Latest news with #Prius
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Most Fuel-Efficient Japanese Hybrid Cars Perfect for Daily Commutes
Hybrid cars aren't exactly new, but they've never been more relevant. As full EVs divide automakers, hybrids are quietly thriving—and they're showing up in everything from tiny city cars to rugged crossovers. Japanese brands, in particular, are leading the charge. Their hybrids aren't just reliable—they're constantly improving, with both returning favorites and bold new models entering the mix. If fuel efficiency is high on your wish list, these 10 Japanese hybrids are the ones to watch. They're built for daily commuting, easy on your wallet, and ready to make every mile count. To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including the EPA. The models listed are ranked based on their combined fuel economy, from lowest to highest. 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Fuel Economy Rating: 36 MPG Toyota might not be all-in on EVs just yet, but when it comes to hybrids, they've been ahead of the curve for years. After all, this brand gave us the Prius—a name synonymous with hybrid driving. Fast-forward to today, and nearly every Toyota model has a hybrid counterpart. Even the spacious Grand Highlander got the treatment in 2024, rolling out with an electrified powertrain that proves big can still be efficient. The Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,210, which is only a small step up from the regular Highlander Hybrid. That price might flirt with the upper edge of the mid-size segment, but with extra cargo space and a true third row, it earns its keep. Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 245 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. It's not built to win drag races, but with 36 MPG combined and an estimated $2,000 in fuel savings over five years, it's built to go the distance—without draining your wallet. 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Fuel Economy Rating: 39 MPG Step down a bit in Toyota's hybrid lineup, and you'll find the RAV4 Hybrid—a key player in boosting Toyota's recent success. It might not outsell the Ford F-Series or Chevy Silverado overall, but in 2024, the RAV4 was hands-down the top-selling SUV in the U.S. The hybrid version keeps all the practicality and versatility of the regular RAV4 but adds better fuel economy to help save you money in the long run. It's the perfect mix of smart and sensible for everyday driving. Not surprisingly, the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid costs a bit more than the gas-only version, starting at $32,300 compared to $29,250. Under the hood, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine teams up with three electric motors to push out 219 horsepower combined. It's not a speed demon, but with a solid 39 MPG combined, this compact SUV balances performance with everyday practicality—and keeps fuel costs in check. 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Fuel Economy Rating: 40 MPG One of the RAV4's fiercest competitors is the Honda CR-V, another compact SUV that sits in the same price bracket. The 2025 CR-V Hybrid starts at $34,650—just a bit pricier than the Toyota, which might help explain why it landed fifth on 2024's bestseller list, a few spots behind the RAV4. That said, the CR-V Hybrid makes a strong case for itself. In some key areas, it even pulls ahead, proving price isn't the only thing worth watching. Every 2025 CR-V Hybrid trim is powered by the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which on its own makes a modest 145 horsepower. Thankfully, a pair of electric motors steps in to boost total output to 204 horsepower and a solid 247 lb-ft of torque. While that horsepower falls just short of the RAV4 Hybrid, the CR-V claws back some ground with a slightly better 40 MPG combined rating. It's not the most powerful in the class, but it's definitely one of the most efficient. 2026 Toyota Crown Fuel Economy Rating: 41 MPG The Toyota Crown stands out as one of the quirkiest—and coolest—models in the brand's lineup, blending a sleek sedan silhouette with the ride height of an SUV. It's a great pick if you want crossover practicality without giving up that low-slung, stylish vibe that's becoming rare in 2025. The 2026 model carries over unchanged and starts at $41,440, putting it on the pricier side of this list. Still, with its bold design and well-rounded features, the Crown makes a strong case for the extra spend. The Toyota Crown makes a strong case for its premium price with a long list of standard luxury features—think heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats, ambient lighting, and dual-zone climate control. Under the hood of the XLE and Limited trims, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with three electric motors, delivering a smooth 236 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive—plus an impressive 41 MPG combined. Step up to the Platinum trim, and Toyota swaps in the punchier 2.4-liter Hybrid MAX engine, boosting output to 340 horsepower. The trade-off? Fuel economy dips to 30 MPG combined. If you're after something with more SUV presence, the Toyota Crown Signia delivers a similar upscale vibe with a bit more utility. It comes in at 240 horsepower and 38 MPG combined in its base form—good enough for a spot on this list, and a solid middle ground between performance and practicality. