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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.
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