Conclusion
How much more should someone pay to reduce their dependence on fuel and to pollute less? In the case of the Highlander Hybrid, $7,000 above a similarly equipped standard Highlander should about cover it. Problem is that at close to $55,000, the luxury SUV segment opens up. The likes of the Acura MDX and even Lexus RX330 find their way on the radar. I still say stripped-down versions of Hybrids should be made available. If we are trying to reduce our dependence, these vehicles should be more affordable. Because this is a Toyota product, I have no particular fears about quality and reliability. These trucks will have teething problems and they will be addressed by a manufacturer that will not sit idly by as others develop new technologies to improve our world.
I have not forgotten that Ford was first in the category with the Escape Hybrid. Seeing as though the midsize category counts for a very large portion of the sales pie, they do not directly compete with each other (in theory).
Good stuff:[/link]
Great power
Toyota quality
Not so good stuff:
Maybe it should have less power and be better on gas...
Competitors:
(Non-hybrids)<table width="200" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" align="left"]
How much more should someone pay to reduce their dependence on fuel and to pollute less? In the case of the Highlander Hybrid, $7,000 above a similarly equipped standard Highlander should about cover it. Problem is that at close to $55,000, the luxury SUV segment opens up. The likes of the Acura MDX and even Lexus RX330 find their way on the radar. I still say stripped-down versions of Hybrids should be made available. If we are trying to reduce our dependence, these vehicles should be more affordable. Because this is a Toyota product, I have no particular fears about quality and reliability. These trucks will have teething problems and they will be addressed by a manufacturer that will not sit idly by as others develop new technologies to improve our world.
I have not forgotten that Ford was first in the category with the Escape Hybrid. Seeing as though the midsize category counts for a very large portion of the sales pie, they do not directly compete with each other (in theory).
Good stuff:[/link]
Great power
Toyota quality
Not so good stuff:
Maybe it should have less power and be better on gas...
Competitors:
(Non-hybrids)<table width="200" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" align="left"]
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[link artid="54724"]Honda Pilot[/link]
Ford Explorer
[link artid="54543">Subaru B9 Tribeca
(Luxury)
Acura MDX
Lexus RX330
BMW X5 3.0i
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