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Lexus RX 400h 2005 v. Highlander Hybrid 2005

27 messages,  Last post on Apr 02, 2006 at 11:17 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 400h, Hybrid Cars

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#16 of 27 Re: Trucky? More than regular Highlander? [katiec] by landdriver Jul 22, 2005 (6:49 pm)
Replying to: katiec (Jul 22, 2005 5:14 am) I have an '01 HL and test drove the HH recently and it felt identical to the regular HL in terms of handling, though it felt a bit heavier. The HL handles great IMO; very car-like for an SUV!
#17 of 27 Re: Trucky? More than regular Highlander? [katiec] by ulev Aug 11, 2005 (10:15 pm)
Replying to: katiec (Jul 22, 2005 5:14 am) Having both a 1990 4 Runner and a 2000 Tundra XtraCab as well as a 2006 HH 4wdi. I guess I can comment on the 'truckiness' you and others refer too.   The HH has a more 'solid' feel due to the placement of the battery pack, it handles better than BOTH of my other trucks.The low center of gravity will bode well for the Winter driving 'experience'...   I have yet to feel the 'vortex' of a passing 18 wheeler. The acceleration is instant and invigorating enough to challenge an Audi or two when they try to go round you, unknowing that you have Hybrid HyperDrive !!! The transmisson (CVT?) is the smoothest acceleration that I have experienced in any vehicle, it just feels like it will go on forever...   Slightly on the negative side is the advertized vs real time fuel mileage... Granted, I mostly drive the Interstate and of late have had the AC on most of the time, My MPG has dropped consistently from initial 26 to 24.8 to 23.4...NOT a good trend. However a 'fix' may be available as was presented in this thread. I also need to fill up 400miles just as I have done with my Tundra...I had hoped to have longer 'range.' The cloth seats also leave something to be desired, they easily 'capture' dirt and my usual 'fix' of placing 'wooly-backs' on them are not allowed due to the various airbag placements.   Overall with the price per barrel rising due mostly to speculation the 400h and HH will definetly fill a niche in the market and just might become the latest 'darling' of the cogniscenti...I still keep my 4Runner in working condition for any real trucking eventuality. Replies to this message: ginom (Sep 23, 2005 10:42 pm) sunbyrne (Oct 22, 2005 8:29 pm) stevedebi (Feb 21, 2006 9:22 am) stevedebi (Mar 13, 2006 11:54 am)
#18 of 27 ?: Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) by ginom Sep 23, 2005 (10:42 pm)
Replying to: ulev (Aug 11, 2005 10:15 pm) Does anyone have a comment on the Lexus' VDIM vs. the HH's AWD system? I'm probably a rare customer for whom this is a dealmaker. I live at 6,500 feet, commute daily over a 9,000 foot pass and back down to under 5,000 feet. All in under 30 minutes.   Therefore the idea of the HH being basically a FWD until "wheelspin occurs," thereupon engaging the rear wheels, isn't as appealing as the 400h's VDIM system, which sounds vastly superior in stability and traction.   For those of you who don't live in this area or weren't lucky enough to visit last year for a ski vacation, we received over 20 feet of snow in under 14 days last winter. Do the math. Up here, if you have wheelspin, you're dead.   Anyone have the chance to drive one of the Lexus models with VDIM and can comment on its ice and snow performance? Cheers- Replies to this message: sunbyrne (Oct 22, 2005 8:29 pm) stevedebi (Feb 21, 2006 9:22 am) stevedebi (Mar 13, 2006 11:54 am)
#19 of 27 Mountain Usage by hheelloo Oct 22, 2005 (9:37 am)
I also have mountain use concerns. I am considering the Highlander Hybrid.   However:    - I understand the HH has pronounced engine noise; could that be remedied by installing aftermarket automotive sound-proofing material in the engine cabin?    - Do you think the HH would accept aftermarket 4WD skidplates (or would that affect (e.g. cooling) the electrical mechanisms)?    - I realize the HH is not designed for serious 4WD; however will it handle light trails / washboard roads / snow?    - Is the cornering REALLY that soft (as described)? I drive on curving mountain roads.    - Are there aftermarket remedies to improve HH's handling?    - If the third seat is excluded/taken out, does the cargo space still fold flat (to hold more gear or for sleeping inside)?    THANKS FOR ALL OPNIONS AND INFO! Replies to this message: tomslyck (Oct 22, 2005 5:57 pm)
