The Camry rental I had two-and-a-half years ago with that 8-speed transmission was terrible. Shifts were rough and the lag on downshifts when you floored the accelerator was absolutely terrible. The Camry Hybrid is so, so much better without the rough-shifting, slow transmission.
2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire
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Their 6 speeds are the peak. Very quick and smooth.
The low speed shift logic in those during low speed traffic is bad. Recently had a loaner gx, and the transmission would slam into gear if one would apply light throttle, let off, and then reapply throttle. The only way around that would be enabling 2nd start or shift the gear selector to the "sports" mode.
Highspeed driving, though shifts like butter.
qtb007
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Anecdotally, there are definitely buyers in the US that don't want hybrid. I'm not one of those people, but I know a lot of them that are convinced that the battery is going to bankrupt them while conveniently forgetting that engines and transmissions are also common failure modes and are a much bigger pain to replace than popping a battery out from underneath the back seat. But I think that's definitely part of the equation of why the T24A non-hybrid is offered in Highlander, RX, NX, TX, and Grand Highlander.
I'm not surprised that the A25A hybrid drivetrain is cheaper than the T24A non-hybrid. The transaxle is way simpler from a manpower to build perspective; the stators are all automated manufacturing. There's no transfer case. There's no prop shaft or differential. I'd be surprised if the T24A hybrid is 10% cheaper than the T24A non-hybrid, though. It still requires a clutch/disc style transaxle and the relatively large front motor. They also seem to be coming with pretty powerful rear motors and of course the hybrid battery.
Part of that no hybrid equation is hybrids command a higher new selling price that most folks are unable to recoup under their ownership length with the fuel savings. In addition with a hybrid you have the complexity of marrying two propulsion systems together, which for the majority of buyers who lease will more then likely never be an issue. However long term owners will probably skew towards gas ownership due to familiarity.
Toyota Launches Alphard and Vellfire PHEV Models in Japan | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that it will commence sales of its all-new Alphard and Vellfire Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV; six-seater) models in Japan on January 31, 2025. Gasoline and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models of the Alphard and Vellfire have also been...
Overview of PHEV models
2.5-liter Plug-in Hybrid System for environmental and dynamic performance
- The PHEV models achieve a driving range of 73 km on a full charge, enabling BEV-mode driving for many daily chauffeured trips using electricity stored in the battery. On longer drives, the engine supplements battery power that ensures the cruising range needed for traveling long distances with peace of mind.
- A large-capacity lithium-ion battery has been mounted under the floor in the center of the vehicle, maintaining cabin space while further lowering the center of gravity (-35 mm compared to HEV*4). This, in combination with an optimized body frame, ensures a comfortable riding experience and stability with fewer vibrations.
- A new Smooth Stop control system, which suppresses sudden nose-dives*5 when decelerating, helps stabilize passenger seating positions to achieve a high riding experience.
- Equipped with a high-output density drive motor, the PHEV models reach a maximum system output*6 of 225 kW (306 PS) and, by fully utilizing the motor, achieve smooth acceleration.
- Achieves hybrid fuel economy of 16.7 km/L*7.
- Engine noise has been reduced by increasing the motor assist range and suppressing engine revolutions. In addition, road noise has been reduced through the addition of sound insulation material to the instrument panel, doors, and other interior materials, as well as the addition of urethane sponge to the body frame, improving quietness.
- Auto BEV / HEV mode switching control has been used, whereby the driving load for each section of the route to the destination is anticipated, such as whether it will be city or mountain driving. BEV mode is used for the most appropriate sections of the route to achieve efficient driving, which contributes to low fuel consumption.