2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid First Drive

**Tideland Prius** · 03-29-2005, 01:53 PM

PHOENIX - If you've devoted any of your attention to the automotive world in the last few years, you're well aware of the buzz surrounding hybrid technology. Some of the hype has stemmed from the public's demand for conservation-oriented, fuel-efficient vehicles, but much of the excitement has resulted from the industry's self-promotion.
For years, Ford has championed its "world's-first" hybrid SUV, the Escape; GM eagerly exposed its joint effort with DaimlerChrysler to create an advanced hybrid system; and Honda quietly, yet conspicuously, revealed the Accord Hybrid, an automobile for those consumers who want to let others know they're not making a statement. Or something like that.

To Toyota, however, this is an old game. The widely-popular - and widely-practical - Prius has been around since the 2000 model year, and is already in its second skin. Sure, Honda has offered the Insight hybrid for just as long, but its two-seat configuration, flat rear deck with no enclosure for luggage, and odd-ball styling have stifled sales. And, the Honda Civic Hybrid, first delivered to U.S. customers in 2003, has neither made the type of impact, nor commanded the respect that the Prius enjoys.

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DaveinOlyWA · 03-29-2005, 02:32 PM

it includes a screen with information about three data fields, making it a veritable science-fair program

hmmm... hadnt realized how much of a classroom that display was

Ray Moore · 03-29-2005, 08:07 PM

I guess they're never going to figure out what the engine braking mode is all about. Too bad they opted for more power. All that room and upper thirties would have been nice. Maybe we'll see that when they hybridize the Sienna.

DaveinOlyWA · 03-29-2005, 08:27 PM

i agree with you Ray. i would have rather a vehicle with less power and 5 mpg more

**Tideland Prius** · 03-29-2005, 08:59 PM

How do the towing capacity and/or payload capacity compare? Or is the extra hp really for marketing only?

DaveinOlyWA · 03-30-2005, 12:49 AM

3,500 lbs towing capacity i believe... not bad

03-29-2005, 01:53 PM	#1
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 19,606 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 227 Thanked 344 Times in 243 Posts Friends: 23	2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid First Drive PHOENIX - If you've devoted any of your attention to the automotive world in the last few years, you're well aware of the buzz surrounding hybrid technology. Some of the hype has stemmed from the public's demand for conservation-oriented, fuel-efficient vehicles, but much of the excitement has resulted from the industry's self-promotion. For years, Ford has championed its "world's-first" hybrid SUV, the Escape; GM eagerly exposed its joint effort with DaimlerChrysler to create an advanced hybrid system; and Honda quietly, yet conspicuously, revealed the Accord Hybrid, an automobile for those consumers who want to let others know they're not making a statement. Or something like that. To Toyota, however, this is an old game. The widely-popular - and widely-practical - Prius has been around since the 2000 model year, and is already in its second skin. Sure, Honda has offered the Insight hybrid for just as long, but its two-seat configuration, flat rear deck with no enclosure for luggage, and odd-ball styling have stifled sales. And, the Honda Civic Hybrid, first delivered to U.S. customers in 2003, has neither made the type of impact, nor commanded the respect that the Prius enjoys. 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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03-29-2005, 02:32 PM	#2
DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 12,378 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 24 Thanked 121 Times in 103 Posts Friends: 10	it includes a screen with information about three data fields, making it a veritable science-fair program hmmm... hadnt realized how much of a classroom that display was

03-29-2005, 08:07 PM	#3
Ray Moore Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 820 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I guess they're never going to figure out what the engine braking mode is all about. Too bad they opted for more power. All that room and upper thirties would have been nice. Maybe we'll see that when they hybridize the Sienna.

03-29-2005, 08:27 PM	#4
DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 12,378 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 24 Thanked 121 Times in 103 Posts Friends: 10	i agree with you Ray. i would have rather a vehicle with less power and 5 mpg more

03-29-2005, 08:59 PM	#5
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 19,606 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 227 Thanked 344 Times in 243 Posts Friends: 23	How do the towing capacity and/or payload capacity compare? Or is the extra hp really for marketing only?

03-30-2005, 12:49 AM	#6
DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 12,378 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: Solar Roof Thanks: 24 Thanked 121 Times in 103 Posts Friends: 10	3,500 lbs towing capacity i believe... not bad