You don’t work your way to Number Two automobile producer in the world (as Toyota has) by not thinking ahead. A conventional 3.3L V-6 engine producing 208hp is assisted by two electric motors (one driving the rear wheels and one the front). The result is V-8 like acceleration in all speed ranges with V-6 fuel economy.
At 31mpg city and 27mpg highway, it’s better than the regular V-6. And yes, that’s no a typo - city mileage is better than highway. This is characteristic of the Toyota parallel hybrid system. Because the electric motors instantly produce 100% of their torque, the vehicle reacts immediately to throttle input. Step on the accelerator at any speed and the response is both instant and authoritative.
Picky drivers may notice a bit more cabin noise during acceleration because the CVT transmission - required with the hybrid system - tends to over rev until it gets to cruising speed.