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Fuel Economy Rating: 42 MPG Another standout in Toyota's hybrid lineup is the 2025 Corolla Cross Hybrid, which takes the crown as the brand's most affordable electrified SUV this year. Like its sedan sibling, it delivers hybrid efficiency without breaking the bank—starting at a budget-friendly $28,495. What really helps the Corolla Cross shine is that it even offers a hybrid option—something many rivals, like the Honda HR-V, skip entirely at this size. For compact SUV shoppers looking to go green without going broke, that's a major win. The 2025 Corolla Cross Hybrid gets its power from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a respectable 196 horsepower. One of the biggest perks? Those motors bring standard all-wheel drive to the table—adding a layer of confidence for slick or unpredictable road conditions. It's not a performance powerhouse, but it's definitely more capable than it looks. And with a stellar 42 MPG combined, you're getting top-tier efficiency without sacrificing everyday versatility. 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Fuel Economy Rating: 47 MPG Sticking with the Corolla nameplate, the smaller Toyota Corolla Hybrid has been holding its own in the compact sedan game since it hit the scene in 2020. It may not have seen major changes beyond a few styling tweaks and package updates, but at $23,825, it still feels fresh and totally worth your attention. Despite being newer than the gas-only Corolla, the hybrid version brings the same reliability and everyday practicality, just with better fuel economy. It's proof that you don't need to spend big to drive smart. The headline for the 2025 Corolla lineup is the new FX trim, but it's exclusive to the gas model for now, leaving hybrid buyers with the familiar trims from 2024. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, since they still pack solid value and proven reliability. Under the hood, you'll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors, putting out a modest 138 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Sure, it's not built for thrills—but with an impressive 47 MPG combined, it's built to go the distance on less. 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid Fuel Economy Rating: 48 MPG Shifting over to the midsize hybrid sedan space, the competition gets even tighter, arguably tougher than in the compact class. The Honda Accord Hybrid keeps Honda firmly in the fight, leaning hard into tech and comfort, though it does come with a slightly steeper price tag. Here, it's less about flashy features and more about who can deliver the smoothest, smartest drive for the money, and the Accord Hybrid makes a strong case. With a starting price of $33,655 for the base Sport Hybrid trim, the Accord Hybrid sits nearly $5,000 above some of its closest competitors. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors delivers a combined 204 horsepower—decent, though not class-leading. Where it really shines is inside, with a refined cabin that helps justify the premium. And despite the higher price, it pays you back at the pump with an impressive 48 MPG combined, making it one of the most efficient midsize hybrids out there. 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Fuel Economy Rating: 49 MPG The Civic Hybrid has deeper roots than most might realize—it first hit the scene way back in 1976. Jump to 2025, and it's still checking all the right boxes for a compact sedan, though it does come with a slightly steeper price tag. That said, Honda has packed in enough modern features to make it feel worth the extra cash. The latest version marks a confident return, giving shoppers another strong—and stylish—option in the budget hybrid game. At $29,950, the 2025 Civic Hybrid costs more than some larger sedans like the Toyota Camry, but Honda packs it with top-tier tech that's exclusive to the hybrid trims. It's clear they've saved some of the best features for buyers who go electric. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering a solid 200 horsepower. It's not far off from the Accord Hybrid in performance, and it actually edges it out in efficiency with 49 MPG combined. Prefer a hatchback? Honda's got you covered there too, with a Civic Hybrid Hatchback starting at $30,150 and offering 48 MPG combined—right on par with its midsize sibling. 