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Inside Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive

Toyota debuted its groundbreaking Toyota Hybrid System 27 years ago, ultimately evolving in 2004 as the automaker’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. Here’s how it works.

Most Recent

Update: Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX

The Honda Prologue electric vehicle and its uplevel Acura ZDX stablemate will qualify for full $7,500 federal tax credit.

Italian Chic: Alfa Romeo Tonale

Alfa Romeo Tonale is stylish, electrified, and very efficient. It's also the 2024 Green SUV of the Year.

EV Service is Off to a Good Start

Electric vehicles are a game changer in many respects. But how will they affect the way service is traditionally delivered at dealerships?

Fueling a Low-Net Carbon Future

Alternative fuels like hydrogen, propane, alcohol, compressed natural gas, and other drop-in fuels have an important role to play in lowering carbon emissions.

The 20 Year Journey of Plug-In Hybrids

Plug-in hybrids generated interest two decades ago as we faced the same energy, climate, and political issues as today. Here’s perspective from our archives.

Ron Cogan behind the wheel

Is Our Electrified Future Coming Too Fast?

There’s good reason to question the regulatory tunnel vision at play as we move toward an electrified future. Do we have the means to power it?

Don't Miss

Ford's Modular Hybrid Transmission

Lots of new technologies are being used by automakers to enhance the power and efficiency of their hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Innovations abound, like the compact and lightweight modular hybrid transmission now being used in Ford and Lincoln SUVs.

Nissan Versa Delivers

Who says you can’t get appealing style and desired functionality in a budget-minded sedan? The third-generation Nissan Versa says you can.

Mazda3: Smart Looks, Two Choices

Sleek and stylish, the redesigned Mazda3 is fun to drive and smarter than ever, with a host of advanced driver assist systems that are now standard. Plus, two distinct body styles provide an additional choice for fans of the marque.

Toyota’s New Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid has long been a family favorite. Now it’s even better with a new, very stylish design based on an all-new platform with more tech than before, and an updated hybrid drivetrain now offering front- or all-wheel drive.

Jeep Gladiator Rocks!

Jeep fans waited a long time for a rugged new pickup from this storied, adventured-focused brand. They got it in the Jeep Gladiator, a crew cab truck based on the Wrangler that’s equally at home on pavement or off-road trails.

Hyundai’s Affordable Venue

Venue features a Driver Attention Warning system that monitors if a driver is fatigued or exhibits careless driving. Perhaps such a system would be appropriate for Teslas that are increasingly seen on Autopilot with a driver asleep at the wheel?

The Future of Plug-In SUVs

What’s in the pipeline for plug-in SUVs? Plenty. It’s no secret that buyers are embracing crossovers and SUVs in ever-greater numbers. They’re functional, fun, and a favorite of families and sports enthusiasts alike. Increasingly, more will be offering a plug.

Aston Martin's Rapide Transit

Aston Martin debuted its production-ready Rapide E at the Shanghai Auto Show, put on a demonstration ahead of the Formula E Monaco ePrix, and showed it at Fully Charged Live in the UK. This exotic electric is on its way.

Rivian's Cool Electric Pickup

Launching a new car company is no easy thing. Doing so while focusing on the fiercely-competitive truck and SUV segment of the industry against entrenched legacy automakers seems nuts and fraught with peril. But upstart Rivian knows what it’s doing.

A Redesign Good for the Soul

The iconic, box-like Kia Soul gets a redesign for 2020, sporting styling changes that include a more aggressive front end with horizontal strips containing daytime running lights. Headlamps are integrated in the bumper while taillights now practically encircle the rear window. The third-generation model rides on a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase and is 2.2 inches longer, and […]

Ferrari SF90 Stradale Plug-In

The SF90 Stradale represents many firsts for Ferrari. It’s the legendary automaker’s first plug-in hybrid electric model, the marque’s first all-wheel-drive supercar, and the most powerful Ferrari production car ever sold. The SF90 boasts the highest output ever for a Ferrari V-8 and, in fact, this is the first time a V-8 has powered a […]

2020 Range Rover Evoque

It’s a new day for Ranger Rover’s Evoque. The stylish crossover joins competitors by offering buyers an efficient, 48 volt mild-hybrid version as an option to increase fuel efficiency and decrease carbon emissions while also boosting overall acceleration and performance.

Road Trip: Monterey Car Week

Monterey, with its epic automotive events like The Quail Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, was calling us. It’s calling you, too.

All-New Explorer Hybrid

Better in so many ways with improved off-road capabilities and greater towing capacity, the ever-popular Explorer presents yet another choice for SUV buyers. Plus, a pair of EcoBoost engines and a new hybrid variant deliver desired performance and efficiency.

Hyundai Kona Two Ways

The Kona offers crossover buyers a bunch of functionality for the money. There's also the choice of electric or gasoline models.

Honda Clarity Electric

Part of Honda’s Clarity triple-play – along with the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell and more mainstream Clarity Plug-In Hybrid – the Clarity Electric is a model that clearly cuts its own path. It does not aim to be part of the ‘200 mile club,’ the latest generation of uber-electrics that claim a battery electric driving […]

Enduring Internal Combustion

Many consider the internal combustion engine a thing of the past. After all, we have zero-emission electric cars and a growing number of hybrids. But conventional engines keep getting better and will power most cars and trucks for some time.

Pininfarina's Karma GT

Karma Automotive continues to evolve as it works to expand its product line and build on the success of its Revero plug-in. What’s next? How about a Grand Touring version with exceptional styling touches by the renowned designers at Pininfarina?