Toyota Highlander Hybrid

dewey

Thanks for the railway education!

 

 

CUV, Sport Wagon, Touring these are all very up to date and trendy terms that mean the same thing: A Station Wagon(as they were called during Mr. Cleaver's day)

 

I still cannot find any convincing evidence that the Highlander will be redesigned soon.

larsb

Updated story on the Highlander Hybrid

 

http://www.greencar.com/index.cfm?content=topstory2

toycash

The Highlander is going to be redesigned for 2006.

dewey

Great News!

 

Where did you hear/read it?

scottnrose

Seems as though the HL Hybrid will be available by June 2005. This is a quote out of USA today (1/05/2005):

 

"•Toyota. Lexus' hybrid SUV, the RX 400h, will be the same as the original except for the little "h" in its nameplate, plus a different grille and taillight design, says John Saia, Toyota's technical training manager. The new SUV goes on sale April 15, to be followed two months later by a hybrid Toyota Highlander."

larsb

Here is that full USA Today article link:

 

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2005-01-04-hybrid-fear_x.htm

dond

I was told by a Toyota factory rep at the San Jose Autoshow that the Highlander Hybrid would be available in June 2005. I asked him if that was firm since I had heard August 05 and even "18 months from Lexus 400h" and he said June 2005 was firm.

dglass10090

Toyota at the reveal of the 2005 avalon said the hybrid HL would be available in June. Where did we hear it is going to be redesidned for 2006. It is about time but you never know the 4runner stayed nearly the same for a decade. Toyota does say they have a lot of new or redesigned vehicles coming to the market.

sunbyrne

The official Toyota page now says "available mid-2005" whereas a couple weeks ago it still said April 2005.

 

Also, the Houston auto show is coming up and the "sneak previews" page <http://www.houstonautoshow.com/2005/sneak.aspx> lists it as "06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid" not 2005. That doesn't seem to jibe with a 2006 redesign.

 

Finally, that page's blurb on the car claims "combined fuel economy rating of 27.6 miles to the gallon." A bit shy of the 30 or so some had speculated.

momtotnt

So is it confirmed that the new design is simply a hybrid model, or are they in fact changing the interior to be larger?

sunbyrne

I wouldn't say it's confirmed--I should be able to tell after the Houston auto show in a couple weeks, though, as I'll definitely be looking closely--but these points are certainly suggestive.

4runnerguy

Although I am a 4Runner owner, I went to the L.A. Auto Show this last weekend with someone who is in the market for a Highlander.

 

In the Toyota area, they had a Highlander Hybrid vehicle on display. I checked with a Toyota representative on site to make sure that it was the "real thing." They indicated to me that this was definitely the actual vehicle that will be coming out later this year as the 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The date that they gave me for availability was June, 2005.

 

Cosmetically, the vehicle was unchanged from the existing Highlander except for a new Chrome Front Grille, Chrome License Plate Garnish on the rear, and a rear Emblem indicating "Hybrid Synergy Drive."

 

I hope this helps those of you that were curious about any possible design changes.

sunbyrne

Good to know--thanks, 4runnerguy. Did they have any literature on it, like final specs?

4runnerguy

Yes, actually I do have some additional info.

 

This is from the LA Auto Show Program Guide:

 

"Under the hood is Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive mated to a 3.3 liter V-6 for a total output of about 270 horsepower, and a combined EPA city/highway fuel economy of 27.6 mpg."

 

However, the Toyota representative at the show indicated that the average fuel economy would most likely be somewhere around 30 mpg. Well, it's no Prius, but it sure beats the hell out of my 4Runner!

ssachnoff

Now that people are growsing about the $48,535 MSRP for the Lexus Hybrid due out 4/15/05, anyone wanna take a guess at how high Toyota's going to price the Hybrid Highlander?

Starting with Edmunds' own info that the 2005 Toyota Highlander [AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)] has an MSRP National Base Price (excludes destination charge) $27,590 and an Invoice of $24,553 - -

My guess is we're looking at $32K to $35K MSRP.
Whaddya think one will drive out the door for next June?

sunbyrne

Had a chat with my local Toyota dealer and with the Toyota reps at the Houston Auto Show, and they're both saying the same thing (which never happens): the first batch to be available in June (this June, not next June) will be fully-loaded Limited models only (leather, nav, dvd, etc.) and will sticker around $40K. The expected premium over the non-hybrid (that'd be the AWD V6) is around $4K.