2025 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy Rating: 51 MPG The Toyota Camry has long been a top rival to the Accord Hybrid, and now, with the Civic Hybrid in the mix, it's holding its ground better than ever. For 2025, Toyota made a bold move by going hybrid-only with the Camry, debuting an all-new electrified setup across the board. Despite the shift, sales are still going strong. With its sharp pricing and improved powertrain, this longtime favorite feels fresher, smarter, and more compelling than ever. The 2025 Camry starts at $28,700, coming in cheaper than the smaller Civic Hybrid—while offering more interior space, extra horsepower, and even better fuel economy. That's a rare combo that makes the Camry hard to beat in the hybrid sedan space. It's powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either two electric motors for front-wheel drive or three for all-wheel drive. The FWD version puts out 225 horsepower and delivers an outstanding 51 MPG combined, while the AWD setup bumps power to 232 horsepower and still hits an impressive 50 MPG. 2025 Toyota Prius Fuel Economy Rating: 57 MPG It's no shocker that the Prius still leads the pack in fuel efficiency. Since day one, it's been the benchmark for hybrids—consistently sipping fuel lighter than just about any other Japanese electrified ride that isn't fully electric. The 2025 Toyota Prius comes in at $28,350—right in line with the Camry, even though they're two totally different takes on hybrid driving. Where the Camry leans into size and comfort, the Prius keeps things sleek, efficient, and unapologetically eco-minded. It's powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a front-mounted electric motor for a combined 194 horsepower. Opting for all-wheel drive adds a second motor at the rear and bumps output to 196 horsepower, but the real win is fuel economy—54 MPG with AWD, or an unmatched 57 MPG in the front-wheel-drive version.
New York Post
7 days ago
- New York Post
Alleged killer dad Luciano Frattolin spotted in woods
A New York woman thinks she saw accused killer dad Luciano Frattolin 'running up a hill' close to where his 9-year-old daughter was found drowned. Rebecca Kulickowski, a lifelong resident of Ticonderoga in upstate New York, told News10 that she submitted two police reports after seeing a man she now believes was Frattolin running away from his car on Saturday evening, when Melina Frattolin is thought to have been killed. Kulickowski was driving through Ticonderoga toward Schroon Lake when she saw a Toyota Prius stopped in the road. 6 Police arrested Luciano Frattolin after he claimed his daughter had been abducted. Instagram/Luciano Frattolin 'It only caught my eye because as I was driving past the car, I seen a skinny tall guy,' she told News10. 'And he was running up a hill that he was parked next to and there was a wooded area on the bottom of it,' she said. 'I just didn't feel right, there was something about him, I don't know, our eyes locked when I drove by, he looked at me,' she said. Kulickowski did not see a child with the man at the time — but immediately contacted police when she got an Amber Alert about little Melina on Sunday. 'We got an alert and I was like, 'God no.' I can't even tell you what I felt in that moment, it was horrible,' she said. 6 Frattolin is being held at the Essex County Jail in upstate New York Essex County Sheriff's Office The alert was triggered by the girl's dad claiming she'd been kidnapped, which officials later said appeared to be a hoax. The alert was called off when Melina's body was discovered pinned under a log in Eagle Lake, between Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake, close to where Kulickowski saw the suspicious man. 6 The suspect lied that his daughter had been abducted, police said. Wnyt13 6 Frattolin was arrested and charged with his daughter's murder. Instagram/Luciano Frattolin Frattolin, who had custody of his daughter for the week, was charged on Monday with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. He and Melina entered the US from Canada on July 11 and traveled around New York and Connecticut, visiting New York City before heading back upstate. Follow The Post's coverage on Melina Frattolin On Saturday at 5:30 p.m. the pair were spotted in Frattolin's Prius in Saratoga Springs, around 67 miles south of Ticonderoga. Around an hour later at 6:30 p.m., Melina called her mother back home in Montreal and sounded well. 6 This map shows where Melina was found dead in upstate New York. Merrill Sherman / NY Post Design 6 Melina was found dead near Lake George. New York State Police Frattolin then allegedly stopped answering his estranged partner's messages about when he would be bringing Melina back, as he was scheduled to do on Saturday. He is alleged to have strangled his daughter to death around an hour after she spoke to her mother, and some two and a half hours before he called in a missing persons report at around 10 p.m. Saturday. Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! Frattolin was arrested early on Monday morning and appeared in court later that day where he pleaded not guilty. He is due back in court again on Friday.
