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The Prius/THS/HSD was definitely groundbreaking, but it's also been mostly refined versus refined since it's 1997 release, and is now stuck in everything from l
by kipchak 5y ago
The Prius/THS/HSD was definitely groundbreaking, but it's also been mostly refined versus refined since it's 1997 release, and is now stuck in everything from luxury sedans to SUVs and the LC500h. For comparison Honda has/is experimenting with i-DCD (pancake motor) i-MMD (paralell system) SH-AWD (Through the road hybrid). Arguably this experimenting has resulted in a simpler system for Honda versus the planetary gearset in the Toyota system.
Not to say that Toyota hasn't also experimented with stranger drivetrains, but they generally seem to have branched out less than Honda as an example.
- fomine3 5y agoThat's because Toyota invented (and patented) almost perfect system for HEV from the beginning. Now series-hybrid is also getting practical for city use thanks to involved battery tech, but THS is still competitive (or better).
- dotancohen 5y agoYes, but Honda has always been an innovative company. Comparing Toyota to e.g. Mazda, or the smaller Nissan, or Mitsubishi, or many other Japanese brands puts Toyota generally in the middle of the pack in terms of innovation, but far ahead in quality. Subaru is a bit of an outlier. Great quality with huge exceptions (NA head gaskets, problematic CVT), and that terrific flat four.