They probably won't go for *above* sticker, at least not around here--the dealer has no waiting list! I don't expect too many folks in energy-UNconscious Houston will be lining up for these.

gagrice

I would buy the Highlander long before I would the RX400h. It is a much better looking vehicle And seems roomier. You can buy them in San Diego right now with a $1000 rebate. Fully loaded with NAV, Leather the works $33k. If the Hybrid version is $40k you would save about $7k buying with the non hybrid.

sunbyrne

Yep, the HL is definitely roomier, at least in one sense: we're looking at the Highlander over the Lexus because of the third row (and the price tag).

However, when I price out a Highlander Limited AWD V6 here on Edmunds, and check off every option, it comes up as $40K sticker, $36.4K invoice. So, two things [1] I'm pretty surprised to hear they can be had for 3 grand _under_ invoice anywhere, and [2] that makes it unclear what the hybrid markup is if the maxed-out non-hybrid is already $40K. Hmmm.

gagrice

I priced out the Limited with NAV, leather, power sunroof, SAB & JBL 6 CD. Some of the options are Duplicates. I did not get the rear seat entertainment package, no kids or heated seats. Not going where it is cold.
MSRP $37,295
Invoice $32,918
TMV $33,403 after $1,000 rebate in ZIP 92071

sunbyrne

That's fine, but the "loaded" hybrid HL they had at the auto show most certainly did have rear DVD and heated seats, which puts the MSRP for the non-hybrid Limited to the $40K region.

gagrice

which puts the MSRP for the non-hybrid Limited to the $40K region.

I'm not sure of your point. No one in CA is paying MSRP for the Highlander. Loaded as you looked at one will sell here with a $1000 rebate for about $35k. I would assume that the Hybrid Highlander will come in at about $45k nicely equipped. I have not seen any pricing. After finding out the hybrid is useless off road I pretty much lost interest. I still think it is a good looking CUV.

stevedebi

"I'm not sure of your point. No one in CA is paying MSRP for the Highlander. Loaded as you looked at one will sell here with a $1000 rebate for about $35k."

Not any time soon, the hybrids are too popular here in California, and too many people have lots of $$ to burn - so they pay extra for the "hot" car. I remember that some people paid 20,000 over MSRP for the Cruiser PT the first couple of years. Stupid, but then they seem to have the money...

gagrice

people paid 20,000 over MSRP for the Cruiser PT the first couple of years.

That would be crazy. My tax man traded his PT for an RX300 and took a horrible beating on the PT cruiser after only two years. It never pays to go much over invoice, you will lose your shorts on trade. They are selling non-hybrid fully loaded highlanders here in San Diego with a $1000 rebate.

backy

Who said car buyers always make rational decisions? It's a very emotional thing for some people. And like others who think with their glands vs. their heads, they can pay dearly for it.

i_luv_toyota

I would buy the Highlander long before I would the RX400h. It is a much better looking vehicle...

I concur with you there. The RX is one ugly beast. I too would wait for the HL hybrid instead of the RX400h.

toycash

What do you mean by useless off-road? The regular Highlander is not exactly an off-road demon anyway, what were you going to do with the vehicle?

gagrice

what were you going to do with the vehicle?

I liked the looks of the Highlander, and had no idea they were worthless offroad. I have never driven or ridden in one. It seemed like a hybrid I could like until the truth started coming out about all these SUV hybrids that are only designed for soccer moms. One of many reasons the hybrids are becoming more of a disappointment the more I research them.

svilar

I have driven the HL off-road, specifically graded dirt through the desert. I wouldn't take it any farther off road than that. It handled OK on washboards and lose dirt. No clearance for any rocks - careful positioning required if you have anything larger than a softball on the road.

Smooth, squishy, and quiet - perfect for soccer Moms.

svilar

In AZ, Prius (used!) have been selling for up to $5K over MSRP. I would expect similar hysteria for the HL hybrid.

