Hybrids
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The latest stretch for Toyota marketing sees hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles all becoming different types of EVs. Which is which?
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Dodge Hornet R/T, Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEVs recalled over fire concern
Until the recall is addressed the automaker advises both of these plug-in hybrids be parked away from structures—so they might not be able to use their 33 electric miles as often.
Stephen Edelstein -
2024 Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid makes the list of safest SUVs
A handful of other plug-in hybrids, including the Toyota Prius Prime, Lexus NX 450h, and Volvo XC90 Recharge, also made the Top Safety Pick+ list this year.
Stephen Edelstein -
2023 Toyota Prius, Prime plug-in hybrid make IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list
While the IIHS list of top EV, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid safety performers was sparse just a few years ago, it now includes the Rivian R1T, Tesla Model Y, VW ID.4, and more.
Stephen Edelstein -
2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid makes more of regenerative braking
The 2024 Sonata Hybrid will continue with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine as part of its hybrid system, but it will now feature an adjustable regenerative braking mode aimed at increasing efficiency.
Stephen Edelstein -
2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid recalled for unintended acceleration
Brakes are unaffected and owners can continue to drive their cars until recall work is completed, Hyundai says.
Stephen Edelstein -
Certain Niro hybrids and Niro plug-in hybrids have been recalled for an increased fire risk arising from the hydraulic clutch actuator.
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2024 Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV: 35 electric miles, 35 mpg, due late 2023
The plug-in hybrid crossover, due late in 2023, employs a version of the the long-established Toyota/Lexus planetary hybrid system that's also used in the Lexus NX PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Stephen Edelstein -
Toyota Land Cruiser returns as hybrid-only SUV with lower price
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has been redesigned with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, a smaller footprint, and a base price in the $50,000 range.
Stephen Edelstein -
Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid costs less to lease than non-hybrid
Federal money is helping drop the lease price of Jeep plug-in hybrids below that of other gasoline versions.
Bengt Halvorson -
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid lineup looks optimized for the outdoors
The boxier look may help allow some visual separation between it and the fully electric Ioniq 7 that's on the way.
Stephen Edelstein -
Toyota RAV4 Prime, Lexus NX PHEV recall: Don't charge in cold weather
Dealers will replace the DC-DC converter free of charge, but for now Toyota is advising owners not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature drops below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stephen Edelstein -
The two global automakers may also partner with oil compact Aramco, which would fund research into synthetic fuels and hydrogen for the joint venture.
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2024 Ford Maverick no longer starts with 37-mpg hybrid version
Going hybrid on the Maverick now costs $1,500 extra, bringing the cumulative price gain to about $5,000 versus two model years ago.
Bengt Halvorson -
Dealer markups of hybrids can erase ownership cost advantages
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids boast some impressive ownership-cost advantages. But markups of more than $10,000 in some cases are kicking the break-even point vs. non-hybrids years ahead.
Stephen Edelstein -
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid recalled because engines may shut down
A problem with communication between the transmission control module and hybrid control processor in Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models can cause the engine to shut down.
Stephen Edelstein -
Stellantis stops stocking non-hybrids in California emissions states
There's more to it, though. Hybrids will be harder to find in all the rest of the states.
Stephen Edelstein -
Ford Maverick and Escape hybrids recalled for engine failure
These Ford models and the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid could have engines that might fail and trigger a fire.
Stephen Edelstein -
Selecting Eco mode all the time may go a long way to boost gas mileage, but beware EV mode.
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Jeep Wrangler 4xe, top-selling PHEV, gets a price cut for 2024
The Wrangler 4xe outsells other plug-in hybrids, including the Toyota RAV4 Prime, is eligible for a $3,750 EV tax credit, and will at the base level be even more affordable for 2024.
Stephen Edelstein -
2024 Lexus TX 550h+ 3-row plug-in hybrid aims for 33 miles, 30 mpg
Lexus will soon have the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid in addition to the RX 450h+ PHEV. Has a Toyota Highlander Prime missed its curtain call?
Bengt Halvorson -
PHEV drivers don't plug in so often, and EPA is adjusting to it
The EPA is adapting emissions rules to the idea that in real-world use, plug-in hybrid drivers aren't plugging in as much as assumed.
Stephen Edelstein -
These hybrids have AWD, top 40 mpg, cost less than $30,000
High fuel economy, a low price, and all-wheel drive can be had together—if you don’t mind one particular brand known for hybrids.
Bengt Halvorson -
Lexus LBX hybrid bows for Europe, doubles down on "self-charging"
The smaller LBX hybrid slots below the UX family, which includes an EV in Europe—and for it Lexus is sticking to the "self-charging" marketing term seen as misleading.
Stephen Edelstein