What is the drag coefficient of a Toyota?
Drag coefficient values for Toyota vehicles vary by model and year, but most modern Toyotas sit in a range from about 0.24 to 0.40. The Prius is among the most aerodynamic with a Cd around 0.24–0.28, while larger SUVs and trucks tend to be higher, typically in the 0.30s to 0.40s range.
What the drag coefficient means for Toyota cars
The drag coefficient, Cd, is a dimensionless number used in fluid dynamics to quantify how much air resistance a vehicle generates as it moves through air. A lower Cd generally means better aerodynamic efficiency and, all else equal, better fuel economy at highway speeds. For Toyota, Cd varies with body style, trim, tires, and aero features such as grille shutters or underbody panels.
Design elements that influence Cd
A number of design choices affect Cd in Toyotas, including active grille shutters, aerodynamic underbody covers, wheel design, mirror and spoiler treatments, and overall vehicle contour. Different trims may include or omit these features, leading to small shifts in Cd even within the same model line.
Representative Toyota models and their Cd values
Below are approximate Cd values reported for popular Toyota models in recent years. Values can vary by trim, aero package, and testing method; always check official specs for a precise figure for a given year and configuration.
- Prius (current generation, ~2017–present): Cd ≈ 0.24–0.28
- Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid): Cd ≈ 0.28–0.30
- Corolla Hybrid (2019–present): Cd ≈ 0.28–0.30
- Camry (2018–present): Cd ≈ 0.27–0.29
- bZ4X (2022–present): Cd ≈ 0.27–0.29
- RAV4 (2019–present): Cd ≈ 0.30–0.34
- Highlander (2020–present): Cd ≈ 0.31–0.34
- Land Cruiser (latest generations): Cd ≈ 0.36–0.40
These numbers illustrate a clear trend: sedans and hybrids tend to be more aerodynamic (lower Cd) than larger SUVs and trucks, though Toyota continues to push for better aerodynamics across its lineup.
Why these numbers vary across models
Cd is influenced by vehicle size, shape, and trim. A compact sedan with smooth lines and low ride height will typically have a lower Cd than a high-riding SUV with a boxier silhouette. Testing methods (wind tunnel vs. road testing), wheel designs, and optional aero packages can also shift the reported Cd by a few hundredths. Always refer to the official specification sheet for the exact Cd of a specific model-year and trim combination.
Summary
In short, there is no single “Toyota Cd.” The drag coefficient spans roughly 0.24–0.40 across current Toyota lineup, with the Prius and other hybrids at the lower end and larger SUVs at the higher end. For precise numbers, consult the official specifications for the exact model, year, and trim you’re interested in.
What is the average drag coefficient of a car?
The average drag coefficient for a modern car is between 0.250.250.25 and 0.300.300.30. However, this value can vary significantly based on the vehicle's shape and type, with SUVs typically having higher coefficients (0.35−0.450.35 minus 0.450.35−0.45) and sports cars having lower ones.
- Modern Cars: A drag coefficient (Cdcap C sub d𝐶𝑑) between 0.250.250.25 and 0.300.300.30 is typical for a modern, mass-produced car, which is achieved through aerodynamic design for better performance and efficiency.
- SUVs: Due to their generally boxier shapes, SUVs often have higher drag coefficients, typically ranging from 0.350.350.35 to 0.450.450.45.
- Other Vehicles: Trucks have even higher drag coefficients, sometimes around 0.80.80.8, while highly specialized vehicles like some electric and sports cars can achieve much lower values, with some highly aerodynamic cars dropping below 0.200.200.20.
What car has the lowest drag coefficient?
The car with the lowest drag coefficient is the Chery Aero Concept at 0.168. Among production cars, the Lightyear 0 has the lowest drag coefficient at 0.175. The Lucid Air is another production car with a very low drag coefficient of 0.197.
Concept cars
- Chery Aero Concept: Claims a drag coefficient of 0.168, making it the lowest for a concept car.
This video demonstrates the low drag coefficient of the Chery Aero Concept: 59sAirShaperYouTube · Nov 3, 2023
Production cars
- Lightyear 0: Holds the record for the lowest drag coefficient among production vehicles, at 0.175.
- Lucid Air: Achieves a drag coefficient of 0.197, making it one of the most aerodynamic production cars available.
- Xiaomi SU7: Has a drag coefficient of 0.195, placing it among the lowest for production cars.
- Mercedes-Benz EQS: Has a drag coefficient of 0.20.
- Hyundai Ioniq 6: Has a drag coefficient of 0.175 according to some tests.
What car has the highest drag coefficient?
The Xiaomi SU7 has the highest drag coefficient of 0.1950.1950.195 for a car currently on sale, while the Lucid Air achieved 0.1970.1970.197 and the Vauxhall Calibra achieved 0.190.190.19 in 1989.
- Xiaomi SU7: With a drag coefficient of 0.1950.1950.195, this 2024 model is the most aerodynamic car currently on the market, according to Motoring Research.
- Lucid Air: The 2022 model has a drag coefficient of 0.1970.1970.197, making it the most aerodynamic production car at the time of its release.
- Vauxhall Calibra: This 1989 model held the record for the most aerodynamic production car when it was released, with a drag coefficient of 0.190.190.19.
What is the coefficient of drag on a Toyota Camry?
The Toyota Camry's drag coefficient varies by model year, but recent models have a drag coefficient around 0.28 to 0.30. Some older models may have a slightly higher coefficient, such as 0.35 for a specific 2014 model year, while older sedan and liftback versions could have figures as high as 0.38 and 0.36.
You can watch this video to learn about the drag coefficient of a Toyota Camry and how it affects its performance: 56sThe Glaser Tutoring CompanyYouTube · Jun 3, 2020
- Recent Models: The drag coefficient is approximately 0.280.280.28 to 0.300.300.30 for recent Toyota Camry models.
- Older Models: An older model from 2014 had a drag coefficient of 0.350.350.35.
- Specific Generations: Some older sedan and liftback versions can have drag coefficients of 0.380.380.38 and 0.360.360.36 respectively.
