Nobody left behind
With fuel prices above P75 a liter as of press time, electrified vehicles remain to be the hottest-selling cars in the Philippines.
The amount of choice is simply bewildering, largely from Chinese brands that were unheard of even as early as five years ago. But what if you’re the sort of buyer who wants an electrified vehicle from an automaker with a long-running reputation for robust engineering, comprehensive aftersales and proven resale value?
This is where the combined might of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and its luxury arm, Lexus Philippines, comes in – aside from forming the Philippines’ top-selling auto conglomerate, Lexus in particular has knocked out European giants BMW and Mercedes-Benz to become the country’s number-one luxury car brand.
We take a look at various Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) models from Toyota and Lexus to help you decide the right car for your needs and tastes.
Fabulous four-doors
Sedans remain appealing for their sleek appearance, superb aerodynamics and unmatched road-holding.
And those who want the cheapest entry into the HEV club can line up at the P1,198,000 ATIV HEV subcompact sedan. Its fastback styling and 1.5-liter hybrid powerplant promises strong performance and superior fuel economy to many rivals.
Those needing more space and power can turn to the recently revamped Corolla Altis HEV – its 1.8-liter engine now gets a more energy-efficient lithium-ion battery, while the range has been revised to start at a more accessible P1,489,000. And for those who want the largest four-door Toyota, they can have the P2,657,000 Camry HEV with its stout 2.5-liter hybrid powerplant.
Meanwhile, those who want to take on the BMW 3 Series can get the Lexus IS 300h that combines a capable rear-wheel-drive chassis with 220 electrified horsepower, starting at just P3,128,000. Meanwhile, the recently launched ES 350h combines eye-catching design with the latest in Lexus hybrid tech, with prices beginning at P4,108,000.
Capable MPVs
Many Filipinos aspire for multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) because these can carry a lot of people or things.
Here, the P1,991,000 Toyota Zenix HEV shines with its seven seats and 2.0-liter hybrid powerplant. Families from swankier addresses could also enjoy the MPV lifestyle without losing the finer things in life – the P4,800,000 Alphard HEV combines a frugal and powerful 2.5-liter hybrid powerplant and a cosseting cabin for journeys of all kinds.
And for those who demand the absolute finest in wheeled transport, the Lexus LM 350h incorporates ultra-luxurious craftsmanship and all-wheel-drive capability. The 7-Seater model comes in at P7,338,000, while the P10,958,000 4-Seater variant includes features that would make business-jet flyers jealous.
Versatile crossovers
Crossovers are a dominant force in the auto industry for combining sport-utility vehicle (SUV) practicality with car-like driving lightness.
Here, Toyota adds electrified power with the subcompact Yaris Cross HEV, which starts at just P1,610,000. Those who need a larger vehicle can opt for the 1.8-liter Corolla Cross HEV (starting at just P1,514,000) and the 2.5-liter RAV4 HEV, which is available in either the P2,227,000 Adventure or the P2,549,000 Limited.
Lexus offers a wide range of premium HEV crossovers, starting with the petite LBX at P2,578,000 with its unique 1.5-liter, inline-3 hybrid powerplant. Next is the UX 300h with a 2.0-liter hybrid powerplant and two variants, namely the P2,958,000 Premier and the sporty F Sport at P3,508,000.
Higher up the ladder is the stylish NX 350h that sports a larger 2.5-liter hybrid powerplant that is available as the P3,228,000 Executive or the P4,318,000 Premier. And then there’s the RX 350h with its cavernous and luxurious cabin, along with all-wheel-drive – the range starts with the P4,948,000 Executive, followed by the P5,478,000 Premier.
The flagship electrified Lexus crossover is the sprightly RX 500h F SPORT Performance – at P6,598,000, this plush five-seater is turbocharged and all-wheel-drive, thus helping it make the most of its 366 horsepower. It also gets Dynamic Rear Steering that improves maneuverability at low speed and improves handling at high speed.
All-conquering SUVs
When HEVs came into the scene around 30 years ago, they were largely limited to small sedans and coupes.
But given Toyota’s persistence in multi-pathway mobility, the Japanese auto giant has engineered a way to put its world-renowned HEV technology into the legendary Land Cruiser. With an electrified, twin-turbocharged, 3.3-liter V6 engine with selectable four-wheel drive, the P6,930,000 Land Cruiser HEV can go on any surface sans the punishing fuel bills.
At the absolute pinnacle of HEV SUV technology is the Lexus LX 700h – it builds upon the Land Cruiser’s decades of proven off-road heritage with a truly elevated sense of comfort and prestige. The Premier variant comes in at P11,448,000, followed by the F SPORT at P12,038,000 and the top-spec VIP model at P13,278,000.
Gas-free mobility
They say that Japanese automakers are a non-entity in the world of BEVs.
Toyota begs to differ, starting with its most accessible all-electric car, the P2,135,000 Urban Cruiser BEV. This subcompact crossover has a 61-kWh battery pack and an electric motor that pumps out 172 horsepower and 193 Newton-meters of torque, all while having a claimed maximum range of 475 kilometers on one full charge.
Meanwhile, the P2,753,000 Toyota bZ4X combines all-wheel-drive performance with zero tailpipe emissions. Its 73.11-kWh battery and dual electric motors work together to produce 342 horsepower and 439 Newton-meters of torque, with a claimed maximum range of 570 kilometers on a single full charge.
The latest Lexus ES 350e Luxury, priced at P5,688,000, puts BEV technology in a striking executive sedan – a 74.69-kWh lithium-ion battery and front-mounted electric motor produce 221 horsepower and 269 Newton-meters of torque. Claimed NEDC maximum range is 615 kilometers on a full charge.
Finally, those who want a Lexus crossover without the stress of dealing with fuel prices can turn to the sharply styled RZ, which gets a 74.69-kWh lithium-ion battery for a claimed maximum range of 535 kilometers on one full charge. Variants include the P4,438,000 RZ 350e Core and the all-wheel-drive RZ 500e Luxury at P5,428,000.
With an electrified lineup this comprehensive, Toyota and Lexus are more than ready to help Filipinos usher in new-energy vehicles.
