The Highlander hybrid: My first test drive

A couple of weeks ago, on one of my routine hybrid vehicle shopping trips, I noted how hard it was to find not only the Toyota Prius hybrid, but the Highlander hybrid as well. Thus, I put my name on a second list to be contacted when a Highlander hybrid arrived, as the first list hadn't provided any results. Yesterday morning I was finally contacted.

Now I'm not much of an SUV fan because I just don't see them as very efficient, but my wife is more open-minded. While a Prius serves the needs of our family of four just fine, my wife is interested in something that can seat a few cousins to join us on our weekend excursions. Since I will only buy hybrid vehicles, the Highlander hybrid seemed like a good choice. Besides I needed to review the Highlander hybrid for the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

Well, the Highlander hybrid not only exceeded my expectations, but my needs as well.

Since the hybrid Highlander is a hot seller, dealers just take whatever they are given, but I am only interested in the base model, which runs around $34,000. The only available model at my dealer; however, was a fully loaded Hybrid Highlander, minus the navigation system. Thus, I was looking at a sticker price of $41,000 and some change.

This loaded 4WD hybrid SUV was beautiful inside and out, but $30,000 is more than I want to pay for any vehicle, and over $40,000, that's just not going to happen. Still, if you are looking for a loaded hybrid, or a luxury hybrid, don't limit yourself to just the Lexus RX400h, a loaded Highlander hybrid is a worthy competitor.

Like the Ford Escape hybrid and unlike the Prius hybrid, starting and shifting the Highlander hybrid is pretty much the same as a conventional vehicle, except for the beautiful silence.

Anyway, I only took the Highlander out for a short 3 mile test drive that included a stretch of freeway and this hybrid zoomed along and was much quieter than I anticipated - some have complained about the loudness of the hybrid drive. Perhaps I'm not as critical, but I had no such complaints and I thought the vehicle performed very well.

This Highlander came with a towing package, which made me wonder about its performance when towing. Rumor has it that the Highlander will loose both power and fuel efficiency when towing long distances.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a hybrid SUV, the Highlander hybrid is an absolutely fantastic vehicle, but it might cause a little sticker shock. Additionally,the Highlander hybrid offers 3rd row seating, unlike the Escape hybrid, which puts the Highlander hybrid in a class of its own.

As for me; however, the cousins are going to have to find their own ride - at least for now.