Consumer Reports said it and consumers apparently believe it as they continue to flock to their Long Island Camry hybrid dealer for Toyota models which were rated among the most efficient. Toyota can lay claim to six of the top 15 fuel-efficient models.
Although Long Island Toyota RAV4 customers won’t find their model on the list since only cars were included, there are so many other Toyota models on the list that those loyal to the brand won’t be at a loss if their main criterion for the next purchase is great mileage.
Coming in first with nearly unbelievable mileage numbers of 55 highway and 43 city was Toyota Prius IV, one the biggest Toyota successes in years. The Prius model is being expanded into an entire family of cars, including the plug-in hybrid set to debut later this year and a model with solar roof panels. Prius owners are a breed unto themselves and not only are loyal, but eagerly anticipate the greener models to come.
Long Island Camry hybrid customers will be pleased to know their model rated sixth in overall fuel efficiency with 28 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. Other Toyota brand vehicles appearing in this prestigious list include: Scion xD in ninth place; Yaris base sedan in 13th place; Corolla LE in 14th place; and Corolla (base, manual) rounding out the list in 15th place.
Test criteria for the Consumer Reports include measurements of fuel economy, which come from using a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon. Overall mileage for each vehicle is calculated from equal portions of city and expressway driving on a 150-mile trip. Consumer Reports issues these reports annually after conducting extensive tests.
Okay, for you Long Island Toyota RAV4 owners, Consumer Reports also compiles a list of most fuel-efficient SUVs and Toyota Highlander hybrid rated fourth on that list with an overall mpg rating of 24. In fifth place, Toyota RAV4 (base, 4 cyl.) had a 23 overall rating. Toyota RAV4 Limited (V6) placed 11th with an overall mpg of 22. Does this mean the gas hog SUV is a thing of the past?
With all the new hybrids and innovative fuel-saving ideas being produced by Toyota and planned for production in the near future, imagine where the Toyota models may rate in the next fuel-efficiency test. The plug-in Prius will certainly figure into the equation, and who knows how the solar-powered model might measure up.
Despite the recall nightmare that Toyota is embroiled in, not only does customer loyalty seem to have been retained, but the fuel-efficiency of many models and the new hybrids waiting in the wings may just be the boost Toyota needs to stay on top and bring in new buyers.
In today’s economy, when car buyers are looking for a bargain at the register as well as on the road, Toyota has stepped up to the plate and offered consumers what they asked for: clean, green and not-too-mean on the wallet.