Highlander Hybrid driving impressions.

[Paul]

A couple of weeks ago I took a Highlander Hybrid with Comfort Package out for a test drive.

Overall the system worked very well. Low speed manouvering is purely battery and it was a little odd at first to be driving without any sound coming from under the hood. Part throttle operation brings the gas engine into play in varying degrees. The harder you push the pedal the more power comes from the gas engine but the electric motor still helps out. A handy bar graph on the information centre lets you know what percentage of power is coming from which. The information centre also indicates when regenerative braking is taking place as well as give fuel instant economy. On the centre console there is a switch that can be used to run the vehicle in battery mode only. This mode is intended for use in parking lots and other low speed manouvers; it is not intended for sustained use.

Driving on the road feels just like any other vehicle, other than the lack of engine noise at low speeds or when stopped you rarely notice the difference. There are a couple of exceptions to this though. At full throttle from a dead stop there is a definite lag that can be felt when you put your foot into it. It feels like a slight stumble but the engine quickly recovers. Conversely, if you are full throttle and completely release the throttle it stumbles in the opposite direction as the gas engine completely cuts out. Of course if you follow the information centre and keep it at the optimum throttle opening for maximum fuel economy you won't feel this but if you drive it like a purely gas powered vehicle you will notice it.

As far as the rest of the vehicle, it has some nice touches like electric tailgate and a decent sound system but the information centre was a little difficult to read in bright sunlight. The buttons seemed a little far away but were not too difficult to reach. The steering wheel tilts but would be more comfortable if it was telescopic as well. With the seat pushed back to a comfortable position I had to reach for the wheel. This might prove troublesome for shorter drivers. The driver's seat was comfortable and the cargo room is surprisingly good for the size of the vehicle. The exterior of the vehicle is not the most attractive but it isn't the ugliest SUV out there either.

Overall the Highlander Hybrid seems to be a well put together package that would suit many urban families.

[Lance]

What kind of mileage did you get?

[Paul]

Over a 6 mile loop with 50% freeway driving at 70 mph it averaged ~35mpg.

[lenross1]

anyone have real world mpg?