/24 mpg)
• Sequoia Hybrid  (21/24 mpg)

Plus, the upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid and Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid options. And did we mention we even have plug-in hybrids waiting for you at our Orlando Toyota dealership? These electrified Toyotas have even larger electric batteries and can power your car for longer periods at higher speeds. If you’re curious, get behind the wheel of a Toyota Prius Prime or Toyota RAV4 Prime for a test drive.

Test drive a hybrid today at Toyota of Orlando

Still having trouble choosing between mild hybrids vs full hybrids? Let us put your mind at ease. Come see us at Toyota of Orlando with questions and take a full hybrid for a test drive to see how you like it. We’re open until 10pm every single night at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia!

 

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