Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Your thoughts on the midsize Hybrid SUV's?

MovieNut · 04-11-2005, 04:38 AM

Been reading a lot about these hybrid SUV's coming out, the two from Toyota (Toyota Highlander Hybrid due in June, and Lexus RX 400h which may launch on Tax day), and the Ford Escape Hybrid, which seems like it may already be available. Even though the Ford is a 4-banger mated with one or two electric motors, they all offer 4WD, and they all claim performance of a v6 (which the Toyota/Lexus has). They claim a ridiculous cruising range per tank (between 400 and 600 miles, the latter which might be a stretch), and mileage on par with your average rice burner.

There's been a lot of commentary about the expense of replacing batteries. (And then there's the whole "hack your hybrid" that's being done in California, which I couldn't do if I lease the bugger).

And there's been a lot of discussion about SUV's here, (1, ), and hybrids, (1, 2, 3, 4 ).

I'm really curious what other member's thoughts on these midsize SUV's are. Anyone own one? Anyone considering one? Taken one for a spin? Anyone else think the Lexus is butt-ugly?

My full-size Bronco is getting pretty bad mileage. And the price of gas is only going up. I need to haul equipment for work regularly, to say nothing of passengers, and the oversize tires and available 4x4 have come in handy every Winter. But the monthly gas payments are approaching a small car payment. Might be time for a switcheroo.

I know that there's a full-size Chevy Pickup Hybrid, which might work for me, but it's not available in my state (link).

I'm seriously considering leasing one of these mid-size (read: exceedingly tall station wagons) SUV's, and the mileage on the Hybrids seems like a winner. After doing the math, seems like I'll recoup the additional expense of the Hybrid the end of the second year. Of course, it's moot if I just lease it. Which is the way I'm leaning right now.

Man, I'd love to see a 4Runner Hybrid. Anyhoo.

I'd really like to know if any other members are looking at the Hybrid SUV's. And what your thoughts are. Especially if you're tall. And whether anyone's considering leasing one.

04-11-2005, 04:38 AM	#1 (permalink)
MovieNut giddy	Your thoughts on the midsize Hybrid SUV's? Been reading a lot about these hybrid SUV's coming out, the two from Toyota (Toyota Highlander Hybrid due in June, and Lexus RX 400h which may launch on Tax day), and the Ford Escape Hybrid, which seems like it may already be available. Even though the Ford is a 4-banger mated with one or two electric motors, they all offer 4WD, and they all claim performance of a v6 (which the Toyota/Lexus has). They claim a ridiculous cruising range per tank (between 400 and 600 miles, the latter which might be a stretch), and mileage on par with your average rice burner. There's been a lot of commentary about the expense of replacing batteries. (And then there's the whole "hack your hybrid" that's being done in California, which I couldn't do if I lease the bugger). And there's been a lot of discussion about SUV's here, (1, ), and hybrids, (1, 2, 3, 4 ). I'm really curious what other member's thoughts on these midsize SUV's are. Anyone own one? Anyone considering one? Taken one for a spin? Anyone else think the Lexus is butt-ugly? My full-size Bronco is getting pretty bad mileage. And the price of gas is only going up. I need to haul equipment for work regularly, to say nothing of passengers, and the oversize tires and available 4x4 have come in handy every Winter. But the monthly gas payments are approaching a small car payment. Might be time for a switcheroo. I know that there's a full-size Chevy Pickup Hybrid, which might work for me, but it's not available in my state (link). I'm seriously considering leasing one of these mid-size (read: exceedingly tall station wagons) SUV's, and the mileage on the Hybrids seems like a winner. After doing the math, seems like I'll recoup the additional expense of the Hybrid the end of the second year. Of course, it's moot if I just lease it. Which is the way I'm leaning right now. Man, I'd love to see a 4Runner Hybrid. Anyhoo. I'd really like to know if any other members are looking at the Hybrid SUV's. And what your thoughts are. Especially if you're tall. And whether anyone's considering leasing one. __________________ I like these calm little moments before the storm. It reminds me of Beethoven. Can you hear it? It's like when you put your head to the grass and you can hear the growin' and you can hear the insects. Do you like Beethoven ? Last edited by MovieNut; 04-11-2005 at 04:41 AM..