Miami Herald
22-07-2025
- Miami Herald
No charges in killing of ex-basketball star accused of road rage, PA officials say
A driver accused of fatally shooting a former college basketball star during a road rage incident was legally justified in his actions, Pennsylvania officials said. The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office said July 21 that no charges would be filed in the July 6 shooting death of Tamir Johnson, a former standout for the Division II Kutztown University basketball program. Johnson, 35, was driving an Audi in Allentown on July 6 when investigators said he overtook the driver of a Prius, then forced the Prius to the curb. Prosecutors said Johnson got out of his car and approached the other driver with a metal bat, then used it to strike the driver's side door. The driver of the Prius, who was legally allowed to carry a gun, shot Johnson, who then dropped the bat, the district attorney's office said. Johnson was taken to a hospital and died from his injuries, prosecutors said. The Prius driver was not publicly identified because no charges were filed. 'Pennsylvania law states in relevant part that the use of deadly force is justified under certain extreme circumstances,' officials said. 'Deadly force is justified when a person reasonably believes such force is immediately necessary to protect himself against death or serious bodily injury when the person against whom the force is used displays or uses a weapon that is readily or apparently capable of lethal use.' Because Johnson swung the bat with lethal force, prosecutors said the Prius driver was justified under the state's Stand Your Ground law. The Prius driver remained at the scene following the incident and cooperated in the investigation. Johnson played for Kutztown University from 2009 to 2011 and is among the program's all-time leaders in field-goal percentage. 'Tamir was a stalwart leader and quiet giant,' the program said in a July 6 post on Facebook. 'We will miss his positive impact on us and his wonderful smile.' He had plans to return to the university to pursue a master's degree, his family said in a statement to the district attorney's office. 'Johnson was so much more than a moment of conflict,' his family said in a statement. 'He was the father of three beautiful children, a devoted partner, a son, a brother, a nephew and a loyal friend.' Allentown is about a 65-mile drive northwest from Philadelphia.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Launches Standout Prius PHEV Lease Offer for July
Toyota Launches Standout Prius PHEV Lease Offer for July originally appeared on Autoblog. A surprisingly affordable Prius plug-in The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, also known as the Prius Prime, is no longer just the quirky eco-mobile it once was. In its latest generation, it's sleek, refined, surprisingly quick, and capable of driving 45 miles on electricity alone. Now, it's cheaper than ever to get behind the wheel. For July 2025, Toyota is offering a standout 36-month lease on the SE trim of the 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid. It's the kind of deal that makes this ultra-efficient hatchback one of the smartest leases of the summer—even if you weren't originally shopping for a plug-in. 2025 Toyota Prius PHEV lease deal for July This month, Toyota is offering a lease on the 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE for just $259 per month for 36 months with $2,999 due at signing. That offer is based on an MSRP of $34,570 and expires Aug. 4, 2025. For shoppers in the market for something efficient, practical, and stylish, it's a compelling offer on one of the most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids on sale today. It's not just about mpg anymore, either. The Prius PHEV's electric range of 45 miles means many daily commutes or errands can be completed without ever using the gas engine. When you do need it, Toyota's hybrid system steps in seamlessly, offering a total range of over 600 miles. What you get with the latest Prius PHEV Toyota gave the Prius a major glow-up for this generation. Gone is the awkward wedge shape, replaced with a low, sculpted body that actually turns heads. The SE trim—offered in this lease deal—comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitoring, and Toyota's standard suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Inside, the Prius Prime feels modern and functional. The digital gauge cluster is mounted high up for easy visibility, while the front seats offer a good balance of comfort and support. There's plenty of room in the back for passengers or gear, and the hatchback layout makes it easy to load groceries, luggage, or camping gear. Efficiency and driving experience The plug-in Prius drives more like a normal car than you might expect. Acceleration is respectable thanks