Toyota Sees a Future for Gasoline Engines in an Electrified World originally appeared on Autoblog.
While many carmakers are racing toward full electrification, Toyota is taking a different approach. The company is proving that gasoline engines still have a place in the future of automobile transportation. With a new lineup of small, lightweight engines developed alongside Subaru and Mazda, Toyota plans to power nearly every type of vehicle, from hybrids to hydrogen models and even extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). These engines are being designed to fit multiple platform types, giving Toyota the flexibility to adapt vehicles for different markets and applications.
Endless Possibilities of The Four-Cylinder Engine
Toyota's 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are some of the most versatile on the market. Beyond traditional hybrids, they can act as generators in extended-range electric vehicles, letting electric motors do the driving while the engine charges the batteries. Models like the Highlander SUV and Sienna minivan will soon use this setup in China.
Andrea Carlucci, Toyota Europe’s VP of Product Strategy and Marketing, told Automotive News Europe, “I am hoping that we can establish Toyota’s BEVs in the markets where they are strong sellers, but we are not going to push BEVs in markets where there is no demand.” It’s a solution that shows Toyota is thinking creatively about how ICE technology can evolve without forcing a sea of EVs that won't sell.
Not at The Expense of Fun
Toyota is no stranger to building performance engines, either. But instead of being solely gas-fed, the next-generation engines can run on biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen too. Yet efficiency is not the whole story. Turbocharged versions of the 2.0-liter engine will power Gazoo Racing models, delivering more than 600 hp. It's commendable that Toyota isn't abandoning enthusiasts while chasing a carbon-neutral future. This proves that sustainability and excitement don't have to be mutually exclusive.
Influenced by Customers, Not Regulations
Rather than forcing electric vehicles on every market, Toyota is emphasizing powertrain diversity. By offering a mix of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, EREVs, hydrogen cars, and advanced gasoline engines, Toyota will let customers pick what fits their needs while still reducing emissions overall. Toyota is even exploring dedicated EV platforms that can accommodate ICE powertrains, showing that the company is thinking ahead about how vehicles can be adapted without sacrificing efficiency or performance. This customer-focused approach is a genuine breath of fresh air compared with other brands pushing EVs down everyone's throats.
Toyota Sees a Future for Gasoline Engines in an Electrified World first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 14, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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