2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Road Test

**Tideland Prius** · 10-17-2005, 12:58 AM

Toyota sensibility just got a whole lot more sensible thanks to the availability of hybrid technology in the mid-size Highlander SUV. Having previously tested Ford's Escape hybrid compact 'ute and the Lexus RX400h hybrid sport utility I am becoming quite a fan of this technology, which seamlessly combines gas and electrical power sources. Provided the sophisticated technology proves to be reliable and sustainable - and early indicators are favourable - hybrid systems may be the best option available today to maximize fuel economy while minimizing emissions.

Gas/electric hybrid vehicles, such as those just mentioned, don't need to be plugged into an external power source to recharge their batteries, as is needed with purely electric vehicles. And don't overlook the fact that most household electricity is coal-fire or hydro generated, the former which produces acid rain plus other environmental contaminants while the latter floods immense tracks of forest, so recharging millions of cars by simply plugging them in is no solution at all - at least not at this point.

What about fuel cell powered vehicles, you ask? Well they hold some future promise, but unfortunately they require hydrogen, and hydrogen production has issues of its own starting with the need to consume electrical power in order to convert it into a useful fuel. And even if we could cleanly convert hydrogen, how do we begin building and paying for the complex infrastructure needed to ensure its availability nationwide? Sadly the truth is that completely "green" full-scale production vehicles remain a dream that may be realized sometime in the distant future - which leaves the hybrid as the only real, mass producible "alternative means" option.

Full Article

Zacher · 10-18-2005, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tideland Prius@Oct 16 2005, 09:58 PM
...environmental contaminants while the latter floods immense tracks of forest, so...
Full Article

[snapback]142041[/snapback]

Gosh, I live in the middle of the forest, and I don't see no tracks 'round here...!

Not too many bars of credibility left on the meter for this guy.

**Tideland Prius** · 10-18-2005, 11:43 PM

lol

DanP · 10-19-2005, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zacher@Oct 18 2005, 07:14 PM
Gosh, I live in the middle of the forest, and I don't see no tracks 'round here...!

Not too many bars of credibility left on the meter for this guy.

[snapback]142762[/snapback]

Forest tracks are the footprints left by Ents.

Tempus · 10-19-2005, 11:06 AM

Don't blame the poor Reporter, blame his Editor, that's why they exist

I bet those 'tracks' were probably 'teaming' with wildlife too.

(Yes, I actually saw that use of teaming in an article today

)

Zacher · 10-20-2005, 12:08 AM

Perfect, Revvolt!

10-17-2005, 12:58 AM	#1
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 19,633 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 229 Thanked 346 Times in 245 Posts Friends: 23	Toyota sensibility just got a whole lot more sensible thanks to the availability of hybrid technology in the mid-size Highlander SUV. Having previously tested Ford's Escape hybrid compact 'ute and the Lexus RX400h hybrid sport utility I am becoming quite a fan of this technology, which seamlessly combines gas and electrical power sources. Provided the sophisticated technology proves to be reliable and sustainable - and early indicators are favourable - hybrid systems may be the best option available today to maximize fuel economy while minimizing emissions. Gas/electric hybrid vehicles, such as those just mentioned, don't need to be plugged into an external power source to recharge their batteries, as is needed with purely electric vehicles. And don't overlook the fact that most household electricity is coal-fire or hydro generated, the former which produces acid rain plus other environmental contaminants while the latter floods immense tracks of forest, so recharging millions of cars by simply plugging them in is no solution at all - at least not at this point. What about fuel cell powered vehicles, you ask? Well they hold some future promise, but unfortunately they require hydrogen, and hydrogen production has issues of its own starting with the need to consume electrical power in order to convert it into a useful fuel. And even if we could cleanly convert hydrogen, how do we begin building and paying for the complex infrastructure needed to ensure its availability nationwide? Sadly the truth is that completely "green" full-scale production vehicles remain a dream that may be realized sometime in the distant future - which leaves the hybrid as the only real, mass producible "alternative means" option. Full Article __________________ 2005 Tideland Pearl Premium Package 25/10/04 VVT-i Emblem, Sport Pedals, All-Weather Mats, Cargo Mat, EV Mod, JDM Prius Footwell Lighting, DICE iPod Kit 2008 Deep Black smart fortwo passion coupé - sold (6.1L/100km) 2010 Blue Ribbon Metallic Technology Package 29/08/09 All-Weather Mats, Homemade Console Pads, LED lighting "Ask an Expert" on Facebook I am not employed by Toyota, and the opinions expressed by me as a Prius Expert are not those of Toyota.

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10-18-2005, 11:43 PM	#3
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 19,633 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 229 Thanked 346 Times in 245 Posts Friends: 23	lol

10-19-2005, 11:06 AM	#5
Tempus Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Washington DC Posts: 1,693 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Don't blame the poor Reporter, blame his Editor, that's why they exist I bet those 'tracks' were probably 'teaming' with wildlife too. (Yes, I actually saw that use of teaming in an article today )

10-20-2005, 12:08 AM	#6
Zacher Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: OR Posts: 227 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Perfect, Revvolt!