to the combined output of the electric motor and gas engine, and the low-slung stance makes it feel planted on twisty roads. When running in EV mode, the drive is silent and smooth. Once the battery is depleted, it continues on like a standard hybrid, sipping fuel and recovering energy through regenerative braking. For drivers looking to minimize fuel costs without committing to a full EV, the Prius Prime remains one of the best options out there. Its combination of electric range, hybrid efficiency, and practical design makes it incredibly versatile. Final thoughts Toyota's July lease deal on the Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE is one of the more attractive offers available in the plug-in space right now. With 45 miles of EV range, solid tech, a refreshed look, and a monthly payment of just $259, it hits a sweet spot between value and capability. For anyone on the fence about electrification, this deal might just be the push you need. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Toyota Launches Standout Prius PHEV Lease Offer for July first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Auto Blog
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Toyota Launches Standout Prius PHEV Lease Offer for July
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Walmart Is Selling a 'Fantastic' $90 Car Emergency Kit for Just $44, and Shoppers Say It 'Has All the Essentials' A surprisingly affordable Prius plug-in The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, also known as the Prius Prime, is no longer just the quirky eco-mobile it once was. In its latest generation, it's sleek, refined, surprisingly quick, and capable of driving 45 miles on electricity alone. Now, it's cheaper than ever to get behind the wheel. For July 2025, Toyota is offering a standout 36-month lease on the SE trim of the 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid. It's the kind of deal that makes this ultra-efficient hatchback one of the smartest leases of the summer—even if you weren't originally shopping for a plug-in. When will Toyota build an EV with its simulated manual transmission? Watch More 2025 Toyota Prius PHEV lease deal for July This month, Toyota is offering a lease on the 2025 Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE for just $259 per month for 36 months with $2,999 due at signing. That offer is based on an MSRP of $34,570 and expires Aug. 4, 2025. For shoppers in the market for something efficient, practical, and stylish, it's a compelling offer on one of the most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrids on sale today. 2025 Toyota Prius — Source: Toyota It's not just about mpg anymore, either. The Prius PHEV's electric range of 45 miles means many daily commutes or errands can be completed without ever using the gas engine. When you do need it, Toyota's hybrid system steps in seamlessly, offering a total range of over 600 miles. What you get with the latest Prius PHEV Toyota gave the Prius a major glow-up for this generation. Gone is the awkward wedge shape, replaced with a low, sculpted body that actually turns heads. The SE trim—offered in this lease deal—comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitoring, and Toyota's standard suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Toyota Prius Limited — Source: Toyota Inside, the Prius Prime feels modern and functional. The digital gauge cluster is mounted high up for easy visibility, while the front seats offer a good balance of comfort and support. There's plenty of room in the back for passengers or gear, and the hatchback layout makes it easy to load groceries, luggage, or camping gear. Efficiency and driving experience The plug-in Prius drives more like a normal car than you might expect. Acceleration is respectable thanks to the combined output of the electric motor and gas engine, and the low-slung stance makes it feel planted on twisty roads. When running in EV mode, the drive is silent and smooth. Once the battery is depleted, it continues on like a standard hybrid, sipping fuel and recovering energy through regenerative braking. 2025 Toyota Prius — Source: Toyota For drivers looking to minimize fuel costs without committing to a full EV, the Prius Prime remains one of the best options out there. Its combination of electric range, hybrid efficiency, and practical design makes it incredibly versatile. Final thoughts Toyota's July lease deal on the Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE is one of the more attractive offers available in the plug-in space right now. With 45 miles of EV range, solid tech, a refreshed look, and a monthly payment of just $259, it hits a sweet spot between value and capability. For anyone on the fence about electrification, this deal might just be the push you need. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
