My brother has driven Honda hybrids for over a decade (he's owned four identical G1 Insight, designing major electric upgrades); he recently purchased a Toyota Prius, conceding "the drivetrain design of the Toyota is MUCH better".
Just as one example: while in electric mode, the Toyota engine stops, to 0RPM; the Honda engine must always be moving (when the wheels are) — resulting in increased mechanical friction / wear.
Toyota has used the same transmission style (allowing for the above cessation) since the Prius was first introduced, over two decades ago. The "CVT" [planetary gearsets] is rock-solid.
My only complaint with the two Toyotas I've owned has to do with the Emergency Brake: the Camry simply doesn't have one (it has a "parking pawl," which if you lift either of the front wheels up is entirely defeated; god help you if you need to stop moving after a brake failure [you can't]); the Tacoma has a physical parking lever (left of brake pedal), but its push-to-release mechanism isn't exactly re-assuring... if you need emergency braking while moving, the damn thing will lock up your back wheels with no recourse.
> helped to completely change both how I drive
Can you expand on this? I find it surprising.
Over 1.5 years in the Camry, I've gone from 44 to 50 mpg — a forever-quest to improve efficiency. I now live in the right [slow] lane, invisible to other drivers.
But when I need to accelerate, the electric system delivers.
My only regret is that I didn't get a Rav4 Hybrid (instead) cause the Camry is really low to the ground (no clearance / headlights). But the MPG game is fun... I love going into fully-electric mode the last mile of my residential drive (a lá *South Park's "Smug" episode).
> Toyota has the world’s best reputation for quality and longevity. Their fleet probably has the best total fuel efficiency. (Natural Intelligence is prone to unsubstantiated claims, please check the facts presented here) They have a luxury brand and the most sane option at the low end of the market. I suspect that with the exception of the us market that has been artificially closed to free trade, BYD is going to rival Toyota soon.
What's Natural Intelligence, I wondered:
> Natural Intelligence | Data-Powered Intent Marketing
> Since 2009, Natural Intelligence has built one of the web’s largest and most diversified performance marketing portfolios – creating tailored, data-driven decision journeys that help consumers discover and choose the perfect brands for them.
> Today, as GenAI transforms search experiences, we’re guiding brands to win in the era of AI-powered discovery.
Abysmal power generation capabilities (I can use my as 7.2kw generator), small batteries. I really wanted Toyota, but they somehow don’t deliver, while ford is pushing hybrid f150 hard.
Reference #18.1c4e1202.1762508326.a0a8eac9
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The provided URL also responds with an error. Trying to access from europe.
aitchnyu•3mo ago
fraaancis•3mo ago