I remember the PT frenzy a few years ago. Glad I didn't bite.

bmarshian

How many SUVs are ever used off road--let alone used for "serious" off-roading? I think it is a very small minority, especially for those fully-loaded luxury SUVs like the Lexus RX300-400. The ones that I see look as though they've just got back from the auto detailer. I don't think the Highlander or the Lexus were ever considered to be serious off-roading vehicles--so it's not much or a criticism against the hybrid versions of these vehicles to say they don't measure up to real off-road vehicles. Who would expect them to?

stevewa

The only people who buy high-end SUVs that seem to really be serious about off-roading are the Land Rover people. Of course there are a lot of wannabes driving those now, too, since they became status symbols.

Sylvia

Seems we are going off-topic here. If you want to discuss SUVs and their purpose or how they are being marketed, please be sure and visit/post or create a discussion about it in the SUVs or News & Views message board.

This discussion is to stay about the Hybrid Toyota Highlander (features, problems, comparisons). Thanks

Kirstie_H

A reporter with a major national magazine is looking for a few car shoppers who are in the process of searching for a car and are deliberating between a hybrid and conventional vehicle. He would be interested to talk to people considering the upcoming hybrid Toyota Highlander and/or RX400h.

We are also looking members who went through similar deliberations but have already made a purchase, including the Ford Escape, Honda Civic, Honda Accord or the Toyota Prius. Please send a brief description of your experience along with your contact information to Kirsten Holguin at kholguin@edmunds.com by Thursday, March 10th.

jayemax

I'm in the throws of buying a new car. I've been driving a Nissan Quest minivan - which is now 12 years old and ready for retirement. At first I was thinking about getting a 2005 Honda Odyssey. I really have always wanted an electric car... but it doesn't look to hopeful for that at this point. So... today, my husband and I thought we should explore the Toyota Highlander hybrid. We have a couple of friends who each have a Prius, but we really need more room than that. However, the thought of paying $40k for an SUV is a bit much for us. I always think about how much it loses value just driving it off the lot! Any help from some savvy shoppers would be welcome.

gagrice

Any help from some savvy shoppers would be welcome.

It could be a year after they come out before the price is reasonable. The Odyssey with VCM is a very nice vehicle. You can get one with leather NAV and entertainment for under $35k if you shop around.

hongcho

> It could be a year after they come out before the price is reasonable.

I think it'll take more than a year.

If one is concerned about the price, currently the hybrids are not really the right choice. Maybe in a couple of years...

On a side note, they should also make one (hybrid, that is) for a minivan as they do in Japan...

Hong.

stevedebi

"I'm in the throws of buying a new car. I've been driving a Nissan Quest minivan - which is now 12 years old and ready for retirement. At first I was thinking about getting a 2005 Honda Odyssey"

The Honda would be great for a family that needs that much space. I think that the current 2005 Ody is the finest minivan on the planet at this time. From your post, it sounds like you keep your cars a long time, and I think that a more proven technology may be more your style.

larsb

The Highlander Hybrid (basically a less expensive/watered-down version of the rx400h) will sell like hotcakes at a lumberjack convention.

And I'd bet a similarly small number of Highlanders are ever taken "offroad" and that any "offroad non-capability" will not be an issue for 95% or more of the buyers.

But there IS AT LEAST ONE DIFFERENCE in the AWD/4WD systems of the rx400h/highlander:

"The differences, when compared to the Lexus RX 400h, are that the Highlander Hybrid will offer "electric four-wheel-drive with intelligence" (4WD-I), where the front and rear electric motors deliver balanced power to all four wheels to provide simultaneous acceleration."

See more here:

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/article.jsp?id=899

gagrice

I'm not sure if this has anything new or not...

as Bastien said, ''It will definitely carry a premium price" when it goes on sale in June.

By that he means $4,000 to $5,000 over the standard Highlander cost of $25,000 to $32,000.

http://www.boston.com/cars/articles/2005/03/13/highlander_hybrid_makes_an_suv_leap/

backy

I got to see the Highlander Hybrid close-up yesterday, at my local auto show. Except for the HSD badge (and big "Hybrid Synergy Drive" signs in the windows on the show model), it looks just like the regular Highlander. It also had the "Limited" badge and looked loaded, with leather, wood trim, 7-passenger seating etc. No info available there on pricing. Lexus was next door and had a RX400h. One of the local dealers has 300 people (!) on the wait list for that puppy.

petl

I still think the HL Hybrid will be released with new sheet metal. The life cycle is almost up on the current HL. I can't see Toyota releasing a HL Hybrid shortly then re-releasing a Hybrid in a remodelled HL within a few months. This would be a costly affair and Toyota is not in the habit of wasting money. However, I guess anything is possible.

backy

Why would Toyota spend good money showing off the Highlander Hybrid with the current sheet metal to auto show audiences if it planned to change it before introduction?

