The cool Toyota hybrids denied to Australians that would sell like hotcakes here

As rival carmakers know all too well, Australia is not short of a Toyota hybrid.

Since late 2001, hundreds of thousands have been sold locally, originally led by the pioneering Prius (and later in some Lexuses).

But as the last decade progressed, Toyota started adding the hybrid powertrain as an option in most of its core line-up, bar the body-on-frame 4x4s and HiLux, normalising the technology to the point where it makes up the majority of sales for models like the RAV4.

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Speaking of which, can you believe that, as recently as 2019, Australians could not buy a hybrid mid-sized SUV this side the Lexus NX and Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)?

Our point is that Australians cannot get enough of a Toyota hybrid.

So, why are we denied some of its most intriguing models then?

Here’s a list of our Toyota hybrids we’d love to see in Australia – along with the reasons we believe would make them a smash hit.

The Crown Estate would feature the Toyota-first turbo-hybrid AWD powertrain.

Toyota Crown Estate

Whether they wore Toyota, Holden or even Peugeot and Volvo badges, generations of Australians grew up in mid-to-large-sized station wagons. They became part of the national fabric.

That role of course is now played (not so ably in our opinion) by the heavier and bulkier SUVs that don’t quite provide the cargo-carrying practicality, but maybe it’s time for a mainstream crossover alternative to the popular Subaru Outback to come along, and we reckon this is it.

Resurrecting an early Toyota nameplate (and one which was manufactured here in the 1960s to ‘70s to boot), the 16th-generation Crown Estate is among four distinctly-styled models that represent the brand’s large-car presence in Japan. Other body styles include a sleek sedan (Super Saloon anybody?) and liftback crossover.

As well as looking hot, the Crown Estate would feature the Toyota-first turbo-hybrid AWD powertrain as an option to the regular eco-focused hybrid set-up, giving it a real point of difference as well as desirability for families seeking something spacious, speedy and economical.

#bringbackthewagon

The fifth-gen Prius is arguably the prettiest Toyota in the world today.

Toyota Prius

This requires constant repeating obviously. Why can’t we have the latest Prius?

Just look at it. We’d imagine this is what all the beautiful people would be driving if a Gattaca movie sequel was made.

That’s because the fifth-gen Prius is arguably the prettiest Toyota in the world today that doesn’t wear 2000GT badges, replacing what might very well have been the ugliest in history.

We understand that the latter's catastrophic freefall in sales prompted a big ‘No Thanks’ from the local outfit, but surely such decisions were regretted the moment eyes were clasped on this swoopy dreamboat on wheels.

There’s nothing we can really add that you probably don’t already know, other than to reiterate that the ultra-aero body rides on Toyota’s acclaimed TNGA platform, so we know it steers, handles, rides and stops properly.

And, made in Japan, the Prius is already right-hand-drive, like all the other vehicles in this list. C’mon, Toyota. Atone for the previous eyesore and make Australia’s roads beautiful again.

#bringPriusback

Powering the Vellfire, you’ll find a 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain.

Toyota Vellfire

Miss the Tarago? Wish Toyota would return to the people-mover segment with something that wasn’t shaped like the box it (or that big square thing you ordered from Amazon) was crated here in?

Help would be on the way if we had our way, in the form of the Vellfire, the all-new fourth-generation Alphard-based minivan with imposing styling, three rows of seats and a TNGA-derived platform that has no relationship with the existing Granvia and its HiAce workhorse roots.

As with most current Toyotas larger than a Corolla, you’ll find the ubiquitous 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain driving either the front or all-four wheels depending on specification, along with sophisticated strut and double-wishbone suspension engineering, for a more enjoyable and refined travelling experience.

Which is what these sorts of people movers are all about, right?

Come join the Vellfire club, Australia! Or exhume the Tarago badge. We don’t care. As long as it’s not a diesel-powered Granvia, we’d be happy.

#jointheVellfireClub

The Raize is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder hybrid powertrain, dubbed ‘e-smart.’

Toyota Raize

If there’s one thing the runaway success of the Suzuki Jimny has shown us, and that’s Australia’s insatiable appetite for retro-style 4WDs.

Enter the Raize – the Toyota version of the latest Daihatsu Rocky.

Now, people with long memories might remember the tough yet tiny body-on-frame 4x4 by the same name from 35 years ago, but this Rocky (and by association, Raize) is more like a re-imagining of the original Toyota RAV4 – right down to being compact and city-sized.

Wearing a five-seater monocoque body that measures in at just four metres long, the Rocky/Raize twins boast chunky styling, generous ground clearance and deep windows, making them right for the urban jungle.

You’ll also find a 1.2-litre three-cylinder hybrid powertrain option dubbed ‘e-smart’, featuring a 60kW/105Nm petrol engine and 78kW/170Nm electric motor, for lively performance and the promise of excellent fuel economy.

Factor in advanced safety tech and high equipment levels, and we can see the Raize (or Rocky, should Toyota ever reconsider returning the much-loved Daihatsu brand back to Australia) giving small SUVs like the MG ZS and Haval Jolion a real run for their money.

#Raizetheroof

Being Yaris-based, the running gear includes the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid tech.

Toyota Sienta

We still miss the Honda Jazz deeply. But here’s a Toyota Yaris-based alternative that could make us forget our sorrow.

There’s zero chance of this coming to Australia, as high-roofed superminis do not factor in small car buyers’ shortlists unless they're wearing the Honda badge, but the Sienta is so friendly and likeable that it might change peoples’ minds.

Though very obviously created for the Japanese market, there is something universally appealing about a tall boxy wagon with sliding doors, a happy face and super-versatile cabin. The latter includes seven seats and a flat floor, so it can turn from people mover to urban panel van in no time.

Being Yaris-based, the running gear includes the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid tech we’re all familiar with nowadays, as well as decent road manners and a comfy ride.

We can only dream. Or alternatively, write to Toyota Australia demanding the Sienta, or any other of these clever and/or charming models we’re denied. You never know!

#thismeanssomethingtomeSientaaaaaa!