Since the launch of its first Prius in 1997, Toyota has been a leader in the hybrid vehicle sector. While it may not have been the earliest brand to introduce hybrids, Toyota has excelled in making traditional hybrids featuring gasoline engines supported by electric motors, delivering the impressive fuel efficiency that many drivers desire.
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote hybrid technology, Toyota is now making strides in the luxury segment. Lexus has offered hybrid models for some time, but for the 2018 model year, the prices of its hybrid crossovers have significantly decreased. Customers can now purchase a hybrid Lexus RX or NX at a price that is much closer to that of standard gasoline-powered vehicles than before.
While the additional costs for hybrid versions of the ES, GS, LS, and LC remain quite high—ranging from $2,870 to $12,940—the hybrid NX 300h AWD now only costs an additional $950 compared to the standard gas model. Moreover, the price difference between the popular RX 350 AWD and the hybrid RX 450h AWD is just $1,025. Additionally, the recently priced three-row RX 350L AWD is cheaper by $1,550 than its hybrid sibling, the RX 450hL.
To put this into perspective, hybrid versions of the NX previously came with a premium of $3,035, while the hybrid RX required an extra $5,820. These substantial price reductions are expected to boost Lexus’s hybrid sales and assist in meeting fuel economy regulations.
Michael Moore, senior manager for Lexus product marketing, noted in an interview with The Drive, “We recognized the benefits that our hybrid powertrains provide our customers as well as society, and with this new pricing strategy, it will allow us to broaden their appeal even more.”
For over twenty years, Toyota has aimed to make hybrids more accessible to a wider audience, and it’s encouraging to see an increase in affordable luxury hybrid options. It’s hoped that other luxury brands will follow this trend to maintain competitiveness in the market.
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