You are here: Forums Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Lexus RX 400h 2005 v. Highlander Hybrid 2005

Lexus RX 400h 2005 v. Highlander Hybrid 2005

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

You are in the Lexus RX 400h Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

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

Messages Page 2 of 4 1 2 3 4 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#5 of 27 Re: RX 400 2005 v. Highlander hybrid 2005 [pinzabu] by landdriver Mar 29, 2005 (7:52 pm)
Replying to: pinzabu (Mar 28, 2005 6:46 am) It basically comes down to style -- do you prefer a luxury vehicle or a more economical one -- if cargo space is an issue, definitely go with the HL -- test drive the two to see which appeals to you.   Another consideration is availability -- last time I checked there were waiting lists for both -- it may be that one may be more readily available than the other.
#6 of 27 Other differences by sunbyrne Mar 29, 2005 (8:13 pm)
The Highlander is also cheaper than the 400h by a non-trivial amount (10k?). That matters to some of us. Of course, the 400h has more of those really crucial luxury features, like a wooden steering wheel and a rear camera.   There may also be availability differences. It appears that the 400h will actually be appearing at dealers slightly sooner. In addition, I get the sense that, in general, waiting lists are longer for the 400h. Dealers around here (Houston, not exactly energy-consciousness central) tell me they don't even have waiting lists for the Highlander, and a friend tells me local Lexus dealers do have lists.
#7 of 27 The biggest difference between RX 400h and Highlander hybrid by johnbone Apr 12, 2005 (7:17 pm)
is the ride and suspension. My wife and I were not anxious to spend the extra $7K or so, which was my estimate for the difference between a similarly optioned Highlander and an RX 330. We could also use the third row seat. However, the ride was very "trucky" in the Highlander compared to the taught and precise handling of the Lexus. I guess we'll pay for our pickiness.
#8 of 27 highlander truckyness by skyfish400h Apr 16, 2005 (7:38 am)
You could hold out for an after market suspension upgrade that would improve the handling. Usually at the cost of ride comfort, tho.   The other thing that does it for me is leg room. At 6'4" (mostly leg , I need every inch I can get and the 400h has nearly 2 extra inches over the highlander.   I just wish the 400 was available with the adjustable height air suspension like the 330 Replies to this message: kbob (Jun 18, 2005 7:36 am) sullyak (Mar 13, 2006 7:09 am)
#9 of 27 Re: RX 400 2005 v. Highlander hybrid 2005 [pinzabu] by toni4 Jun 08, 2005 (11:45 am)
Replying to: pinzabu (Mar 28, 2005 6:46 am) I am a novice at this but have learned a lot from reading this thread - thanks all! We want it all - 7 passenger, high-end SUV, and hybrid. I was hoping there was a new Lexus coming that fit the bill - in fact I heard there was one - we love Toyota/Lexus family of cars and do not want to vary but need to make a decision soon. Is there something like this in the works? Replies to this message: tomslyck (Jun 08, 2005 12:02 pm)
#10 of 27 Re: RX 400 2005 v. Highlander hybrid 2005 [toni4] by tomslyck Jun 08, 2005 (12:02 pm)
Replying to: toni4 (Jun 08, 2005 11:45 am) Toni4,   We went with the HH Limited in black with a nice interior. It's not the Lexus, but still has enough going for it to make this Jag owner happy.
#11 of 27 Trunkyness by toni4 Jun 08, 2005 (2:14 pm)
Thanks for the tip. We will take a look at it. I rented a Highlander in Tampa a few months ago, granted not a hybrid, but I did not notice a truckiness at all - maybe that's because I was comparing to our 4Runner - Now THAT is trucky!
#12 of 27 RX 400 2005 v. Highlander hybrid 2005 by ultra64 Jun 08, 2005 (4:23 pm)
I test drove both. I thought the Highlander hybrid was a big upgrade from the nonhybrid Highlander whereas the difference was less for the RX 400h vs Rx330 but my wife chose the RX400h because of the bluetooth and the power trunk. Replies to this message: leemt (Jun 08, 2005 7:30 pm)
#13 of 27 Re: RX 400 2005 v. Highlander hybrid 2005 [ultra64] by leemt Jun 08, 2005 (7:30 pm)
Replying to: ultra64 (Jun 08, 2005 4:23 pm) I have owned 3 RX's but wanted a hybrid. I test drove the Lexus 400h and a non-hybrid Highlander.The hype with the Lexus was overwhelming. I chose the Highlander for several reasons. I got fed up with Lexus loading up the RX's with many luxury features that I consider only cute. Mechanically they are the same. The Toyota will be cheaper to maintain simply due to hourly labor costs and parts. Even though they are the same, a Lexus part will cost more than a Toyota part. The Lexus is a great automobile but dollar for dollar the Toyota is a better deal. The Toyota dealer gave me $2000 more for my 2004 RX330. Granted there are features on the Lexus I will miss, but not $10,000 worth. Many people on the RX400h board seem to "need" to drive a Lexus. That part of my life is over.
#14 of 27 Re: highlander truckyness [skyfish400h] by kbob Jun 18, 2005 (7:36 am)
Replying to: skyfish400h (Apr 16, 2005 7:38 am) I agree. We just bought a 2006 Highlander hybrid,and it is trucky. On the other hand, it does have a lot more cargo room than the Lexus. Finally, I measured a combined gas mileage of 27 MPG - lower than promised - for the first 400 miles of the car's life.

Messages Page 2 of 4 1 2 3 4 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Lexus RX 400h 2005 v. Highlander Hybrid 2005