Driving an efficient vehicle can save you big in Toronto, giving you better fuel economy on every trip while keeping you on the road longer. From hybrid and plug-in hybrid models that bring a great balance of gas and electric performance to fully electric vehicles that help you skip the pump, there are many exceptional options available, including popular ones like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Lexus RZ, and many more. Continue reading to learn more about the hybrid, PHEV, and EV models that we often recommend, and how to find yours at a DAG dealership.
Find out more about why you should consider a hybrid or all-electric vehicle here in Toronto.
Hybrid (HEV) Models & Highlights
Hybrid vehicles don’t need to be plugged in to charge, offer excellent fuel efficiency, and are reliable for daily driving. If you are looking for the most similar driving experience to a traditional gas-powered vehicle but want more efficiency, a hybrid is the right choice for you. Here’s a look at two popular hybrid models:
- Toyota RAV4: With the latest-generation RAV4, the hybrid powertrain is now standard, offering city fuel-economy ratings of 5.1 L/100 km and highway ratings of 6.0 L/100 km. Not to mention, the RAV4 is now available in the Woodland trim level, offering even more features for better traction and capability when camping or enjoying the outdoors off-road.
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: As one of Hyundai’s most popular vehicles, the Tucson Hybrid is the perfect SUV for many different drivers. Under the hood is a highly efficient hybrid powertrain that delivers a fuel-economy rating of 6.7 L/100 km in city driving and on the highway.
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) Models & Highlights
Enjoy greater fuel economy from your vehicle with the convenience of being able to charge at home or on the go for an extra electric boost with a plug-in hybrid model. A PHEV has a larger battery capacity than a hybrid but smaller than an all-electric vehicle, offering a dedicated driving range and a plug-in capability to recharge over time at home or quickly on the road. Here’s a look at a few PHEV models we have at our DAG dealerships:
- Chrysler Pacifica PHEV: As one of the few PHEV minivans on the market, the Pacifica PHEV offers an all-electric driving range of 51 kilometres and a total driving range of 835 kilometres, making it equally great for daily commuting and for longer road trips with the family.
- Ford Escape PHEV: When you want to get the most out of your SUV, the Escape PHEV is the right choice for Ford drivers in Toronto. This nimble yet efficient model is capable of delivering a fuel economy that is as low as 2.3 Le/100 km from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, keeping fuel usage to a minimum.
All-Electric (EV) Models & Highlights
When you want to beat out Toronto’s heavy traffic, an all-electric vehicle can be the right choice, as it offers almost no electric draw when stopped and outstanding efficiency while driving. Also, the latest models are available in various configurations, offering instant power delivery and extended driving range. Here are a few examples worth considering when shopping for an EV:
- Toyota bZ: The Toyota bZ is an all-electric SUV with a top driving range of 468 kilometres, making it possible to take on your biggest adventures without range anxiety. Also, it’s available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, giving you plenty of flexibility.
- Lexus RZ: The Lexus RZ shares some aspects with its Toyota counterpart while offering ultimate luxury within the electric SUV segment. It has a top driving range of 478 kilometres and offers the option for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
HEV vs PHEV vs EV FAQs
- No, standard hybrids charge themselves via the engine and regenerative braking.
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles have larger batteries and can be charged from an outlet, while regular hybrids cannot.
- Yes, but you can expect the driving range to vary by model based on which features you have turned on, such as heat, wiper blades, etc.
- Plug-in hybrids are ideal for short city trips; hybrids are simpler and still efficient.
- Yes, most new EVs support standard Level 2 and fast-charging stations in Toronto.
- Plug-in hybrids require less frequent charging, while all-electric vehicles rely entirely on external charging.
Shop for Hybrid, PHEV, or EV Cars at DAG Dealerships
Take home a vehicle that best suits your driving needs, whether that's a Toyota hybrid, a Hyundai PHEV, or a Lexus EV. We are here to help you learn the ins and outs of each vehicle type, explore available models from our popular brands, and guide you through the process of shopping for the right vehicle for Toronto. Contact us with any questions, or drop by the Autoplex to visit our DAG dealerships today. We look forward to hearing from you or to seeing you in person at one of our Toronto dealerships in the heart of downtown.