Consider that it's not a big deal to change sheet metal and interior trim. It is a big deal to design the hybrid powertrain components and fit them into the chassis. Toyota could go with the current sheet metal for a year or two and then change to new sheet metal while leveraging their investment in the powertrain.

gagrice

I still think the HL Hybrid will be released with new sheet metal.

The Highlander is a decent looking SUV as it is. Hopefully if they do change, they don't follow after the myriad of ugly SUV/CUVs on the road. Most are so ugly the manufacturers should be sued for "Eye Pollution".

petl

You may be right. It's just my opinion. They certainly couldn't show it with new sheet metal that hasn't been released yet. People (by nature) want to see results as opposed to reading about them. It gives the buying public an idea what to expect. The message is clear, the Hybrid HL will not look much differently than the regular HL (with or without new sheetmetal).

If a remodelled HL is released within the next 6 months it will have new sheet metal (this is what I tend to believe). If Toyota decides to forgo its 5 year cycle with a longer one (as you suggest), it is quite conceivable that it will be released in its current format. Time will tell.

Kirstie_H

A newspaper reporter is looking for people who either have or are in the market for a new Honda Accord hybrid or the upcoming Lexus SUV and Toyota Highlander hybrids.
Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com with your daytime contact information and vehicle year, make and model no later than Monday, March 21, 2005.

cdahle

Have been looking for a Hybrid vehicle since last year to replace my 1996 Pontiac Sunfire going on 200,000 miles. I am 35th on a list for a Lexus Hybrid. Just received a call yesterday from the sales associate at the dealership requesting I choose a color so he can place the order. Orders to arrive in 4-6 weeks. Unfortunately the Blue color I wanted is not being offered in the Lexus Hybrid by the manufacturer. Consumers seem to be locked into the pre-color TV world of white, beige, gray/silver, or black. This would be the 4th vehicle I have purchased that I would not be able to get the color I wanted. To most people that is not significant, but to someone who only buys a vehicle every 10 years, it is a BIG THING! Checked out the Honda Hybrid today and got the same color story. Trying to get some info on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid when I came onto this website. Are any other consumers as annoyed as I am over this limited color selection? It is very unprofessional for a sales person to say, if you won't buy it someone else is waiting in line. This may be true, but does not help me at all. Very disappointed!!!

avanti

It seems the HH is under the public's radar. I read a million more things about the RX400h than the HH. And as popular as it appears the Lexus will be, the orders only amount to half of estimated production.
Toyota dealers don't seem too interested in "ordering" me an HH. Apparently they are actually gunshy because of the long Prius waiting lists. Toyota doesn't appear to be filling dealers in too well either.
So my question - those of you who have ordered one - what did the dealers ask of you? Could you specify color, equipment, FWD/4WD, etc.? Or just a number on a list, take it or leave it when your number comes up?

shibashake

I just ordered a HL Hybrid yesterday at a dealer. I was able to specify all of the options I wanted, although they are not sure yet of how the packages will be released. They will fit my requested options into the most appropriate package when they get that information and order it for me. I just gave a $500 refundable deposit to make the order. It was refundable because they do not know the pricing, yet. Of course, this is what I was told, what will really happen remains to be seen

sunbyrne

shibashake, did you have to order a Limited or could you order a regular Highlander?

badinlaker

In my case, I was only able to put down a deposit to get on the waiting list when they arrive. The dealers do not have price list or do not know what specifically they will get. They expect the first one's to arrive sometime in June. This is similar to the Prius as the people to deposit money on the waiting list will get first choice of incoming hybrids. In my case, the dealer asked for a $1000 downpayment to be put on the waiting list. They said they would be selling the vehicles at MSRP with no discounts.