Hypermiling the Highlander?

[JackDodge]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tadashi @ Sep 30 2007, 11:44 PM) [snapback]519701[/snapback]</div>

Has anyone hypermiled the the Highlander Hybrid? I get about 70 MPG in our Prius, however we need a new vehicle that has 7 person capacity for special occasions. I figure if I can get at least 50 MPG then it might be worth it (changing from Prius to Highlander).
[/b]

You can fit seven in to the 2008 HiHy if you remove the center console in the second row and replace it with the center cushion. Whichever you aren't using slides in to the back of the front row's center console. I've gotten it up to 30 mpg and since the 2008 HiHy can get in to EV mode a lot easier than the Prius, if you can drive 35 to 40 most of the way (my commute is 40 miles one-way) then I believe that you can get it to 35 mpg without too much trouble but I'm still in the process of proving that.

2008 HiHy review is HERE

[Chrome]

If high mileage is your only goal, you may have to go with the Escape. Its 4-cylinder is a clear advantage over the V6 in the HyHi from a strictly economical standpoint.

And the '08s aren't too bad looking. The '08 HyHi, however, is bigger and heavier than the previous generation, and that may have real-world consequences.

[JackDodge]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chrome @ Nov 15 2007, 08:59 AM) [snapback]539921[/snapback]</div>

If high mileage is your only goal, you may have to go with the Escape. Its 4-cylinder is a clear advantage over the V6 in the HyHi from a strictly economical standpoint.

And the '08s aren't too bad looking. The '08 HyHi, however, is bigger and heavier than the previous generation, and that may have real-world consequences.
[/b]

Of course, you have to contend with the three month wait for the Escape hybrid and essentially buy it before you even get to test drive it because none of the Ford dealers that I've talked to (and I've talked to several around here) have one on the lot and act as if they've never even seen one. That's the reality. Good luck if you choose that route.

[DaveinOlyWA]

i know this is off topic, but what is the latest on a hybrid mini van??

i cant for the life of me understand why a plug in version cannot be made. it has the extra space for a larger NiMH battery pack and...

heck...

[Bob64]

The prius has a 7 person capacity... just stick 2 of em in the truck... and hope the total weight isn't too high...

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob64 @ Nov 16 2007, 11:03 PM) [snapback]540856[/snapback]</div>

The prius has a 7 person capacity... just stick 2 of em in the truck... and hope the total weight isn't too high...
[/b]

I think someone dreamt of it once and when he woke up, removed the 3rd row from his SUV (an American one. I don't remember the exact model) and by chance, it fit in the back of the Prius facing rearward). It works since the seatbelts are built into the 3rd row.

[dipper]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Chrome @ Nov 15 2007, 05:59 AM) [snapback]539921[/snapback]</div>

If high mileage is your only goal, you may have to go with the Escape. Its 4-cylinder is a clear advantage over the V6 in the HyHi from a strictly economical standpoint.
[/b]

That is why Toyota needs to develop cylinder deactivition already. It would have been a much better mpg car if they do that instead of developing so many gas guzzler.

[Tadashi]

I want the Highlander for the hybrid engine and the 7 seat capacity. The Escape cannot fit as much nor tow 3500 lbs should I ever have the need. Plus I think I can easily get better mileage than the Escape with my driving habits.

[JackDodge]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tadashi @ Nov 19 2007, 12:12 AM) [snapback]541437[/snapback]</div>

I want the Highlander for the hybrid engine and the 7 seat capacity. The Escape cannot fit as much nor tow 3500 lbs should I ever have the need. Plus I think I can easily get better mileage than the Escape with my driving habits.
[/b]

Better than the Escape? I'd like to see that and time will tell certainly but the Escape is a 4-cylinder and the HiHy is a six with 4WD. Definitely a much beefier vehicle than the Escape but the mileage is pretty close. If you live in a relatively flat area then you can probably get better mileage than I do. The problem here is that there are so damn many hills. Just when I get in to EV mode for a little while and get ready to get the mpg up, I have to climb a hill.

[JackDodge]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tadashi @ Nov 19 2007, 12:12 AM) [snapback]541437[/snapback]</div>

I want the Highlander for the hybrid engine and the 7 seat capacity. The Escape cannot fit as much nor tow 3500 lbs should I ever have the need. Plus I think I can easily get better mileage than the Escape with my driving habits.
[/b]

I was able to get the HiHy up to 35 today on a little hypermiling trip to work. I didn't have the SLR with me so I got a couple of shots of the mileage with my cellphone camera. The MPG later dropped down the current 32.2 so if you're lurking out there, malorn, there's your g**da**ed proof that the HiHy can achieve 32. I have pictures that I'll post later. Considering that it's a wee bit cold outside, I'm pretty sure that I can achieve 35 fairly easily and consistently in the summer with occasional forays in to the near-forty range.