KATHMANDU: Hybrid cars are often believed to be more expensive to maintain and more prone to problems because they combine a petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery. However, several studies have found the opposite.
Conventional hybrid cars are generally more reliable than petrol-only vehicles, according to a study by US consumer organization Consumer Reports. The study analyzed data from around 380,000 vehicles.
The findings show that conventional hybrids have an average of 15 percent fewer problems than petrol-powered cars. However, plug-in hybrid vehicles tend to experience more problems, the study found.
According to Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ director of auto testing, hybrid technology has been in use for nearly three decades. This has allowed the technology to mature and prove its reliability over time.
Why are hybrid cars more reliable?
Toyota is considered a leader in hybrid technology, having worked on the system for many years. The Toyota Prius, which entered the US market in 2000, is one of the best-known examples.
According to Car Care Nut, a YouTube channel focused on car maintenance, Toyota hybrids rarely experience powertrain-related problems.
Hybrid systems can have a simpler mechanical structure than conventional petrol powertrains. This can reduce the number of components that may fail.
Toyota hybrids generally do not require a conventional starter motor or alternator. This eliminates potential problems associated with those components. Some models also do not use a turbocharger, further simplifying the powertrain.
Which Toyota hybrids are the most reliable?
The Toyota Prius is considered one of the company’s most reliable hybrid models. Data from Car Complaints indicates that complaints about the Prius have remained relatively low for models released since 2018.
The Prius has also performed well in long-term durability assessments by iSeeCars and reliability and repair-cost evaluations by RepairPal.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Camry, Tundra and Highlander have received strong results in J.D. Power’s reliability assessments. The Corolla has also performed well, according to the report.
Toyota is increasingly focusing on hybrid versions of its popular models. The company has expanded its hybrid offerings across vehicles such as the Corolla, Camry, Corolla Cross and RAV4.
The findings suggest that conventional hybrid cars can offer a reliable alternative to petrol-only vehicles, challenging the common belief that having both petrol and electric power systems makes a car less dependable.
