Peoria Fuel Efficient Vehicles Unveiled

Peoria, May 3, 2009: The Toyota Prius is the most fuel efficient vehicle you can buy in North America, and it also claims the title of most popular hybrid in the world. The 2009 Prius is ranked at 48 mpg on the highway thanks to its Synergy Drive, the same system adopted by the Highlander Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. The Prius has become more popular due to its superior fuel economy, five-passenger seating, and versatile hatchback design. Also helping its popularity are high fuel prices, which are fueling Central Illinois car buyers to look in the direction of the Bloomington Toyota Prius to save them money at the pumps. The interior of the 2009 Toyota Prius is smartly planned, offering more space than other cars in its class. The hatchback design is designed to have plenty of room for four adults and provides a versatile rear hatch for cargo loading ease.

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular cars around, and in Peoria, the Peoria Toyota Camry Hybrid is also one of the most sought-after hybrids. The Camry Hybrid has faster acceleration than the Prius thanks to a 105-kilowatt electric motor and 4-cylinder engine. Even with the boost in power, a Peoria Toyota Camry Hybrid achieves a fuel economy of 34 mpg highway. The Camry also offers more interior space for than the Prius for car buyers seeking a vehicle for the family. The Peoria Toyota Camry Hybrid accelerates 0 – 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, almost a second faster than the Prius. The first half of the Camry Hybrid's drivetrain is a 147 horsepower version of the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The other half is a 105-kW electric motor and 244-volt battery pack that delivers a maximum of 45 horsepower. The battery pack is made up of 34 nickel metal hydride modules, each containing six 1.2-volt cells. Through the continuously variable transmission, it adds up to 192 horsepower. Compare that to the standard Camry's 158 horsepower.

For Central Illinois shoppers seeking something even larger, a Bloomington Toyota Highlander Hybrid may fit their needs. The only 7-passenger SUV in its class to emerge as a hybrid, the Highlander Hybrid combines power and efficiency. Its 3.3-liter V6 provides 270 horsepower, and even with standard 4WD and weighing in heavier than the previous model year, a Peoria Illinois Toyota Highlander Hybrid will get 27 mpg highway. The second-generation 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid boasts an improvement in interior space. While the Highlander used to closer to the Ford Escape in size, it is now closer to the Ford Explorer. Inside, the increased room is put to significant use, with an available third row. Adding to convenience, a second-row seat can be stored out of the way for access to the third row.