Before getting this car, I was concerned the downgrade from a six cylinder to a four cylinder hybrid would be noticeable - it's the other way around. Yes it doesn't have the high end power band of the 2GR-FE but the smoothness, quietness, and response is on a completely different level (though I don't know how the 2GR-FKS/8AT combo behaves). Combined with a very solid chassis, this is the best car I've driven ever, and I say this as someone who has driven the entire lineup of JLR, Volvo, BMW and Audi. Sure Mercedes and more expensive brands may have better ride quality and comfort, but this car has no competition at ¥370k. It punches well above its class. The overall comfort level is close to a 7-series or A8 LWB. Even without rear acoustic windows on the base trim the car is already dead silent.
The A25A engine deserves a thousand awards. I've spent a week on a Camry before, and the FKS version is already the smoothest and quietest four-cylinder I've ever driven (don't know why it behaves completely differently on the RAV4 though). It has a lot of low end torque, maybe close to the very long stroke 2.7L used by their trucks and SUVs. And the 40% efficiency is readily noticeable, even without hybridization it averaged 5.6L/100km in combined urban/highway driving. Hybridization takes it to a new level. The fuel economy is phenomenal. I got 3.8L/100km average so far. I feel TNGA reduced a lot of aerodynamic and mechanical drag - the car just glides forever in neutral (same on the Camry). The ability to use 92RON fuel is an extra bonus. It cuts my monthly fuel bill by two thirds. And it surely is a more trouble-free experience than full EV.
The main complaint I have with this car is the very low chassis. It's 2.5 cm lower than my previous ES, so it couldn't enter my garage which has a dip to drain out rainwater. My daily commute also passes through several very tall speed bumps which makes me very nervous with this car. I know a lot of the ride quality and handling improvements come from the very low CoG, but the loss in practicality is a bit much.
I don't understand how american journalists keep bringing up the remote touch problem. This touchpad is very easy to use if you bother learning it. My wife is very poor with technology yet she got used to it in just twenty minutes. Of course I wish it had a dual touch screen layout used by many competitors, but the touchpad is far from being a deal breaker IMO.