#20 of 27 Re: Mountain Usage [hheelloo] by tomslyck Oct 22, 2005 (5:57 pm)
Replying to: hheelloo (Oct 22, 2005 9:37 am) Our HH Ltd seems pretty quiet for an SUV. I guess it depends on what you're comparing it with. It doesn't bother us. I think you should go test drive one and judge for yourself. I wouldn't put skidplates on it, though. It has some serious cutting-edge technology in it that I wouldn't mess with. We've driven it several times in the mountains and it handles fine for an SUV. The third seat recesses into the back and is flat. It's not very padded so it doesn't take up much room. We've had ours since early June and haven't used the 3rd seat yet. This doesn't really compare it with the Lexus. Our feeling was that if you're used to buying Lexi or Mercedes, you'll probably be happier with the 400h. If you're a Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Honda type, you'll love the HH. They're both fine cars.
#21 of 27 Re: ?: Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) [ginom] by sunbyrne Oct 22, 2005 (8:29 pm)
Replying to: ginom (Sep 23, 2005 10:42 pm) Hmm, my information doesn't match yours--the HH has VDIM as well. The 400h and the HH have almost exactly the same drivetrain; the differences are mostly in the body and the interior. (And maybe the suspension--I'm not sure there.) Go here: http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2006/highlander/models.html and click on "Safety." First line is VDIM. My understanding it that the 4wd system is the same in both vehicles.
#22 of 27 Highlander Body Style by hendjaz Oct 23, 2005 (8:45 pm)
Is this the last year for the current Highlander with the 07 targeted for the new style or is it one year later? We have the RX 400h and felt the body style would not change drastically in the immediate future but thought the current Highlander model was on its last legs from a design standpoint, but not sure about that. Did not want to have immediate buyer's remorse when a new fresh style came out.   RX is also getting long in the tooth style wise after the 330 remodel of a couple years back so it must be due for a fresh style change in the next few years too. Both great vehicles so its just a matter of what suits you now the best with the Highlander being a bit more affordable.
#23 of 27 Re: ?: Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) [ginom] by stevedebi Feb 21, 2006 (9:22 am)
Replying to: ginom (Sep 23, 2005 10:42 pm) The 4WD system uses electric motors for the rear wheels, right? They will stop working if used too much (the electric motors overheat, and the computer shuts them down until they cool off).   At least that is my understanding of the system. The propulsion is not designed for heavy 4WD operation. Some of the Prius have actually refused to move when stuck in snow, but the Prius doesn't have any drive to the rear wheels. Replies to this message: stevedebi (Mar 13, 2006 11:54 am)
#24 of 27 Re: highlander truckyness [skyfish400h] by sullyak Mar 13, 2006 (7:09 am)
Replying to: skyfish400h (Apr 16, 2005 7:38 am) Skyfish or others,   I am about to go and test drive the HH and the 400h. I am only 6'2" but I like my leg room. The specs show leg room as: 400h = 42.5 HH = 42.9   The hylander non-hybrid has leg room listed as 40.7. did you actually drive both vehicles or were you comparing to the non-hybrid. Thanks.
#25 of 27 Re: ?: Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) [stevedebi] by stevedebi Mar 13, 2006 (11:54 am)
Replying to: stevedebi (Feb 21, 2006 9:22 am) I was looking for lots of legroom as well when I shopped. You might check out the Ford Escape Hybrid. It had the most leg room of any vehicle I test drove. I don't know the inches, but vehicle design makes a huge difference, and obviously the FEH was designed with legroom in mind.   It is worth a look anyway...

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