Guide to Toyota EVs

Sustainable driving is redefining the automotive industry at a rapid pace, with near-zero emission vehicles taking over the market. If you’re ready to go green, an electric Toyota could be the car for you.

We’ve put together a guide that outlines the different Toyota electric cars, including its hybrid models, to help you pick the one that suits your needs most. You’ll learn a bit about the history of Toyota, when each model was introduced, their key features and what sort of driving they’re suited to.

With more electric vehicles available than ever, rent a Toyota electric car from Hertz on your next adventure and join the environmentally friendly driving movement.

What is a Toyota EV?

Toyota’s roots go back to 1918, in the Japanese weaving industry, when Sakichi Toyoda invented the world's first automatic loom. He founded the Toyoda Spinning and Weaving Company that was later taken over by his son Kiichiro Toyoda. Kiichiro used the company’s financial gains to develop automotive technology. In 1936, the company launched the first passenger car, the AA, and in 1937 the Toyota Motor Company was born.

From 1959, Toyota vehicles started to be produced outside Japan, and today the giant manufacturer sells Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles, as well as components worldwide.

A Toyota EV is a Toyota electric car, or a Toyota electric vehicle. Toyota’s electrifying journey started in 1997, when its first hybrid electric vehicle the Prius was produced. In 2014, Toyota launched Mirai, a fuel cell electric sedan, and later it introduced plug-in hybrid and BEV (battery electric vehicle) models. To date, the company has sold over 24 million electrified vehicles across the world, resulting in the removal of over 160 million tonnes of CO2 emissions that would otherwise have been produced.

Toyota’s current fully electric vehicle is the bZ4X. Toyota also has a wide range of hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Needless to say, there is a Toyota EV suitable for any driving style and need.

Toyota bZ4X

The mid-size SUV is Toyota’s first all-electric car. It was launched in summer 2022 as the first from the bZ range of five electric models due to be released by 2025. The bZ4X is available in either the XLE or Limited trims.

Key features:

• Designed for all kind of adventures – the exceptional aerodynamics, robust SUV power and the new AWD X-MODE means the EV is ready to tackle any terrain
• The 71.4 kWh battery has an estimated range of around 250 miles
• Comes with both regenerative braking and boost mode

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 has its roots all the way back to 1994, when the first generation of the 4-wheel drive was mass-produced. The model was a commercial hit throughout the years and its most comprehensive development happened in 2016, with the introduction of the first RAV4 petrol-electric full hybrid version. In 2020, the fifth-generation RAV4 entered the market with its first plug-in hybrid that was also the most powerful RAV4. This SUV is perfectly suited to both country roads and busy city streets, and is available as a self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

Key features:

• Strong body design that turns heads
• Powerful and capable, offering rapid acceleration thanks to 302 bhp, low fuel consumption and 46 miles electric driving range on the plug-in hybrid version
• Advanced safety tech like like pre-collision system and intelligent adapative cruise control

In 2019, RAV4 was declared the world’s best-selling SUV and also the fourth best-selling passenger car overall.

Toyota RAV4 Prime

The Toyota RAV4 Prime sits at the top end of its ever-popular RA4 stable. This powerful 5th gen plug-in takes the range up a gear with impressive speeds. In fact, with 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, it’s quicker than almost every Toyota car aside from its GR Supra.

But that’s not to say its not efficient. With a 42-mile electric driving range, and returns 38 mpg combined, as well as 94 mpg-e. In total, its range is a huge 600 miles.

Key features:

• 600 mile combined range
• Updated 10.5 inch infotainment display, and 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster
• Toyota digital intelligent assistant
• 34/70 cubic feet cargo
• 5 seats

Toyotal Corolla Hybrid

The Corolla Hybrid is a luxurious sedan entry into the Toyota EV stable, offering all-wheel drive, a sleek finish and a perfect all-round performance for city driving. You’ll get respectable performance, and up to 47 mpg. Indoors, you’ll find a decidedly plush cabin with wireless charging, CarPlay and an optional JBL Soundsystem. The safety system positions the Corolla squarely in the family bracket, with blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alerts and Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite.

Key features:

• Front engine, front-and-rear motor
• 0-60 in 9.7 seconds
• Carries five passengers
• Four door sedan
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection

Toyota Camry Hybrid

This midsize hybrid sedan couples its chic, moody exterior with great fuel economy and a smooth ride. In the cabin, you’ll find comfy seats made all the more enticing by the 7-10 inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a nine speaker audio system.

In terms of performance, you can expect a spritely 7.4 seconds from 0-60mph and 51-53 miles per gallon. It’ll also run for up to 600 miles. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a sleek yet efficient sedan.

Key features:

• Four cylinder, 2.5 liter engine
• 0-60 in 7.4 seconds
• 51/53 mpg
• 208 at 5,700 horsepower
• 600 mile range

Toyota Mirai

Toyota started to develop hydrogen fuell cell electric cars in 1992 and the Mirai made it successfully on the market in 2014. The sedan’s latest range comes with two trims to choose from: Design Plus and Design Premium.

Key features

• Innovative hydrogen technology – the fuel cell stack fuses oxygen and hydrogen together and converts it into electricity, so there’s no harmful tailpipe emissions
• 82bhp motor and a driving range of more than 400 miles
• Smart specs like blind spot monitor, lane trace assist, and even a Toyota Skyview Panoramic roof available with the Design Premium option

Although many customers are attracted to the car’s eye-catching design and efficiency, finding a hydrogen pump nearby could be an issue, depending where you live. Before deciding on a Mirai, make sure you research the availability of hydrogen pumps in the area.

Toyota Tundra

The Tundra is Toyota’s offering in the EV pickup sector, and it certainly makes its presence felt. A range of hybrid powertrain options mean it has the grunt for any type of driving – whether off-road or on the highways.

• i-FORCE MAX powertrain combines a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, giving 583 lb.-ft. of torque – enough to overcome even the most demanding of towing or hauling activities, all the way up to 12,000 lbs
• Up to 22 mgp estimated
• Multi-terrain selector means grip across many surface types
• 14 inch media touchscreen with backup guide and panoramic view monitor

Toyota Prius Hybrid

Toyota Prius is the world’s first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid vehicle, launched in 1997. The practical, low-emission family car is available as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid within the Prius Prime range. Each also have their own different trims like LE, XLE, etc. Prius’s  contemporary design matches perfectly its intelligent drive systems, comfort and reliability.

Key features:

• The AWD (all-wheel drive) system provides extra control, giving you peace of mind when hitting the open road
• The journeys are smooth due to its responsive acceleration, low centre of gravity and enhanced suspension
• The 8.8 kWh battery on Prius Prime allows you to drive up to 25 miles on electric power only

The Toyota Prius 2023 is one of the best family hybrids on the market as is the most fuel-efficient car in the line, at up to 57 MPG, and 60% more powerful, with 196 bhp on AWD versions.

There’s no doubt that Toyota spoils you for choice when it comes to zero-emission or low-emission cars. They produce some of the most affordable, reliable and practical cars on the market.

If you’re not sure if a Toyota EV is right for you, take a look at our other articles on EV vehicles from brands like Ford, Honda, and Volvo.