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? :D

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.

just logical progression i guess. First hybrid cars, then trucks, then itll be hybrid dumptrucks or industrial equipment.

I love the Ford Escape. I rented one in Vancouver last summer. beautiful, easy to drive, comfortable, lots of space, good mileage, and nice styling. It has a boxy look that a truck should have, not that designer/steroid small car trying to look like big truck look.

I have looked at buying a hybrid, but the are $5K more expensive, and the loaded one already is 34K with the V6, front wheel drive (i don't want four wheel drive).

I don't think that over an ownership lifetime the 5K will be an econimc reason to purchase this machine. maybe when prices drop more, and are more in line with conventional vehicles.

i know gm is planning on doing hybrid yukon/yukon XL with DoD for 2006 model year. i have yet to have to work on any of the hybrid trucks. i think you will see it as a standard feature in the nxt 5 years across all model lines/ranges.

toyotas hybrids are the best because of their propritery algorithm that the onboard computers use. no one has been able to come near to matching it, so they just buy it off of toyota.

the highlander and lexus are nice, because they are faster then the gas models. you'll pay a $4,000 premium and if you're not already on a waiting list you'll be lucky to get one by early next year. i'd hold off or buy a cheaper used car, hybrids will start getting more common by 2008.

By 2008 Toyota will offer a hybrid engine for its entire line of cars and trucks. Right now, the engine that is in the RX400h and the (not to be release until October 2006 if you are on the waiting list) Highlander are both second generation hybrid engines from Toyota. What has happened to the first generation engine you ask? You guessed it, Toyota licensed the technology to Ford and they put it in the Escape!

I don't know however, if Ford is manufacturing the engines for the Escape or someone else is, but the technology is Toyota's.

Starting April 15th dealers found out what colors and features the Highlanders would come with and started calling clients on their lists.

i too would hold off on a hybrid vehicle, especially an suv until they get cheaper. I probably wont buy one till they stop selling gasoline, but that's just my view, good luck on your decision,

I drove the Toyota Prius a month ago, it was amazing, such a nice smooth ride hardely notice the transition between electric or petrol. I would definately consider buying one of these in the future, i'm just holding back for the next generations of cars before making the switch. As far as i know the toyota hybrid is one of the best around, and as for their other cars, well put simply, while they don't look to great they're keep on going forever.

I will never drive a hybrid....but thats just me.

I like the fact that the car industry is trying to get away from the dependancy on fossil fuels. Not just because it is killing the planet and eventually we'll run out. Also it will help to clean the air and not have such a crutch of the middle east.

As long as it's an actual hybrid, and not just a truck/SUV with a beefed-up alternator, I'm cool with it.

I think it's the Accord hybrid that handles exactly like its gasoline counterpart but gets better torque, horsepower, AND milage. Now that's cool.