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4 Big Changes to the 2021 Toyota Prius

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since the Toyota Prius (available at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA) first emerged as one of the earliest hybrid vehicles. In the beginning, this "green" vehicle appealed mostly to hardcore environmentalists, but since 2001, the draw of this efficient, fuel-saving vehicle has exploded.

Of course, as with all its models, Toyota has continually improved on the design, style, and much more. The 2021 Toyota Prius is the latest point of pride. Peruzzi Toyota is thrilled to review four key changes that take the 2021 Prius to a whole new level.

EVEN BETTER EFFICIENCY

For two decades, the main appeal of the Prius has been its impressive fuel efficiency. The new model offers 52mpg (city and hwy combined). The Power Control Unit allows the vehicle to utilize battery power alone in most situations, smoothly tapping into the gas engine when needed. Plus, the current iteration of Toyota’s New Global Architecture frame makes the 2021 the quietest version ever. Additionally, that design results in ultra-low “drag” resulting in additional efficiency on the road.

SPORTIER DESIGN

Just 'cause it's "green" doesn't mean it has to be dull. The 2021 Toyota Prius (which you can see – and drive – up close at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA) features two new colors, Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red. Add in color-keyed rear spoilers, glossy black exterior trim, and blackout headlight components, and you've got a car that turns heads.

SMARTLY DESIGNED INTERIOR

The 2021 Toyota Prius benefits from more interior space, so much so that the EPA now classifies it as a "midsize" car. Front-wheel-drive models boast an extra 50.7 cubic feet when the rear seatbacks are folded down.

GREATER PRODUCTIVITY

Of course, it’s all about how you spend your time on the road. The 2021 Prius offers you hands-free Bluetooth, while six interior speakers make the ride more enjoyable. Little touches like thoughtfully-designed cupholders for your commute ensure that your time behind the wheel will runs as smoothly as possible.

LEADING-EDGE SAFETY

The most current version of Toyota’s acclaimed Safety Sense features give drivers of the 2021 Prius even more control on the road. Pedestrian Detection automatically applies the brakes, even if you don’t see that person. Lane Departure Assist keeps you “between the lines” –literally, while Road Sign Assist gives you a heads-up on the dashboard with various traffic alerts.

Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is excited to help lead the way in offering the next wave of sporty “green” vehicles that are right at home in these new times!

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The Best Toyotas For Your College Kid

It’s that time of year when the college kids are getting ready to head to school, many for the first time. There’s plenty for a parent to worry about, but a great, safe car doesn’t have to be one of them. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has these recommendations for the perfect Toyota for your college kid. The biggest reason you should choose a Toyota vehicle for your kid is our commitment to safety. The Toyota Safety System helps drivers with features like lane departure warning, road sign assist, and pre-collision warning. Drivers of all ages – but especially younger ones – benefit from this little helping hand, and it comes standard on all our models. We feel like pretty much any Toyota vehicle is optimal for college kids, but frankly, we settle on these models most often: Toyota Corolla, Corolla Hybrid Toyota Camry Toyota Prius Toyota RAV 4 or RAV4 Hybrid The Corolla and Camry have been loved for decades for their reliability and durability. The Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid and is perfect for your eco-conscious student. Finally, the Toyota RAV4 is a sturdy SUV that offers more room for packing up stuff for their dorm; in fact, it has 37.6 cubic feet of space inside. Another thing that makes Toyota a great pick for a college driver is our fuel-efficiency. The 2024 Camry averages 29-32 mpg; the Corolla gets 53 city/46 hwy; RAV 4 pulls 27 city/35 hwy. Of course, the hybrids like Prius, offer even greater fuel economy. Finally, these Toyotas are among the most affordable cars out there. Stop by Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield to check out these Toyotas and see which one is the best fit for your college kid. Plus, we can fill you in on our great financing options!

Buying A Used Hybrid: What To Know

Hybrids have been around for 20 years now, so the ability to buy a used one is pretty much a given. There are good reasons to buy one (and a few iffy things to consider) as you shop. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers a wide variety of quality used vehicles and offers these tips on buying a used hybrid. Hybrids have the advantage over gas-powered cars in their better fuel economy. By combining the battery with a gas engine, you get more bang for your fuel buck. One example? The EPA estimates that a 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE can save you nearly $500 in fuel costs each year versus a gas-powered model. Currently, new hybrids tend to be pricier than other new cars. Buying used brings that cost way down. Look for a certified pre-owned hybrid which typically has lower mileage. Hybrids offer less wear and tear on both the engine and the brakes, lowering future maintenance costs. The transmission creates “drag” to slow down the car and capture energy at the same time. The power load is shared between the electric motor and the gas engine, so the engine doesn’t have to work so hard. The main thing to be aware of when buying a used hybrid is the condition of the battery. Battery replacement is one of the biggest costs in a hybrid, although typically, one can last up to 200,000 miles; warranties generally cover it for at least eight years or more. The hybrid you’re looking at may still be covered under a warranty. Make researching the battery and its health (and cost of replacing it down the road) an essential part of your homework. A technician can run a diagnostic to determine out how robust it is; sometimes, they can swap out individual fuel cells which can save you money. As with any used car, get the vehicle history report. You can either request one through something like CarFax, or search service records via its VIN number. Also have a mechanic skilled in hybrids give it a once-over. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield has a great reputation with pre-owned vehicles. If you’re in the market for a used hybrid, feel free to get in touch with any questions!

Don’t Miss These Hybrid Trucks

Hybrid vehicles are showing up more frequently on the road (and at the increasing number of charging stations around the country). Hybrids combine both gas and electric for a more efficient use of power that’s environmentally friendly (not to mention, easier on your wallet). Two questions that often come up though are, “Are there hybrid trucks available? And are they any good?” The answer to both is “yes.” Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to share the details on two Toyota hybrid trucks, the Tundra and 2024 Tacoma. Both trucks use a twin-turbo V6 combustion engine paired with an electric motor generator that ups the power when it’s engaged. The Toyota Tundra got a big makeover in 2022 which included a hybrid engine. Among various hybrid engine options, the available i-FORCE 3.4-liter Twin Turbo is the most powerful. It delivers 437 horsepower and 583 lb-foot torque to navigate unpredictable loads and terrain. For 2024, the Toyota Tacoma has also gotten a full refresh and is considered one of the best mid-size hybrid trucks on the market, with a variety of “trims” to match every lifestyle. The Tacoma hybrid is equipped with the i-FORCE MAX power system that delivers 326 horsepower with 465 lb-foot of torque. To add to its sturdy reliability, look for new exclusive suspension components and new underbody protection. Toyota’s ever-improving hybrid technology makes these models a great option for those that need the power of a truck but also want to live more sustainably. They’re proof that you don’t have to sacrifice anything for a “greener” option. We invite you to stop by Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield and get under the hood of these popular truck hybrids. Then, take them for a test-drive and feel the power!